Ari Atoll is one of the biggest and most popular tourist atolls, located on the western part of the Maldives archipelago. You can reach Ari Atoll by taking a stunning seaplane journey or a ferry from capital Male. It is divided into two regions – North Ari Atoll and South Ari Atoll, which together include over a hundred islands. As this atoll primarily serves tourists, you will find a great collection of resorts, water activities and scenic beaches. Get on a Dhoni, the traditional Maldivian boat to go island hopping and enjoy all the beautiful surprises Ari Atoll has for you!
Note that, the Maldives, being an Islamic country does not allow bikinis or nudism in its beaches, except a few designated beaches. Consumption of alcohol is banned and allowed only in licensed hotels and resorts.
North Ari Atoll
North Ari Atoll or Alifu Alifu Atoll, is packed with top-class resorts and guesthouses. This region is also a habitat for hammerhead sharks with great house reefs, making it a delight for snorkelling and diving.
Rasdhoo: Rasdhoo, the capital of North Ari Atoll, is a small town with very welcoming locals. It has a good number of resorts, inns and hotels to choose from and excellent seafood. Hammerhead Point is a popular diving spot where you can encounter hammerhead sharks, rays and mantas. The waters here are extremely clear and you can spot the schools of fish from the shore itself. Around Rasdhoo, there are several uninhabited islands and sandbanks, some of which you can even wade or swim to and enjoy its secluded vibe.
Ukulhas: This island is popular among backpackers and is a great place to experience the native culture. It offers a good variety of water sports and swimming spots, including a bikini beach. You can also go on fishing tours and observe the traditional Maldivian way of fishing.
Mathiveri: Mathiveri has a calm atmosphere with around 800 inhabitants and a handful of guesthouses. The island has a few good beaches, one of which is a bikini beach.
Thoddoo: Thoddoo is a beautiful island covered by lush greenery and also houses a few mosques. Along with fishing, the island engages in agriculture and produces a good variety of fruits and vegetables. Snorkelling, scuba diving and dolphin spotting tours are the most popular activities here.
South Ari Atoll
South Ari Atoll or Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, is popular for its all-year-round whale sharks which circle the outer reefs of the atoll. It has over a dozen resort islands, with (literally) white-sand shores and dazzling blue waters.
Mahibadhoo: Mahibadhoo is the capital of South Ari Atoll, a small fishing town with around 2000 inhabitants. The island is particularly known for its love for sports and you will see plenty of people playing football, volleyball and tennis. In fact, a good number of Maldivian national footballers hail from here! It has good dining options and beaches.
Dhigurah: Dhigurah is another fishing village, popular for its underwater paradise and has almost 30 diving spots. Its waters house great corals, whale sharks, mantas, rays, turtles and hundreds of colourful species of fishes! You will also find a bikini beach, good souvenir shops and restaurants.
Maamigili: Maamigili is one of the largest islands in Ari Atoll and houses its only airport. It is a commercial fishing island with two harbours. It also boasts of a big stretch of corals which attract a rich collection of marine life, perfect for diving and snorkelling.
Why should you visit?
The fame of the Maldives’ dream islands are widely known and Ari Atoll is a fine example of that. With enchanting blue waters as far as the eye can see, secluded serene shores to relax and great underwater activities for the adventurous soul, Ari Atoll is simply stunning!
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