Dharavandhoo, Baa
Islands / Baa
Local inhabited island

Dharavandhoo

Gateway to Hanifaru Bay's manta gatherings

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Baa (B) 120 km from Malé Pop. 997 (2022)
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈35 min by domestic flight
Population997
Bikini beachYes
ATMNo
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Dharavandhoo is the closest local island to Hanifaru Bay, a protected area in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed during the south-west monsoon. The island also has a domestic airport.

Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) opened on 17 October 2012, a few minutes by boat from Hanifaru Bay, where up to a hundred manta rays can gather to feed.

Dharavandhoo Aerial View (recent)
Shiyam ElkCloner · CC BY-SA 3.0
Entrance of Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport
Inspirationqs · CC BY-SA 4.0
2025-08-10 Mohamed Muizzu visits in B. Dharavandhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-08-10 Mohamed Muizzu visits in B. Dharavandhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-08-10 Mohamed Muizzu visits in B. Dharavandhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-08-10 Mohamed Muizzu visits in B. Dharavandhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Hanifaru Bay manta ray and whale shark feeding aggregations
  • Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
  • Domestic airport on the island

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No places to stay listed on Dharavandhoo yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Dharavandhoo
Dolphin cruiseManta ray snorkelingSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkeling
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

2 routesHow to get to Dharavandhoo

Domestic flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo (≈35 min) or seaplane / speedboat.

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

35 MIN
Several departures daily; times vary by operator
Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

Domestic flight from Velana International Airport (MLE)

35 MIN
Daily flights; times vary by season

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMNO
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationNO
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharavandhoo · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf