In the heart of Baa Atoll, The Nautilus Maldives opens the door to one of the ocean’s most extraordinary encounters. Hanifaru Bay situated in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, becomes a seasonal haven for manta rays and whale sharks, drawn by the rich plankton blooms that fill its waters. Here, you can witness dozens of mantas gliding in elegance while the whale sharks pass by with quiet grace.
Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a moment of connection with the sea, felt deeply and without need for words.
Grace Beneath the Surface
Each year from May to November, the waters of Hanifaru Bay transform into a stage for one of nature’s most mesmerising spectacles. Just a 30-minute journey from The Nautilus aboard a luxury speedboat, this private guided experience offers an intimate encounter with manta rays in their natural element. In the company of your dedicated guide, drift effortlessly through crystalline depths as they glide past in elegant synchrony.
In the Company of Giants
To swim beside a whale shark is to move with the rhythm of something ancient. These gentle giants drift through the waters of Baa Atoll with quiet grace, unbothered by the world around them. Their presence feels like a secret the ocean chooses to share only with those willing to slow down and listen. To meet one in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that leaves you changed.
After the Ocean’s Embrace
After your time with the ocean’s giants, let the day unfold in your own way. Sink into stillness at Solasta Spa or savour a private dinner beneath the stars or on the deck of The Nautilus Mansion. At The Nautilus, dining follows your rhythm, not the clock. Explore rare vintages in the wine cellar at Ocaso, or simply return to your House or Residence, where comfort wraps around you like the sea.
Where Wonder Lingers
To swim with manta rays and whale sharks is to step into a world few ever see. Their presence is calm and immense, a reminder of how vast and gentle the ocean can be. At The Nautilus, these encounters are part of the rhythm of life. You meet them on their terms, in their time, and carry the memory with you as something quietly extraordinary.
Swim with gentle giants and begin your journey at The Nautilus by visiting our website or contacting us at [email protected]. For the latest news, exclusive offers and benefits on your next stay, subscribe to The Nautilus Conch, our newsletter.