15 best atolls in the Maldives

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 rest in such a paradise. Why are the 1192 islands located in the Indian Ocean literally at the equator so famous?

The favorable location ensures hot summers all year round. Each of the 200 inhabited islands is a special world, unlike other brethren in landscape and natural environment. Some of them are covered with jungle, palm groves, and some are completely devoid of any vegetation, only rocks and sand, like on Mars.

The uniqueness of the Maldives lies in their origin. All of them form a double chain, which includes 26 atolls - ring-shaped landforms formed from extinct corals. For millennia, coral formations have been covered with layers of sand and soil.

The underwater world around the atolls is unusually rich and diverse, making them the center of world diving. But surfers and windsurfers also have a lot to turn around here. Several islands were chosen by the coolest extreme sportsmen. Hardly among the avid travelers there is 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 Wadu Strait, being different resort areas. South Male - landscapes of outrageous beauty with bright ocean aquamarine, pure white sand, bathed in generous sun.

It includes 30 islands, but only 3 of them are home to the local population. 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 delight in all the delights here.

A real paradise for divers is the Guraidhoo Kandu and Embudu Kandu marine reserves. Many picturesque reefs, sheer walls, canals, rocks, the richest world of ocean fauna and flora - the picture is irresistible. Moray eels, sea lions, gray and whitetip sharks, eagle rays - from such a variety, eyes run up. The sunken ship "Kuda Giri Rek" marked the beginning of wreck diving, diving wishing to explore the mysterious ship.

North Male (Kaafu)

Eight fishing and twenty-seven resort-tourist islands are part of the formation of North Male. In fact, this is the main tourist center of the Maldives with the capital of Male, a tiny town that has largely preserved its original authenticity.

The latter is an attractive factor for tourists tired of urban civilization, therefore the sandy streets of Male are always filled with holiday-makers. 2 quarters of the city - the focus of modern shopping and entertainment facilities.

The local airport, located on the small island of Hulule, literally leaves the runway into the ocean - you cannot see such exoticism everywhere. Landing here, vacationers receive maps of the resort islands and atolls from the travel agency. The islands in the vicinity of Male are of great interest to holidaymakers.

For example, Villingili Island, which has amazing beaches and clear waters. No less attractive is the Ara island with amazing nature, where the presidential villa is located.

Accordingly, hotel prices are higher here. Other tourist islands far from the capital are also popular. Each of them: Boduhiti, Gasfinolu, Wabbinfaru, Baros, Ihuru, Giravara, Kanifinolu and other 16 islands - an earthly paradise in the middle of the ocean. Tropical exotic impresses with its 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 activities, there is a lot of entertainment on land: football fields, tennis courts, beach volleyball, etc.

Ari (Alifu)

100 km long, 70 islands (28 resort and 18 with a local population, 24 uninhabited) - this is Ari Atoll, the largest and most popular among tourists. In its southern part is the capital of Mahibadu. Ari positions itself as the most luxurious aristocratic resort with magnificent beaches, luxury hotels, ideal conditions for water sports.

Nalaguraidu Island is especially famous for this, where there are various sports grounds, a golf course, and water sports equipment rental. Interesting for visiting Kuramati Island, where windsurfers tend to. The famous explorer-traveler Thor Heyerdahl spent a lot of time here, conducting excavations.

Nika resort is popular with fans of secluded pastime against the backdrop of enchanting landscapes. In local hotels, each guest is assigned his own piece of the beach, on which he feels like a full-fledged owner.

Doni Maitli Resort provides guests with a private chauffeur-driven boat for their excursions throughout their stay. Excellent diving conditions are created in Rangali Finolu, Halaveli, with an amazing underwater world, the unique fauna of which is amazing. Truly fantastic pictures open before the eyes of those who visit Ari for the first time.

Laviani

If almost any Maldivian island is a focus of exotic beauty, then Lhaviani Atoll is the embodiment of beauty in a cube. The wizard-nature chaotically scattered pieces of sushi, generously rewarding them with all kinds of delights.

About 60 picturesque islets are included in Lhaviani Atoll, most of them are uninhabited, which contributes to the conservation of the surrounding marine fauna. She is presented here in great variety. Incredible specimens of tropical fish: glass fish, sea angels, moray eels, sharks of various species literally swarm 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 mainly concentrated around the barrier reef at a distance of 30 km (from Selikhfushi Island in the east to Aligau Island in the south).

They are so tiny that only 3 hotels were able to accommodate in these places. Tourists like Kuredu Island, where 9 golf courses are open, where you can learn the game of aristocrats.

A sandbank protrudes above the local reef. On it, local residents and guests play a kind of football, chasing pieces of plankton glowing at sunset with their bare feet. The many shallow reefs allow for long-term snorkelling. Tourists buy souvenirs skillfully made from pearls and corals on Laviani.

Dhaalu

46 islands, most of which are not inhabited, are part of Dhaalu Atoll, located 5 km from Faafu. The islands accessible to tourists, 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 Kudahuwadu 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 conquers everyone with its tropical beauty, and comfortable hotels make your stay here magical. The second island Velavaru (island of turtles) with a tourist center attracts holidaymakers with ample opportunities to go in for water sports.

For divers there is plenty of space - 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, table tennis on the shore.

Kaafu

Among the 13 inhabited coral islands of Kaafu, in addition to North Male and South Male, Kaashidu Island, Gaafaru Atoll, Maafushi, Tilafushi, Guraidhoo and others are interesting for tourists. Kaashidu is the fifth largest island in the Kaafu archipelago. There are 2 thousand people permanently living on it.

A coconut paradise among the azure ocean - this is the only way to characterize this place. The strip of soft white sand along the entire coastline is extremely comfortable. Coconuts literally hang over your head.

Local bungalow hotels are quite affordable. Diving, snorkeling, 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 coral sand beaches.

On them, ladies are allowed to be in the water in swimsuits (on other beaches of the Maldives, they must swim in light clothes) Gaafaru, the only 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 coral reef of Miimu is 30 km wide and stretches for 47 km and surrounds a picturesque water area of ​​bright blue color. All of it is covered with green "spots" 35 small islands, of which only 9 are inhabited.

Of these, only 2 islands are adapted for tourists. Miimu became available to them only in the late 90s. There are hotels, diving centers, rental equipment for water entertainment.

Miimu resembles open shark jaws in shape, 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 accessible only to experienced divers due to the strong current.

The second Giant Clam dive site is safer for beginner scuba divers and snorkelers. Giant turtles live in this place, thickets of bright anemones, various algae and bunches of corals are pleasing to the eye.

Fulidu

At 65 km from the Maldives capital, there is a placer of coral islands in Fulidu, which are part of 2 atolls - the main big one and the small round one. Of the 19 inhabited, only 5, with a population of 2.3 thousand people, which makes Fulida the smallest administrative district in the Maldives. The best diving spot in the archipelago is Fotteyo Candu, a dive site with a pristine 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 during the rainy season (March-October) there are a lot of tourists: short showers do not affect the temperature and the underwater world. Families with children prefer to stay on the Alimata Island - they are attracted by the shallow water of the 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 sun loungers and umbrellas. Their use is included in the cost of hotel accommodation. It should be noted that rest on Vaavu is not cheap - financially secure people come here.

Faafu

The Faafu archipelago (North 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. A truly magical world of amazing colors and sounds opens up before the eyes of admiring tourists.

A gentle whisper of turquoise waves sparkling in the sun breaks the breath of a light breeze. The tropical flora amazes with the brightness of greenery, contrasting with the whiteness of the coral sand.

On the island of Naladhu, Thor Heyerdahl conducted excavations, 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, covered with coconut trees and other exotic plant species. Local hotels - eco-thatched villas nestled among palm trees on the beaches or on stilts just above the emerald lagoon.

The enchanting pristine nature is in perfect harmony with the unusually developed infrastructure. All types of beach and water activities, a diving center, spa and fitness centers, w / n internet make the local rest incredibly interesting.

Baa

A true gem of the Maldives, the Baa archipelago is made up of 51 island reefs made up of 61 coral species. All formations are a biosphere reserve under the protection of UNESCO since 2011. Almost every small island is surrounded by an underwater reef barrier with a rich diversity of the underwater world. This factor attracts 350 thousand divers annually.

Some reefs have unique characteristics. For example, Furchermore has a special structure that is unique in the Maldives. The southernmost island of Olhugiri is covered with extraordinary vegetation, where only rare birds - large frigates - nest here. The 139700 hectares of the reserve in the coastal and marine zones are home to a huge number of species of marine and amphibious fauna.

Dozens of species of sea turtles, whale and reef sharks, dolphins, hammerheads and many more. Among the most famous tourist destinations here is the island-hotel Sonevafshi Resort, distinguished by its luxurious beauty. Divers from all over the world choose it because of the abundance of dolphins around. The population of Baa is 12,170 people, skilled craftsmen in the manufacture of various souvenirs. Lacquer miniatures are in great demand among tourists.

Raa

A land of pristine 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 Milaido Reef, famous for its corals, sponges, and underwater grottoes. Diving on Kakani-Tila, Digali-Haa is popular - reef sharks live here, and parrot fish are found in the thickets of anemone. It is interesting to visit the Madi-Finolhu reef, where unique black corals and a rare species of mantu stingrays prevail.

The safety of this place allows beginners to dive. On Raa there is only one island-hotel Meedhupparu of real European level. The irresistible beauty of the landscapes, the sweet authenticity of these places attracts newlyweds who spend their honeymoon here.

The largest of the eastern islands, Alifushi, is famous for the production of doni boats.On the western large island of Kandolhudoo, whose population is engaged in industrial fishing, you can taste a lot of fish delicacies.

Rasdoo

The rather miniature Rasdu Island, 600 m long and 500 m wide, belongs to the Alif Alif Atoll and is located 56 km from the capital. A small piece of land is home to 1.5 thousand people, but there is never crowding here. The calm and peaceful atmosphere, all the necessary tourist infrastructure, the local reef provide a wonderful stay.

In the local settlement, 3 diving centers are open, where there are experienced instructors, modern equipment. In Rasdou, 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.

The small beach is immaculately clean and has soft sand, without coral. There are small algae near the shore, which do not cause discomfort. You can hide from the sun in the shade of palm trees, there are several sun loungers. The main thing is why tourists come here, diving and snorkeling.

The reef is located almost near the coast, so they submerge mainly in the tides. The underwater kingdom is on the verge of fantasy: amazing specimens of fish, cuttlefish, turtles, sharks, giants manta rays and other exotic.

Addu

A fabulously beautiful corner of the planet - the southernmost archipelago of Addu, which includes 23 islands, "scattered" in the shape of a huge horseshoe, is located almost at the equator, 540 km from Male. One of the 6 inhabited islands of the atoll, Ghana, has its own airport of international importance.

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 British Air Force airbase, which played a significant role in the development of local infrastructure.

The largest islands of Addu 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 of the reefs are located close to the surface of the water - a great place for inexperienced divers. On the Fuamulaku island there are ruins of an ancient temple, orange, pineapple groves, and mangoes. Amazing beaches, excellent service and loads of entertainment ensure 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 Daalu (153 islands, 10 inhabited) and northern Gaafu Alifu (42 islands). 16 islands of Gaafu Alifu are inhabited, the rest are uninhabited. Tours are cheaper here due to the distance from the center of the Maldives. The main transport is seaplanes and airplanes from Male and Hululu.

The 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, walks against the backdrop of exotic nature, boat excursions. Gaafu Daalu - kilometers of white sand, bordering the bright azure of the ocean and other attributes of the equatorial tropics.

The scattering of the local islands is favored by divers. The extraordinary diversity of the underwater fauna has made the archipelago a permanent haven for scuba divers. Octopuses, angel fish, clowns and wrasses, turtles, manta rays, phosphorus-glowing jellyfish - the whole spectrum of marine life is represented.

No one gets bored on all local beaches - there is everything for active recreation and entertainment. The local flora is replete with exotic palms, lianas, banana trees.

Laamu

Despite the not very developed resort infrastructure, the oval-shaped Laamu archipelago is very popular among fans of beach holidays. Stunning terrestrial beauty, amazing underwater world, good weather conditions have made Laamu 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 resort visitors. 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 have glorified Laama all over the planet. The shallow reefs provide fantastic views for casual vacationers.

On 12 inhabited islands there are all conditions for a comfortable pastime, when you can forget about all everyday problems and plunge into the enchanting world of peace and bliss.

Maldives atolls on the map