Discover the pristine beaches and rich marine life of this authentic Maldivian island in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll
Located in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, Hangnaameedhoo Island is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and authentic Maldivian culture. This picturesque island offers visitors a peaceful retreat with excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
What makes Hangnaameedhoo special is its pristine natural environment and relatively undiscovered status compared to more touristy islands. The island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the atoll, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
Beyond its natural beauty, Hangnaameedhoo offers a glimpse into traditional Maldivian life. The island's small size and friendly community make it perfect for travelers seeking an authentic experience away from large resorts.
Hangnaameedhoo Island is located in the central part of Alifu Dhaalu Atoll (South Ari Atoll), approximately 85 kilometers southwest of Male. The island's position makes it ideal for accessing some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Maldives.
The island's location provides excellent access to several famous dive sites including Hangnaameedhoo Reef and Maaya Thila. Its position also makes it a convenient base for exploring other islands in the atoll through day trips.
Hangnaameedhoo is surrounded by beautiful beaches and rich marine life that make it a perfect destination for beach lovers and snorkelers. The island's natural beauty provides ideal settings for relaxation and water activities.
Hangnaameedhoo has a designated "bikini beach" on the western side where tourists can wear Western-style swimwear. This stunning stretch of white sand features calm waters perfect for swimming and is equipped with basic facilities for visitors.
The island is surrounded by scenic beaches, though visitors should note that modest dress is required on public beaches outside the designated bikini beach area. The northern beaches offer particularly beautiful sunset views.
Hangnaameedhoo boasts an accessible house reef that offers excellent snorkeling opportunities directly from the shore. The reef is particularly vibrant on the eastern side, where snorkelers can observe a diverse array of marine life including colorful reef fish, rays, and occasionally turtles.
The waters around Hangnaameedhoo Island offer exceptional marine biodiversity:
For more information about marine life, see our Maldives Marine Life guide.
Hangnaameedhoo is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life just steps from the shore.
The waters around Hangnaameedhoo feature several famous dive sites:
For more diving options, consider visiting nearby Mahibadhoo Island or Dhigurah Island which also have excellent dive spots.
The best time for diving in Hangnaameedhoo is year-round, with different marine encounters depending on the season:
Hangnaameedhoo offers several services for divers and snorkelers:
Hangnaameedhoo offers a range of accommodation options that cater to travelers seeking an authentic Maldivian experience. Most guesthouses are locally owned and provide comfortable stays with easy access to the beaches and snorkeling spots.
Several guesthouses offer direct beach access with stunning ocean views. These typically feature comfortable rooms with modern amenities and easy access to the water.
Price Range: $50-80 per night
Popular Options: Hangnaameedhoo Beach Inn, Ocean View Guesthouse, Coral Sands Villa
Family-run guesthouses offer clean, comfortable rooms with essential amenities including air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi. Most provide full-board packages that include three meals daily.
Price Range: $40-70 per night
Features: Local hospitality, home-cooked meals, cultural experiences
Specialized dive packages combine accommodation with daily diving trips, perfect for serious divers who want to explore the area's underwater wonders.
Price Range: $80-120 per night (including dives)
Features: Dive equipment storage, drying areas, dive planning assistance
While snorkeling and diving are the main attractions, Hangnaameedhoo offers a variety of other activities that showcase the island's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Discover pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and authentic Maldivian hospitality. Book your stay today for an unforgettable island experience.
Plan Your TripThe best time to visit Hangnaameedhoo depends on your interests. For the best weather conditions, visit during the dry season from December to April when skies are clear and seas are calm. This is ideal for beach activities and snorkeling. The wet season from May to November offers better chances to see manta rays and whale sharks, though there may be more rain. Water temperatures remain warm year-round (around 28-30°C). For more information about Maldives weather patterns, see our Maldives Weather Guide.
While you can bring your own equipment if you prefer, most guesthouses on Hangnaameedhoo offer snorkeling gear for rent (typically $5-10 per day for mask, snorkel, and fins). The quality of rental equipment varies, so serious snorkelers might prefer to bring their own well-fitting mask. If you're planning to do a lot of snorkeling, consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral. For diving, equipment is available for rent at the dive center, though many divers prefer to bring their own mask and snorkel at minimum.
Hangnaameedhoo stands out for its authentic local atmosphere and relatively undiscovered status compared to more touristy islands. Unlike resort islands, you'll experience genuine Maldivian culture and hospitality. The island offers excellent value compared to resorts, with similar beautiful beaches and marine life at a fraction of the cost. Hangnaameedhoo's house reef is particularly accessible, with vibrant coral just steps from shore. The island's small size creates a peaceful, intimate atmosphere perfect for travelers looking to escape crowds. For comparisons with other islands, check our Maldives Islands Guide.
Hangnaameedhoo has several small local restaurants (called "hotels" in Maldivian terminology) serving authentic Maldivian cuisine, with fresh seafood as a staple. Most guesthouses offer meal plans with home-cooked local dishes. There are a few small shops selling basic necessities, snacks, and souvenirs, but selection is limited compared to Male or resort islands. It's recommended to bring any specialty items you might need. The island has no alcohol available due to local customs. For more about Maldivian food, see our Maldives Culture article.
Essential items for Hangnaameedhoo include: swimwear (for the designated bikini beach), cover-ups for village areas, reef-safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses, lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees for village wear, sandals or water shoes, snorkeling gear (if you prefer your own), waterproof bag for boat trips, and a reusable water bottle. For electronics, bring waterproof cases, extra memory cards, and universal adapters (Maldives uses UK-style plugs). Mosquito repellent and after-bite cream are recommended. If visiting mosques, women should pack a light scarf. For more packing tips, see our Maldives Packing Guide.
