Discover Ari Atoll: Resorts, Liveaboards & Marine Life
Updated July, 2026
A home to LUX* South Ari Atoll, Ari Atoll also known as Alif or Alifu Atoll is one of the natural wonders of the Maldives. Being one of the largest atolls in the Maldives, it stretches from north to south in the western part of the Maldives archipelago in 30 minutes by seaplane from Male airport.
Ari Atoll is 89km in length and 30km in width and has 105 islands and is administratively divided into two parts: North Atoll Ari and South Ari Atoll. South Ari Atoll, a Protected Marine Area, remains one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, which are spotted year-round on the outer reef, while North Ari Atoll is famous for its hammerhead sharks, although these are far more elusive and require deep diving to see. Most of the islands are home for the luxury resorts while others are uninhabited, the rest are inhabited by local residents. The main occupations of Ari Atoll are fishing, sailing, harvesting and processing of corals.
Accessible by public ferry, speedboat, seaplanes and domestic airlines from Male, Ari Atoll is home to many luxury hotels located on private islands with white beaches, turquoise waters and world-class diving. Recent years have seen rised budget tourism with an increase number of guest houses and economy hotels on the inhabited islands of Ari Atoll, especially in its northern part. Surrounded by dreamy turquoise lagoons, white sands and palm shores, beautiful landscapes also boast terrific house reefs in marriage with a rich marine life. Each island is a paradise in itself with a simple and easy way of life, which makes it ideal for an unforgettable holiday in the Maldives.
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What make this atoll a world-class destination for underwater enthusiasts.Best of Ari Atoll
Top 10 Best Ari Atoll Hotels
Located in a vast lagoon of oval shape dotted with beautiful islands, Ari Atoll is located 100 km west of the capital of Maldives and is famous for its magnificent beaches and world-class diving. Read More
10 Best Ari Atoll Honeymoon Hotels
Maldives and romance are perfectly combined with each other, and many couples dream to stay on paradise islands for an unforgettable honeymoon. In Ari Atoll you will find Read More
10 Best Ari Atoll Snorkeling Resorts
A house reef snorkeling is one of the activities that all visitors in the Maldives are looking for and one of the priorities when choosing a hotel. Read More
Top 10 Best Ari Atoll Family Hotels
The first visitors to the Maldives remember the archipelago, as a destination for couples and newlyweds. Children were a surprise, and were usually Read More
10 Best Ari Atoll All Inclusive Hotels
All Inclusive hotels in the Maldives provide an excellent sense of luxury combined with the comfort that almost all is included in the room rate Read More
Top 10 Best Thoddoo Hotels
With white beaches, the greatest house reef and a good selection of new hotels, sThoddoo is the all-time favorite budget island in North Ari Atoll in the Maldives. Read More
Top 10 Best Ukulhas Hotels
Ukulhas is a unique fishing island in the Northern Ari Atoll, Maldives. The best hotels, warm turquoise waters and a rich sea life are the main attractions of Ari Atoll and today, a budget holiday Read More
Top 10 Rasdu Hotels
Rasdhoo or Rasdu island is an ultimate diving heaven in the Maldives. Located a few miles off North Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo is the only inhabited island of a small natural atoll also known Ross Atoll Read More
First Time? - Recommended Hotels - Where to Stay
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
This luxurious and sophisticated Maldivian resort is located on two idyllic islands combining the best beaches Read More
Constance Moofushi
A fantastic island paradise surrounded by large turquoise lagoons and teasing white beaches, Constance Moofushi combines Read More
Lily Beach Resort and Spa
Today, Lily Beach Resort and Spa ranks among the leading resorts in the country with Premium All Inclusive Read More
Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa
With one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, the great strengths of Vilamendhoo have always been snorkeling Read More
Mirihi Island Resort
Perfectly combining casual luxury, delicious food, comfy rooms, a stunning sandy beach and an excellent house reef, Mirihi Island Read More
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Kandolhu Maldives guarantees even more than just your dreams of an unforgettable honeymoon in the Maldives Read More
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Radisson Blu Resort Maldives is one of the most anticipated new developments in the Maldives, in addition to being the first Radisson Blu resort in the market. Opened on March 2020 Read More
LUX* South Ari Atoll
Beautifully situated on Dhidhoofinolhu island in the South Ari Atoll, encircled by crystal clear waters famed for excellent diving, the stunning LUX* South Read More
All Hotel Deals in Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll is simply packed with luxurious hotels, but the question: What are the best? To answer that, you need to explore the facilities, location, service, reviews, spa, privacy and house reef Read More
Most Popular Islands for Budget Holiday
Ukulhas
With unique features for the Maldives, Ukulhas is an inhabited island of Alif Alif Atoll that easy opens for budget tourism with a handful of guest houses and mini-hotels. Known for good ecology,
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Rasdhoo (Rasdu)
An ultimate diving paradise, Rasdhoo is an inhabited island in the Maldives. Spectacular marine life, vibrant reefs, warm waters and big fish encounters make Rasdhoo island a diving destination
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Thoddoo
The emerald in the setting of golden sand, Thoddoo is one of the populated islands of North Ari atoll in the Maldives. Located 67 km from Male airport and 20 km north of Thulusdhoo Island, Thoddoo
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Bodufolhudhoo
A great option for a a fun-filled budget holiday in the Maldives, Bodufolhudhoo is a small island in the North Ari Atol. The beautiful island is well known for its spectacular marine life with a house reef
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Mathiveri
Mathiveri is an inhabited island of Alif Alif Atoll in the Maldives. A great option for budget travellers, the island of Mathiveri is located on the North Ari Atoll, which is about a 30-minute seaplane ride
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Omadhoo
Great place for an authentic beach experience, Omadhoo is an inhabited island in the Maldives. An ideal site for swimming and house reef snorkelling, Omadhoo is perfect for budget travelers
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Maamigili
Maamigili, also known as 'Whale Shark Island' is an inhabited island and the only airport in South Ari (Alif Dhaal) Atoll. There are a few guesthouses, and it's a popular budget base for divers, who especially love
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Dhigurah
The famous whale shark area in South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah is a long Maldivian island with stretch of white sandy beach. Heaven for fans of underwater adventures, Dhigurah island is 20-minutes by domestic
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Dhangethi
Located is in the heart of South Ari Atoll, Dhangethi is home to enigmatic Mantas and gentle whale sharks, the most sought after sea creatures among divers and snorkeling fans.
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Feridhoo
Embraced with powdery soft sands and turquoise waters, Feridhoo is an idyllic inhabited island for unforgettable beach experience in the Maldives. With a handful of guest houses, the island offers
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Fiyavalhu Maldives, Mandhoo
On this natural paradise, Fiyavalhu Maldives offers an all-island experience that encompasses comfortable living spaces in a natural and private alcove of Mandhoo.
Read MoreAri (Alif) Atoll Guide
Ari Atoll Information
Domestic flights, sea plane or speed boat are the most common ways of island hopping in the Maldives. Several quick 30 min Read More
Scuba Diving in Ari Atoll
Ari Atoll scuba diving is adventurous, relaxing, sometimes challenging, and always stunning. Diving in Ari Atoll differs from many other Read More
Ari Atoll Map
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