Join us as we journey through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, hopping between locally inhabited islands and discovering the rich marine life that surrounds them. We’ll snorkel vibrant coral reefs, explore island communities, and gain firsthand insight into conservation efforts led by local NGOs. From sunset swims and traditional hedika tastings to tracking turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay, each day offers meaningful encounters both above and below the surface.
Local Taxes ($12 Green Tax per person per night, 10% Service Charge and 17% GST)
Today, we will snorkel off the reef of Dhonfanu Island, close to key feeding grounds in Baa Atoll and a known site for whale shark activity during migration.
The experience here is more open-water than Hanifaru, with a chance—though never a guarantee—of an unforgettable encounter with the ocean’s largest fish.
We return to Hanifaru Bay for a second chance to witness its breathtaking marine life. Conditions and wildlife activity vary daily, and a repeat visit gives us another opportunity to observe mantas and deepen our understanding of this fragile ecosystem.
In the afternoon, we can take part in a beach clean-up, giving back to the island that has hosted us. We celebrate our efforts with fresh kurumba (coconut water) and a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Maalhos – Male. Following an early breakfast, we board the public speedboat for our return to Male, bringing our adventure to a close. Safe Travels
Male – Kamadhoo (Baa Atoll). We meet our Maldivian tour leader at Male International Airport before boarding the morning or afternoon public speedboat to Kamadhoo, a two-hour journey across the Indian Ocean.
Along the way, we pass countless palm-fringed islands—keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. After checking into our local guesthouse, we enjoy a sunset swim before learning over coffee about threats to the reef, coral rehabilitation by Save the Beach, and how we can limit our environmental impact.
Please note: Latest arrival by 11 am. Bikinis are not permitted on local beaches, but they can be worn in private guesthouse areas, such as gardens, balconies, or designated tourist beaches.
We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.
This morning, we snorkelled Kamadhoo’s house reef with our guide, who provided a safety briefing and pointed out marine life we might otherwise miss. In the afternoon, we explore the island, walking past the mosque, school, clinic, and police station—pillars of island life.
We pause at a café to try hedika, a selection of local savory and sweet bites served with tea. In the evening, we learn about turtle conservation and how to contribute photos to the Olive Ridley Project’s ID database.
After breakfast, we set off by boat to snorkel vibrant coral reefs alive with tropical fish. With luck, we’ll encounter turtles or reef sharks—any turtle sightings will be recorded and shared with the Olive Ridley Project.
The afternoon is free to relax on Kamadhoo’s bikini beach or join another snorkel. Tonight, we hear from our tour leader about manta ray research by the Manta Trust and how to interact responsibly with these gentle giants.
Kamadhoo – Maalhos. An early morning boat takes us to Maalhos. Weather and sea conditions permitting, we may snorkel Hanifaru Bay or Dhonfanu today, or later in the itinerary. Permits to snorkel in Hanifaru Bay are regulated by the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve and granted to local islands on alternate days.
This morning, we explore Maalhos’ house reef, home to shoals of bannerfish, snapper, parrotfish and the occasional turtle. Later, we stroll the island with our Tour Leader, watching as locals prepare moringa leaves and weave palm fronds. As the sun sets, we relax by the water. After dinner, we’re introduced to the work of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme.
This morning, we will venture into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay. Between May and November, the bay hosts feeding aggregations of manta rays and sometimes whale sharks, drawn by rich plankton blooms.
Accompanied by a certified guide, we follow strict conduct guidelines to protect the ecosystem. In the late afternoon, we paddle out in kayaks, gliding through the lagoon as the sky changes colour – keep watch for eagle rays or reef sharks beneath us.
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