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Dharavandhoo island is surrounded by clear waters known as Dharavandhoo Thila and Hanifaru Bay which are famous amongst divers around the world, for it is a sanctuary for a variety of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks. This globally renowned eco-life zone is now strictly protected by law.
You can reach the island via domestic flight or speed boat from Male.
Visiting Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is now one of the ‘core zones’ within the wider Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve and in order to visit, you are required to go to the Hanifaru Visitor Centre in Eydhafushi Island and purchase tokens for $20. Each token gives you 45 minutes in the water with the manta rays, whale sharks, and an approved snorkel guide, with all profits going towards the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund. Resorts and liveaboards purchase the visitor tokens themselves and sell them to their guests, and are then allowed to drop their guests off in a designated zone outside the bay. Guests must then swim into Hanifaru Bay.