Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

The remote Baa Atoll in the Maldives is recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its ecological richness and diverse species. We take a closer look at what makes this unique oceanic area so special and share our top recommended resorts.

Why visit the Baa Atoll?

The remote Baa Atoll is home to a handful of extraordinary, eco-friendly resorts and the thriving (but fragile) reefs are a bucket-list dream for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. Due to the area’s unique geographical location – perfectly positioned above an open channel on the edge of the deep ocean – the atoll is an aquatic wonderland home to no less than 250 species of vibrant coral and over 1,200 fish species. 

But what the Baa Atoll is most famous for is the opportunity to swim with marine megafauna – whale sharks, dolphins, and the world’s largest aggregation of manta rays. Each year, an astounding spectacle unfolds at Hanifaru Bay, as hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks gather to frenziedly feast on the nutrient-rich zooplankton that funnels into the atoll’s bays. This feeding extravaganza occurs during the southwest monsoon from June to November, but the mesmerising underwater life attracts tourists year-round.

What is a Biosphere Reserve?

Defined by UNESCO, Biosphere Reserves are “learning places for sustainable development”, created to balance biodiversity conservation with community-led sustainable development, supported through research, monitoring and education. Baa Atoll became the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve thanks to its rich ecological diversity and its crucial role as a plankton transport hub.

In the early 2000s, increased fishing and tourism began to put pressure on the area’s delicate ecosystems. Although conservation measures were already in place, the Maldives Government and local communities recognised the need for stronger, long term protection. In 2011, UNESCO formally designated Baa Atoll as a legally protected marine reserve.

Today, a wide range of sustainability programmes help manage visitor numbers, reduce reef damage and tackle pollution. The reserve remains a model for marine conservation in the Indian Ocean, and its success has inspired wider change across the country. In 2020, the southern atolls of Addu and Fuvahmulah were also declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, strengthening national conservation efforts.

Since then, the Maldives has continued to expand its environmental ambitions. The government plans to introduce three additional biosphere reserves and establish a nature park in every atoll, and the proposal for Lhaviyani Atoll has already been accepted. These developments bring the Maldives closer to its long term goal of granting Biosphere Reserve status across the entire archipelago.

Where to stay in and around the Baa Atoll

We share a few of our favourite resorts where you have the wonders of the Baa Atoll either swirling at the shores or within easy reach from your island resort.

Milaidhoo Maldives

Hidden in the heart of the Baa Atoll, Milaidhoo Island Maldives is a boutique luxury retreat like no other. This romantic island resort has some of the most opulent villas and residences in the Maldives – both on the beach and over-water – with infinity-edge private pools, sweeping sea views, and a vast sundeck to compliment the 'outdoor living' philosophy. As well as being within easy reach of the atoll's most unique dive and snorkel spots, Hanifaru Bay is just a 15-minute speedboat ride away. 

However you don't have to leave the resort to experience the beauty under the ocean, as Milaidhoo's marine-protected house reef encircles the entire island and teems with turtles, sharks and tropical fish. We love the island's commitment to coral preservation. You can spend time with the resident marine biologist as part of their 'be a marine biologist' programme and support their reef sponsorship scheme by planting a coral tray to help regenerate the 'rainforests of the sea'.

Finolhu, a Seaside Collection Resort

Finolhu is a sleek Baa Atoll hideaway with imaginative dining venues, a spectacular sandbank and glam rock décor. By day you can go thrill-seeking in the lagoon with water sports such as wakeboarding and jet blading or head out on a snorkelling safari to Hanifaru Bay. The island comes alive after sundown with stilt walkers, acrobats and DJ’s playing retro-funk beats into the night. 

But Finolhu is more than a cool island playground. Behind the scenes, the resident marine biologists are leading the way in ocean conservation with several outstanding ecological projects. In addition to monitoring the wildlife beneath the waves and taking action against coral bleaching, they work closely with Parley for the Oceans; an organisation that aspires to tackle plastic pollution in the sea.

Reethi Faru

If you’re the type of holidaymaker who needs more than a sunbed and a good book, Reethi Faru, in the nearby Raa Atoll, is set up for land, sea and even culinary adventures (thanks to its six dining venues). There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, from canoeing, diving and paddleboarding out on the ocean to yoga and tennis on dry land. Plus, during the Manta season from June-November, you can marvel at the graceful rays in Hanifaru Bay with their snorkelling excursion to the far-flung Baa Atoll. 

Reethi Faru continues to evolve its sustainability story, and today its eco-credentials reach well beyond its award wins. A standout initiative is the Reethi Faru Manta ID Project, run in partnership with the Manta Trust, where guests are encouraged to capture manta images on snorkelling or dive trips, contributing to vital research and conservation. 

Guests can also engage with the resort’s ongoing green initiatives such as coral restoration and island reforestation – meaningful ways to leave a positive impact while enjoying this nature-rich, low‑key island paradise.

Dhigali Maldives

Dhigali Maldives is one of our favourite resorts in the less-developed Raa Atoll, not just because of the contemporary design and stunning sandbank, but for the new all-inclusive experience. You can leisurely dine-around in the four innovative restaurants, enjoy unlimited premium wines, beers and a wide selection of cocktails, and there’s complimentary activities such as dolphin cruises and watersports. 

Swim out to the lively house reef and you may spot species such as eagle rays, reef sharks and turtles, or encounter the manta rays and whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay (from June-November). As with other reputable Maldives resorts, Dhigali commits to sustainable initiatives. They have bid farewell to plastic bottles by installing an eco-friendly water filtration system, and they support local environmental projects such as island clean-up events.

This feature was updated on 20 January 2026. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge. Feature by Heather Flanagan.