North and South Male’ Atolls are located north and south of Male’ and together comprise the Kaafu Administrative District. The district’s administrative centre is situated on the island of Thulusdhoo, which lies near the easternmost tip of the North Male’ Atoll. Both of these atolls have been showered with an abundance of natural beauty and are home to some really breathtaking vistas. At this location, you may enjoy the beach, the waves, and the sand for what seems like miles at a time. The islands in North and South Male’ Atolls are guaranteed to be a hit with vacationers because to the abundance of beautiful dive spots and diverse marine life.
The nerve centre of the Maldives and the focus of all commercial operations in the Maldives are both located on North Male’ Atoll. It is made up of around 50 islands and a great number of shoals that are underwater. It is about 48 kilometres in length and does not have a regular form. Dhiffushi, Gaafaru, Gulhi, Guraidhoo, Himmanfushi, Male’, Hulhumale, and Hura are all examples of populated islands that are located within the North Male’ Atoll.
In South Male’ Atoll, there are just three islands that have permanent human habitation. The most important commercial centre is located on Maafushi Island, which is also the largest of the islands. On the island, there is a warehouse for the State Trading Organization that you may utilise. The island of Guraidhoo is the second most populated island in this group. The local dhonis and ferries that travel between the islands may make use of the favourable anchoring conditions that are available here. The Gulhi Island is the other inhabited island, and it has a little shipyard on its western coast.
Main Attractions of North and South Male’ Atolls
Helengeli Thila
Helengeli Thila, widely considered to be among the best diving spots in the Maldives, can be reached from Helengeli Island in a matter of minutes. North Male’ Atoll’s north-eastern corner is where you’ll find this location. Because of its proximity to the edge of the atoll and the way it is physically formed, the island is an excellent choice for a diving holiday destination. It provides wonderful views of the diverse marine life that is found in this area. An astonishingly diverse coral environment can be found in this region, and it has everything from stunning soft corals to sharks and tuna.
Shark Point
A well-known spot for scuba divers, Shark Point can be found in the Maldives in the southeastern section of the North Male’ Atoll, smack dab in the centre of the Tamburudhu Channel. It is also known as Middle Point, and the clear seas that surround it are always teaming with people, both tourists and locals, who are having fun in the water. Due to the excellent visibility of the sea below, this location is also quite popular with scuba divers. The area is inhabited by a large diversity of marine life, including grey reef sharks and white tip reef sharks, among other species.
Blue Canyon
Blue Canyon, also known as Kuda Thila, is one of the most well-known dive sites in the Maldives. An large canyon can be seen at this location, and it cuts through the middle of the thila in a diagonal direction. It is what gives the canyon its name, Blue Canyon. The canyon has a depth of around 30 metres and is surrounded by stunning corals with a light blue colour. In Kuda Thila, there are a lot of overhangs, which means that divers will have lots of opportunities for excitement. Because adequate control of one’s buoyancy is required for diving in this location, it is advised that only experienced divers participate.
Bodu Hithi Thila
One of the most well-known places to see manta rays and whale sharks in the Maldives is Bodu Hithi Thila. The months of December through March are considered to be the most pleasant times to visit the location. At this time of year, the ocean is home to a wide variety of marine life, including anything from shrimp to great whites and everything in between. The currents are not too strong here, making diving an enjoyable activity. The water is shallow and calm at the top, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling. Divers are able to locate stunning examples of soft corals all along the sides of the thila, which contributes to the area’s popularity as a diving destination.
HP Reef
The breathtaking HP Reef can be found in the Maldives and is home to a marine protected area. It is well renowned for its stunning caverns and breathtaking reef, both of which can be seen at the North Male’ Atoll, which is located to the north of Girifushi. The location is also famous for its beautiful blue coral formations and abundant marine life, some of which include grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, blue-fin jacks, rainbow runners, angelfish, and banner fish. Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular activities that can be enjoyed at HP Reef.
Manta Point
A lot of people go to Manta Point to look for manta rays. The months of May through November are the optimum time to visit the location since that is when manta rays come here to do their one-of-a-kind cleaning routine. Manta rays often visit the area around the coral heads to make their homes. The wrasse that live in the coral heads feed on the parasite that lives on the manta ray’s wings, therefore performing a cleaning routine that is very unique. Turtles, scorpion fish, shrimp, and numerous different kinds of moray eels are just some of the aquatic animals that call this area home.
Banana Reef Protected Marine Area
The North Male’ Atoll has a protected marine area known as the Banana Reef Protected Marine Area on its southern edge. The length of the reef is about 300 metres, and it is shaped like a banana. It is a prime location for scuba diving in the Maldives due to the abundance of caverns, overhangs, and colourful fish that can be found there. Divers agree that the western side of the reef offers the most favourable conditions for their sport. A wide variety of marine life, including as moray eels, flag fish, and Napoleon wrasse, may be seen swimming around in the clear waters.
Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island in the Maldives is a destination that draws a lot of visitors every year. The island that is surrounded by seas that have a clear turquoise colour is a veritable treasure trove of natural beauty. The lagoon and the reefs in the area have made it renowned. In addition, there is a large diversity of aquatic life in the waters around the island. The island has a wide variety of accommodations available, all of which are of a high standard. The natural landscapes and diving spots of the island make it a popular destination for tourists who are vacationing in the Maldives.
Guraidhoo Island
The island of Guraidhoo is a favourite destination for vacationers. It has a lagoon and a convenient location for anchoring boats. At the facility that serves as an anchorage, there are a great number of dhonis and boats moored. After being overthrown in rebellions in the 17th century, the previous Sultans are said to have taken sanctuary in this area according to historical records. By speedboat from Male, it is possible to reach the island in around half an hour. Visitors may buy a wide variety of items, from sarongs to souvenirs, at any of the many stores that are located in this area.
Velassaru Caves
The Velassaru Caves are widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the Maldives. They may be found in close proximity to the precipitous cliffs of Vadhoo Kandu in South Male’ Atoll. This dive spot is well-known among divers because to the abundant and colourful coral growth that can be seen there. Divers go to this location because it is home to a diverse population of marine life, including a great number of different kinds of fish, turtles, and rays. Divers with significant expertise from all over the globe go to this location to indulge their passion. Snorkeling at the reef’s edge is a fun activity for beginners to try out.
Vaadhoo Caves
The entrance to the Vadhoo Caves may be found on the South Male’ Atoll side of the Vadhoo Reef’s northernmost point. This area is home to a network of caverns of varying sizes. A larger cave that has a tunnel that you can swim through can also be found here, and it is rather popular among divers. Beautiful soft corals may be seen along the inside walls of the cave. The Vadhoo Caves are home to a wide diversity of marine life, including tuna, squirrelfish, and solder fish, among other species. Snorkeling is a fun activity that may be enjoyed to its fullest at the reef’s edge.
Embudhoo Express
A protected maritime region known as Embudhoo Kandu is home to the scuba diving destination known as Embudhoo Express. At the location, one may come across many different species of marine life, such as sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and rays. Divers are carried along a wall by the rather strong currents that exist in this area. In this area, divers may also locate a large number of overhangs. Snorkeling is a fun activity that may be enjoyed at the top of the reef. Due to the often high currents, scuba diving in this area is only advised for divers with extensive prior experience.
Kuda Giri
Night diving is a popular activity that can be enjoyed in Kuda Giri. One of the most popular things to see and do in this area is the sunken hull of a ship that was purposefully dumped into the water in order to create an artificial reef. On the submerged shipwreck, one may see cup corals and sponges thriving in their natural environment. In addition to the abundant coral growth, the marine life includes species such as batfish, Groppers, and moray eels. Even at snorkelling depths, this location has a huge variety of reef species for you to discover.
Vaagali Caves
The Vaagali Caves are an intriguing diving location that may be found near to the south-southeast of the Vaagali Island. This area is home to a plethora of caverns, particularly on the northern side. Divers love coming here since the whole area is covered with vibrant sponges and soft corals, making it one of their favourite places to explore. At the highest point of the reef, snorkelling is a fun activity to partake in. There are many different species of marine life that may be seen, such as eagle rays, jackfish, manta rays, sharks, and fusiliers.
