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Maldives · Baa

Baa Atoll travel guide

A UNESCO biosphere with manta ray gatherings

Manta rays feeding in Hanifaru Bay. Photo: Map originally vector'ed by Hassan Wa..., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

10h 45mflight from London
MLEnearest main airport
29° in Maywarmest month
27° in Jancoolest month

Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, protected for its rich coral reefs. From about June to November, hundreds of manta rays gather to feed in Hanifaru Bay, one of the world's great wildlife sights.

The atoll has some of the Maldives' most luxurious eco-resorts, reached by a 35-minute seaplane flight.

Good forWildlifeSnorkellingLuxuryEco-resorts

What Baa Atoll is known for

  • Hanifaru Bay

    Hundreds of mantas.

  • UNESCO biosphere

    Protected reefs.

  • Eco-resorts

    Luxury with conservation.

  • Coral reefs

    Healthy and colourful.

Top things to do in Baa Atoll

  1. 1

    Snorkel Hanifaru Bay

    Mantas in season, with a ranger.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A reef conservation talk

    Many resorts have marine biologists.

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  3. 3

    Night snorkelling

    See the reef after dark.

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  4. 4

    A sandbank dinner

    Romantic dining on the sand.

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See all tours and tickets in Baa Atoll

Where to stay in Baa Atoll

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Best time to visit Baa Atoll

Best value: May, Sep–Nov. December to April for sunshine; June to November for mantas.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
27.3 C27°J27.4 C27°F28.1 C28°M28.6 C29°A28.7 C29°M28.3 C28°J27.9 C28°J27.8 C28°A27.6 C28°S27.7 C28°O27.4 C27°N27.4 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Baa Atoll, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 10h 45m from London to MLE, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Seaplane from Malé, or a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo.

Airport transfer to Baa Atoll

Find flights to Baa Atoll (MLE)

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Good to know

  • Hanifaru is snorkel-only to protect the mantas.
  • The monsoon brings the mantas but more rain.
  • Book resort trips to the bay in advance.
Maldives guidesPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Baa Atoll FAQ

When are the mantas in Baa?

Roughly June to November.

Can you dive in Hanifaru Bay?

No, it's snorkel only.

More places in Maldives

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