Trip Planning

The southern atolls are reached by domestic flight and offer shark diving, surf, history and some of the largest atolls in the country. Here is how to choose.

The northern atolls are resort-led and far less visited than the Malé atolls. This guide explains how Lhaviyani, Noonu, Hanimaadhoo and the far north differ.

The central atolls run from Vaavu, a speedboat ride from Malé, to the resort atolls of Faafu and Dhaalu. Here is how to choose the right one.

South Malé Atoll has the country’s busiest guesthouse island, two quieter alternatives and a string of speedboat-distance resorts. Here is how to pick.

North Malé Atoll puts local guesthouse islands, surf breaks and resort islands within a short boat ride of the airport. Here is how to choose between them.

Greater Malé is where most Maldives trips begin and end. This guide explains when a night in Malé or Hulhumalé makes sense, and which of the two suits your plans.

Baa and Raa are resort-led atolls north of Malé, with Baa’s UNESCO biosphere and Hanifaru Bay as the big draw. Here is how to choose between a guesthouse and a resort.

Ari Atoll has more guesthouse islands than any region outside Kaafu, plus a large resort zone. This guide explains how north and south Ari differ and which island suits you.