Dharavandhoo
Dharavandhoo serves as the primary gateway to Baa Atoll, hosting the domestic airport that connects the atoll to Velana International Airport in Malé. The island itself has a population of around 1,000 people and has developed a modest guesthouse scene catering to travelers using it as a base for exploring the atoll. Dharavandhoo's location makes it convenient for Hanifaru Bay excursions during the manta season, with boats departing from the island's harbor for the short trip to the feeding grounds. The island has basic amenities including small restaurants, shops, and a pleasant beach area accessible to visitors.
Thulhaadhoo
Thulhaadhoo is the cultural treasure of Baa Atoll and arguably one of the most important heritage islands in the entire Maldives. For centuries, the island has been the center of liyelaa jehun, the traditional Maldivian art of lacquerware. Craftsmen on Thulhaadhoo carve wooden objects on hand-powered lathes and apply layers of colored lacquer — traditionally red, black, yellow, and green — in intricate geometric patterns. The finished products, which include vases, containers, and decorative items, were historically prized gifts presented to visiting dignitaries and are now sought after by collectors and tourists alike. Visiting Thulhaadhoo's workshops provides a rare opportunity to observe this living craft tradition and purchase pieces directly from the artisans who create them.
Eydhafushi
As the administrative capital of Baa Atoll, Eydhafushi is the largest inhabited island and the center of government services, education, and commerce in the atoll. With a population of several thousand, it has a more urban feel than other islands, with paved streets, a hospital, secondary schools, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Eydhafushi's harbor is a busy hub of inter-island transport, and the island offers visitors a chance to experience everyday Maldivian life in a sizable community. Several guesthouses have opened in recent years, providing affordable accommodation for travelers exploring the atoll.
Kamadhoo and Other Inhabited Islands
Smaller inhabited islands like Kamadhoo, Kendhoo, and Maalhos offer quieter alternatives for travelers seeking authentic island experiences. Kendhoo is notable for archaeological sites dating back to pre-Islamic periods, including ancient Buddhist ruins that attest to the Maldives' layered cultural history. These islands have begun welcoming guesthouse visitors, offering simple but comfortable accommodation and a pace of life determined by fishing, community gatherings, and the rhythm of the tides.
Resort Islands
Baa Atoll hosts several high-profile resort properties that have been drawn by the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status and the proximity to Hanifaru Bay. These resorts range from ultra-luxury to upper mid-range, many offering comprehensive marine biology programs, coral restoration initiatives, and guided excursions to Hanifaru Bay during the manta season. Their commitment to sustainability aligns with the biosphere reserve ethos, and several have received international recognition for their environmental practices.