Northern Atolls - Baa Atoll

Diving the Northern Atolls, particularly Baa, feels a bit like stepping off the main highway. While the central atolls buzz with liveaboards, up here, you get a quieter experience. We've seen some absolutely stunning coral coverage in spots, especially on the outer reefs, a real treat compared to some of the more trafficked areas. Of course, the big draw is Hanifaru Bay when the plankton blooms, bringing in mantas and whale sharks from March to December – that’s a spectacle you really have to time right. If you’re looking for a Maldives trip with fewer boats and a good chance at pelagics, it’s a solid choice.

Location
Baa Atoll, Maldives, Indian Ocean & East Africa
Coordinates
5.200000, 73.100000

Marine Protected Area: B.Angafaru Sarahahdhu

Best Time to Dive in Baa Atoll

The warmest water temperatures in Baa Atoll occur in April, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in January at 28.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.5°C
  • February: 28.8°C
  • March: 29.4°C
  • April: 30.4°C
  • May: 30.0°C
  • June: 29.4°C
  • July: 29.4°C
  • August: 29.2°C
  • September: 29.1°C
  • October: 29.1°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 29.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Baa Atoll

Nearest Dive Centres to Northern Atolls

Marine Life in Baa Atoll

Home to 23 recorded species including 12 hard corals, 4 seagrass & algae, 3 reef fish, 1 sharks & rays, 1 whales & dolphins, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Northern Atolls

Based on average water temperature of 29.3°C, currents 24 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories