Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary | Punta Gorda

Vakkaru Maldives is a private island resort located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, within the Maldives archipelago.

Visual Characteristics

The island features fine white sand beaches fringed by coconut palms. The surrounding lagoon water exhibits a gradient of turquoise and sapphire hues. Overwater bungalows and beach villas are constructed with natural materials, including thatched roofs and wooden decking, designed to blend with the environment.

Location & Access Logistics

Vakkaru Maldives is situated in the Raa Atoll. Access is primarily via seaplane transfer from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. The seaplane journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, guests can opt for a domestic flight to Ifuru Airport (IFU) followed by a 20-minute speedboat transfer. There is no direct road access from the mainland.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The island's formation is a result of natural coral reef accretion over millennia, characteristic of the Maldives' atoll structure. The resort was developed to operate within the ecological guidelines of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing minimal environmental impact.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include snorkeling and diving in the house reef and nearby dive sites, water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, and guided excursions to observe marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks during specific seasons. The resort offers various dining experiences across its multiple restaurants.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The resort provides private villas with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. On-site amenities include multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. Cell phone signal is generally available within the resort premises.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from December to April, offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. For manta ray and whale shark sightings, the period from May to November, during the southwest monsoon, is generally considered optimal, though weather can be less predictable.

Facts & Legends

The Baa Atoll is renowned for Hanifaru Bay, a marine protected area where large aggregations of manta rays and whale sharks gather to feed on plankton during the southwest monsoon. This phenomenon is one of the largest of its kind globally.

Nearby Landmarks

• Dhonakulhi Island (approx. 10km Southwest)
• Meedhoo Island (approx. 15km West)
• Furaveri Island Resort (approx. 8km Northeast)
• Reethi Faru Resort (approx. 12km Southeast)