The Essential Guide for Baa Atoll Maldives

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. Did you know that underwater, the Maldives can be just as spectacular as on land.

In June 2011, Baa Atoll in the Maldives The Galapagos Islands, in Ecuador, and Komodo Island (in Indonesia) are also UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The atoll supports more than 1,200 fish species and 250 coral species. It’s one of the biggest coral reefs groups in the Indian Ocean.

Ivanna Tobar is the resident marine scientist at Finolhu in the region. She says that the Baa Atoll has a unique location for marine biology. This is largely because of the influence the monsoon systems have on the marine food chains. It’s a powerful example of how ocean systems are interconnected and the Maldives play a unique role in supporting marine biodiversity.

You should read this before you plan a trip to the Baa Atoll, Maldives.

Before you go, know what to expect

Baa Atoll, located in the western Maldives, is composed of 75 islands. Of these, 13 are inhabited. Six of the inhabited islands are home to resorts, which receive a total of 350,000 tourists per year. Book early for peak seasons between November and April.

Baa Atoll is committed to protecting the environment. Therefore, it is essential that you book any activities involving wildlife only with operators who are certified and follow local guidelines. These guides will allow you to view wildlife in a responsible and safe manner.

It may be difficult to get to the Maldives from the U.S. but it is easy once you arrive. You can obtain a visa for tourists. Dhivehi (the local language) is spoken by most, but English is widely understood. Local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, U.S. Dollars and credit cards are widely used, especially in resorts and tourist areas. You should be aware that Islam is the official religion of the Maldives. This means you must dress modestly if you want to explore the island outside resort areas. Also, alcohol may not be allowed.

When is the best time to visit?

It depends on what you are hoping to do when you visit Baa Atoll.

The Maldives has two distinct seasons: the dry and the rainy. The rainy season runs from May through October, while the dry season is usually from November to April. The dry season has little rain, and is generally sunny, but it is also the peak tourist season. Prices are high and availability is low, especially during the holidays. 

Although the rainy season sounds dreary and gloomy, temperatures remain high. Showers are usually short-lived, not lasting the entire day.

This season brings wildlife and lower prices. The rainy seasons brings an abundance of plankton which is what attracts the Manta Rays into Hanifaru Bay to feed. You’ll need to go between June and Septembre if you want to experience the full manta experience. Mantas can still be seen in May and October, but they are in smaller numbers. 

How to Get There

The main air hub in the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), located on the capital island of Malé. Major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines, serve the airport. There are no direct flights from North America to Maldives. You will have to connect in a city such as 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. Finolhu can arrange a seaplane transfer for guests, but they will also provide an escort from the airport to their hotel’s private lounge.

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. You can then take a speedboat or local ferry to your chosen island or hotel.

The Best Things to do

Visit Hanifaru Bay.

Hanifaru Bay is my favorite place in Baa Atoll. [time between] Tobar says, “Manta rays can be seen in large numbers between May and Oct. If you’re fortunate, you may even see whale sharks.”

This bay serves as the feeding station of the largest pod (also known by other names such as “fever”, “squadron”, etc.) of mantas rays. Visitors can see and swim with the large and graceful creatures, as well as schools of fish, and other marine life. Hanifaru Bay can only be accessed by a guide, as only five boats per day may enter the bay to control crowds and protect marine wildlife. 

Go diving.

Baa Atoll offers over 40 scenic diving sites including caves, manta cleaning stations (where mantas rays or other marine animals are cleaned by shrimps and fish), thilasSubmerged coral towers. Horubadhoo Thila has a range of depths from 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. Finolhu, for example, has dive centers with instructors eager to make diving available to everyone.

Join a wildlife cruise.

Baa Atoll is known for its diverse wildlife. One of the best methods to explore the region is to take a cruise with local experts. You can see everything from whale sharks to spinner dolphins. Cruises will take you to places that are normally out of reach. You can ask your hotel concierge for the best information.

Sponsor a coral reef.

Many coral reefs in the ocean are dying because of rising temperatures. Some advocates, however, are working hard to replace the coral that has been lost, helping restore the habitat of fish who rely on coral. Finolhu is one of the resorts on the atoll that actively participates in coral preservation. Its resident marine biologist Ivana Tobar leads the efforts. She encourages guests who stay on the property to “adopt a coral reef”. Tobar will guide you on a snorkeling experience as part of the adoption procedure, so that you can learn how coral is planted.

Explore the islands.

The Maldives are famous for its iconic island resorts—I mean, who doesn’t love overwater bungalows? If you’re looking to get a feel for the real life in this area, then I suggest visiting Dharavandhoo. This village is home 800 people. You can enjoy the beach, explore the village and try the local cuisine. 

Best Hotels & Resorts

Finolhu

Baa Atoll has many resorts, but my favorite is FinolhuThe resort opened in 2016 and has 125 villas. Tobar, a marine biologist who lives at the resort, is also on site. If guests choose to join a marine biologist led activity, they will be able to track and identify animals as well as help rebuild coral reefs and clean debris on nearby island. Finolhu uses only local fishers and employs local musicians and artists.

Soneva Fushi

This 71-room resort It is located on Kunfunadhoo Island, and its motto is “No News, No Shoes”. 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’s waterslide villas are famous. You can zipline to the Treetop Restaurant. 

Anantara Kihavah

This 80-villa resort, which has just undergone a major renovation, boasts a number of luxurious amenities including an underwater restaurant and an observatory that houses the largest telescope available in the Maldives. Nina Ruggiero had a sneak peak at the new rooms. “I was the very first journalist to stay at 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 is easy to see why the resort attracts many celebrities.”

Best Restaurants

Kanusan

The Finolhu Resort has an upscale Japanese restaurant that is right on the water. Guests can enjoy wildlife viewing (I saw nurse-sharks) and the best sushi in the Indian Ocean.

Sea Underwater Restaurant

There are many restaurants on the Maldives that are located near the water. SeaIt is under water and located at the Anantara Resort Kihavah. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of corals, sea life and dine while sipping on drinks from the only underwater winery in the world. 

Krill

Krill is the place to go for a taste local food. This cozy place has a lovely outdoor terrace and is available for breakfast, dinner, and lunch. It serves Asian Fusion alongside traditional Maldivian food.