Regulations established to protect manta rays and whale sharks in the world-famous Hanifaru Bay made it a snorkelling-only zone in January 2012. Under the Hanifaru Management Plan, scuba diving was banned in Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll. However, diving is still allowed around the outside of the bay and in the rest of Baa Atoll.

The regulations, which became effective on May 1st2012, stipulate that the drop-off zone and jetty may only be used by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified rangers and their vessels, official taxi vessels and their captains, EPA-approved researchers, certified in-water tour guides and visitors in possession of “Hanifaru Tokens”.

The “Hanifaru Tokens” allow snorkelling or swimming in the bay for a maximum of 45 minutes. They are issued and sold by the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund (BACF). Tour operators, resorts, dive centres, safari boats and similar groups can sell “Hanifaru Tokens” ordered from BACF on condition they sell the tokens for the official price.

How does this affect tourists?

Tourists are required to be accompanied by a tour guide with an official permit and groups are limited to ten per guide. In total the number of people in the water at one time in the bay must not exceed 80. All snorkellers and swimmers have to abide by the official regulations in terms of their behaviour. They must stay a minimum of three metres from all whale sharks and manta rays and they must try to avoid swimming directly in front of them. If any of the creatures swim directly at a tourist they have to remain motionless until the animal moves away. Read more about the snorkelling paradise.