The Essential Guide to Baa Atoll in the Maldives

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Experience Hanifaru Bay where you can see manta rays up close—and even whale sharks, if you’re lucky.
• Adopt a coral reef and be a part of keeping this unique ecosystem alive.
• Stay in an overwater bungalow at Finolhu and learn about the wildlife from the resident marine biologist.
• Dine underwater at Sea, where you can view sea animals while dining on a gourmet meal.
• Explore beyond your resort and visit the local island of Dharavandhoo.

The Maldives is a popular, must-visit destination, and it’s easy to see why—with pristine beaches, overwater bungalows, and crystal-clear waters, it’s the ultimate island paradise. But did you know that the Maldives is just as incredible underwater as it is on land?

In June 2011, Baa Atoll in the Maldives became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve along with the likes of Komodo Island in Indonesia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. The atoll is home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean (it’s the seventh largest in the world) and supports over 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of coral.

“Baa Atoll is an exceptional location for marine biology, largely due to the impact of the monsoon system on the marine food chain,” says Ivanna Tobar, the resident marine biologist at Finolhu, a luxury resort in the area. “It’s a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of ocean systems and the unique role the Maldives plays in supporting marine biodiversity.”

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Baa Atoll in the Maldives.

Know Before You Go

Beach seating at Finolhu.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Baa Atoll is located in the western region of the Maldives and is made up of 75 islands, 13 of which are inhabited. Six of those inhabited islands have resorts on them, and they collectively get around 350,000 visitors per year. It’s a good idea to secure bookings early, especially during peak seasons, which span the months between November to late April.

Baa Atoll takes environmental protection very seriously, so it is important to book all activities that involve wildlife with certified operators who follow local guidelines, like never touching wildlife and using reef-safe sunscreens. These guides will help you view wildlife safely and responsibly.

While getting to the Maldives might be a long journey from most places in the U.S., entering is pretty simple since you can get a tourist visa upon arrival. The islands also have their own language, Dhivehi, though most people also speak English. The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, but U.S. dollars and credit cards are widely accepted, especially at resorts and tourist areas. It’s important to note that Islam is the state religion of the Maldives, so if you explore outside of resort areas, you are encouraged to dress modestly and may notice there’s a prohibition of alcohol.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Baa Atoll depends on the type of experience you’re hoping to have.

There are two distinct seasons in the Maldives: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season typically extends from November through April, and the rainy season from May to October. While the dry season is, well, dry, with little to no rain and all-around sunny weather, it’s also peak tourist season, which brings high prices and low availability, especially around the holidays. 

Rainy season may sound dreary, but the temperatures are still high, and the showers tend to come in short bursts, rather than lasting all day.

Not only does this season mean lower prices, but it also brings the wildlife. The rainy season brings an influx of plankton, which draws the Manta Rays to feed in Hanifaru Bay. If you want the full experience of swimming with the mantas, you’ll want to visit between June and September. The mantas are still spotted in May and October, but in fewer numbers. 

A shady beach area in Baa Atoll.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

How to Get There

Sea planes docked at Velana International Airport on Malé.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

The main air hub in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on the capital island of Malé. It’s served by major airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. There are currently no direct routes from North America to the Maldives, so you will need to take a connecting flight from a city like London, Dubai, or Singapore.

Once you arrive in Malé, there are two main ways to reach Baa Atoll. One option is to hop on a seaplane—many guests staying at luxury resorts will arrive this way. For example, Finolhu will not only organize guests’ seaplane transfer they will also arrange for someone to escort you from the airport to the hotel’s private airport lounge and then onto the seaplane.

The other way is to take a 20-minute flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV), located on the island of Dharavandhoo, which is part of the Baa Atoll. From there, you can take a local speedboat to the island or hotel of your choice.

Best Things to Do

Close up views of Manta Rays in Hanifaru Bay.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Visit Hanifaru Bay.

“My favorite spot in Baa Atoll would be Hanifaru Bay, where, during the [time between] May and October, you can often see aggregations of manta rays and, if you’re lucky, whale sharks,” says Tobar.

This bay is a feeding station for the world’s largest manta ray pod (also known as a “squadron” or a “fever”). During a visit here, travelers can swim with these large, graceful creatures and also see schools of fish and other sea life. However, you can only access Hanifaru Bay through a guided tour, since only five boats are allowed per day to manage crowds and protect marine life. 

Go diving.

Baa Atoll has over 40 scenic dive sites that encompass caves, manta “cleaning” stations (where manta rays and other marine animals gather to be cleaned by shrimp and fish), and thilas, submerged coral towers. Horubadhoo Thila is a local favorite with a depth that ranges between 39 to 52 feet. But if you’ve never dived before, don’t worry—there are plenty of beginner-friendly spots all around Baa Atoll. Plus, resorts like Finolhu have dive centers staffed with instructors who are eager to make diving accessible for everyone.

Embark on a wildlife cruise.

One of the things that makes Baa Atoll so special is its variety of wildlife. Taking a cruise tour staffed by local experts is one of the best ways to see all the area has to offer, from spinner dolphins to sea turtles to whale sharks. Cruises can take you to remote locations around the islands where you normally wouldn’t be able to go. I recommend reaching out to your hotel concierge to learn about the best options.

Sponsor a coral reef.

Sadly, many coral reefs around the world are dying due to rising ocean temperatures. However, some advocates are working tirelessly to replace the lost coral, which helps restore the natural habitat of the fish that rely on coral. Some resorts in the atoll, such as Finolhu, take an active role in the coral’s preservation, and its efforts are led by its resident marine biologist, Ivana Tobar. She encourages guests to “adopt” a coral reef during a stay at the property. Part of the adoption process includes a guided snorkel experience with Tobar, so you can see how coral is transplanted.

Explore the islands.

The Maldives are famous for its iconic island resorts—I mean, who doesn’t love overwater bungalows? But if you want a taste of what life is really like in the area, I recommend visiting Dharavandhoo, which is home to about 800 people. While you’re here, you can explore the small village, try local food, and enjoy the beach. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Interior of an overwater bungalow at Finolhu.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Finolhu

There are many resorts to choose from in Baa Atoll, but one of my favorites is Finolhu, which opened in 2016 with 125 villas. In addition to gorgeous overwater bungalows and incredible on-site restaurants, the resort also has a resident marine biologist, Tobar. If guests wish to participate in a marine biologist-led activity, they can do things like track and identify animals, help rebuild the coral reef, and clean up debris on nearby islands. Finolhu also exclusively sources fish from local fishermen and hires local artists and musicians.

Soneva Fushi

This 71-room resort is located on Kunfunadhoo Island and has a “No News, No Shoes” motto. Travel + Leisure senior editorial director  Nina Ruggiero stayed here recently and says, “Soneva Fushi is the definition of barefoot luxury—we actually checked in our shoes at the dock. Soneva is famous for its waterslide villas. Don’t miss zip-lining to the treetop restaurant.” 

Anantara Kihavah

Fresh off a massive renovation, this 80-villa resort has over-the-top amenities like an underwater restaurant as well as an observatory with the largest telescope in the Maldives. Nina Ruggiero got a sneak peek at the new rooms. “I was the first journalist to stay in one of Anantara Kihavah‘s revamped beach villas in May 2025, and I still dream about the massive outdoor bathroom—with a gorgeous soaking tub—and the private beachfront pool,” she says. “It’s easy to see why this resort attracts so many celebrities.”

Best Restaurants

A close up of a dish served at Kanusan at Finolhu.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Kanusan

This upscale Japanese restaurant is located right over the water at Finolhu Resort, and guests can delight in wildlife spotting (I saw nurse sharks) while enjoying the freshest sushi you’ll find on the Indian Ocean.

Sea Underwater Restaurant

While many restaurants in the Maldives are on the water, Sea, located at the Anantara Kihavah resort, is actually under the water. While here, you can dine with a 360 view of coral reefs and sea life, and sip on libations from one of the only underwater wine cellars in the world. 

Krill

For a taste of local fare, head to Krill on Dharavandhoo. This cozy spot has a lovely terrace and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, serving Asian fusion alongside traditional Maldivian dishes.