Baa Atoll, Maldives

Declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011, Baa Atoll is home to a diverse range of incredible marine life including manta rays, whale sharks and turtles. This is one of the few places on the planet where whale sharks converge to mate. Among the other creatures you'll discover beneath the waves are groupers, parrot fish, clown fish, nurse sharks, angel fish and dolphins.

Hanifaru Huraa is a magnificent bay in Baa Atoll which is rich in plankton, making it a magnet for huge numbers of manta rays who gather there to feed. More than 5,000 Reef Mantas make the bay their home and their feeding spectacle has been fondly dubbed the Dance of the Mantas by marine biologists.

The Baa Atoll islands are home to mangroves, exotic scenery and an abundance of wildlife including lizards, fruit bats, skinks and geckos. You'll discover many hotels and resorts on the islands offering incredible accommodation options including overwater villas where you can dive straight into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean to marvel at the coral reef and marine life below.

Water sports are very popular on many Baa Atoll islands so there's plenty of opportunity to take to the ocean for some lively action including windsurfing, kayaking, jet-skiing and stand-up paddleboarding. Catamaran sailing, island-hopping boats trips and whale and dolphin watching excursions are also very popular activities.