Things To Do
NATURE
Baa Atoll is home to a rich diversity of marine life that’s seen it named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel straight from the beach to see bright coral and tropical fish in the shallows. Or book a private scuba diving tour to explore the sea caves and cliffs as the reefs stretch into deeper water. If you’re lucky, you may see manta ray and whale sharks, which gather in large numbers to feed on plankton.
BEACHES
With 75 islands circled by unimaginably white beaches, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to paradise retreats. Many exclusive resorts in Baa Atoll are set on their own private islands, famed for their icing sugar sands fringed by palm trees. For your own luxury castaway experience, take a boat tour to an uninhabited island for the day. Just bear in mind that some are protected habitats for rare birds and nesting sea turtles.
CULTURE
The larger islands of Baa Atoll are the place to discover traditional Maldivian ways of life, including time-honoured crafts. Eydafushi, the capital of the atoll, is renowned for fine cotton feyli, or sarongs, with many still woven by hand. While over to the west of Baa Atoll on Thulhaadoo, craftspeople create detailed lacquer work. Workshops on the island used to supply noble families throughout the Maldives with fine, brightly coloured lacquer ware – and it remains a popular souvenir for visitors.