Declared a protected area on 6 June 2009, Angafaru encompasses Dhonfanuthila, Dhiguthila, Mahaanagaa, and Angafaru Finolhu. This expansive site is renowned for its exceptional marine biodiversity and historical significance within Baa Atoll.

In earlier years, Angafaru served as a vital breeding ground for reef sharks, particularly the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) and the whitetip reef shark (Triaenodon obesus). Pregnant females and juveniles of both species were commonly sighted at the well-known dive site called “Shark Nursery”. Although overfishing in the past led to a decline in shark populations, the area’s protected status now offers hope for their natural recovery.

The Angafaru reef system supports a thriving community of hard and soft corals, as well as a diverse array of marine vertebrates and invertebrates, making it a vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Angafaru is also directly connected to the dynamic water circulation system of the nearby Hanifaru protected area, where the southwest monsoon currents concentrate plankton, attracting large numbers of endangered megafauna such as manta rays and whale sharks.

For divers, nature enthusiasts, and conservation-minded travelers, Angafaru offers an extraordinary glimpse into the Maldives’ living marine heritage, where ecology, history, and beauty converge beneath the surface.