15 best atolls of the Maldives – which one to choose for recreation, photo, description, map
Such an affectionate and soft-sounding name “Maldives” is associated by most with an inaccessible and elite place. There is an opinion that not everyone can afford to relax in such a paradise. Why are 1192 islands located in the Indian Ocean literally on the equator so famous?
The uniqueness of the Maldives is in their origin. All of them form a double chain, which includes 26 atolls – ring-shaped ledges of land formed from extinct corals. Over the millennia, coral formations were covered with layers of sand and soil.
Unusually rich and diverse underwater world around the atolls, which made them the center of world diving. But surfers and windsurfers also have a place to turn around here. Several islands were chosen by the coolest extreme sportsmen. It is unlikely that among avid travelers there will be a tourist who would not be attracted by the fantastic atolls of the Maldives!
South Male (Kaafu)
Most of the coral islands in the atoll are separated from each other by straits. An example of this is Kaafu Atoll, formed by 82 islands. Of these, two atolls – South Male and North Male are separated by the Vadu Strait, being different resort areas. South Male – landscapes of transcendental beauty with a bright aquamarine of the ocean, pure white sand, bathed in a generous sun.
It consists of 30 islands, but only 3 of them are inhabited by the local population. A resort infrastructure with good hotels has been created on 17 islands. They provide a comfortable stay for tourists flying and sailing here from all over the world. Beach lovers experience true pleasure from all the local delights.
A real paradise for divers is the marine reserves of Guraidhoo Kandu and Embudu Kandu. Many picturesque reefs, sheer walls, channels, rocks, the richest world of ocean fauna and flora – the picture is irresistible. Moray eels, sea lions, gray and whitetip sharks, eagle rays – eyes widen from such a variety. The wreck of the “Kuda Giri Wreck” marked the beginning of wreck diving, diving for those who want to explore the mysterious ship.
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North Male (Kaafu)
Eight fishing and twenty-seven resort and tourist islands are part of the formation of North Male. In essence, this is the main tourist center of the Maldives with the capital of Male, a tiny town that has largely retained its original authenticity.
The latter is an attractive factor for tourists tired of the urban civilization, so the sandy streets of Male are always filled with holidaymakers. 2 quarters of the city are the focus of modern shopping and entertainment establishments.
The local airport, located on the small island of Hulule, literally leaves the runway into the ocean – you will not see such exoticism everywhere. Landing here, vacationers receive maps of resort islands and atolls from the travel agency. Islands in the vicinity of Male enjoy great attention of holidaymakers.
For example, the island of Villingili, which has amazing beaches and clear waters. No less attractive is the island of Ara with amazing nature, where the presidential villa is located.
Accordingly, hotel prices are higher here. Other tourist islands far from the capital do not bypass the popularity. Each of them: Bodukhiti, Gasfinolu, Vabbinfaru, Baros, Ihuru, Giravaru, Kanifinolu and other 16 islands is an earthly paradise in the middle of the ocean. Tropical exotics amazes with fabulous beauty, unique flora, fruit and fish abundance.
Almost everywhere there are unlimited opportunities for diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, excursions and walks. In addition to water, there are many entertainments on land: football fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball, etc.
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Ari (Alifu)
100 km long, 70 islands (28 resorts and 18 with the local population, 24 uninhabited) – this is Ari Atoll, the largest and most popular among tourists. In its southern part is the capital Mahibadhoo. Ari positions itself as the most luxurious aristocratic resort with magnificent beaches, luxurious hotels, ideal conditions for water sports.
The island of Nalaguraidu is especially famous for this, where there are various sports grounds, a golf course, and equipment rental for water sports. Interesting for visiting the island of Kuramati, where windsurfers tend to. The famous traveler-explorer Thor Heyerdahl spent a lot of time excavating here.
Nika Resort is popular with fans of secluded pastime against the backdrop of enchanting landscapes. In local hotels, each guest is given his own piece of the beach, where he feels like a full owner.
Dhoney Mightly Resort provides guests with a boat with a private driver for excursions during the entire stay. Excellent conditions for diving are created in Rangali Finolhu, Halaveli, with an amazing underwater world, the unique fauna of which is amazing. Truly fantastic pictures open up before the eyes of those who visit Ari for the first time.
Laviani
If almost any Maldivian island is the focus of exotic beauty, then Laviani Atoll is the embodiment of beauty cubed. The magician-nature randomly scattered pieces of land, generously rewarding them with all sorts of charms.
About 60 picturesque islets are included in Laviani Atoll, most of them are uninhabited, which contributes to the conservation of the surrounding marine fauna. It is presented here in a huge variety. Incredible specimens of tropical fish: glassfish, angelfish, moray eels, sharks of various species are literally swarming near the reefs.
Divers dive here not only for the sake of the underwater fauna, but also because of the two sunken ships already overgrown with corals. The tiny islands are mostly concentrated around the barrier reef at a distance of 30 km (from Selihfushi Island in the east to Aligau Island in the south).
They are so tiny that only 3 hotels could accommodate in these places. Tourists like the island of Kuredu, where 9 golf courses are open, where you can learn how to play the aristocrats.
There is a sandbank above the reef. On it, local residents and guests play a kind of football, chasing pieces of plankton glowing at sunset with their bare feet. Many shallow reefs allow long snorkelling. Tourists buy souvenirs skillfully made from pearls and corals on Laviani.
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Dhaalu
46 islands, most of which are uninhabited, are part of the Dhaalu Atoll, located 5 km from Faafu. Accessible to tourists, the islands, captivating with wonderful beaches and a rich underwater world, are located in the northern part of Dhaalu.
Lovers of antiquity visit the ruins of Buddhist monasteries and an ancient mosque carved from coral stones. The central island of Kudahuvadu with a population of 1.5 thousand people has a developed infrastructure and is in demand by tourists who are fond of diving, fishing, and just romantics.
The virgin nature of the islands captivates everyone with its tropical beauty, and comfortable hotels make your stay here magical. The second island in Velavaru (island of the turtles) with a tourist center attracts holidaymakers with ample opportunities to engage in water sports.
Divers here expanse – a coral reef encircling the island, an ideal place for diving. In addition to windsurfing, fishing, sailing, catamarans and scooters, you can play volleyball, badminton, and table tennis on the beach.
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Kaafu
Among the 13 inhabited coral islands of Kaafu, in addition to North Male and South Male, the islands of Kaashidu, Gaafaru Atoll, Maafushi, Thilafushi, Guraido and others are interesting for tourists. Kaashidu is the fifth largest island in the Kaafu archipelago. 2 thousand people live on it permanently.
Coconut paradise among the azure ocean – this is the only way to characterize this place. The strip of soft white sand along the entire coast is extremely comfortable. Coconuts literally hang over your head.
Local bungalow hotels are quite affordable. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips are the basis of tourist entertainment. Maafushi Island is located 27 km from the capital Male. Tourists are given the northern tip of the island, although guest houses are located throughout the territory. Maafushi is famous for its inexpensive hotels and 2 beaches covered with sand and coral chips.
On them, ladies are allowed to be in the water in bathing suits (on the rest of the beaches of the Maldives they must swim in light clothes) The only Gaafaru atoll in the east of Kaafu, located 63 km from Male, is an elliptical reef island.
It surrounds a huge lagoon, with a diverse world of marine fauna. Divers flock here like flies to honey – the underwater kingdom beckons them with a kaleidoscope of colors and views.
Miimu
The ring-shaped Miimu coral reef is 30 km wide and stretches for 47 km in length and surrounds a picturesque bright blue water area. All of it is covered with green “spots” of 35 small islands, of which only 9 are inhabited.
Of these, only 2 islands are suitable for tourists. Miimu became available to them only in the late 90s. There are hotels, diving centers, equipment rentals for water entertainment.
Miimu is shaped like open shark jaws, which is very symbolic – reef sharks live in local waters at a depth of 20 m. One of the diving spots (dive site) is called “Shark Tongue” and is only accessible to experienced divers due to the strong current.
The second Giant Clam dive site is safer for beginner scuba divers and snorkelers. Giant turtles are found in this place, thickets of bright anemones, various algae and bunches of corals are pleasing to the eye.
Fulidu
At 65 km from the Maldivian capital, there is a scattering of coral islands in Fulidhoo, which are part of 2 atolls – the main large and a small round one. Of the 19, only 5 are inhabited, with a population of 2.3 thousand people, which makes Fulida the smallest administrative district of the Maldives. The best dive site in the archipelago is Fotteyo Kandu, a dive site with a virgin reef.
It is “inhabited” by a large number of rare fish and other unique fauna. There is a reef near Diggiri Island, where many divers come.
The local hotel offers 45 cozy bungalows. Even in the rainy season (March-October) it is full of tourists: short showers do not affect the temperature and the underwater world. Families with children prefer to stay on Alimate Island – they are attracted by the shallow lagoon, excellent beaches and comfortable bungalow hotels.
Fine coral sand covers all the beaches of the inhabited islands; they have good infrastructure in the form of comfortable sunbeds and umbrellas. Their use is included in the hotel rates. It should be noted that holidays on Vaava are not cheap – financially wealthy people come here.
Faafu
The Faafu archipelago (Northern Naladhe) includes 23 picturesque islands, of which 6 are inhabited. It is separated from the city of Male by 120 km, which can be overcome by seaplane. Before the eyes of admiring tourists, a truly magical world of amazing colors and sounds opens here.
The gentle whisper of turquoise waves sparkling in the sun breaks the breath of a light breeze. Tropical flora strikes with the brightness of greenery, contrasting with the whiteness of coral sand.
Thor Heyerdahl conducted excavations on the island of Naladhu, the results of which revealed traces of an ancient pagan culture. Among the inhabited islands, the world-famous resort of Filitheio is a coral paradise in the middle of the ocean.
A small reef, surrounded by pearly white beaches, is covered with coconut palms and other exotic plants. Local hotels – eco-villas with thatched roofs are equipped among palm trees on the beaches or on stilts right above the emerald lagoon.
The enchanting primeval nature is in perfect harmony with the unusually developed infrastructure. All kinds of beach and water activities, a diving center, spa and fitness centers, b / n Internet make the local vacation incredibly interesting.
Price
The true pearl of the Maldives – the Baa archipelago consists of 51 island reefs, composed of 61 types of corals. All formations have been a biosphere reserve under the protection of UNESCO since 2011. Almost every small island is surrounded by an underwater reef barrier with a rich variety of the underwater world. This factor attracts 350,000 divers every year.
Some reefs have unique features. For example, Furchermore has a special structure, the only one of its kind in the Maldives. The southernmost island of Olhugiri is covered with extraordinary vegetation, where only rare birds nest – large frigatebirds. On 139,700 hectares of the reserve, a huge number of species of marine and amphibian fauna live in coastal and marine zones.
Dozens of species of sea turtles, whale and reef sharks, dolphins, hammerhead fish and many more. Among the most famous tourist destinations here is the island hotel Sonevafshi Resort, which is distinguished by its luxurious beauty. Divers from all over the world choose it because of the abundance of dolphins around. The population of Baa, which is 12170 people, are skilled craftsmen in the manufacture of various souvenirs. Lacquer miniatures are in particular demand among tourists.
Raa
The edge of virgin nature, barely touched by civilization, Raa Atoll has about 15 inhabited islands. They are concentrated on the eastern side of the archipelago, and the reefs are located in the ring of islands. The flight here from Male airport by air taxi lasts 35-40 minutes.
Many divers choose Milaidoo reef, famous for its corals, sponges, underwater grottoes. Diving on Kakani-Thila, Digali-Khaa is popular – reef sharks live here, and parrot fish are found in anemone thickets. Madi-Finolhu reef is interesting for visiting, where unique black corals and a rare species of manta rays prevail.
The safety of this place allows beginners to dive. On Raa there is only one Meedhupparu island hotel of a true European level. The irresistible beauty of the landscapes, the sweet authenticity of these places attracts newlyweds who spend their honeymoon here.
The largest among the eastern islands, Alifushi is famous for the production of dhoni boats. On the western large island of Kandolhudoo, whose population is engaged in industrial fishing, you can taste a lot of fish delicacies.
True
The rather miniature island of Rasdhoo, 600 m long and 500 m wide, belongs to the Alif Alif atoll and is located 56 km from the capital. 1.5 thousand people live on a small piece of land, but there is never a pandemonium here. Calm peaceful atmosphere, all the necessary tourist infrastructure, the local reef provide a wonderful stay.
In the local settlement, 3 dive centers are open, where there are experienced instructors, modern equipment. On Rasdu, women are not allowed to be on the beach in a swimsuit, with the exception of private beaches at guest houses – these are Islamic laws. Ferries run to neighboring uninhabited islands every day except Friday.
A small beach is distinguished by impeccable cleanliness and soft sand, without corals. The shore has small algae that do not cause discomfort. You can hide from the sun in the shade of palm trees, there are several sun loungers. The main reason why tourists come here is diving and snorkeling.
The reef is located almost near the shore, so they plunge mainly into the tides. The underwater kingdom is on the verge of fantasy: amazing specimens of fish, cuttlefish, turtles, sharks, giant manta rays and other exotics.
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Addu
A fabulously beautiful corner of the planet – the southernmost Addu archipelago, which includes 23 islands, “scattered” in the shape of a huge horseshoe, is located almost on the equator, 540 km from Male. On one of the 6 inhabited islands of the atoll – Ghana, its own airport of international importance is equipped.
Here, even small uninhabited islands are also in demand by tourists who prefer a secluded vacation, so you can't do without an airport. It was built on the basis of the former air base of the British Air Force, which played a significant role in the development of local infrastructure.
The largest Addu Islands are Hithadhoo, Midhu and Gan. All pieces of land are protected from storms by a ring of coral reefs, so it is always calm inside the lagoon. The richest underwater world, good diving conditions, incredible beauty are attractive factors for divers and romantics.
Some reefs are located close to the surface of the water – a great place for inexperienced divers. On the island of Fuamulaku there are the ruins of an ancient temple, orange, pineapple groves, mangoes. Amazing beaches, excellent service, plenty of activities provide an unforgettable stay in the tropical paradise of Addu.
Gaafu
One of the largest and most remote Gaafu atolls is divided into 2 administrative zones – southern Gaafu Dhaalu (153 islands, 10 inhabited) and northern Gaafu Alifu (42 islands). 16 islands of Gaafu Alifu are inhabited, the rest are uninhabited. Tour packages are cheaper here due to the distance from the center of the Maldives. The main transport is seaplanes and planes from Male and Hululu.
Blowing westerly winds create high waves – a springboard for surfers around the world. But ordinary tourists also have something to do on the blessed shores: swimming, swimming, walking against the backdrop of exotic nature, and water excursions. Gaafu Dhaalu – kilometers of white sand, bordering the bright azure of the ocean and other attributes of the equatorial tropics.
The scattering of local islands is chosen by divers. The extraordinary diversity of underwater fauna has made the archipelago a permanent haven for scuba divers. Octopuses, angelfish, clowns and wrasses, turtles, manta rays, glowing phosphorus jellyfish – the whole spectrum of marine life is represented.
On all local beaches, no one is bored – there is everything for outdoor activities and entertainment. The local flora is replete with exotic palms, lianas, banana trees.
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Laamu
Despite the not very developed resort infrastructure, the oval-shaped Laamu archipelago is very popular with fans of beach holidays. Stunning terrestrial beauty, amazing underwater world, good weather conditions have made Laama a favorite vacation spot for many tourists.
Always comfortable temperature of water and air, perfectly clean beaches, lush tropical greenery, heaps of coral reefs are the main attractive factors. Divers make up the majority of holidaymakers. Here their head is spinning from what they see under the azure layer of the ocean.
Mysterious caves, mysterious narrow grottoes, steep cliffs, an enchanting abundance of representatives of the ocean fauna glorified Laama all over the planet. Shallow reefs provide an opportunity for ordinary holidaymakers to enjoy fantastic views.
The 12 inhabited islands have all the conditions for a comfortable pastime, when you can forget about all everyday problems and plunge into the enchanting world of peace and bliss.
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