Fly into Malé International Airport (MLE). From Malé, continue to Baa Atoll with a short domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV). International and domestic flights are not included, but full assistance is provided at international arrivals to help with check-in, baggage, and connections. Domestic flights from Malé to Dharavandhoo operate approximately every 2.5 hours, from 06:30 in the morning until 19:45, making international connections straightforward and flexible.

Accommodation & Meals

• 9 nights in a comfortable hotel on Dharavandhoo Island, Baa Atoll (shared twin/double rooms; single supplement available on request)
• Full board during your stay on Dharavandhoo Island (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Transport & Transfers

• Assistance at Malé International Airport (MLE) on arrival and departure
• All local transfers on Dharavandhoo Island
• Boat transfers to dive sites and Hanifaru Bay

Activities & Entrances

• 14 scuba dives + 1 night dive on nearby reefs and channels
• Free Nitrox
• 2 guided manta snorkeling sessions in Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve)
• Small-group diving and snorkeling with experienced local guides
• All required marine park permits included
• Tanks, weights, and dive logistics included (equipment rental available on request)

Extras

• Esploro Travel team leader throughout the trip
• Assistance with dietary requirements (must be communicated in advance)

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Green tax (USD 6 per person per night, payable locally)
• Rental of personal diving equipment (if required)
• Tips and personal expenses
• Optional activities or extensions not listed in the itinerary
• Anything not explicitly mentioned under What’s Included

Moderate

This trip is suitable for certified scuba divers in good health. A scuba diving certification is required to join the dives. Open Water certification is sufficient for most dives, but Advanced Open Water is recommended for deeper sites. If you’re not certified or wish to upgrade your certification, you can complete a PADI Open Water or Advanced Open Water course on site with our professional instructors; just let us know in advance.

Between July and October, Baa Atoll experiences warm, tropical conditions year-round, with this period marking the southwest monsoon season. Air temperatures remain stable, averaging 27–30 °C (81–86 °F) during the day and rarely dropping below 25 °C (77 °F) at night. Sea temperatures are consistently warm, around 28–30 °C (82–86 °F), making long snorkeling and diving sessions comfortable without heavy thermal protection. While this season can bring occasional rain and passing squalls, it is also when plankton concentrations peak, creating the conditions that attract large manta ray aggregations to Hanifaru Bay. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters (33–65 feet), fluctuating with plankton density and tides — slightly reduced during feeding frenzies, but part of what makes this period so biologically active and unique.

In-Water Gear

• Scuba diving certification card (Open Water minimum; Advanced Open Water recommended)
• Diving insurance covering scuba diving (mandatory)
• Your own dive equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins can be rented locally, just let us know)
• 3 mm full wetsuit recommended (long water sessions; some may prefer a shorty or even swimwear and rushguard)
• Boat jacket or windbreaker (for wind chill between dives/snorkel sessions)
• Waterproof drybag for valuables (phone, documents, electronics)

Sun & Weather Protection

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Hat & polarized sunglasses
• Light long-sleeve shirt for sun protection on the boat

Land & Island Life

• Comfortable sandals or flip-flops
• Small daypack for daily essentials
• Lightweight towel or poncho towel

Travel Essentials

• Travel insurance covering scuba diving, snorkeling, boat excursions, and medical evacuation (mandatory)
• Power plug/adapter for Maldives (Type G, same as UK)
• Reusable water bottle (hydration + reduced plastic use)
• Personal medications, including seasickness tablets if prone

Optional but Useful

• Underwater camera or GoPro (+ spare batteries/memory cards)
• Power bank
• Personal snacks (energy bars, nuts) if you like extras between meals

Wildlife & Manta Encounters

Q: Why do mantas gather in Hanifaru Bay?
A: Hanifaru Bay acts like a natural funnel. During certain tidal and lunar conditions, plankton concentrates inside the bay, attracting large numbers of reef manta rays. When food density is high, mantas feed in tight formations, creating the famous “manta whirlpool.”

Q: Wait, lunar conditions? Does the moon phase matter?
A: Yes. Full moon periods generate stronger tidal movements, which help push plankton into the bay. We’ve intentionally scheduled this trip around the full moon on July 29, 2026, when conditions historically offer the highest chances of large manta aggregations.

Q: Is the Hanifaru Bay experience scuba diving or snorkeling?
A: Hanifaru Bay is strictly snorkel-only. Scuba diving is not permitted inside the Marine Protected Area. This means the manta experience is open to everyone, including non-divers. You only need basic swimming ability and comfort in open water.

Q: Is there a fixed schedule for Hanifaru visits?
A: No. There is no fixed time of day. Entry depends entirely on manta presence. We stay in constant contact with Hanifaru rangers, who provide real-time updates on manta activity and grant access when conditions are right.

Q: How long can we stay in the water at Hanifaru?
A: Regulations of the Marine Protected Area allow maximum 45 minutes per session. These rules are strictly enforced to protect the animals and ensure a low-impact experience.

Q: Are encounters guaranteed?
A: No wildlife encounter can be guaranteed. However, July–October is the peak season, and Hanifaru offers some of the highest manta encounter rates anywhere in the world.

Q: Can we swim with mantas or whale sharks outside Hanifaru Bay?
A: Yes. When mantas or whale sharks are spotted outside the bay, extra snorkeling trips can be arranged (not included). Ask us in advance for availability and pricing.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Q: Do I need to be a certified diver?
A: Scuba diving requires a valid certification (Open Water minimum; Advanced recommended).
Not a diver? No problem: snorkelers can join selected outings when sites and conditions allow. Pricing is adjusted accordingly.

Q: What is the daily dive schedule?
A: Morning: departure at 08:00 for two dives, return for lunch; afternoon dive: around 15:00; night dive: around 18:00 (scheduled on selected days)

Q: How many dives are included?
A: The trip includes 15 scuba dives in total, including one night dive, plus two dedicated manta snorkeling sessions.

Q: Is diving equipment included?
A: No, t can be rented locally. You may bring your own if preferred.

Logistics & Transfers

Q: How do I get to Baa Atoll?
A: Fly into Malé International Airport (MLE). From there, take a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo (DRV). Flights operate approximately every 2.5 hours from 06:30 to 19:45, making international connections straightforward. Flights are not included, but full assistance is provided at international arrivals.

Q: What is the baggage allowance on domestic flights?
A: The standard allowance is 25 kg per person. Excess baggage is charged at approximately USD 4 per kg (strict enforcement is rare but possible).

Q: How big is the group?
A: Maximum 7 guests + Esploro Travel team leader: groups are kept small to minimize impact and maximize time in the water.

Practicalities

Q: Are permits included?
A: Yes. All marine park permits and Hanifaru access permits are included and handled in advance.

Q: Are all meals included?
A: Yes. The trip is full board, from arrival to departure.

Q: Will I have internet access?
A: Wi-Fi is available at the hotel. Mobile coverage on Dharavandhoo is generally good; offshore connectivity depends on distance.

Q: Do I need travel insurance?
A: Yes. Travel insurance covering scuba diving, snorkeling, boat excursions, and medical evacuation is mandatory.