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Rare Ocean Expeditions around the World
Hanifaru Bay
MANTA FESTIVAL 2026
INR 1,49,000
18 July - 23 July,2026
5 Nights / 6 Days
8 Guided Dives + 2 Trips to Hanifaru Bay
Avail Early Bird Offer
valid till 14 June
Hanifaru Bay
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In the eastern edge of the northern Baa Atoll in Maldives lies Hanifaru Bay, a place where hundreds of manta rays congregate to gorge themselves in the plankton-rich waters. This is the largest known aggregation of reef manta rays in the world.
There are only handful of places in the world where visitors can get so close to so many manta rays, and snorkel alongside them as they barrel-roll and create ‘fly’ in formation through the dense plankton.
From May to November, there can be found more than a hundred mantas and several whale sharks.
Best time to Dive
May-Nov
Required level
Open Water Certified SCUBA Diver
Forecast
Sun & Occasional showers
Difficulty
Medium
Highlight
Manta Rays,
Whale Sharks
The Island
Dharavandhoo Island, Baa Atoll
At a Stone's throw distance from Hanifaru bay, Dharavandhoo Island is 25 minutes by domestic flight from Velana International Airport, Male. The beautiful Dharavandhoo lies in the heart of the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, and is ideally located to explore the most iconic dive sites in Baa Atoll.
Whale sharks sometimes cruise into the bay for a plankton feast, adding to the magic of manta season (May-Nov). The surrounding reefs are alive with turtles, napoleons, fusiliers, batfish, and vibrant reef fish.
Deeper dives may reveal grey reef sharks, eagle rays, or even mobulas. Visibility can vary, but the payoff is some of the Maldives’ most dynamic and spectacular marine life action.
The Stay
Perfect blend of local + luxury
Born from love and dedication to nature, the sea and this country full of natural wonders and surprises, the guest house & their warm staff are waiting for you to make your precious holiday a memorable experience – far from the common.
• Located at a walking distance from the Airport
• Free Buggy service for pickup and drop
• Free Bikes to go cycling around the island
• 6 mins from the Bikini beach
• In-house restaurant with carefully curated menu
• Spacious common chill-out areas
• Garden and terrace
The Rooms
Bungalow-style luxurious rooms
Spacious rooms thoughtfully designed with divers in mind, featuring ample storage and a private patio where you can unwind and enjoy your own peaceful retreat.
• Bungalow-style rooms with elegant design
• Private outdoor patio
• Large windows that bring in abundant natural light
• Air-conditioned comfort
• Ensuite bathroom with hot water
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, tea, coffee, and drinking water
• Ample storage space designed with divers in mind
• Two sets of towels provided, including beach towels
The Dive Centre
PADI 5 Star IDC Centre
Founded in the year 2016 with a team of local divers with decades of experience at your service, the dive centre provides incredible diving experience at some of the most stunning dive sites in Baa Atoll.
• Expertise with Excellence: Highly trained and certified dive professionals
• Top-of-the-line Equipment: Best quality equipments, state of the art dive facility and well-maintained dive boat
• Environmental Stewardship: Actively supports marine conservation efforts & encourages responsible diving practices
• Safety Above All: Safety isn't just a priority; it's a way of life
The Dive Boat
Eco - friendly Maldivian dive boat
Dhonis are made from locally sourced materials, using traditional boat-building techniques that have been passed down through generations, few advantages of this are:
• Lower carbon footprint compared to larger, modern vessels
• Environment friendly for eco-conscious travellers
• Close-knit & friendly atmosphere
• More authentic and cultural experience
• Excellent stability crucial for the comfort & safety of divers
Customised for diving, has a toilet, fresh water supply for shower after dives, sundeck and front sitting area. Equipped with radio (VHF), life jackets, first aid kits and emergency oxygen.
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Domestic Flights ( Male - Dharavandhoo - Male )
8 Guided Dives + 2 Snorkeling trips to Hanifaru Bay
5 Nights Stay
(twin-sharing)
All Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner), Tea/Coffee, Drinking water
Maldives Green Tax
International Flights
5% GST, 2% TCS-Refundable / Reclaimable
Payment Gateway fees (if applicable)
Tips and Gratuity
Anything not mentioned under Inclusions
Nationals of India traveling as tourists can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 30 days. They must have a hotel reservation confirmation. They can apply to extend their stay for an additional 60 days.
What makes us Excellent?
Safety First
Prioritizing your well-being, we adhere to the highest safety standards, ensuring a secure and worry-free diving experience
Top Accommodation
Our carefully selected accommodations and boat offer a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation, all while maintaining the highest level of service
Led by Experts
Dive into the depths with confidence, guided by our team of seasoned professionals who bring years of expertise and passion
Attention to Detail
From itinerary planning to personalized services, we pride ourselves on the little things that make a big difference, ensuring your journey is seamless
Founder's Note
Hello, I am Nishi and I’m a SCUBA diver, freediver, and entrepreneur. I used to be a data scientist but the call of Mother Ocean is bigger than us all. Few key life events and hours of introspection led me to quit the corporate world and I found myself sitting on the beach with a life jacket (yes, I did not know how to swim back then)! Over the last few years I’ve been grateful to have the opportunity to launch and grow our Maldives vertical, Mad over Maldives. Me and my team are humbled by the love and support we’ve received from our wonderful customers. Oceaon is now expanding boundaries and I am elated to host you in iconic dive destinations across the world.
Nishi Srivastava
Founder - Oceaon & Mad Over Maldives , Rescue Diver , Shark Enthusiast , Minimalist
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About Oceaon
Oceaon, a company founded by the same team behind Mad Over Maldives, renowned leaders in underwater expeditions in the Maldives. Oceaon specializes in organizing ocean expeditions and dive retreats globally.
Committed to the protection and conservation of the Earth's most invaluable resource—the Ocean—we aspire to inspire change by raising awareness and promoting education about the enchanting marine world.
When you book a trip with Oceaon,
You make a difference
A percentage of your booking will go to Marine conservation projects led by Oceaon's partner organisations.
100% CARBON NEUTRAL
Oceaon offsets 100% of its carbon emissions.
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