Southern atolls of the Maldives
Promising an unforgettable holiday experience, the 12 Southern Atolls of the Maldives come with distinct sets of possibilities, attractions, and natural pleasures that make them a much-desired destination on the planet.
The remote geographic location of these atolls results in fewer tourists and a more intimate atmosphere than their northern counterparts. Here, vacationers can find ample opportunities to rediscover themselves amidst beautiful surroundings while appreciating the friendliness of the locals through immersive accommodations offered by some of the world’s best resorts.
ALIF ALIF ATOLL
(Ari Atholhu Uthuruburi)
An ultimate vacation point in the Maldives, Alif Alif Atoll, is a favorite with a diverse set of travelers. The atoll’s islands are distinct in their personalities, some lush with vegetation, while others provide private escapes ideal for honeymooning couples.
Amongst these islands, Rasdhoo-Madivaru is renowned for the abundance of hammerhead sharks in its surrounding waters. Whereas Rasdhoo, Thoddhoo, Kuramathi, and Himendhoo, all have numerous centuries-old Buddhist relics worth exploring.
Quite a few of the uninhabited islands of Alif Alif Atoll are now resorts that offer their guests fashionable comforts and a chance to relish in the exquisiteness of the archipelago.
INFO
Number of islands: 33 (25 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Rasdhoo
Nearest Airport: Malé International Airport (MLE)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Bodufolhudhoo
- Feridhoo
- Himandhoo
- Maalhos
- Mathiveri
- Rasdhoo
- Thoddhoo
- Ukulhas
ALIF DHAAL ATOLL
(Ari Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
One of the busiest atolls in the Maldives, there is always something of interest happening on Alif Dhaal. Offering a mix of historical sights and romantic attractions, tourists can visit the tomb of Sultan Ibrahim III on Hangnaameedhoo or walk the long stretch of soft sand with verdant beachside greenery on Dhigurah.
That’s not all, for families can indulge in the magical charm of the Maldives by having a picnic at Hurasdhoo, amusingly called “Pineapple Island.” Or else, stop by Fenfushi to witness the exquisiteness of the local craftsmanship and coral carvings at the Fenfushi Friday Mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Not surprisingly, there are several exclusive resorts in Alif Dhaal Atoll, of which some have achieved iconic status in the hospitality business.
INFO
Population: 8,145
Number of islands: 49 (39 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Mahibadhoo
Nearest Airport: Villa International Airport
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Dhangethi
- Dhiddhoo
- Dhigurah
- Fenfushi
- Hangnaameedhoo
- Kunburudhoo
- Maamingili
- Mahibadhoo
- Mandhoo
- Omadhoo
VAAVU ATOLL
(Felidhe Atholhu)
Although the Maldives already places you in one of the most gorgeous and secluded parts of the globe, Vaavu Atoll takes it a step further. Having the least population in the Maldives, there is an atmospheric intimacy that engulfs the islands here, unmatched by any of other atolls. Even though the Vaavu is only an hour away by speedboat from Malé, there are hardly any day-tourists, leaving resident guests with empty beaches and minimal boat traffic.
Frequented primarily by water sports enthusiasts, Vaavu Atoll has an expansive barrier reef, home to fantastic dive sights. Fotteyo Kandu is a channel dive with caves and schools of reef fish. Miyara Kundu is swarming with a variety of sharks, the occasional hammerhead, and the ever-so-popular manta rays.
Vaavu Atoll has a limited number of resorts, although there has been a sudden increase in budget accommodations over the last few years.
INFO
Number of islands: 19 (14 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Felidhoo
Nearest Airport: Villa International Airport (VAM)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Felidhoo
- Fulidhoo
- Keyodhoo
- Rakeedhoo
- Thinadhoo
FAAFU ATOLL
(Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi)
Faafu Atoll has something for everyone, from ancient remains of Buddhist stupas and Maldives’ second mosque, AasaariMisky, in Nilandhoo to Rihaakuru factories that produce the tastiest fish paste, regularly used in Maldivian cooking.
As a significant diving spot, Faafu Atoll welcomes scuba divers from all over the world with its exotic house reefs and challenging dhoni wrecks. The atoll also has a shallow dive known as “Repeater’s Paradise,” so-called because most divers like to go back and do it again.
There are many inexpensive guest houses on Nilandhoo, attracting tourists of all budgets. However, for a truly memorable vacation, pick an extravagant resort that comes with infinity pools, an on-site diving center, and guarantees a hassle-free tranquil sojourn.
INFO
Number of islands: 23 (17 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Nilandhoo
Nearest Airport: Dhaalu Airport (DDD)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Biledhoo
- Dharanboodhoo
- Feeali
- Filitheyo
- Magoodhoo
- Nilandhoo
MEEMU ATOLL
(Mulaku Atholhu)
Travelers choosing to spend their Maldivian holiday on one of Meemu Atoll’s islands are in for a treat. Besides having white sandy beaches and a great surfing culture, one can enjoy many family-oriented excursions here. Tourists can take day trips that allow them to plunge into the soul of Maldives by visiting a traditional village. Else, they can partake in an after-dark fishing expedition where you can eat what you catch the next day.
At night, most resorts in the atoll have cultural programs for their guests that include bonfires on the beach, dance performances, and the very best of Maldivian culinary delights. This is a standard feature across most top resorts in the Maldives.
Now, there might only be a few resorts on Meemu Atoll. Still, their breath-taking lagoon views, contemporary comforts, and rejuvenating spa treatments can easily impress the most ardent of travelers.
INFO
Number of islands: 33 (24 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Muli
Nearest Airport: ThimarafushiAirport (TMF)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- BoliMulah
- Dhiggaru
- Kolhufushi
- Madifushi
- Maduvvaree
- Muli
- Naalaafuhi
- Raimmandhoo
- Veyvah
KAAFU ATOLL
(Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
Diving sites aplenty, visitors exploring Dhaalu Atoll will find that it exudes a spellbinding aura enhanced further by the welcoming warmth of the island inhabitants. However, there is much more to this part of Maldives than meets the eye.
The islands of Hulhudheli and Rinbudhoo are known as “Jeweler’s islands”. A day trip to either one is the perfect chance to pick up intricately designed handmade gold and silver jewelry items. Families can enjoy Kandiland, a game and entertainment center, or choose to participate in water sports such as kitesurfing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding.
Dhaalu is also where you want to pamper yourself to the max, and the best place for that is at one of its lavish accommodations.
INFO
Population: 5,305
Number of islands: 56 (49 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Kudahuvadhoo
Nearest Airport: Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Bandidhoo
- Hulhudheli
- Kudahuvadhoo
- Maaenboodhoo
- Meedhoo
- Rinbudhoo
- Vaanee
THAA ATOLL
(Kolhumadulu)
Thaa Atoll remains untouched due to its large number of uninhabited islands without resorts and is thus one of the hidden gems only a few have had the privilege to explore. The region has an abundance of diving sites, typically reached via a boat, and is considered by many as a hotspot for surfing activity.
The atolls sole resort, COMO Maalifushi, is thus perfect for couples desiring privacy. The resort offers spectacular amenities that range from holistic spa therapies to a private beach and dining options featuring Maldivian, international and Japanese cuisine.
Although there is only one resort in Thaa Atoll, a couple more pocket-friendly housings options are available on the island of Thimarafushi.
INFO
Number of islands: 66 (53 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Veymandoo
Nearest Airport: Thimarafushi Airport (TMF)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Burunee
- Dhiyamingili
- Gaadhiffushi
- Guraidhoo
- Hirilandhoo
- Kandoodhoo
- Kinbidhoo
- Madifushi
- Omadhoo
- Thimarafushi
- Vandhoo
- Veymandoo
- Vilufushi
LAAMU ATOLL
(Hahdhunmathi)
Natural Maldivian atolls all guarantee stunning beaches and exceptional landscapes. In Laamu Atoll, though, tourists can appreciate some of the other specialties of the territory. Visiting gourmands can try the local delicacy Golha Riha; a meatball dish made using reef fish and a special curry, the recipe of which is known only to the women of Laamu Atoll.
Movie fans will find it interesting that the shooting of several “Star Wars: Rogue One” scenes took place here. As for travelers wanting to enjoy the surrounding waters, Laamu has several virgin diving spots and an assortment of waves for both professionals and amateur surfers.
Tourists wanting to spend their time on Laamu will find that it has limited lodgings, but ones that cater to all budgets.
INFO
Population: 11,795
Number of islands: 82 (67 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Fonadhoo
Nearest Airport: Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Dhanbidhoo
- Fonadhoo
- Gaadhoo
- Gan
- Hitadhoo
- Isdhoo
- Kalhaidhoo
- Kunahandhoo
- Maabaidhoo
- Maamendhoo
- Maavah
- Mundoo
- Maandhoo
- Vadinolhu
- Olhuveli
GAAFU ALIF ATOLL
(Huvadhu Atholhu Uthuruburi)
Gaafu Alif is a culturally rich atoll with several of its residents involved in the fishing industry or handicraft manufacturing. Dhevvadhoo is particularly famous for coir-rope making called “roanuveshun” in the local dialect. Kondey, on the other hand, speaks of Maldivian history through its four Buddhist prayer mounds.
Returning tourists especially prefer Gaafu Alif for its unmatched diving sites, that were spared destruction during El Niño 1998. Snorkellers and divers in the area are likely to come across green sea turtles, butterflyfish, and oriental sweetlips.
There are both budget and eco-friendly deluxe hotels on Gaafu Alif.
INFO
Number of islands: 87 (77 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Vilingili
Nearest Airport: Kooddoo Airport (GKK)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Dhaandhoo
- Dhevvadhoo
- Dhiyadhoo
- GemanafushiKanduhulhudhoo
- Kolamaafushi
- Kondey
- Maamendhoo
- Nilandhoo
- Vilingili
GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL
(Huvadhu Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
The Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll promises its guests a quintessential Maldivian vacation brimming with exciting and educational attractions. Among its diverse spectacles are fabulous beaches and monuments that highlight the region’s multi-cultural heritage.
History enthusiasts will particularly enjoy a trip to Vaadhoo to explore remains of a Buddhist stupa and a beautifully decorated ancient mosque near which is the grave of Mohamed Jamaaluddin, referred to as the “first teacher of Maldives”.
For those who prefer a more dynamic vacation, Gaafu Dhaalu is world-famous for its waves, perfect for professional surfers. Amateurs water sports enthusiasts can snorkel in the reef or else book a trip to go scuba diving for a more intense underwater escapade.
Travelers planning to spend a few days basking in the serenity of Gaafu Dhaalu should opt for one of the lavish resorts that feature private pool villas, water bungalows, and multiple restaurants.
INFO
Population: 11,587
Number of islands: 153 (143 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Thinadhoo
Nearest Airport: Kaadedhdhoo Airport (KDM)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Fares
- Fiyoaree
- Gaddhoo
- Hoandeddhoo
- Maathodaa
- Madaveli
- Nadellaa
- Rathafandhoo
- Vaadhoo
- Thinadhoo
GNAVIYANI ATOLL
(Fuvahmulah)
A prominent single-island equatorial atoll in the Maldives, Gnaviyani, happens to the smallest in terms of its administrative area. A specialty about Fuvahmulah is that it is home to two freshwater lakes, once lagoons, resulting in a rich variety of fruit and vegetable growth throughout the island.
The somewhat sheltered and serene environment of Fuvahmulah mainly attracts romantic couples and budget travelers who want to leave behind the crowds and explore a more rustic island lifestyle. From indulging in the local culture to fishing and diving with tiger sharks, there are plenty of outings to savor on the island.
The biggest attraction in Fuvahmulah is Thundi white pebble beach. The only of its kind in the archipelago, it is considered amongst the most exotic beaches in the world. The opening of a harbor and airport on the island has further helped increase tourism over the last decade.
Several economical lodgings dot the island, available in the form of hotels and guest houses.
INFO
Number of islands: 1
Main city: Fuvahmulah
Nearest Airport: Fuvahmulah(FVM)
INHABITED ISLANDS
Fuvahmulah
SEENU ATOLL
(Addu Atholhu)
It is thought that the earliest settlements in the Maldives happened on the island of Meedhoo, situated in the north of the Seenu Atoll. An essential part of Maldivian history it is also the southernmost chain of islands in the archipelago. Boasting unique and flourishing flora and fauna, Seenu attracts nature lovers from across the globe, who come here to search for exotic land and sea animals and birds. Seemu Atoll is the only place in the entire Maldives where one can catch a glimpse of the tiny seabird white tern, known locally as dhondheeni.
The bio-network of the region, which consists of a lagoon, is such that it is the perfect playground for whales and dolphins. Tourists visiting Addu City, which comprise the five inhabited islands, can also participate in water sports or adrenaline-pumping activities such as kayaking or skydiving.
There are a limited number of resorts on Seemu Atoll.
INFO
Population: 33,694
Number of islands: 32 (26 uninhabited islands)
Main city: Hithadhoo
Nearest Airport: Gan International Airport (GAN)
INHABITED ISLANDS
- Meedhoo
- Hulhudhoo
- Hithadhoo
- Maradhoo
- Maradhoo-Feydhoo
- Feydhoo