At a glance
| At a glance | Baa |
|---|---|
| Where | The western side of the chain, north-west of Malé |
| Getting there | Seaplane, about 30 to 45 minutes; or a flight to Dharavandhoo, then a boat |
| Under water | Hanifaru Bay’s mantas, about May to November; whale sharks; turtles |
| On land | Lacquer work on Thulhaadhoo |
| Suits | Manta lovers, snorkellers, nature |
Where it is
Baa lies on the western side of the atoll chain, north-west of Malé, and Baa Atoll is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. Of its 75 islands, 13 are inhabited.
Getting there
Most resorts are reached by seaplane, in about 30 to 45 minutes. Dharavandhoo, in the atoll, has a domestic airport, and a short flight there followed by a boat is another way in. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.
Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is a funnel-shaped bay where plankton gathers in the southwest monsoon, between about May and November. Some of the largest manta gatherings anywhere come to feed here, as many as a hundred or so at once, and whale sharks sometimes join them.
The bay is a protected area. Only permitted boats may enter, and visitors snorkel, as diving is not allowed. The mantas follow the plankton, so a sighting cannot be guaranteed.
Under water
Beyond the bay, Baa is one of the atolls where green turtles are found most, and it has some of the country’s important turtle nesting beaches. Dharavandhoo Thila is also a protected area.
On land
Thulhaadhoo is known for its lacquer work.
Who it suits
A stay here suits snorkellers and anyone who wants to see mantas: Hanifaru Bay is in the atoll, at its best from about May to November, and the seaplane takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Our pick of Baa’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
