The Maldives has set a new Guinness World Record for the most people snorkelling simultaneously, with a total of 623 people taking part in the event, held on 18 October 2025 in Baa Atoll. The record-breaking attempt was organised by the Baa Atoll Council in collaboration with Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), and saw resort staff, international tourists, and local Maldivians from 13 islands and 14 resorts take part.
The event was held at the western lagoon and coral-filled outer reef Villingilifaru Finolhu, a tiny island inside Baa Atoll, approximately 10km west of the famous manta ray cleaning stations at Hanifaru Bay The record-breaking snorkelling attempt started at at 4.30pm in the atfternoon and lasted an hour, as hundreds of participants simultaneously entered the crystal-clear waters at multiple designated points across the sandbank.
The plaque was awarded by a Guinness World Records official adjudicator to the Baa Atoll Council during the ceremony that followed, which included music, entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks display. The record was also inducted into the Visit Maldives Book of Records.
A commemorative plaque and coin were presented by Ibrahim Shiury, CEO and MD of Visit Maldives Corporation to the Baa Atoll Council. ‘This achievement is a proud moment for our nation,’ said Shiury. ‘It reflects our people’s bond with the ocean and our collective commitment to preserving it for generations to come.’
