Atoll maldives full#

Six islands have been developed into resorts, including luxury brands such as Six Senses and Four Seasons, as well as several smaller resorts on local islands.īaa Atoll was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, an indication of the fantastic diversity found in the region and of the growing role tourism can play in conservation and sustainable tourism. Separated from the central atolls by the Kandiva Channel, Baa Atoll comprises 75 islands scattered across nearly 1200km2 of sea and of these, only thirteen are inhabited.

Don’t forget a waterproof camera or GoPro to capture your underwater experiences.

Alcohol is strictly prohibited - including bringing any into the country with you!.

We recommend bringing your own mask and fins for snorkeling and diving to ensure good fit and comfort.

Atoll maldives full#

The manta ray and whale shark season at Hanifaru Bay runs from May to December with the best times usually from late July to early October around the full and new moons. This has to be one of the world’s best snorkeling experiences, with tens, even hundreds of manta rays barreling in the tiny bay, as well as whale sharks that arrive to join in the plankton party. The real draw in Baa Atoll is the famous Hanifaru Bay with its feeding aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks. These are best during the wet season and give visitors a chance to encounter manta rays whilst diving. There are also a number of manta cleaning stations scattered across the atoll, especially in the eastern half not far from the famous Hanifaru Bay. Nelivaru Haa is also famous for its dense schools of glassy baitfish that swirl and undulate in the currents and can completely cover the site in the wet season! Dhonfanu Thila and Dharavandhoo Thila are also well worth a visit, particular when there is a current running which will bring in the schools of fish and other marine life. The majority of these are found around the eastern tip of the atoll, close to many of the resorts.ĭhigali Haa - also known as Horubadhoo Thila - and Nelivaru Haa are both well known for their plentiful marine life, with plenty of caves and overhangs to explore in search of stingrays, groupers, batfish and schools of oriental sweetlips. However, it is the famous submerged reefs - thilas and haas - that makes Baa Atoll such a special dive destination. Nowadays there is no such work in the atoll as it is cheaper to import jewelry from India and other countries.Baa Atoll diving has its fair share of channels to explore, with dramatic underwater landscapes packed with marine life.

People of Rinbudhoo used to make jewelry and sell to capital Male’ from where other atolls buy their products. Rinbudhoo was traditionally known for blacksmith skills. Kudahuvadhoo is the atoll capital, with a population of about 4000 the island is the most populous in the atoll, it is also known as the economic hub of the atoll that serves to other islands. There two popular local islands in the atoll Kudahuvadhoo and Rinbudhoo. Some years back the beautiful beaches of Vilu Reef were attracted by Miss Universe contest where they held some sessions of the show.ĭespite having few resorts compared to popular atolls such as Ari Atoll, Dhaalu’s tourism has been rapidly booming with new resorts expected to open in 2017. Sun Aqua Vilu Reef was the first resort opened in Dhaalu Atoll, after a decade the resort is still in operation. The most popular resort is Per Aquum Niyama which is of five star deluxe class. A domestic airport at local island of Kudahuvadhoo is in development and is expected to open early 2017.ĭhaalu Atoll is undiscovered in terms of tourist development. After so many years of slow tourism the atoll is now booming with many resorts currently under construction. Sun Aqua Vilu Reef was the first resort and has been operating successfully for over a decade. Located south of Faafu Atoll is Dhaalu Atoll.