Baa Atoll - The Maldives

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Baa Atoll - The Maldives

Lying just South of the Raa Atoll and North of the Male Atoll. The Baa Atoll is located between 5° 23' N and 4° 49' N and comprises of three individual natural Atolls. The total number of islands is fifty of which only thirteen are inhabited, the total population is around 10,000. The majority of the inhabited islands lie on the eastern side of the atoll. The remaining resorts lie unexploited in all their pristine beauty, these islands are perfect for excursions and the surrounding waters offer amazing opportunities for diving. In this area the main attraction for divers are the large numbers of Whale Sharks and Mantas.

Eydhafushi
The capital island, Eydhafushi, has a population of more than 2500. The island has a hospital with good medical facilities, it also has a secondary school a reliable electricity supply and good harbour facilities. ‘Feyli’ weaving - a wraparound skirt for women, is one of the specialties of Eydhafushi.

Thulhadhoo
Thulhadhoo, the second populous island, is located on the South western side of the atoll. The need to accommodate an increasing population has led to a land reclamation program being implemented; this has increased the land area to double its original size. The five resorts provide the indigenous native population with employment with visitors supporting the famous Lacquer and Handicraft industry of the island.

Goidhoo/Horsburgh
Goidhoo atoll comprises of three islands with a population of around 1000. Also known as Horsburgh, this Atoll lies around twelve kilometres south of the main Atoll. The French explorer, François Pyrad’s ship, Corbin ran aground in Goidhoo.

The islands of The Maldives were formed over the two thousand kilometres Laccadives – Chagos ridge and are separated by lagoons.

The main occupation of the local inhabitants is the Tuna fishery industry. Employment opportunities have increased with the development of tourism and the opening of resorts. There are about five resorts in the region accessible either by seaplane or speedboat. The latter being favourite in view of the great distance from Male international Airport.