Discovering Hanifaru Bay in Maldives

Image Credit-Shiyam ElkClonerDharavandhoo Thila – Manata Black PearlCC BY-SA 3.0

One of the most precious marine habitats in the Maldives, Hanifaru Bay has a rich marine biodiversity and offers plenty of amazing sights to be discovered. Those lucky enough to dive here will also see a wide range of marine life that swim wild and free in its waters.

Where can it be found

Image Credit-Frédéric DucarmeBaa atoll islandsCC BY-SA 4.0

Hanifaru Bay can be found in what is known as the Baa Atoll in Maldives. While this site is part of a Biosphere Reserve it is also a Marine Protected Area. Those in search of a hotel near Hanifaru Bay from which to head to this site can consider options such as Dhigali Maldives.

The highlight at Hanifaru
The main draw at Hanifaru Bay is undoubtedly the chance to see manta rays. In fact, this site is known as one of the largest manta ray feeding destinations in the world. Little surprise that underwater photographers love coming here!

Best time for mantas

Image Credit-TANAKA Juuyoh (%u7530%u4E2D%u5341%u6D0B)Manta alfredi maldivesCC BY 2.0

When it comes to seeing mantas feeding on plankton at Hanifaru Bay, the best time to visit is the period from May to November. Literally, hundreds of mantas can be seen during this time and make for an unforgettable underwater spectacle.

Other marine inhabitants

Image Credit-Shiyam ElkClonerDharavandhoo Thila – Hanifaru Bay SharksCC BY-SA 3.0

Apart from manta rays, this underwater area is home to other species too including sting rays and whale sharks which add to the allure of Hanifaru Bay. Diving here is bound to be an experience you won’t soon forget.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

 

Windsurfing in Bentota Sri Lanka -Exhilarating Water Sports

The idyllic island nation of Sri Lanka offers many delights for the visitor from overseas and significant amongst these is the array of water sports that may be enjoyed on the country’s attractive beachfront locations.

The beaches of Sri Lanka
The beaches of Sri Lanka also offer delightful conditions for a number of other water sports. These include surfboarding and waterskiing, two popular water sports which are much loved by enthusiasts.

Bentota
The golden sandy beaches, the waves, the surf all bring about an exhilarating beach experience to Bentota, the wind surfer’s paradise. Being a popular tourist hotspot, visitors can also go on a river cruise in Sri Lanka offered by places such as Yathra by Jetwing, along the beautiful and mysterious Bentara River.

Diving
For deeper exploration, diving in Bentota is a great option to try. Those without proper diving certification will have to get certified at a training centre. You will be rewarded with a chance to experience mesmerising sights deep beneath the waters where you will find everything from colourful coral to fascinating fish species.

Banana Boat Rides
A banana boat is a type of large inflatable tube that participant can sit on; of course merely sitting will not suffice for you will also have to hold on and enjoy the ride as it gets pulled by a speedboat at exhilarating speeds.

 

 

River Safari in Galle Sri Lanka

Boat safari on Bentota River
Boat safari on Bentota River | Img. Crdt : Jetwing Hotels

Apart from the beach bound excitement, visitors of the west coast of Sri Lanka may engage in boat safaris in the many rivers flowing into the Indian Ocean. This is usually a laid back boat ride ideal for bird watchers and nature lovers.

Where to find river safaris
The Bentota river is popular for these outings and is only about one hour away from Galle; a key tourist city along the west coast of the island. Thus visitors seeking accommodation in Galle boutique hotels or other luxury accommodation such as Jetwing Kurulubedda may drive down for a relaxed nature infused experience.

Prices
The Bentota River is used by most hotels and resorts in the area for jet skiing and other water sports. Boats are stacked in the riverbank can be hired by those wishing to explore the river and its mangroves. A one hour excurision will cost you about Rs1500.

What to expect
The southern side of the river is infested with dense mangrove plantations. This is a lush green canopy screening the warm sun rays. You may catch a glimpse of kingfishers, vibrant butterflies lurking about and even huge water monitors chilling under the sun if you are lucky.

Keep in mind
Tourist boats are usually supposed to have life jackets. Do not get on a boat without life jackets and make sure to fasten your jackets before leaving the bank.

 

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+