MONTEREY LIFE

MONTEREY LIFE

Exploring the Baa Atoll

Fri, Jan 13, 2017 at 8:50AM

Exploring the Baa Atoll

It’s not every day that you find an on-the-water vacation spot that seamlessly blends remote tranquility with breathtaking on-the-water views—that’s just part of why the Maldives’ Baa Atoll is so special.

This out-of-the-way oasis is home to coral reefs, stunning turquoise lagoons, and an escape for anyone who loves to boat, swim, or scuba dive. Read on to learn more about this Indian Ocean slice of paradise, as well as a few ways you can enjoy it yourself in 2017!

Exploring the escape

Forget the name—the Baa Atoll may sound singular, but it really refers to an area of three separate atolls where crystal blue waters, lush plant life and rich biodiversity abound. The atoll is actually designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its wealth of natural wonder—which includes coral reefs, some of the largest in the world, endangered species like the green turtle or tawny nurse shark, and more than 1000 reef-dwelling fish—to name just a few! The area is also thought to be one of the only spots in the world where monster-sized whale sharks come to mate. That isn’t even to mention the thousands of people who call the Baa Atoll “home”… but thanks to the diverse, spread-out nature of the islands here, you’ll never get to feeling like one of a crowd.

Even if you didn’t know about the biodiversity behind this one-of-a-kind spot, you’d be impressed at the breathtaking views. Unique features like a chain of near-perfectly circular islands, or lush jungle coastlines, characterize the space, and visitors find a wealth of landscapes (from endless blue horizons to sea grass beds and mangrove forests) to admire whenever they visit.

What’s atoll, anyway?

Atoll isn’t just another name for an island—it’s a coral reef that circles a lagoon, the kind the Maldives are famous for. Since the nature of an atoll puts human activities right next to the intricate coral ecosystem, the Baa Atoll is home to a balancing act of fisheries, snorkelers, and ocean explorers.

That balancing act is part of why the Baa Atoll seems so exquisitely untouched and thriving with life at the same time.

Are you ready to pin the Baa Atoll to your travel bucket list? We know we are!


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