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Joining the likes of the Sundarbans in India, the Galápagos Island, Ayer’s Rock in Australia, and Amboseli National Park in Kenya, Baa Atoll in the Maldives was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 2011 by UNESCO.
According to the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, “the reserve is home to a globally significant biodiversity among its numerous reefs and demonstrates a long history of human interaction with the environment”.
With the Maldives having the seventh largest area of coral reefs globally, Baa Atoll is not only an indispensable part of the local marine ecosystem but also a growing tourist destination where you can witness fascinating underwater flora and fauna in an environmentally conserved space.
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve covers 139,700 hectares and consists of nine protected core areas, enclosed inside buffer zones and transitional sections. Any activity within the core sectors is restricted, requiring special permission from authorities. Additionally, only a specific number of boats are allowed at a particular time, with limitations on them anchoring during their stay.
Located in the north-west of the archipelago, Baa Atoll lies just above the Kashidhoo Kandhoo channel, with the entire region consisting of 75 islands, 13 of which are inhabited. Furthermore, 17 private islands in the atoll have some of the most exclusive resorts in the Maldives, such as Soneva Fushi, Anantara, and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru.
As a gateway for plankton to move from the west to the east, the region attracts a diverse set of reef animals that, in turn, has transformed Baa Atoll into one of the most vibrant aquatic ecological communities in the Indian Ocean.
A whale shark swimming in the waters of the Baa Atoll, Maldives
How to get there
Upon arrival in Malé, there are multiple transport options to reach both the inhabited islands and the resorts in Baa Atoll. A picturesque seaplane ride, though expensive, takes a little over 35 minutes and lands straight at your retreat. Another possibility is to take a 25-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport, followed by a speedboat pickup arranged by your hotel.
If wanting to travel by sea from Malé, a speedboat will take close to three hours to reach Baa Atoll. The cheapest alternative is a ferry connection that takes approximately eight hours and will only drop you on one of the inhabited islands.
What to do and see
The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, with plenty to see below and above the water. The capital, Edhyafushi, and other inhabited islands such as Dharavandhoo, Fulhadhoo, and Thulhaadhoo are ideal stopovers for travelers who want to experience Maldivian life and enjoy the secrets of the sphere on a budget.
Moreover, staying on the inhabited islands is an excellent occasion to explore Baa Atoll’s on-land wildlife, including mangroves, bats, geckos, lizards, and various birds.
Known for having over 1200 species of fish and 250 varieties of corals, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve’s real charm lies in exploring the world that lies under its waters.
With depths ranging from 30 to 80 meters and more in some cases, divers and snorkelers can expect to come across colorful fish, rays, sharks, and even endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle, tawny nurse sharks, and humphead wrasses.
Amongst other marine life found in Baa Atoll are clownfish, butterflyfish, parrotfish, moray and spotted garden eels, turtles, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, snappers, and groupers.
A large school of manta rays feeding on plankton in the water of The Maldives
The crowning gem of Baa Atoll
Although the luxurious tropical retreats in Baa Atoll have taken the world’s fancy, it is but a small bay on the island chain’s eastern side that is its real crowning jewel.
Hanifaru Bay is an inlet with an abundance of trapped plankton that attracts massive numbers of manta rays, especially from May to December, for a phenomenon known famously as a “feeding frenzy”. The bay is also a mating ground for whale sharks, found in these waters throughout the year.
While it is prohibited to scuba dive in Hanifaru Bay, snorkeling tours in limited numbers are allowed. Those lucky can swim with whale sharks and witness hundreds of manta rays go about snacking on plankton for a sensational experience.
If explicitly looking to dive, Dhonfaru Thila is a popular site and a manta ray cleaning station. Nelivaru Haa, Dhigali Haa, and Horubadhoo Thila are three more diving sites worth visiting in Baa Atoll.
A couple of Maldive anemonefish (Maldivian clownfish) in Baa Atoll, Maldives
There have been increased levels of limitations in the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve over the years, preserving and protecting the region’s aquatic life.
When planning your stay in Baa Atoll, it is essential to take time and learn more about the area, choosing resorts and tours that have taken a conscious step towards keeping Maldives’ underwater beauty safe and intact.
N.B.: all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subject to change.
