Baa Atoll on Google Maps.
Baa atoll is one of the northern most tourist atolls of the Maldives archipelago. It is not a very popular atoll because of the distance from the capital. With a circular shape (46 km long for 31 km wide), Baa's atoll has some islands inhabited by maldivinans, 8 islands with tourist resorts and dozens of uninhabited islands. A curiosity, in Hanifaru Bay, unique in Maldives, there is a Marine Reserve where you can visit the retreat venue of the mantas. Diving with the equipment is prohibited in the reserve, but it is allowed to snorkel for 45 minutes, following some rules like staying with guides, forbidden to touch and follow the mantas because if disturbed, leave the area. The Rangers, in the event of an offense, can stop your visiting and penalize the group with fines payable locally. This video was taken from my book: "Cruise and dive guide to the Maldives".
Useful links for more informations:
www.albatrostopboat.com
Tourism Board: www.visitmaldives.com