
Atoll
Alif Alif Atoll
Alif Alif Atoll is one of the Maldives' administrative atolls (code AA), comprising 8 inhabited islands. Its administrative capital is Rasdhoo.
- Administrative code
- AA
- Inhabited islands
- 8
About Alif Alif Atoll
Welcome to Alifu Alifu Atoll
Alifu Alifu Atoll, also known as Ari Atoll, is one of the most popular atolls in the Maldives, renowned for its spectacular diving spots, luxury resorts, and breathtaking natural beauty. Located west of Male, this atoll offers the perfect blend of accessibility and tropical paradise.
With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life including whale sharks and manta rays, Alifu Alifu is a dream destination for divers and snorkelers. The atoll features some of the Maldives' most exclusive resorts, each offering world-class amenities and stunning overwater villas.
World-Class Dive Sites in Alifu Alifu
Famous cleaning station where majestic manta rays gather year-round, with peak season from May to November.
Depth: 5-20m | Level: Beginner-Intermediate | Season: Year-round (peak May-Nov)
One of the best places in the world to swim with gentle whale sharks, most commonly seen from August to November.
Depth: 5-30m | Level: All levels | Season: Year-round (peak Aug-Nov)
Adventure & Relaxation Activities
Swim with the ocean's gentle giants on guided snorkeling excursions to whale shark hotspots.
Evening boat trips to spot playful spinner dolphins against breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.
Pamper yourself with luxurious treatments in overwater spa pavilions with ocean views.
Traveling to Alifu Alifu Atoll
Alifu Alifu Atoll is easily accessible from Velana International Airport (MLE):
Most luxury resorts include seaplane transfers in their packages.
Alifu Alifu Atoll Island Highlights
Alifu Alifu's Stunning Islands
Best Time to Visit Alifu Alifu Atoll
The ideal time to visit depends on your interests:
Visitor Experiences
Our stay at Conrad Maldives in Alifu Alifu was beyond magical. Swimming with whale sharks was the highlight of our trip - an experience we'll never forget. The underwater restaurant was worth every penny, with incredible food and marine life views. Can't wait to return!
Alifu Alifu's diving is world-class. We did 12 dives and saw mantas every time at Manta Point. The house reef at Veligandu Island Resort was teeming with life. Only reason for 4 stars was some coral bleaching we noticed, but the marine life was still abundant.
Islands in Alif Alif Atoll
- Bodufolhudhoo
Bodufolhudhoo is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Feridhoo

Feridhoo is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Himandhoo
Himandhoo is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Maalhos

Maalhos is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Mathiveri

Mathiveri is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Rasdhoo

Rasdhoo is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Thoddoo

Thoddoo is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
- Ukulhas

Ukulhas is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll, Maldives.
Resorts in Alif Alif Atoll
Private island resorts, each its own destination.
- Gangehi Island Resort Maldives
GangehiFrom $220 / night
- Kandolhu Maldives Island Resort
KandolhuFrom $700 / night
- NAKAI Maayafushi Maldives Island Resort
Maayafushi - Nika Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Kudafolhudhoo5★From $400 / night
- Safari Island Resort and Spa Maldives
Mushimasgali5★From $230 / night
- Veligandu Island Resort & Spa Maldives
Veligandu5★From $600 / night
- W Maldives Island Resort Maldives
FesduFrom $728 / night
Dive sites in Alif Alif Atoll
- Rasdhoo Madivaru
Channel
Packages featuring Alif Alif Atoll
Alif Alif AtollLiveaboard Packages4.7(12)7 Nights / 6 DaysFrom USD 2,799 per person- A full week living aboard a dive vessel
- Multiple dive sites across Ari Atoll
- Up to 3 dives most days
Explore other Maldives atolls →
Destination content on this page is drawn from MTG’s own previously published Maldives guide.
