The Maldives has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people snorkeling simultaneously during the Baani Event held on 18 October 2025 in Baa Atoll.

A total of 623 snorkelers participated in this landmark event, underscoring the Maldives’ deep connection with the ocean and its commitment to promoting sustainable marine tourism.

Organized by the Baa Atoll Council in collaboration with the Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), the record-breaking event brought together participants from 13 islands and 15 resorts, along with representatives from across the country.

Resort staff, international tourists, and local communities joined in a unified celebration of environmental stewardship and national pride.

The snorkeling took place at Villingilifaru Finolhu, located just 10 minutes from Eydhafushi, offering a spectacular natural setting of coral-filled reefs and lagoons teeming with marine life, including hundreds of Black-naped Terns.

The synchronized snorkeling session began at 16:30 hrs and lasted for one hour, with participants entering the turquoise waters at multiple designated points.

Following the event, a Guinness World Records official adjudicator presented the certification plaque to the Baa Atoll Council in a celebratory ceremony featuring music, entertainment, and fireworks.

The achievement was also inducted into the Visit Maldives Book of Records, and a commemorative plaque and coin were presented by Ibrahim Shiury, CEO and Managing Director of Visit Maldives Corporation, to the Baa Atoll Council.

The Baani Event serves as a powerful symbol of unity and shared purpose, aligning with Visit Maldives Corporation’s mission to position the Maldives as a global leader in marine tourism and sustainability.

It demonstrates how tourism, conservation, and community participation can coexist harmoniously safeguarding the Maldives’ marine heritage while celebrating its identity as the world’s leading island destination.