{"id":618,"date":"2026-05-17T18:34:36","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T16:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cruising-maldives.com\/routen\/northern-atolls-hanifaru-bay\/"},"modified":"2026-07-11T13:11:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-11T11:11:47","slug":"northern-atolls-hanifaru-bay","status":"publish","type":"route","link":"https:\/\/cruising-maldives.com\/en\/routes\/northern-atolls-hanifaru-bay\/","title":{"rendered":"Northern Atolls + Hanifaru Bay"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Northern Atolls + Hanifaru Bay<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n\n

On this route we dive in North Mal\u00e9, Baa and Raa Atoll. If weather and currents allow, we also include Lhaviyani Atoll. Even on the way north we can see soft corals and lots of fish. <\/p>\n

Things are nice and relaxed in Baa and Raa Atoll. There is a good number of typical Maldives thilas here. We of course keep an eye on the cleaning stations around Hanifaru Bay*. If there is action in the bay, we will of course visit it too. <\/p>\n

In Lhaviyani Atoll we really like diving the channels. At this time of year the visibility is good here, and the channels are always good for a surprise. Kuredu Express and the house reef of Naifaru are a must. <\/p>\n

For this tour we prefer the European summer months.<\/p>\n

Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve. This means access is limited. An entrance fee is charged, and snorkeling only is allowed in groups of around 10 people, supervised by a special guide. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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FAQ:<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

When is the best time to travel?<\/strong><\/p>\n

For this route we prefer the European summer months. During this time, the chances of seeing mantas around Hanifaru Bay are particularly good. <\/p>\n

What diving level is the tour suitable for?<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/span>Above all, you should simply enjoy diving. The tour is suitable for relaxed Maldives dives as well as for divers interested in channels and current. <\/p>\n

What makes this route special?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The combination of classic Maldives thilas, manta chances, relaxed atolls, and the varied channels in Lhaviyani Atoll.<\/p>\n

Is diving allowed in Hanifaru Bay?<\/strong><\/p>\n

No. Only snorkeling is allowed in Hanifaru Bay. <\/p>\n

Why is Hanifaru Bay so well known?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The bay is world-famous for seasonal gatherings of mantas and is one of the best-known manta spots in the Maldives.<\/p>\n

What animals can you expect?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mantas, reef sharks, eagle rays, large schools of fish, Napoleon wrasse, and lots of typical Maldives reef life.<\/p>\n

What are the currents like?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Conditions vary depending on the atoll and the moon phase. Especially in the channels of Lhaviyani Atoll, it can get quite current-swept. <\/p>\n

Is the tour interesting for repeat guests?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes\u2014especially divers looking for quieter atolls with good chances of mantas and varied dive sites are happy to join more than once.<\/p>\n

What are the highlights in Lhaviyani Atoll?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kuredu Express, the house reef of Naifaru, and current-swept channels with great fish encounters.<\/p>\n

How flexible is the route?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The tour is adapted to weather, visibility and currents to make the most of the best possible conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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