Discover the Untouched Paradise and Hidden Gems of Northern Maldives
Shaviyani Atoll (also known as North Miladhunmadulu) is a pristine paradise located in the far northern part of the Maldives archipelago, approximately 160 km north of Male'. This remote atoll offers visitors an authentic Maldivian experience away from the more developed tourist areas, with untouched natural beauty and traditional island culture.
Known for its spectacular marine life, pristine coral reefs, and emerging luxury resorts, Shaviyani Atoll represents the Maldives as it once was - unspoiled, tranquil, and breathtakingly beautiful. The atoll's remote location has preserved its natural environment and traditional way of life, providing a glimpse into authentic Maldivian culture.
With its mix of exclusive luxury resorts, traditional local islands, and spectacular underwater landscapes, Shaviyani Atoll provides an idyllic escape for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure in one of the Maldives' most untouched settings.
Shaviyani Atoll is home to several manta ray cleaning stations where these majestic creatures gather to have parasites removed by smaller fish. These sites offer divers and snorkelers the rare opportunity to observe manta rays up close in their natural habitat, particularly during the northeast monsoon season.
The atoll features some of the most untouched coral reefs in the Maldives, with vibrant marine life and excellent visibility. Less visited than the central atolls, Shaviyani's reefs have suffered minimal tourism impact and offer spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences with healthy coral formations.
Shaviyani Atoll is renowned for its traditional boat building craftsmanship. Several islands in the atoll maintain the ancient art of constructing dhonis (traditional Maldivian boats) using techniques passed down through generations, offering visitors a glimpse into this important aspect of Maldivian maritime heritage.
The premier luxury resort in Shaviyani Atoll, Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi offers an exclusive island experience on a pristine 160,000 sqm island. The resort features 120 luxurious villas, each with a private pool, spread across beach, overwater, and jungle settings.
Highlights include the 200-meter swimming pool (one of the longest in the Maldives), the Willow Stream Spa, and the Coralarium - an underwater art installation and coral regeneration project that serves as both an artistic statement and a marine conservation initiative.
The resort is committed to sustainability and offers exceptional dining options, water sports, and diving experiences that take advantage of the atoll's pristine marine environment.
View ResortFor travelers seeking a more authentic Maldivian experience, several inhabited islands in Shaviyani Atoll offer guesthouse accommodations:
Staying on local islands provides a unique opportunity to experience Maldivian culture, cuisine, and daily life while enjoying the same beautiful beaches and marine environment at a fraction of the cost of luxury resorts.
View Local Island AccommodationsShaviyani Atoll is renowned for its exceptional diving conditions, with pristine reefs, diverse marine life, and excellent visibility. The atoll's remote location means many dive sites are virtually untouched, offering exclusive underwater experiences for diving enthusiasts.
A famous cleaning station where manta rays gather to have parasites removed by cleaner wrasse. This site offers divers the incredible opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close as they hover above coral bommies, particularly during the northeast monsoon season from December to April.
Depth: 10-25m | Best Conditions: Northeast monsoon (Dec-Apr)
A stunning underwater pinnacle featuring dramatic overhangs and swim-throughs covered in colorful soft corals. The site attracts a variety of pelagic species including grey reef sharks, eagle rays, and large schools of jackfish and barracuda, especially when currents are strong.
Depth: 15-40m | Best Conditions: Year-round, best visibility Dec-Apr
A unique dive site featuring the world's first semi-submerged art installation created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. This underwater sculpture gallery also serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life and providing an otherworldly diving experience that combines art and nature.
Depth: 3-12m | Best Conditions: Year-round
A beautiful reef system featuring extensive hard coral formations and abundant reef fish. The site is known for its resident population of reef sharks, turtles, and occasional manta ray sightings. The shallow reef top makes it ideal for both diving and snorkeling.
Depth: 5-25m | Best Conditions: Year-round
Explore the vibrant house reefs surrounding the islands of Shaviyani Atoll, home to an incredible diversity of marine life including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and colorful reef fish. The clear waters and healthy coral formations make for exceptional snorkeling experiences.
Visit traditional Maldivian islands to experience authentic local culture, including boat building workshops, traditional crafts, cuisine, and daily island life. These tours provide insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Maldives beyond the luxury resort experience.
Shaviyani Atoll is home to several species of dolphins, including spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins. Take a boat trip to witness these playful creatures in their natural habitat, often performing acrobatic jumps and spins, especially during sunset cruises.
Shaviyani Atoll is located approximately 160 km north of Male' and can be reached by:
For guests staying at Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi, the resort arranges combined seaplane transfers from Male' International Airport. Those staying on local islands can arrange transfers through their guesthouses or use public transportation options.
Male' to Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi
Male' to Shaviyani Atoll
The best time to visit Shaviyani Atoll depends on your preferences:
For the ultimate Shaviyani Atoll experience, visit between December and April when the weather is at its best and underwater visibility is exceptional for diving and snorkeling. This period also coincides with manta ray season, offering the best chance to encounter these magnificent creatures.
Shaviyani Atoll has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The atoll's inhabited islands preserve traditional Maldivian customs, architecture, and way of life that have remained largely unchanged for generations.
Key cultural highlights include:
Visitors to Shaviyani Atoll have the unique opportunity to experience authentic Maldivian culture by visiting local islands and interacting with communities that maintain their traditional way of life.
The islands of Shaviyani Atoll maintain strong cultural traditions that are still practiced in daily life. Visitors can witness traditional music and dance performances (Boduberu), observe skilled craftsmen at work, and participate in local festivities during religious and cultural celebrations.
Several guesthouses and resorts in the atoll offer cultural excursions to local islands, providing insights into traditional Maldivian life beyond the luxury resort experience. These tours often include visits to local homes, schools, and workshops where traditional crafts are practiced.
Shaviyani Atoll is truly a hidden gem in the Maldives! I stayed at Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi and was blown away by the pristine beauty of this remote paradise. The Coralarium underwater art installation was a highlight - such a unique experience to snorkel through an underwater gallery. The marine life is incredible - we saw manta rays, reef sharks, and countless tropical fish. What makes Shaviyani special is how untouched it feels compared to the more touristy atolls. Highly recommend for those looking to experience the Maldives away from the crowds.
We spent a week exploring Shaviyani Atoll, splitting our time between Fairmont Sirru Fen Fushi and a guesthouse on Funadhoo Island. This gave us a perfect mix of luxury and local experiences. The atoll is much less developed than others in the Maldives, which means more authentic culture and pristine nature. The diving was exceptional - healthy coral reefs and abundant marine life. We were lucky enough to swim with manta rays at a cleaning station - an unforgettable experience! The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that the journey to get there is quite long and can be challenging, but it's absolutely worth it for the untouched beauty and fewer tourists.
