Maldives Atolls

The Maldives consists of 26 natural atolls forming a double chain across the Indian Ocean. Each atoll has its own unique character, marine life, and resort options.

20
Atolls
1,200+
Islands
200+
Inhabited
150+
Resorts
Addu Atoll
S

Addu Atoll

Explore Addu Atoll (Seenu), the Maldives' southernmost atoll, for unique culture, fascinating WWII history, and incredible diving, just a 1-hour domestic flight from Malé.

CultureWWII historydiving
0
Baa Atoll
B

Baa Atoll

Experience Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, globally renowned for its spectacular Hanifaru Bay manta ray aggregations and commitment to eco-luxury.

Manta rayseco-tourismUNESCO site
7 resorts
Dhaalu Atoll
D

Dhaalu Atoll

Discover Dhaalu Atoll: Maldives' hidden gem for unparalleled luxury, ultimate privacy, and world-class diving in uncrowded serenity.

Luxuryprivacydiving
6 resorts
Faafu Atoll
F

Faafu Atoll

Discover Faafu Atoll, the Maldives' hidden gem for authentic experiences, incredible diving, and budget-luxury escapes away from the crowds.

Divingbudget-luxuryauthentic
1 resorts
Gaafu Alifu Atoll
GA

Gaafu Alifu Atoll

Discover Gaafu Alifu Atoll, a remote Maldivian paradise in the deep south, offering unparalleled pristine reefs, adventurous diving, and an untouched island escape for true explorers.

Remote divingadventure
1 resorts
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll
GD

Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll

Discover Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, a remote Maldivian paradise for untouched luxury, world-class diving, rich culture, and the unique thrill of crossing the Equator.

Remote luxurydivingculture
1 resorts
Haa Alifu Atoll
HA

Haa Alifu Atoll

Discover Haa Alifu Atoll, the Maldives' northernmost and most authentic emerging destination, perfect for remote escapes and untouched beauty.

Remoteemerging destination
7 resorts
Haa Dhaalu Atoll
HD

Haa Dhaalu Atoll

Escape to Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives' remote northern frontier, where pristine, untouched reefs and serene, crowd-free beaches promise an unparalleled adventure into nature's purest form.

Remoteuntouched reefs
7 resorts
Laamu Atoll
L

Laamu Atoll

Laamu Atoll (L), Maldives: Experience unparalleled eco-tourism, world-class surfing, and remote luxury at Six Senses Laamu, perfect for conscious adventurers.

Eco-tourismsurfingremote luxury
1 resorts
Lhaviyani Atoll
Lh

Lhaviyani Atoll

Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives: Your private paradise for unparalleled luxury, world-class diving on pristine reefs, and ultimate privacy, just a 35-min seaplane ride from Malé.

Divingremote luxuryprivacy
5 resorts
Meemu Atoll
M

Meemu Atoll

Meemu Atoll, Maldives: Your haven for remote luxury, world-class diving, and serene tranquility, just a 40-minute seaplane escape from Malé.

Remote luxurydivingtranquility
1 resorts
Noonu Atoll
N

Noonu Atoll

Discover Noonu Atoll, Maldives' pinnacle of ultra-luxury and privacy, offering exclusive resorts, pristine beaches, and an unforgettable escape perfect for honeymoons and discerning travelers.

Ultra-luxuryprivacyhoneymoons
4 resorts
North Ari Atoll
AA

North Ari Atoll

North Ari Atoll (AA) is a Maldivian luxury escape, famed for world-class diving with hammerhead sharks, vibrant marine life, and exquisite resorts, just a short seaplane ride from Malé.

Divingmarine lifeluxury
22 resorts
North Malé Atoll
K

North Malé Atoll

North Malé Atoll (K): Maldives' closest surf haven. Just 15-60 min from Malé, enjoy quick transfers, world-class surfing, diverse resorts, and pristine beaches. Perfect for short trips and unforgettable island escapes.

Quick accesssurfingshort trips
22 resorts
Raa Atoll
R

Raa Atoll

Raa Atoll is the Maldives' emerging gem, offering serene wellness retreats, eco-luxury resorts, and pristine diving for conscious travelers seeking tranquility.

Wellnesseco-resortsdiving
7 resorts
Shaviyani Atoll
Sh

Shaviyani Atoll

Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives: A 50-min seaplane journey to unparalleled remote luxury, pristine diving, and ultimate privacy in an untouched paradise.

Remote luxurydiving
0
South Ari Atoll
AD

South Ari Atoll

Experience South Ari Atoll (AD), the Maldives' premier destination for year-round whale shark encounters, legendary dive sites, and exceptional all-inclusive resorts. Just a scenic seaplane ride away!

Whale sharksdivingall-inclusive
18 resorts
South Malé Atoll
K

South Malé Atoll

Discover South Malé Atoll: the Maldives' accessible gem for incredible diving, vibrant house reefs, diverse marine life, and exceptional value luxury, just a short speedboat ride from Malé.

Divinghouse reefsvalue luxury
18 resorts
Thaa Atoll
Th

Thaa Atoll

Thaa Atoll, Maldives: Discover unparalleled luxury, pristine diving, and true seclusion. Home to COMO Maalifushi, this remote paradise offers an exclusive escape accessible by domestic flight + speedboat.

Ultra-remote luxurydiving
1 resorts
Vaavu Atoll
V

Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu Atoll: Maldives' ultimate shark diving destination for thrill-seekers & underwater adventurers. Explore vibrant channels & encounter incredible marine life.

Divingsharksadventure
1 resorts

Understanding Maldives Atolls

An atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that encircles a lagoon. The Maldives is made up of approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls, stretching 871 kilometers from north to south in the Indian Ocean.

Choosing the Right Atoll

Your choice of atoll significantly impacts your Maldives experience. Consider these factors:

  • Transfer time from Malé: North Malé Atoll offers the shortest transfers, while remote atolls like Addu require domestic flights.
  • Marine life: Baa Atoll is UNESCO-protected and famous for manta rays, while South Ari is best for whale sharks.
  • Budget: Atolls closer to Malé tend to have more budget-friendly options.
  • Activities: Laamu Atoll is famous for surfing, while Lhaviyani is known for diving.