Hanifaru Bay (locally known as Vandhumaafaru Adi) is a narrow channel-like bay which acts as a scoop for an abundance of plankton which gets trapped in the bay with nutrient rich water during the Southwest Monsoon in the Indian Ocean between the months of May – November. The graceful mantas whose wingspan can reach up to 3.5 meters congregate to feed on the plankton rich waters in the bay; barrel rolling and gliding near the surface to funnel their microscopic meal. When a lunar tide also occurs, this results in a massive build-up of plankton in the bay. The high concentration draws in hundreds of filter feeders and it is not unusual to see up to 200 manta rays accompanied by whale sharks. A truly mesmerizing and remarkable encounter.