This Maldivian Atol is one of the most unique UNESCO sites in the world – and has overwater bungalows and manta rays.

Maldives is a popular, of course-contact, and it is easy to see why-this is the last island heaven, with ancient beaches, overwater bungalows and crystal-clier water. But do you know that Maldives is under incredible water as it is on the ground?

In June 2011, Ba Atol in Maldives The Como wasland in Indonesia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Atol is one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean (it is the seventh largest in the world) and supports more than 1,200 species of fish and 250 species of coral.

“BAA Atol is an extraordinary place for marine biology, which is roughly due to the impact of the monsoon system on the sea -food chain,” a luxury resort in the region is a maritime biologist Ivanna Tobar, a resident of Finolhu. “It is a powerful reminder of the interaction of ocean systems and Maldives plays a unique role in supporting marine biodiversity.”

Here you should know what you should know before planning a visit to Ba Atol in Maldives.

Know before leaving

The 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 them have resorts on them in the islands, and they collectively receive around 350,000 visitors per year. This is a good idea to secure booking quickly, especially during the peak season, which extends from November to late April.

BAA Atol takes environmental protection very seriously, so it is important to book all activities that include wildlife with certified operators that follow local guidelines, such as never touching wildlife and using refer-safe sunscreen. These guides will help you see wildlife safe and responsibly.

While going to Maldives can be a long journey from most places in America, it is very simple to enter because you can get a tourist visa on arrival. The islands also have their own language, Dhiwi, although most people also speak English. The local currency is Maldivian Roofia, but US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted, especially in resorts and tourism sectors. It is important to note that Islam is the kingdom of the Maldives, so if you detect outside the resort areas, you are encouraged to wear minor clothes and can see that there is prohibition of alcohol.

The best time to travel

The best time to travel to BAA Atol depends on the type of experience you are expecting.

There are two different seasons in Maldives: dry season and rainy season. The dry season usually spreads from November to April, and it is rainy season from May to October. Whereas dry weather, well, drought, very low rainfall and all sunny season, it is also extreme tourist season, which brings high prices and low availability, especially around the holidays.

The rainy season may look loose, but the temperature is still high, and instead of running throughout the day, the rain comes in less bursting.

Not only does this season mean low prices, but it also brings wildlife. The rainy season brings an influx of plankton, which draws manta rays to feed in Hanifaru Bay. If you want the full experience of swimming with Manta, you would like to travel between June and September. Mans are still seen in May and October, but in small numbers.

how to get there

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

Once you reach the floor, there are two main methods of reaching BAA Atol. An option is to expect on a seplay – many guests living in luxury resorts will arrive in this way. For example, Phenolhhu will not only organize the seeplane transfer of the guests, they will also organize someone to escort you from the airport of the hotel’s private airport and then the airport on the seplay.

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

The best things to do

Go to Hanifaru Bay.

“My favorite place in BAA Atol will be Hanifaru Bay, where, during May and October (during time), you can often see the aggregation of manta rays and, if you are lucky, whale sharks,” says “Tobar.

This bay is a feeding station for the world’s largest Manta Ray Pod (also known as “squadron” or “fever”). During a trip here, travelers can swim with these big, beautiful creatures and can also see fish and other marine life schools. However, you can use Hanifaru Bay only through a guided tour, as only five boats per day are allowed to manage the crowd and protect sea life.

go diving.

The Baa Atoll has more than 40 scenic dive sites that surround the caves, Manta “Cleaning” station (where manta rays and other sea animals gather to be cleaned by shrimp and fish), and ThilasWritten coral tower. Horubadu Thila is a local favorite with a depth between 39 to 52 feet. But if you have never dives before, don’t worry-there are lots of early-oriented spots around the byba atol. In addition, resorts such as phenolhu have dive centers with trainers who are eager to make diving accessible for all.

Put on a wildlife cruise.

One of the things that make Baa Atol so special is wildlife. Taking a cruise tour conducted by local experts is one of the best ways to see all the fields, from spinner dolphins to sea turtles to whale sharks. Cruises can take you to remote places around the islands where you will not go normally. I recommend reaching your hotel’s conjunctions to know about the best options.

Sponsor a coral reefs.

It is a matter of regret that many coral reefs worldwide are dying due to the rising temperature of the sea. However, some advocates are tirelessly trying to replace the lost coral, which helps restore the natural habitat of the fish relying on the coral. Some resorts in Atol, such as Phenolhhu, play an active role in the protection of corals, and its efforts are led by its resident Maritarian, Ivana Tobar. She encourages guests to “adopt” a coral rock while in the property. The part of the adoption process involves a guided snorkel experience with tobber, so you can see how coral is transplanted.

Explore islands.

Maldives are famous for their prestigious island resorts – I mean that does not love the overwater bungalow? But if you want life really in this field, then I recommend visiting Dharvandhu, which is a home of about 800 people. When you are here, you can explore a small village, try local food and enjoy the beach.

Best Hotel and Resorts

Phenolhu

There are many resorts to choose from Baa Atoll, but one of my favorite PhenolhuWhich was opened in 2016 with 125 villas. In addition to the grand overwater bungalows and incredible on-site restaurants, the resort also has a resident maritime biologist, Tobbar. If guests want to participate in a maritime biologist -led activity, they can do things such as tracks and animals, help re -create coral reef, and clean the debris on nearby islands. Phenolhhu also especially makes the source of fish from local fishermen and hits local artists and musicians.

Sonwa Fushi

This 71-room resort Kunfunadhu is located on the island and has “no news, no shoes” motto. Travel + holiday Senior Editorial Director Nina Raggio recently stayed here and says, “Sonwa Fushi is a definition of barefoot luxury-we actually checked in our shoes in the dock. Sonwa is famous for her waterlyslide villas. Treatops do not miss zip-lineing in the restaurant.”

Anantra Kuhaw

Fresh from a large-scale renewal, this 80-sela resort has underwater restaurants as well as a observatory with the largest binoculars in the Maldives at the same time. Nina Raggero got a glimpse in the new rooms. “I was the first journalist to live in one Anantra KuhawThe beach villas were rebuilt in May 2025, and I still dream about a large -scale outdoor bathroom – with a grand soaking tub – and the private beach pool, “She says.” It is easy to see why this resort attracts so many celebrities. ,

Best restaurant

Kanusan

This upscale is located just above the water at the Japanese Japanese restaurant Phenolhhu Resort, and the guests can be pleased with wildlife spotting (I saw nurse shark) enjoying the fresh sushi found in the Indian Ocean.

Sea -water restaurant

While many restaurants in Maldives are on water, SeaAnantra is located in the Kihwah Resort, actually under water. Here, you can dine with coral reefs and 360 scenes of sea life, and sips on the complaints from one of the only underwater wine sellers in the world.

Krill

For the taste of local fare, the head of the cill on Dharvandhu. This comfortable place has a beautiful roof and is open to breakfast, lunch and dinner, which serves Asian fusion with traditional Maldivian recipes.