Royal Island, Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll diving has its fair share of channels to explore, with dramatic underwater landscapes packed with marine life. However, it is the famous submerged reefs - thilas and haas - that makes Baa Atoll such a special dive destination. The majority of these are found around the eastern tip of the atoll, close to many of the resorts.

Dhigali Haa - also known as Horubadhoo Thila - and Nelivaru Haa are both well known for their plentiful marine life, with plenty of caves and overhangs to explore in search of stingrays, groupers, batfish and schools of oriental sweetlips. Nelivaru Haa is also famous for its dense schools of glassy baitfish that swirl and undulate in the currents and can completely cover the site in the wet season! Dhonfanu Thila and Dharavandhoo Thila are also well worth a visit, particular when there is a current running which will bring in the schools of fish and other marine life. There are also a number of manta cleaning stations scattered across the atoll, especially in the eastern half not far from the famous Hanifaru Bay. These are best during the wet season and give visitors a chance to encounter manta rays whilst diving.

The manta rays of Hanifaru Bay

The real draw in Baa Atoll is the famous Hanifaru Bay with its feeding aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks. This has to be one of the world’s best snorkeling experiences, with tens, even hundreds of manta rays barreling in the tiny bay, as well as whale sharks that arrive to join in the plankton party. The manta ray and whale shark season at Hanifaru Bay can run from May to November, but the best times are usually from late July to early October around the full and new moons.