Maamigili
The largest resident island in South Ari, just outside a whale shark protected area and home to an airport. It is the most convenient base for whale shark snorkelling.
Maamigili lies on the southern edge of South Ari Atoll and has the atoll's largest population. The island is home to Villa International Airport (Maamigili Airport), and a domestic flight from Malé takes about 25 minutes. The outer reef slope lies within the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), where whale sharks feed year-round. Guesthouses and dive shops run whale shark snorkelling trips that head out to sea and have a high success rate. The island has a bikini beach and several mid-range guesthouses, and it serves as a transfer point for nearby resort islands. Observe the resident-island dress code and alcohol ban.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Fenfushi
- Dhigurah
- Kuda Rah Thila
- Broken Rock
- Rangali Madivaru (Manta Point)
- Dhangethi
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
- Mahibadhoo