Rich in marine biodiversity, the Baa Atoll in Maldives is a site well worth discovering; here’s a glimpse of the unforgettable encounters that await intrepid travellers.
Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri on Unsplash
A Protected Reserve
The Baa Atoll has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and features diverse habitats that support a range of coral and marine life. Reef associated marine species number over 1,000 while you will also find soft and stony coral, whale sharks, manta rays, Napoleon wrasses, tawny nurse sharks, green turtles and more.
Hanifaru Bay
Those staying at a luxury resort Maldives has to offer in the Baa Atoll can explore Hanifaru Bay; between May and November it becomes the largest manta feeding destination on the planet! Resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas offer snorkelling excursions here where you can swim amongst these unique creatures.
Scuba Diving
Apart from snorkelling in Hanifaru Bay, one can go diving in the Baa Atoll; resorts that offer PADI certification are ideal and give you a chance to visit key sites like the colourful house reef called the Golden Wall. Other hotspots include Horubadhoo Thila and Nelivaru Haa home to black jacks, mantas, stingrays and batfish.
Other Encounters
While snorkelling or diving, you will come across other species including turtles; some resorts are set amidst thriving reefs where five sea turtle species such as the hawksbill turtle come to rest and feed. Properties also offer dolphin cruises to spot species like spinner dolphins as they playfully frolic and swim in the Indian Ocean.
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