Baa Atoll earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 2011, recognition of its extraordinary marine biodiversity. The star attraction is Hanifaru Bay, a small lagoon where hundreds — sometimes over a thousand — manta rays congregate during the southwest monsoon season (June to November) to feed on plankton blooms.
Beyond Hanifaru, Baa is home to pristine coral reefs, sea turtle nesting beaches, and some of the Maldives’ most exclusive eco-resorts. The atoll’s commitment to conservation makes it a model for sustainable tourism.
