Manta Rays in Hanifaru Bay

Posted by admin in Maldives Marine Life Videos on 11 20th, 2009 | no responses

Manta Rays in Hanifaru Bay, the Maldives

Hanifaru Bay, which is known locally as Vandhumaafaru Adi, is located in the Baa Atoll of the Maldives. Although Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area located off the uninhabited island of Hanifaru, is relatively small in size (approximately the size of a football field), its inhabitants make up for what it lacks in area.

Hanifaru Bay has become one of the most popular places in the world for underwater photographers. Between the months of May and November, plankton grows at extremely high rates, which attracts hundreds of manta rays, the largest of the ray species.

Manta rays, which have the largest brain-to-body ratio of the sharks and rays, flood Hanifaru Bay 200 at a time, feeding off the coral reefs. While photographs snap shots of these gentle giants, they can spot another one as well, the whale shark.

Hanifaru Bay has become the world’s largest manta ray feeding destination.