The standout feature of South Maalhosmadulu, officially Baa Atoll, is Hanifaru Bay — a globally significant marine protected area where seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks occur. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll hosts rich coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, making it ecologically diverse and important. The atoll has around 75 islands, with about 13 inhabited, including Eydhafushi, the administrative center. The surrounding uninhabited islands are used for agriculture, tourism, and conservation. Baa lies to the northwest of the Maldives’ capital, Malé, and is accessible by domestic flights and sea transport. Its reefs suffered from coral bleaching events, but many areas are recovering under protective measures. Traditional fishing and boatbuilding still exist alongside tourism. The atoll's geography is typical of a “faru”-style coral formation — a ring-like reef enclosing shallow lagoons — which supports both marine life and island settlement.