Maldives Tour Guide
HP reef Male Atoll

Atoll

Kaafu Atoll

Kaafu Atoll is one of the Maldives' administrative atolls (code K), comprising 9 inhabited islands. Its administrative capital is Thulusdhoo.

Administrative code
K
Inhabited islands
9

Where is Kaafu Atoll?

Explore the location on the map.

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

About Kaafu Atoll

Welcome to Kaafu Atoll

Kaafu Atoll, also known as Male' Atoll, is the most visited atoll in the Maldives and home to the capital city Male'. This atoll is divided into North Male' Atoll and South Male' Atoll, offering some of the most accessible and luxurious resort experiences in the country.

With its proximity to Velana International Airport, Kaafu Atoll is often the first taste visitors get of the Maldives' stunning beauty. The atoll features crystal-clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and some of the most famous dive sites in the world.

Best Dive Sites in Kaafu Atoll

One of the first dive sites discovered in Maldives, famous for its dramatic overhangs and coral formations.

Depth: 5-30m | Level: All levels

Excellent drift dive site with strong currents attracting large pelagics like sharks and rays.

Depth: 15-30m | Level: Advanced

Popular Activities in Kaafu Atoll

Explore vibrant coral gardens and marine life at house reefs of resorts or on snorkeling excursions.

Relaxing dhoni cruises at sunset, often with dolphin spotting opportunities.

Visit traditional fishing villages and experience authentic Maldivian culture.

Getting to Kaafu Atoll

Kaafu Atoll resorts are the most accessible in Maldives, with transfer times ranging from:

Many resorts offer 24/7 speedboat transfers due to the proximity to the airport.

Best Time to Visit Kaafu Atoll

The best time to visit Kaafu Atoll is during the dry season from November to April when you can expect calm seas, plenty of sunshine, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling.

The surf season runs from March to October, with the biggest swells typically in June-August.

Discover Kaafu Atoll Islands

Kaafu Atoll was absolutely breathtaking! The resorts were luxurious and the diving at Banana Reef was unforgettable. We saw so many colorful fish and even a turtle!

Kaafu Atoll Gallery

  • kaafu atoll maldives

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Islands in Kaafu Atoll

  • kaafu Dhiffushi island
    Dhiffushi

    Dhiffushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu gaafaru island
    Gaafaru

    Gaafaru is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu gulhi island
    Gulhi

    Gulhi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu Guraidhoo island
    Guraidhoo

    Guraidhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu Himmafushi island
    Himmafushi

    Himmafushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • Four Seasons Maldives Kuda Huraa Male Atoll
    Huraa

    Huraa is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu Kaashidhoo island
    Kaashidhoo

    Kaashidhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • kaafu maafushi island
    Maafushi

    Maafushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • thullusdhoo island maldives
    Thulusdhoo

    Thulusdhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

On Kaafu Atoll

  • North Male Atoll Banana Reef Maldives
    Banana Reef

    dive site

    Banana Reef is a reef in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 3m to 30m.

  • maldives surfing Wave chicken

    Chickens

    surf break

    Chickens is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • maldives surfing Wave Cokes

    Cokes

    surf break

    Cokes is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • Guraidhoo Corner

    surf break

    Guraidhoo Corner is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • Fushi Kandu maldives
    Guraidhoo Kandu

    dive site

    Guraidhoo Kandu is a channel in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth reaches approximately 35m.

  • Honky's

    surf break

    Honky's is a point break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • HP reef Male Atoll
    HP Reef

    dive site

    HP Reef is a thila in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 5m to 30m.

  • maldives surfing Wave Jailbreaks

    Jailbreak

    surf break

    Jailbreak is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • South Male Atoll Kandooma Thila Maldives
    Kandooma Thila

    dive site

    Kandooma Thila is a thila in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 12m to 40m.

  • Alif Alif Fesdhoo Wreck Maldives
    Kuda Giri Wreck

    dive site

    Kuda Giri Wreck is a wreck in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 18m to 32m.

  • Maldives in December: Weather, Activities & Expert Travel Guide
    Lankan Manta Point

    dive site

    Lankan Manta Point is a reef in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 15m to 25m.

  • OZEN Maadhoo underwater restaurant
    M6m Underwater Restaurant, Ozen Life Maadhoo

    poi

    A fine-dining restaurant six metres beneath the Indian Ocean at Ozen Life Maadhoo, Kaafu Atoll.

  • Ninjas

    surf break

    Ninjas is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • Maldives dive site veligandu east
    Okobe Thila

    dive site

    Okobe Thila is a thila in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 12m to 32m.

  • Cinnamon Dhonveli Pasta Point

    Pasta Point

    surf break

    Pasta Point is a reef break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • maldives surfing Wave Sultans

    Sultans

    surf break

    Sultans is a point break in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.

  • 15 Most Beautiful Places in Maldives: Paradise Found
    Vaadhoo Caves

    dive site

    Vaadhoo Caves is a cave in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives. Depth ranges from approximately 7m to 30m.

Resorts in Kaafu Atoll

Private island resorts, each its own destination.

Guesthouses & Hotels in Kaafu Atoll

Stays on real local islands, inside their communities.

Fishing in Kaafu Atoll

Diving in Kaafu Atoll

Dive sites in Kaafu Atoll

Surfing in Kaafu Atoll

Surf breaks in Kaafu Atoll

Activities in Kaafu Atoll

Transfers in Kaafu Atoll

Packages featuring Kaafu Atoll

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Destination content on this page is drawn from MTG’s own previously published Maldives guide.