Where to go in Maldives

Trips split two ways. Inhabited local islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo, Dharavandhoo and Fulidhoo have guesthouses, cheap excursions and bikini beaches, but no alcohol and modest dress in the village. Private resort islands in North and South Malé, Ari and Baa atolls have water villas and all-inclusive plans, reached by speedboat or seaplane. Hulhumalé, next to the airport, is the usual first or last night, with Malé as a day trip.

Malé & Kaafu Atoll · Hulhumalé, Malé, Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, North and South Malé Atoll resorts

• Thulusdhoo: Surf island in North Malé Atoll with Cokes and Chickens breaks (3–5 nights)
• North Malé Atoll resorts: Resort islands 15–60 minutes from the airport by speedboat (3–5 nights)
• Hulhumalé: Planned island next to the airport: beach, cafés and first or last nights (1–2 nights)
• Malé: The compact capital: coral-stone mosques, fish market and museum (Day trip or 1 night)
• Maafushi: The busiest local island: guesthouses, excursions and a bikini beach (2–4 nights)
• South Malé Atoll resorts: Family-friendly resort islands 30–75 minutes from the airport (3–5 nights)

Ari Atoll · Dhigurah, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo and Ari Atoll resorts

• Ukulhas: Quiet North Ari local island with a long beach and house reef (2–4 nights)
• Rasdhoo: Small dive island known for dawn hammerhead dives (2–4 nights)
• Ari Atoll resorts: Seaplane resort islands with whale sharks, mantas and undersea dining (3–5 nights)
• Dhigurah: Long, narrow local island in South Ari next to the whale shark area (2–4 nights)

Baa Atoll · Dharavandhoo, Hanifaru Bay and Baa Atoll resorts

• Baa Atoll resorts: Resort islands in a UNESCO biosphere reserve with Hanifaru mantas (3–5 nights)
• Dharavandhoo: Local island with a domestic airport next to Hanifaru Bay (2–4 nights)

Vaavu Atoll · Fulidhoo

• Fulidhoo: Tiny Vaavu local island with nurse sharks, stingrays and quiet beaches (2–4 nights)