Ari (also Alif, Alifu) is an atoll in the Maldives. It is divided into two parts, North Ari (Alif Alif) and South Ari (Alif Dhaal).

Understand[edit]

Ari is the original Dhivehi name of the atoll, while Alif Alif and Alif Dhaal are administrative codenames for the northern and southern parts of it.

3°59′3″N 72°50′2″E

Map of Ari

Inhabited islands[edit]

North Ari Atoll[edit]

• 4.2628272.9921 Rasdhoo – capital of North Ari Atoll
• 4.1854772.773812 Bodufolhudhoo
• 4.0511272.725363 Feridhoo
• 3.920572.74744 Himandhoo
• 3.98555672.7180565 Maalhos
• 4.191972.745956 Mathiveri
• 4.4391872.960917 Thoddoo – the largest producer of watermelon in Maldives
• 4.2150772.864558 Ukulhas

South Ari Atoll[edit]

• 3.75416772.9763899 Mahibadhoo – capital of South Ari Atoll
• 3.606872.955410 Dhangethi (Island of Moon)
• 3.48361172.87777811 Didhdhoo
• 3.53572.92912 Dhigurah
• 3.48333372.78333313 Fenfushi
• 3.84861172.95583314 Hangnaameedhoo
• 3.77572.92515 Kunburudhoo
• 3.47572.837516 Maamigili
• 3.69722272.70694417 Mandhoo
• 3.79083372.96388918 Omadhoo

Get in[edit]

Most of the inhabited islands can be reached by the public ferries from Male, run by MTCC company. Trip lasts from 3 to 6 hours and costs Rf 51. There are also private companies that run fast ferries with prices about US$45-65 (as of 2016) but the trip duration time gets decreased to mere 1-2 hours.

Resorts can also be reached by seaplane from Male, which takes 20-30 minutes.

Villa International Airport Maamigili (VAM ^IATA)

Buy[edit]

Banks and ATMs are available only at atoll capitals: Rasdhoo and Mahibadhoo.

See[edit]

Do[edit]

Sleep[edit]

• 3.61674772.7236461 Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, ☏ +960 668 0629. From US$500. (updated Jun 2023)
• Mirihi. Resort with great diving even on the house reef. 
• Vakarufalhi Island Resort, South, ☏ +960-6680004. Tiny circular island with 50 beach-facing, fairly basic bungalows. Most people come here for the diving, provided by ProDivers. US$200. 
• 3.849972.95442 The Island Pavilion Hotel & Spa, Hangnaameedhoo, ☏ +960 7558084, [email protected]. 6-room hotel on the beach front of the island, enclose with green vegetation. (updated Oct 2015)
• 4.00293472.8816993 Kandolhu Island Maldives, Kandolhudhoo, North Ari Atoll, Maldives (in North Ari Atoll), ☏ +960 333 2200, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. Features 5 restaurants and free Wi-Fi. All rooms are air conditioned and offer ocean views. Starting from US$500. 
• The Residence Maldives Falhumaafushi by Cenizaro, Falhumaafushi, Gaafu Alifu Atoll, ☏ +960 6820088, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 94 villas, with a variety of dining options and a spa. Starting from US$329. 
• Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Huvahandhoo, South Ari, ☏ +960 668-0013, [email protected]. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. An all-inclusive resort complex with water villas, private decks, fine dining and snorkeling excursions. Starting from US$260. 

Connect[edit]

All inhabited islands of the atoll have mobile coverage provided by two national mobile operators (Dhiraagu and Ooredoo), both offer 3G/LTE type of connection.

Go next[edit]