When you start looking at Maldives resorts, every one seems to sit in a different atoll: North Malé, South Ari, Baa, Raa and many more. The names can be confusing at first, but they are really just a map of the country.
This guide explains what an atoll is, how the names work, and what each area where our hand-picked resorts sit is like. You can then browse resorts by atoll with a clearer picture. For the basic facts and figures about the country, see the Maldives at a glance.
What an atoll is
An atoll is a ring of coral reef around a lagoon. Islands form on the reef, usually where sand builds up over time. Inside the ring, the lagoon is sheltered and often shallow. Outside, the reef drops away into deep ocean.
Between the reefs there are channels, called kandu in Dhivehi. Water moves in and out of the atoll through them, which brings food for fish, mantas and other marine life. It is also why the outer edges of an atoll are good for diving and surfing.
Most resorts sit on a small island of their own, with a lagoon and a reef around it. The atoll it belongs to tells you roughly where in the country it is, how you get there and what the sea around it is like.
How the atolls are named
You will often see two names for the same place.
- Natural atolls are the reef rings themselves, with traditional geographical names such as Ari or Malé.
- Administrative atolls are the areas used by the government. Each has an official name, such as Alif Alif or Kaafu, and a letter code.
Sometimes one natural atoll is split into two administrative ones, and sometimes one administrative area includes more than one natural atoll. Resorts and travel sites usually use the friendlier geographical names, such as North Ari or South Malé, and we do the same on our resort pages.
The atolls around the capital
North Malé and South Malé atolls surround the capital and the main international airport. They are the closest resort areas to your arrival.
- Transfers are usually by speedboat, often well under an hour, and run day and night.
- This suits short stays, late or early flights, families with young children, and anyone who wants to get to the beach quickly.
- The sea here has good house reefs, well-known dive sites and some of the country’s most popular surf breaks.
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Bandos Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, Eri Maldives, Joy Island, Niva Kurumba Maldives, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Thulhagiri Island Resort & Spa and Villa Nautica, Paradise Island.
South Malé Atoll is just across a wide channel to the south.
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, Niva Velassaru Maldives, Saii Lagoon Maldives, Sun Siyam Olhuveli Maldives and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.
Ari Atoll
Ari lies to the west of Malé, across open water. It is one of the largest atolls and is split into North Ari and South Ari.
- Transfers are mostly by seaplane, which gives a beautiful view of the reefs on the way.
- The sea around Ari is known for big marine life. South Ari is famous for whale sharks, and both parts have well-known manta and dive sites. Our guide to manta rays and whale sharks explains more.
- This suits divers, snorkellers and anyone who wants a classic seaplane arrival.
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Ananea Madivaru, Constance Halaveli Resort, Niva Kuramathi Maldives, Safari Island Resort & Spa and W Maldives.
South Ari has many of our resorts close to its whale shark area.
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Angaga Island Resort and Spa, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Constance Moofushi Resort, Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas, Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat, Lily Beach Resort, LUX South Ari Atoll, Maldives, NH Kuda Rah Maldives, Nova Maldives and Villa Park, Sun Island.
Baa, Raa and Lhaviyani
These atolls lie to the north of Malé. They feel more spread out and quieter, and the transfer is part of the experience.
- Transfers are usually by seaplane. For some resorts, a domestic flight followed by a boat ride is another way in.
- Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to Hanifaru Bay, famous for manta rays. Our Baa Atoll guide covers it in detail.
- Raa and Lhaviyani are known for quiet islands, long lagoons and a sense of space.
In Baa Atoll:
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Anantara Kihavah Villas, Avani + Fares, Dhigufaru Island Resort, Dreamland - The Unique Sea & Lake Resort/Spa, Royal Island Resort and Spa and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.
In Raa Atoll, just to the north of Baa:
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Heritance Aarah, Kudafushi Resort & Spa, Niva Dhigali Maldives and You & Me By Cocoon.
In Lhaviyani Atoll, to the east:
Our hand-picked resort in this atoll: Le Méridien Maldives Resort and Spa.
Dhaalu and the far south
South of Ari, the atolls become more remote, with fewer resorts and very quiet seas.
- Dhaalu Atoll is reached by seaplane, or by a domestic flight and a boat ride.
- The far south, close to the equator, is reached by a domestic flight and then a boat transfer. It is one of the most unspoilt parts of the country, with deep channels and big open reefs.
- This suits travellers who want real seclusion and don’t mind a longer journey.
Our hand-picked resorts in this atoll: Kandima Maldives and The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives.
In Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, in the far south:
Our hand-picked resort in this atoll: Ayada Maldives.
How the atoll shapes your trip
The atoll matters most for three things.
- Your transfer. Near Malé, speedboats run day and night. Further away, seaplanes fly only in daylight, so late arrivals may need a night near the airport. Our transfers guide explains each option.
- The marine life. Some animals gather in particular atolls, so if you dream of mantas or whale sharks, the atoll matters.
- The feel. Atolls near Malé are livelier and easier to reach. Remote atolls feel quieter and more spread out.
The Maldives is a year-round destination, and every atoll has good days through the year. Our guide to the best time to visit explains how the seasons feel.
Choosing an atoll
There is no single best atoll. A few simple questions help:
- How long is your stay, and what time do your flights land and leave?
- Is a seaplane flight part of the dream, or would you rather arrive quickly?
- Is there one animal or activity you really want, such as diving or surfing?
- Do you want a lively island or a very quiet one?
Tell us your answers when you enquire and we’ll suggest hand-picked resorts in the atolls that suit you. Our guide to choosing a resort covers the other things to weigh up.
Frequently asked questions
What is an atoll in the Maldives?
An atoll is a ring of coral reef around a lagoon, with islands along the reef. The Maldives is made up of a long chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean.
Which atoll is closest to Malé airport?
North Malé and South Malé atolls surround the capital and the airport. Most resorts there are reached by speedboat.
Why do some atolls have two names?
Each area has a traditional geographical name, such as Ari, and an official administrative name and letter code. Resorts usually use the geographical name.
Which atoll is best for manta rays and whale sharks?
Baa Atoll is famous for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay, and South Ari is known for whale sharks. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Do I need a seaplane to reach my resort?
It depends on the atoll. Resorts near Malé use speedboats. Many resorts further away use seaplanes, and some use a domestic flight and a boat.
Which atoll is best?
There is no single best atoll. It depends on your flights, the transfer you prefer, the marine life you hope to see and how quiet you want it.
