Amilla

Experience the rare wonder of Hanifaru Bay, part of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This horseshoe-shaped bay becomes a stage for one of the ocean’s most extraordinary gatherings. Between July and October, when tides, currents and the moon align, hundreds of manta rays and occasionally a whale shark, converge here to feed.

Your snorkelling journey begins with a short ride from Amilla, slipping quietly into the water as mantas glide in slow, sweeping circles beneath you. There’s nothing choreographed here, no tricks, no shows, just the ocean revealing its rhythm. You float above it all, watching life move in perfect sync with nature.

Explore a hidden marvel beneath the waves: The exclusive Blue Hole just off the house reef at Amilla. Your snorkelling expedition leads you above a naturally formed underwater cavity, a sapphire-blue opening surrounded by aquamarine seas, where coral blocks shelter schools of colourful reef fish.

Accessible with a short boat ride, this tranquil yet thrilling encounter blends Amilla’s serenity with nature’s dramatic artistry. Glide effortlessly at the surface, gaze into the mesmerising depths, or simply soak in the calm as marine life moves in gentle harmony below. It’s one of the Maldives’ most captivating reef formations, revealed in its purest form.

Step into a rare island encounter as you join Amilla’s Marine Biologist to observe the White-tailed Tropicbirds that nest on the island. These elegant seabirds, known for their snow-white plumage and long trailing tail feathers, are among the smallest of their kind in the tropical oceans. Their presence in Baa Atoll is limited to just a few islands, and Amilla is one of their chosen homes.

Your guided walk takes you through discreet nesting sites tucked within calm pockets of the island. From a respectful distance, you’ll witness the behaviours their Marine Biologist has been studying, from aerial courtship flights to the gentle rhythms of nesting pairs.