Baa & Raa Atolls

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the spectacle of hundreds of manta rays feeding at Hanifaru Bay, top-end resort islands and the Sea of Stars at Vaadhoo.

Baa Atoll and Raa Atoll lie in the north-central Maldives, about 110–180 km northwest of Malé, adjacent to each other north to south. Baa Atoll was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, and its core is Hanifaru Bay: every year from June to November, the southwest monsoon pushes plankton into the bay, drawing dozens to hundreds of manta rays that feed in swirling groups, with occasional whale sharks, making it one of the most spectacular manta gatherings in the world. Only snorkeling is allowed in the bay, with limited time and numbers, and a conservation-area permit must be purchased. Baa Atoll is also home to top resort islands such as Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Anantara Kihavah, as well as local islands with budget guesthouses such as Dharavandhoo and Fulhadhoo; the lacquerware workshops of Thulhaadhoo make a worthwhile half-day cultural visit. To the north, Raa Atoll is known for Vaadhoo Island, made famous by its "Sea of Stars," and for newer resorts such as JOALI, while Alifushi is a traditional dhoni boat-building island. The climate is hot all year (about 27–31°C); December to April is the dry season with clear skies and calm seas, while June to November is the rainy season but also manta season. Getting there: from Velana Airport in Malé, take a seaplane for 30–45 minutes directly to a resort island, or fly domestically to Dharavandhoo (Baa) or Ifuru (Raa) airport and transfer by speedboat. Alcohol is banned and modest dress is required on local islands; resort islands are not subject to these rules. We suggest staying 4–7 nights; manta appearances are not guaranteed, so leave some flexibility in your schedule.

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