Hanifaru Fishing Trip takes its name from the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay, an ecological jewel nestled in the heart of Baa Atoll in the Maldives.
In 2010, the Ministry of Housing and Environment petitioned UNESCO to grant Hanifaru Bay official Biosphere Reserve status. Recognised for its outstanding ecological value and its full compliance with UNESCO’s criteria, the bay was officially designated in 2011, joining the prestigious network of protected biosphere reserves worldwide.
Located on the central western side of the Maldivian archipelago, within Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay covers 139,714 hectares, including a strictly defined core area of 3,916 hectares.
This extraordinary sanctuary is home to one of the Indian Ocean’s most important coral reef systems and plays a crucial role in the transfer of planktonic larvae between the eastern and western parts of the ocean.
From June to November, during the southwest monsoon, Hanifaru Bay offers one of the most breathtaking natural spectacles in the marine world. At this time of year, immense schools of manta rays and remarkable numbers of whale sharks gather here to feed on the vast blooms of plankton concentrated in the bay.
Beyond this seasonal phenomenon, Hanifaru Bay boasts exceptional underwater biodiversity, with more than 250 recorded coral varieties and over 1,200 species of reef fish, as well as marine mammals, several species of turtles, and countless other forms of marine life sustained by the richness of these waters.
Protected and carefully overseen by dedicated rangers, the bay remains accessible through supervised excursions led by certified guides. These specialists, committed to preserving the integrity and balance of this unique ecosystem, offer a rare opportunity to explore one of the Maldives’ most remarkable marine treasures. For the fortunate few, the experience may include the unforgettable privilege of swimming in complete safety alongside manta rays and the majestic whale shark.