South Malé Atoll Information

Travel and Local Information Guide

Maldives is a a South Asian sovereign state in the Indian Ocean, consisting of 26 atolls and more than 1190 islands. Each resort (there are more than 130 of them) is located on a separate private island, providing peace and quiet, as well as easy access to blue waters and incredible marine life.

The main air gateway of the Maldives Republic is Velana International Airport (MLE), located in North Male's Atoll southern corner on the island of Hulhule in a 5-minute boat ride from the country's capital. The length of the North Male atoll is 70 km and the width is 40 km.

Getting Around

Thanks to the short distances from the islands to Male airport the main transport in this part of the Maldives is a speedboats and traditional dhony boats. Travel time can vary from 15 minutes to an hour. The rates are depending on the distance: from 60 USD to 200USD for round-trip. The kid's ticket price is half the adult. For transfer to the remote islands of North Male Atoll, you can order a seaplane at your request. In all cases you will need to notify your hotel from 48-72 hours before the date of your arrival to the Maldives, so that the hotel's staff booked for you a speedboat or an air taxi.

Flyme | Maldivian.aero | Maldivianairtaxi

Speed boat transfers operate 24 hours per day. These transfers will be arranged by the hotel based on your arrival/departure time.

Good to know: All seaplane transfers are made during daylight hours, and offer an amazing perspective on the atolls, islands, reefs and lagoons. Seaplanes operate from 6:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., 7 days per week. However, schedules vary depending on the arrival and departure times of all guests on that given day. You must arrive in Male before 3:30 p.m. in order to catch a same day seaplane transfer. If you are unable to find an international flight which gets you here in your time, you could also spend a night in Male or Hulhumale and see what the local life is like. As for departure: the seaplane operator takes care of all guests who have their international flight schedule departure time after 9 AM. Your inbound flight from the Maldives must depart between 0850hrs and 2000hrs. More detailed information you can get from "Good to Know" section available in the description of each hotel.

Geography

North Male Atoll and South Male Atoll together with Kaashidhoo Island and Gaafaru, the group forms the administrative division of Male Atoll which is referred to by its Thaana alphabet letter code name Kaafu Atoll that has 107 islands.

The South Male Atoll is blessed with world class dive sites, many of which are on top in the Maldives. Manta rays stations, hipnotic reef formations, coral gardens and wrecks - all part of a fun diving is in the heart of Male atoll. The marine reserves of Embudhoo Kandu and Guraidhoo Kandu lie in the South Male Atoll.

The Islands

South Male measured 36 km in length and 19 km in width, consists of 30 islands, three of which are inhabited, 17 are luxurious resorts, and the 10 remaining are uninhabited. The atoll's administrative capital is Maafushi island.

Emboodhoo Lagoon: CROSSROADS is seven kilometres in length, and composed of nine reclaimed islands along the atoll's north edge. ROSSROADS will consist of separate resorts with their own guest arrival jetties and inter-island water transportation, the Township; an entertainment Island composed of more than 60 different retail and Food & Beverage outlets and the cultural centre.

In South Male, Holiday Inn Kandooma Resort is popular among families and surfers, located near Guraidhoo Marine Reserve. The best time to surf a big wave is from March to September.

Maafushi is the capital of budget tourism in Maldives. The charming blue lagoons and sandy beaches along with the chic accommodation facilities combined with a great activity options for a wide range of needs make this island an ideal place for those who are looking for fascinating adventures and inexpensive holidays in the Maldives.

Anantara's three resorts are just 35 minutes by speedboat from the Male airport are set in a very large and beautiful lagoon. Anantara have extensively redeveloped what were formerly the 3 resorts of Dhiggufinolhu, Veligandu Huraa and Bodu Huraa. Dhiggufinolhu has become Dhigu, and shares facilities with 'Veli' just across the lagoon.

Attractions

Most of the Maldives' attractions including the natural wonders of the North Male Atoll are below the waterline. Many local islands and luxury resorts have vibrant house reef offering a great snorkeling with a vibrant marine life.

As an alternative, you can go on an excursion to the capital of the Maldives. Male City is replete with local attractions and the city tour takes you not so much time, but if you are so curious to visit:

- Fish Market
- National Museum
- China-Maldives Friendship Bridge
- Jumhooree Maidan Park;
- Mulee-aage Palace:
- Muleeaage & Medhu Ziyaarath,
- Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu;
- Singapore Bazaar
- Maldives Grand Friday Mosque;

As well as 25 picturesque mosques in the capital, the most interesting are Hukuru Miskiiy (XII-XV cc.) with the minaret (1675) and the sultans cemetery; Bandara Miskiiy, Daruma Baryta Miskiiy (XV century, the oldest in the country), Kalu Vakaru Miskiiy and more.

Activities and Sports

Popular activities in North Male atoll are diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, water skiing, kite surfing, island hopping, Male city excursions, sea cruise, kayaks , sailing, parasailing, picking up seashells, building sand castles, a hammock with a book in hand, massage, cooking lessons, yoga classes and much more.

In fact, all hotels have a spa, some even world-class, so your body and mind are waiting for a decent and well-deserved relaxation. On some of these paradise islands you will find perfect beaches, lots of sun and sand, ideal spots for swimming and house reef snorkeling.