Rasdhoo
Small inhabited island at the northern edge of Ari Atoll, known as a base for reef diving and snorkelling. Local guesthouses and small cafes line its beaches and sandy lanes.
Ari Atoll (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu)
West of Male lies a resort atoll that is popular, known for manta ray dives and for whale shark sightings throughout the year.
Attractive locations
Ukulhas
Inhabited island in North Ari Atoll known for tidy streets, a long beach and an active effort to cut waste. Guesthouses, a small bikini beach and reef trips make it a popular local-island stop.
Dhigurah
Long, narrow island in South Ari Atoll with a lengthy sandy beach along its seaward side. Boat trips from here look for whale sharks and manta rays, and guesthouses welcome visitors.
Dhangethi
Local island in South Ari Atoll with a beach, a small village and nearby reefs for snorkelling and diving. Guesthouses and a relaxed pace make it a good base for a quieter stay.
Maalhos
Small local island in North Ari Atoll with a village, a beach and a reef close to shore. It is a quiet place to stay in guesthouses and take snorkelling trips.
Airports
Villa International Airport Maamigili VAM
It is about 44 km in a straight line from Ari Atoll (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu).
Velana International Airport MLE
It is about 85 km in a straight line from Ari Atoll (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu).
Dharavandhoo Airport DRV
It is about 147 km in a straight line from Ari Atoll (Alif Alif and Alif Dhaalu).
Scams and safe taxis
Taxi and scam advice for this country is on the Maldives page
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan27.3 °C49 mm
- Feb27.5 °C32 mm
- Mar28.0 °C48 mm
- Apr28.5 °C92 mm
- May28.7 °C185 mm
- Jun28.3 °C147 mm
- Jul28.0 °C165 mm
- Aug27.8 °C187 mm
- Sep27.7 °C182 mm
- Oct27.7 °C182 mm
- Nov27.4 °C227 mm
- Dec27.4 °C179 mm
Driest months: Jan, Feb, Mar. Wettest months: May, Aug, Nov.
Costs
Prices here are about 51% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
Police 119. Ambulance 102. Fire 118.
local government
Maldives Police Service - Tourist Police
Helps with: Police unit set up in 2009 to protect visitors. It helps tourists with disputes, fraud and safety concerns and patrols airports, resorts and guesthouses. Its page gives a 24/7 assistance line.
Who qualifies: Tourists and other international visitors in the Maldives.
Phone: +960 979 0070
ngo
Maldivian Red Crescent
Helps with: The national Red Crescent society. It responds to emergencies, supports recovery, and teaches first aid, with volunteers in local units across the islands.
Who qualifies: People in the Maldives who need its emergency response, first aid or community services.
Phone: +960 3341009
Email: [email protected]
Address: Maldivian Red Crescent Building, 2nd Floor, Hithigasmagu, Hulhumale'
local government
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Helps with: The Maldives' national disaster authority. Its site lists 115 as its emergency hotline and shares disaster preparedness information and help for people affected by incidents.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the Maldives affected by a disaster or incident.
Phone: 115
Address: Ameenee Magu, Male 20060, Maldives
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Maldives
Helps with: The UN migration agency, present in the Maldives since 2013. It supports migrants, displaced people, returnees and host communities.
Who qualifies: Migrants and other people on the move. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +960 7757 646
Address: H. Fehi Aabadh, 9th Floor, Abadhah Fehi Magu, Male, Republic of Maldives