Southern Atolls

COMO Cocoa Island is a design jewel with only 33 overwater suites shaped like traditional Dhoni boats — each suite has the curved form of a Maldivian fishing boat, with private sea access, sun deck, and lagoon view. Minimalist luxury, Shambhala Spa, excellent cuisine. Perfect for couples and honeymooners. Coordinates: [3.9422, 73.3572].

Rihiveli Maldives is one of the few resorts that have preserved the original Maldivian charm — no overwater villas, no infinity pools, no LED lighting. Instead: simple beach bungalows among palm trees, a huge house reef with turtles and rays, and an atmosphere reminiscent of the early days of Maldivian tourism in the 1970s. For purists and nature lovers. Coordinates: [3.8550, 73.3833].

The Vaadhu Channel between the North and South Malé Atoll is one of the best channel dives in the Maldives. The current brings nutrient-rich water from the depths, attracting hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, and large schools of tuna.

Top Dive Sites

The dive site Guraidhoo Corner at the southeastern edge of the atoll is famous for encounters with gray reef sharks — often dozens at once, emerging like a wall from the current. Experienced divers describe the moment when the first shark silhouettes appear from the blue as electrifying.

The best method: Travel by Dhoni (fishing boat) along the reef edge and keep watch. Once a whale shark is spotted, snorkelers gently slip into the water and swim alongside the creature. The whale sharks are accustomed to humans and show no fear — some are over 8 meters long and swim so slowly that you can drift alongside them for minutes. The sighting rate is over 90%.

How a Whale Shark Tour Works

1. 8:00 AM: Departure from the harbor by Dhoni or speedboat
2. 8:30 AM: Arrival at the SAMPA area. The crew keeps an eye out for the dark shadows beneath the surface — experienced eyes can spot whale sharks from 200 meters away
3. Sighting: The boat positions itself 20–30 meters in front of the whale shark. A maximum of 10 snorkelers quietly slip into the water — no jumping, no splashing
4. Swimming: The whale shark swims leisurely on, you drift alongside it. The encounter lasts 2–10 minutes, then it dives or turns away
5. Repetition: On a good day, 3–5 sightings. In between: Snorkeling stops at colorful reefs
6. 12:00 PM: Return to the island

Behavioral Rules (SAMPA)

• Maintain at least 3 meters distance (5 meters from the tail)
• Never touch or intentionally block the path
• Do not chase the whale shark if it dives
• Use fins instead of paddling — calm movements
• No flash when photographing
• Use reef-safe sunscreen

Provider Comparison (from Dhigurah)

Resort Overview

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is legendary for the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant — the world's first underwater restaurant, opened in 2005, 5 meters below the water surface. A transparent acrylic tunnel with a 180-degree panorama of the coral reef. Lunch from 150 $, Dinner from 300 $, underwater weddings possible. The double island layout (connected by a 500 m long bridge) offers fine dining and spa on the quiet island, and activities and family programs on the livelier island. Coordinates: [3.5539, 72.5886].

Lily Beach Resort offers perhaps the best all-inclusive package in the Maldives: The "Platinum Plan" includes premium alcohol (Veuve Clicquot, Single Malt Scotch), excursions, dives, and even seaplane transfers. In the off-season from 500 $/Night, a real bargain for this level.

The Ari Atoll is among the Top 5 diving destinations in the world — the combination of resident whale sharks, regular manta sightings, shark diversity, and colorful reefs is unique.

Top Dive Sites

Maaya Thila is particularly an experience of the highest order during night diving: In the beam of flashlights, white-tip sharks patrol the reef, giant groupers doze in rock crevices, fluorescent corals glow in unnatural colors, and moray eels poke their heads out of their holes. One of the best night dives in the world.

Fish Head (officially Mushimasmingili Thila) is famous for its grey shark schools — up to 30 grey reef sharks circle the underwater rock, while Napoleon fish curiously watch the divers. In the 1990s, the sharks here were fed by dive guides, which (now prohibited) led to the animals being remarkably tame.

The small Vaavu Atoll has only five inhabited islands and a handful of resorts, but some of the most exciting dive sites in the Maldives:

Top Dive Sites

Alimathaa Jetty is the most famous night dive site in the Maldives. At the pier of the Alimathaa Resort, dozens of nurse sharks (some over 2 meters) and stingrays gather after dark, gliding through the water like ghosts in the flashlight beams. Additionally, schools of giant groupers that look like dinosaurs. The experience is surreal — you sit on the sandy bottom at 10 meters depth, and around you moves an underwater world that remains hidden during the day. Coordinates: [3.5689, 73.5653].

Fotteyo Kandu is considered by many to be the most beautiful dive site in the Maldives. A wide channel with overhanging corals, caves glowing in turquoise light, and a variety of big fish — grey reef sharks, white-tip sharks, Napoleon fish, eagle rays — that leave even experienced divers speechless. The current can be strong (Advanced level), but the rewards are limitless.

Quiet and secluded, with some exclusive resorts that focus on total privacy:

Niyama Private Islands consists of two islands — "Play" (activities, families, water sports) and "Chill" (spa, tranquility, adults-only) — connected by a walkway over the ocean. The highlight is Subsix — the only underwater nightclub in the world, 6 meters below the water surface. International DJs regularly perform while sharks and rays pass by the windows. Also usable as a restaurant (lunch underwater with champagne). Coordinates: [2.8469, 72.8933].

Kandima Maldives is the newcomer tip in the Dhaalu Atoll: A lifestyle-oriented 4-star resort on a 3 km long island, consciously setting itself apart from the "typical" Maldivian aesthetic. Graffiti art on the walls, a professional fitness center, yoga retreats, an art studio, and supposedly the longest pool bar in the Maldives. All-inclusive from 250 $/Night — an insider tip for younger travelers and those who want to experience the Maldives differently.

The local island Fulidhoo is the budget alternative to the expensive resorts in the Vaavu Atoll — and perhaps the most authentic local island in the Maldives. Only 600 inhabitants, 5–6 guesthouses, not a single souvenir shop. Instead: a dream beach, manta rays in the lagoon, and night diving at the famous Alimathaa Jetty right in the same atoll.

Why Fulidhoo?

The Laamu Atoll is located 270 km south of Malé and is accessible via a 50-minute domestic flight to Kadhdhoo. It hosts one of the most important archaeological sites in the Maldives and one of the most sustainable resorts.

• Six Senses Laamu: The flagship for sustainable luxury in the southern atolls. 97 villas on a densely forested island, own farm, zero-waste program, marine biology center, and the opportunity to help release baby turtles. The underwater world here is almost untouched — manta rays, sharks, and turtles right at the house reef. From 700 $/Night. Coordinates: [1.9425, 73.5142].
• Kuruhinna Tharaagandu: The largest known Buddhist site in the Maldives — a monastery complex with over 50 stupas on the island of Mundoo. Archaeologically significant but difficult to access (only by boat and with local permission). Coordinates: [2.0397, 73.5058].

The local island Gan (not to be confused with Gan in the Addu Atoll) is the largest inhabited island in the Laamu Atoll and lies directly next to the Kadhdhoo airport (connected by a causeway). Here, there are 3–4 guesthouses (30–50 $/Night) and an authentic island life away from any tourist infrastructure.

The Gaafu Atoll (divided into Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu) hosts the largest atoll in the Maldives and one of the largest in the world — the Huvadhu Channel between Gaafu and Laamu is one of the widest and deepest channels in the Indian Ocean, over 90 km wide. The deep-sea current through the channel brings nutrient-rich water and biodiversity that is exceptional even by Maldivian standards.

• The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi: 5-star resort with one of the longest beaches in the Maldives (2 km). 94 villas, infinity pool, Aman-inspired architecture. From 400 $/Night. Domestic flight to Kooddoo + 15 min. speedboat. Coordinates: [0.5342, 73.2183].
• Amari Havodda: Modern 5-star resort with excellent value for money (from 300 $/Night), outstanding dive sites, and one of the best house reefs in the Maldives. Coordinates: [0.4017, 73.0178].

The local island Gadhdhoo is famous for its Thundu-Kunaa weaving — here, women create the intricate woven mats that are valued in the Maldives as prayer rugs and wall decorations. Visiting the weavers is a unique cultural experience.

During World War II, Britain established a naval base (RAF Gan) on Addu, which remained active until 1976. The British built roads, a runway, and connecting causeways between the islands — an infrastructure that exists nowhere else in the Maldives.

In the 1960s, Addu attempted to secede from Malé as the "United Suvadive Republic" — a rebellion supported by the British, which was suppressed by the central government. The trauma of this rebellion still shapes the relations between the north and the south today. On Addu, a distinct dialect (Addu Bas) is spoken, unique traditions are maintained, and people often identify more as "Adduans" than as "Maldivians".

• Gan: The largest island, with the Gan International Airport (direct connection to Malé, 70 min. flight, from 150 $). Here stands the Equator Village, a hotel in the former British officer quarters — charming, historical, affordable (from 100 $/Night). The old RAF hangars are still recognizable. Coordinates: [-0.6933, 73.1556].
• Hithadhoo: The most populous island with over 10,000 inhabitants. Unusually green, with wide streets, bakeries, and a local market. Here you can rent bicycles (10 $/Day) and explore the island — a completely different Maldives experience than the typical resort islands.
• Meedhoo: Quiet residential island with the Koattey, a sacred shrine with ancient coral stone walls and decorated tombstones. 2–3 guesthouses (30–50 $/Night).
• Maradhoo & Maradhoo-Feydhoo: Islands connected by causeways with unusually dense vegetation — mango trees, breadfruit, coconut palms, and even taro fields. Here grow fruits that are not found on the northern atolls.

The Cycling Experience

Addu is the only place in the Maldives where you can cycle — the causeways between the islands form a continuous road from Hithadhoo to Gan (about 17 km). The ride leads over turquoise waters, past mangrove forests, and through sleepy villages. In 2–3 hours, you've seen the entire atoll — an experience no resort can offer.

The British Loyalty Wreck is the highlight of diving in Addu: a 140-meter-long British tanker wreck from World War II, deliberately sunk in 1946. It lies at a depth of 16–33 meters, overgrown with corals and inhabited by schools of tropical fish. One of the best wreck dives in the Indian Ocean. Coordinates: [-0.6378, 73.1200].

Dive Sites Addu

Due to the proximity to the equator, the Addu Atoll has a unique mix of northern and southern ocean currents, creating exceptional biodiversity. Manta rays, sharks, and even hammerheads are regularly sighted. The dive sites are significantly less visited than in the north — on some days, you have the reef to yourself.