Experience the Best of the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with Vakkaru Maldives

18 June, 2021

As part of the tenth anniversary celebrations of its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home, Vakkaru Maldives invites guests on the Baa Atoll Big Five safari, to discover an incredible marine diversity and spectacular sea life.

The safari features five of the most amazing creatures that can be seen in Baa Atoll, ones that sea lovers from over the world consistently request to see while visiting Vakkaru.

They are Manta Rays, routinely seen at Hanifaru Bay close to Vakkaru from May to November every year; Whale Sharks, the world's largest fish found in Baa Atoll from May to November; Turtles, including hawksbills and green turtles that are found in Baa Atoll all year; Dolphins, regularly spotted on Vakkaru's dolphin watching cruises; Sharks, including nurse, whitetip reef and blacktip reef sharks is seen frequently at the dive sites in Baa

The Maldives’ coral reefs support approximately 250 species of coral and 1,200 reef- and reef-associated fish species. Vakkaru Maldives’ expert marine biologist knows the region intimately and has also created a guide to Baa Atoll’s Top Five Dive Sites in celebration of its 10th anniversary as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. 

• Maavaru Thila where a thila (underwater mountain) emerges at 12 metres deep. These waters provide a vibrant home to jackfish, napoleons, stingrays and much more. Coated in soft corals, the walls of Maavaru Caves are a marvel in and of themselves, but this atmospheric setting is also populated by grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles and dolphins.
• Mutafushi Thila is packed with anemones, kaleidoscopic schools of fish and curious octopus.
• At Miyaru Thila the underground mountain emerges at 8 metres deep, where sharks and batfish might also be seen.
• Barracuda Thila is expansive and beautiful, with its waters enlivened by darting schools of yellow snapper, tuna and, of course, barracuda.

Customized trips are offered by the dive-centre team also which includes a selection of special experiences that maximizes the visitors’ chances of seeing the big five creatures of Baa Atoll by themselves.

Private cruises to Hanifaru Bay can come to an end with a celebratory champagne and canapes after a successful manta ray or whale shark sighting.

Visits to isolated sandbanks can be organized for private picnics or sundowner special teas after dolphin watching cruises.

Visits to turtle reef can be merged with conservation work that protects the threatened species of the Indian Ocean.

Apart from this, Vakkaru’s F&B team can also arrange Big Five Feasts for all guests who witness all five creatures on just one trip.

The team at Vakkaru’s dive centre will happily arrange visits to each of these remarkable settings, while anyone who visits the resort over the remainder of 2021 will be able to enjoy much more besides.

Throughout the rest of the year, the ongoing 50 Shades of Blue programme will celebrate Baa Atoll’s 10th anniversary as the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by hosting a panoply of special events.

A particular focal point will come in mid-August when a week-long 50 Shades of Blue celebration will see the resort host residencies by ocean experts; musical performances and a showstopper pool party; a series of special dining experiences; creative kids’ activities; thrilling ocean expeditions; and a range of revitalising wellness offerings.

For reservations and general information, please visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact [email protected].

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