Located just 45 minutes away lies the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll. Spanning an impressive 139,700 hectares, this protected marine paradise is rich in biodiversity, home to vibrant hard and soft corals, abundant reef fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and the majestic whale shark. Accessible via a scenic boat journey, it is best visited from May to November, when manta rays and whale sharks are most frequently seen.