Alifu Alifu Atoll (Ari Atoll)

Maldives' Diving Paradise - Luxury Resorts & Pristine Marine Life

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 Malé, 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.

Atoll Highlights

  • Location: West of Malé, Maldives
  • Capital Island: Rasdhoo
  • Total Islands: 105 (18 inhabited)
  • Famous For: Luxury resorts, diving, whale sharks
  • Transfer Time: 25 min by seaplane

Luxury Resorts in Alifu Alifu Atoll

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Iconic luxury resort featuring the world's first underwater restaurant and spectacular overwater villas.

Explore Resort
Veligandu Island Resort

Veligandu Island Resort

Romantic adults-only resort known for its pristine beaches and excellent house reef snorkeling.

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Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Charming boutique resort with excellent diving facilities and personalized service.

Explore Resort

World-Class Dive Sites in Alifu Alifu

Manta Point dive site

Manta Point

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)

Whale Shark Point

Whale Shark Point

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

Whale shark snorkeling

Whale Shark Snorkeling

Swim with the ocean's gentle giants on guided snorkeling excursions to whale shark hotspots.

Sunset cruise

Sunset Dolphin Cruises

Evening boat trips to spot playful spinner dolphins against breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Spa treatment

Overwater Spa Experiences

Pamper yourself with luxurious treatments in overwater spa pavilions with ocean views.

Traveling to Alifu Alifu Atoll

Transportation Options

Alifu Alifu Atoll is easily accessible from Velana International Airport (MLE):

  • Seaplane: 25-45 minutes direct to most resorts
  • Domestic Flight: 20 minutes to Dharavandhoo Airport + speedboat transfer
  • Speedboat: 90 minutes from Malé to closer resorts

Most luxury resorts include seaplane transfers in their packages.

Seaplane to Alifu Alifu

Alifu Alifu Atoll Island Highlights

Alifu Alifu Island

Alifu Alifu's Stunning Islands

Best Time to Visit Alifu Alifu Atoll

The ideal time to visit depends on your interests:

Water temperatures remain warm year-round (27-30°C), with visibility typically 20-40 meters.

Discover Alifu Alifu's Islands

Discover Other Maldives Atolls

Visitor Experiences

Share Your Alifu Alifu Experience

Jessica & Mark Thompson
★★★★★ February 2023

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!

David Chen
★★★★☆ November 2022

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.