Malé Atoll
The Maldives’ Central Atoll offering a blend of relaxation and marine adventure
Overview
Malé Atoll
The home of tourism in the Maldives, the Malé Atoll is split into the North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll and includes the capital Male and Velana International Airport.
Discover a huge range of luxury 5* star resorts and budget guest houses which can be reached by a picturesque ferry ride from the capital. Renowned for its healthy and colourful hard coral reefs, the North Malé Atoll in particular is known for its world-class diving spots.
Separated from the capital by the Vaadhoo Kandu channel, the South Malé Atoll offers a quieter and more local experience for family travellers. Boasting a range of some more tranquil and simple resorts, the atoll offers excellent options for budget travel.
Explore excellent house reefs and crystal clear lagoons ideal for snorkelling and diving. Embudu Kandu is one of the atoll’s many channels allowing the flow of nutrient-rich currents and is home to one of the world’s healthiest populations of reef sharks.
Overview
Malé Atoll
Where is Malé Atoll?
The Northern atoll encompasses North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll and is conveniently located near the capital of Maldives, Male City and Velana International Airport.
The pint-size and highly urbanised capital offers a fascinating pitstop on a trip to the Maldives’ more secluded atolls. An overnight stay in the capital offers the best chance to see the Maldives away from the resort buffet and infinity pool.
Stretching over 81 km from North to South, both the North and South Malé Atolls are easily reached by public ferry, speed boat, or seaplane. A range of luxurious resorts offer house reefs and private islands, whilst other more affordable options are perfect for family travel.
What to do in Malé Atoll?
Malé Atoll in the Maldives offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Begin your journey by diving into the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including manta rays and colourful fish. The atoll’s series of sea channels attract large schools of fish, reef sharks, and many other big pelagics as well as a number of interesting wrecks.
Relax on the pristine, white-sand beaches, soaking up the sun or enjoying a peaceful swim in the turquoise lagoon. Indulge in the luxury of overwater bungalows in world-class resorts that offer unparalleled comfort and stunning ocean views. Treat yourself to spa treatments that incorporate traditional Maldivian techniques and ingredients.
Explore Malé, the bustling capital city, where you can visit historical landmarks like the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy mosque and the Maldives National Museum. Enjoy shopping at local markets, and savour the flavours of Maldivian cuisine in seaside restaurants.
Best time to visit?
The best time to visit Malé Atoll is from January to April. This period offers the best part of the dry season with more comfortable day and night temperatures in the mid to late 20s.
Calm seas during the pre-monsoon dry season also means that sea visibility is at its best, ideal for those looking to dive and snorkel. However, if families are keen to spot manta rays and whale sharks on their holidays, the increased plankton present in the ocean in June lead to a feeding frenzy whilst the monsoon means lower resort prices.
Who should visit?
The Malé Atoll is a dream destination for a diverse set of travellers. Beach lovers will adore the pristine white sands and turquoise waters, while adventure seekers can dive and snorkel in vibrant coral reefs teeming with wildlife.
Couples seeking romance will find luxury resorts with overwater bungalows and private dinners on the beach. Families can enjoy water sports, cultural tours, and safe, shallow lagoons.
For culture buffs, the capital city Male offers something completely different – rich history, local markets, and delicious Maldivian cuisine. Malé Atoll is perfect for anyone looking to experience a tropical paradise with a blend of relaxation and excitement.
Places to stay
Recommended Malé Atoll accommodation
Places to stay
Recommended Malé Atoll accommodation
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