Hanifaru Bay
From May to November, this captivating dive site offers an abundance of marine life, including manta rays and magnificent whale sharks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant reef, teeming with fascinating creatures like white tip reef sharks, graceful green turtles, and colorful sweetlips.
Situated within the lagoon of Baa Atoll, this UNESCO protected site boasts a unique funnel-shaped formation, with the inner narrow section spanning approximately 600 meters. Within this region, you'll find the awe-inspiring presence of whale sharks and manta rays. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience, as up to 150 manta rays can be found at this renowned location. While whale sharks also make appearances throughout the season, they are less commonly sighted than their ray counterparts.
Featuring a visibility of 17 meters and a maximum depth of 15 meters, this dive site is perfect for beginners seeking an introductory exploration into the mesmerizing underwater realm. Escape to the idyllic Maldives to embark on this unforgettable diving adventure in the heart of Baa Atoll.
Diving Conditions Score for Hanifaru Bay
Good diving conditions!
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Hanifaru Bay
Depth
15m
Visibility
17m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Hanifaru Bay
Wave Height
0.88m
Wind Speed
22.8 m/s
Water Temp
29.3°C
Visibility
10.62km
Cloud Cover
94%
Wave Period
6.65s
Air Temperature
26.9°C
Precipitation
0.1 mm
Dive Score Chart for Hanifaru Bay
Best time to dive: 7:00 with score 7.494944278606965/10. Water conditions: Waves 0.9m, Wind 24.2 m/s.Best night dive time: 4:00 with score 7.086642253521127/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Hanifaru Bay are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 7.5/10
Waves: 0.9m (6.7s), Wind: 24.2 m/s
Score: 7.1/10
Waves: 0.88m, Wind: 23.2 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Hanifaru BayAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Hanifaru Bay
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Hanifaru Bay
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Hanifaru Bay
Ideal Conditions for Hanifaru Bay
Water Temp
20.5°C / 68.9°F
June
Visibility
20.1m / 65.9ft
May
Wave Height
0.2m / 0.7ft
January
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (20.5°C) and December the coldest (16.5°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in January with average wave heights of 0.2m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in January with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 0.0mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during January to March, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 21, 2026