Declared a protected area on 9 November 2023, the Nelivaru Area includes Nelivaru Finolhu and its surrounding reef, preserving one of the most dynamic marine environments in the Maldives.

Located northeast of Soneva Fushi Resort, Nelivaru is a renowned gathering site for manta rays. Like the famous Hanifaru region, this area experiences seasonal plankton blooms that attract large numbers of manta rays to their natural “cleaning stations”, where smaller fish help remove parasites from their bodies — a mesmerizing natural spectacle for divers and snorkelers alike.

Above the water, Nelivaru Finolhu serves as a vital nesting site for seabirds, particularly the Greater Crested Tern. Protecting this sandbank and its surrounding reef ensures the continued survival of both its marine and avian inhabitants.