The Baa Atoll is about 130km northwest of the capital. There are 10
inhabited islands and 41 uninhabited islands with Eydhafushi is the atoll
capital. South Maalhosmadulu Atoll and Goidhoo Atoll, or Horsburgh Atoll, as it
is called on some European charts, belong to the administrative atoll of Baa.
The coral reefs are in pristine condition known for the large number of mantas
and reef sharks visiting during the southwest monsoon in May to July.
The Baa Atoll is famous for its handcrafts that include lacquer work and
finely woven cotton felis, the traditional sarongs. Weaving and fishing are the
principal occupations of the islanders. The atoll resorts have excellent
facilities offering a wide range of water sports including diving and health
facilities.
The small, isolated atoll of Goidhoo has been a haven for castaways and
exiles. The French explorer, François Pyrard, found himself here after
his ship, the Corbin, was wrecked in 1602.
There are three small uninhabited islands and only one channel, Doru Kandu,
in the south of the atoll. The atoll offers a secure anchorage near the islands
in the north-east monsoon.