
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.
Kaafu Atoll Activities
Organized By: Male Atoll ActivitiesLocation: Male Atoll
Explore with GoPro, towels & pickupDuration: 2hrs
Includes: GoPro, Softdrinks, PickupDuration: 3-5hrs
Explore local islands & sandbanksDuration: 4 hrs
Duration: 9hrs | Includes: Shipwreck, Nurse Shark, Sandbank
Duration: 3hrs | Equipment & Boat Included
Evening boat trip + BBQ your own catch
Duration: 7hrs | Includes Fishing & Lunch
Cultural trip with snorkeling & sandbank
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.
Kaafu Atoll Transfers
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
South Male Atoll
North Male Atoll
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
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Islands in Kaafu Atoll
- Dhiffushi

Dhiffushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Gaafaru

Gaafaru is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Gulhi

Gulhi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Guraidhoo

Guraidhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Himmafushi

Himmafushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Huraa

Huraa is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Kaashidhoo

Kaashidhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Maafushi

Maafushi is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
- Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo is an inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, Maldives.
Resorts in Kaafu Atoll
Private island resorts, each its own destination.
- Adaaran Club Rannalhi Island Resort Maldives
RannalhiFrom $302 / night
- Adaaran Prestige Vadoo Island Resort Maldives
VadooFrom $620 / night
- Anantara Dhigu Island Resort Maldives
DhigufinolhuFrom $540 / night
- Bandos Island Resort Maldives
BandosFrom $350 / night
- Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Island Resort Maldives
VabbinfaruFrom $980 / night
- Baros Maldives
Baros5★Overwater villasFrom $780 / night
- Centara Rasfushi Island Resort Maldives
GiraavaruFrom $208 / night
- Coco Bodu Hithi Island Resort Maldives
Bodu HithiFrom $690 / night
- COMO Cocoa Island Resort Maldives
Makunufushi - Eriyadu Island Resort Maldives
EriyaduFrom $130 / night
- FOUR SEASONS RESORT MALDIVES AT KUDA HURAA
Kuda Huraa5★From $1,500 / night
- Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives Island Resort
KodhipparuFrom $780 / night
- Hard Rock Hotel Maldives Island Resort
Akasdhoo5★From $600 / night
- Huvafen Fushi Island Resort Maldives
NakatchafushiFrom $1,054 / night
- Jumeirah Maldives Olhahali Island Resort
OlhahaliFrom $2,100 / night
- Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives
Kuda VillingiliFrom $1,700 / night
- Kurumba Maldives
Vihamanaafushi5★From $300 / night
- Makunudu Island Resort Maldives
MakunuduFrom $300 / night
- Meeru Island Resort & Spa Maldives
MeerufenfushiFrom $440 / night
- OBLU NATURE Helengeli Maldives Island Resort
Helengeli5★From $600 / night
- OBLU SELECT Lobigili Maldives Island Resort
Lobigili5★From $800 / night
- OBLU SELECT Sangeli Maldives Island Resort
Sangeli5★From $700 / night
- OBLU XPErience Ailafushi Maldives Island Resort
Ailafushi5★From $500 / night
- One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives Island Resort
Reethi Rah5★From $2,050 / night
- Ozen Reserve Bolifushi Maldives Island Resort
Bolifushi5★From $1,900 / night
- Paradise Island Resort Maldives
LankanfinolhuFrom $204 / night
- Rihiveli MaldivesMahaanaelhihuraa
- Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Island
Furanafushi5★From $500 / night
- Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa Maldives
Hembadhu5★From $1,150 / night
- Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives
Emboodhu Finolhu5★From $2,500 / night
- The Patina Maldives Fari Island Resort
Fari Islands5★From $2,600 / night
- The Ritz Carlton Maldives Fari Island Resort
Fari IslandsFrom $2,384 / night
- VARU by Atmosphere Maldives Island Resort
Madivaru5★From $1,200 / night
- Velassaru Maldives
Velassaru5★Overwater villasFrom $800 / night
- Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi Island Resort
Ithaafushi5★
Guesthouses & Hotels in Kaafu Atoll
Stays on real local islands, inside their communities.
- Arena Beach Hotel
Maafushi4★From $59 / night
- Crystal View Maldives Guest HouseGulhi
- Gaafari view inn Hotel Maldives
Gaafaru3★From $40 / night
- Kaani Beach Hotel
MaafushiFrom $71 / night
- rosemery-maafushi
MaafushiFrom $44 / night
- Yuvi Blue Maldives
HimmafushiFrom $81 / night
Fishing in Kaafu Atoll
- Big Game Fishing Trip
Fishing42 locations4 hrbeginnerFrom $1,200 - Fly Fishing Half-Day Charter
Fishing43 locations4 hrFrom $800 - Full-Day Fishing Charter at Himmafushi
Fishing43 locations8 hrFrom $1,215 - Golden Reel Adventure
FishingBaros - Himmafushi Fishing Trip
Fishing43 locations1.5 hrFrom $63 - Marlin & Big Game Fishing Charter
Fishing43 locations - Night Fishing Excursion
Fishing42 locations - Night Fishing Trip
Fishing42 locations - Private Full-Day Fishing Charter
Fishing51 locations8 hrFrom $1,500 - Private Half-Day Fishing Charter
Fishing51 locations4 hrFrom $1,000 - Private Sport Fishing Trip
Fishing42 locations - Sunset Fishing Trip
Fishing42 locations3 hrFrom $30 - Sunset Reef Fishing
Fishing42 locations
Diving in Kaafu Atoll
- Advanced Open Water Diver Course
DivingMaafushiFrom $400 - Discover Scuba Diving
DivingThulusdhoobeginnerFrom $100 - Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
DivingMaafushibeginnerFrom $75 - Fun Dive (Single Tank)
DivingMaafushiFrom $50 - Fun Dive (Single Tank)
DivingThulusdhooFrom $65 - Guided Reef Dive
DivingBaros - PADI Open Water Diver Course
DivingVihamanaafushibeginner - PADI Open Water Diver Course
DivingMaafushibeginnerFrom $475
Dive sites in Kaafu Atoll
- Banana Reef
Reef - Guraidhoo Kandu
Channel - HP Reef
Thila - Kandooma Thila
Thila - Kuda Giri Wreck
Wreck - Lankan Manta Point
Reef - Okobe Thila
Thila - Vaadhoo Caves
Cave
Surfing in Kaafu Atoll
- Group Surf Lesson
Surfing5 locations2 hr - Guided Surf Boat Trip
SurfingThulusdhoo3 hr - Multi-Day Surf Camp Package
Surfing4 locations - Surf Lesson at Himmafushi
SurfingHimmafushiFrom $63 - Surfboard Rental
SurfingThulusdhooFrom $35 - Wave Surfing
Surfing2 locations1 hr
Surf breaks in Kaafu Atoll
- Chickens
Reef break - Cokes
Reef break - Guraidhoo CornerReef break
- Honky'sPoint break
- Jailbreak
Reef break - NinjasReef break
- Pasta Point
Reef break - Sultans
Point break
Activities in Kaafu Atoll
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
ExcursionHimmafushiFrom $47 - Male City Car Tour
Excursion43 locations2 hrFrom $150 - Vaavu Atoll Excursion
Excursion44 locations9 hrFrom $150 - Nurse Shark Snorkeling
Watersports43 locations4 hrFrom $80 - Day Visit A Resort
General3 locationsFrom $200 - Dolphin Excursion
Excursion43 locations3 hrFrom $85 - Full-Day Snorkeling & Island Hopping Tour
Island HoppingMaafushiFrom $90 - Fun Tube Ride at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi15 minFrom $37 - Jet Ski at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi30 minFrom $84 - Male City Bike Tour
Excursion43 locations2 hrFrom $34 - Male City Half Day Bike Tour
Excursion43 locations5.5 hrFrom $70 - Male City Half Day Walking Tour
Excursion43 locations5.5 hrFrom $38 - Male City Walking Tour
Excursion43 locations2 hrFrom $15 - Malé Guided Tour
CultureVihamanaafushi3 hr - Parasailing at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi15 minFrom $126 - Private Dolphin Cruise
ExcursionMaafushi1 hr - Private Snorkeling Trip
WatersportsMaafushiFrom $150 - Sandbank and Snorkeling Excursion
Watersports43 locations2 hrFrom $75 - Sandbank Picnic
GeneralVihamanaafushi - Sandbank, Snorkeling & Dolphin Watching Excursions
ExcursionMaafushi - Snorkeling Gear Rental
ExcursionHimmafushiFrom $16 - Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
ExcursionHimmafushiFrom $42 - Snorkeling Trip to Sting Ray Point
ExcursionHimmafushiFrom $53 - Snorkeling, Dolphin Watching & Sandbank Package
ExcursionMaafushiFrom $25 - Stand Up Paddleboarding at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi1 hrFrom $19 - Stingray Snorkeling
Watersports43 locations4 hrFrom $50 - Water Skiing at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi30 minFrom $74 - Wind Surfing at Himmafushi
WatersportsHimmafushi1 hr
Transfers in Kaafu Atoll
- Guraidhoo to Malé
2.3 hrFrom MVR 22 - Maafushi to Malé
1.5 hr27 kmFrom MVR 22 - Malé to Guraidhoo
2.3 hrFrom MVR 22 - Malé to Himmafushi
40 minFrom $2 - Malé to Maafushi
1.5 hr27 kmFrom MVR 22 - Velana International Airport to Adaaran Club Rannalhi
45 minFrom $180 - Velana International Airport to Adaaran Prestige Vadoo
20 minFrom $80 - Velana International Airport to Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort
40 minFrom $115 - Velana International Airport to Bandos Maldives Resort
20 minFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru
25 minFrom $72 - Velana International Airport to Baros
25 minFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to Capella Maldives at Fari Islands
1 hrFrom $230 - Velana International Airport to Centara Mirage and Grand Island Resort Maldives
40 minFrom $110 - Velana International Airport to Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives
30 minFrom $90 - Velana International Airport to Club Med Finolhu Villas Maldives
35 minFrom $115 - Velana International Airport to Club Med Kani Maldives
30 minFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to Coco Bodu Hithi Maldives
45 minFrom $150 - Velana International Airport to COMO Cocoa Island Maldives
40 minFrom $120 - Velana International Airport to Dhawa Ihuru
25 minFrom $72 - Velana International Airport to Embudu Village Maldives
25 minFrom $72 - Velana International Airport to Eriyadu Maldives
50 minFrom $170 - Velana International Airport to Fihalhohi Maldives
50 minFrom $145 - Velana International Airport to Fun Island Maldives
45 minFrom $135 - Velana International Airport to Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives
20 minFrom $75 - Velana International Airport to Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
1 hrFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
20 minFrom $110 - Velana International Airport to Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives
40 minFrom $120 - Velana International Airport to Huraa
25 minFrom $100 - Velana International Airport to Huvafen Fushi Maldives
30 minFrom $105 - Velana International Airport to Joy Island Maldives
45 minFrom $180 - Velana International Airport to Jumeirah Olhahali Island Maldives
1.2 hrFrom $250 - Velana International Airport to JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa
25 minFrom $100 - Velana International Airport to Kagi Island Maldives Resort & Spa
1 hrFrom $190 - Velana International Airport to Kurumba Maldives
5 minFrom $50 - Velana International Airport to Lankanfushi
30 min20 kmFrom $75 - Velana International Airport to LUX* North Male Atoll
1 hrFrom $190 - Velana International Airport to Maafushi
35 min27 kmFrom $20 - Velana International Airport to Makunudu Island
50 minFrom $150 - Velana International Airport to Malahini Kuda Bandos
20 minFrom $70 - Velana International Airport to Meeru Island Resort & Spa
50 minFrom $150 - Velana International Airport to Oaga Art Resort Maldives
1 hrFrom $190 - Velana International Airport to OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO
1 hrFrom $190 - Velana International Airport to OBLU SELECT Lobigili
20 minFrom $85 - Velana International Airport to OBLU SELECT Sangeli
50 minFrom $170 - Velana International Airport to OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi
20 minFrom $85 - Velana International Airport to One&Only Reethi Rah
45 minFrom $190 - Velana International Airport to OZEN LIFE MAADHOO
50 minFrom $150 - Velana International Airport to OZEN RESERVE Bolifushi
30 minFrom $100 - Velana International Airport to Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
50 minFrom $200 - Velana International Airport to Rosewood Ranfaru Resort
1 hrFrom $180 - Velana International Airport to SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton
1 hrFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
15 minFrom $55 - Velana International Airport to SO/ Maldives
25 minFrom $70 - Velana International Airport to Summer Island Maldives
50 minFrom $155 - Velana International Airport to Taj Coral Reef Resort & Spa
45 minFrom $150 - Velana International Airport to Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
20 minFrom $75 - Velana International Airport to The Marina at CROSSROADS Maldives
20 minFrom $65 - Velana International Airport to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
50 minFrom $200 - Velana International Airport to Velassaru
25 minFrom $70 - Velana International Airport to Vihamanaafushi
5 minFrom $50 - Velana International Airport to Villa Nautica Paradise Island
20 minFrom $70 - Velana International Airport to Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
40 minFrom $150
Packages featuring Kaafu Atoll
7-Night Kurumba Resort EscapeMTG-curatedVihamanaafushiDiving Packages7 Nights / 6 DaysQuote on request- Stay at Kurumba Maldives
- PADI Open Water Diver Course
- Sunset Reef Fishing
HimmafushiDiving Packages2 Nights / 1 DaysFrom $453 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiDiving Packages4 Nights / 3 DaysFrom $842 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiDiving Packages5 Nights / 4 DaysFrom $958 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiDiving Packages6 Nights / 5 DaysFrom $1,080 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiFamily Packages2 Nights / 1 DaysFrom $648 per package- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Fun Tube Ride at Himmafushi
HimmafushiFamily Packages4 Nights / 3 DaysFrom $1,099 per package- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Fun Tube Ride at Himmafushi
HimmafushiFamily Packages5 Nights / 4 DaysFrom $1,384 per package- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Fun Tube Ride at Himmafushi
HimmafushiFamily Packages6 Nights / 5 DaysFrom $1,567 per package- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Snorkeling Trip to Coral Garden
- Fun Tube Ride at Himmafushi
HimmafushiHoneymoon Packages2 Nights / 1 DaysFrom $406 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Canoeing at Himmafushi
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiHoneymoon Packages4 Nights / 3 DaysFrom $849 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Canoeing at Himmafushi
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiHoneymoon Packages5 Nights / 4 DaysFrom $1,186 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Canoeing at Himmafushi
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiHoneymoon Packages6 Nights / 5 DaysFrom $1,354 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Canoeing at Himmafushi
- Snorkeling Trip to Turtle Point
HimmafushiSurfing Packages2 Nights / 1 DaysFrom $527 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Surf Lesson at Himmafushi
- Based in Himmafushi
HimmafushiSurfing Packages4 Nights / 3 DaysFrom $969 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Surf Lesson at Himmafushi
- Wind Surfing at Himmafushi
HimmafushiSurfing Packages5 Nights / 4 DaysFrom $1,091 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Surf Lesson at Himmafushi
- Wind Surfing at Himmafushi
HimmafushiSurfing Packages6 Nights / 5 DaysFrom $1,302 per couple- Stay at Yuvi Blue Maldives
- Surf Lesson at Himmafushi
- Wind Surfing at Himmafushi
Maldives Fishing & Island Hopping PackageMTG-curatedMaafushiFishing Holiday Packages4 Nights / 3 DaysQuote on request- Stay at Kaani Beach Hotel
- Night Fishing Trip
- Based in Maafushi
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Destination content on this page is drawn from MTG’s own previously published Maldives guide.

