Baa Atoll Map

The Baa Atoll map has one feature that every visitor looks for first: Hanifaru Bay. The most celebrated manta ray feeding site in the world sits on the southeastern edge of the atoll, and every resort in Baa Atoll positions its excursion programme around reaching it. Understanding where each resort sits on the map relative to Hanifaru Bay is one of the most practical uses of this guide.

Where Hanifaru Bay Is on the Map

Hanifaru Bay is on the southeastern edge of Baa Atoll visible on the map as the small, protected bay just inside the reef. It is within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boundary that covers the entire atoll.

The resorts closest to Hanifaru Bay on the map are Anantara Kihavah and Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru both positioned in the southeastern section of the atoll with excursion boats reaching Hanifaru in approximately 15 to 25 minutes.

Vakkaru Maldives and Milaidhoo Island sit in the same southeastern region and have similarly short excursion runs to the bay.

Soneva Fushi, in the western section of the atoll, is further from Hanifaru the excursion takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Still practical, but the additional distance is visible on the map.

Dharavandhoo island with its domestic airport sits in the northeastern corner of the atoll the key landmark for guests using the domestic flight plus speedboat transfer alternative.

Resort Distance to Hanifaru Bay

Resort Positions

Southeastern section (closest to Hanifaru Bay):

Anantara Kihavah, Four Seasons Landaa Giravaaru, Milaidhoo Island Maldives, Vakkaru Maldives.

Western section (furthest from Hanifaru, closer to open ocean):

Soneva Fushi, The Nautilus Maldives, Finolhu Baa Atoll.

Northern section:

Club Med Finolhu.

Transfer Options on the Map

Seaplane from Velana International Airport: 25 to 35 minutes to most Baa Atoll resorts. The standard method. Daylight only.

Domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport (marked in the northeastern section of the map) followed by a speedboat to the resort: approximately 30 minutes flying plus 15 to 45 minutes speedboat depending on which resort. This route avoids the seaplane daylight restriction and the 20kg luggage limit. For guests arriving at Malé after approximately 3pm, the domestic flight to Dharavandhoo the following morning is often the more practical option.

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Boundary

The entire Baa Atoll sits within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve boundary. All resort operations within the atoll excursion protocols, anchor restrictions, visitor numbers at Hanifaru Bay are governed by the reserve regulations. The strict visitor cap at Hanifaru Bay is part of this slots are limited per session, resorts book in advance, and the USD 30 per person entry fee goes directly to the Baa Atoll Conservation Fund.

Seaplane vs Domestic Flight

Local Islands on the Map

Eydhafushi - the capital of Baa Atoll, largest inhabited island, local market, traditional fishing community.

Dharavandhoo - domestic airport island and growing guesthouse hub for independent travellers seeking Hanifaru Bay access at budget prices.

Thulhaadhoo - the lacquerwork island. The last remaining traditional laajehun artisan families in the Maldives operate here. Worth a day trip for guests interested in Maldivian craft culture.