Lhaviyani Atoll

A resort atoll about 130 km north of Malé, home to Kuredu, Kanuhura and Hurawalhi (with its 5.8 Undersea Restaurant), and great for snorkeling and diving.

Lhaviyani Atoll (officially Faadhippolhu) lies in the northern Maldives, roughly 120–140 km north of Malé. The oval-shaped atoll holds five inhabited islands and more than ten resort islands. The atoll capital, Naifaru, is a local island, while the resorts are spread along the northeast and western rims. They include Kuredu, the largest and with the most established diving; adults-oriented Kanuhura; Hurawalhi with its undersea restaurant; all-inclusive Kanifushi; and Kudadoo Private Island, which hosts only one group at a time. The real highlight is underwater: the channels and thilas (submerged reefs) along the atoll's edge regularly bring sightings of turtles, sharks and eagle rays, and the Shipyard wreck near Felivaru is one of the best-known wreck dives in the Maldives. During the southwest monsoon (May–Nov) the water is rich in plankton, and you can arrange a day trip to the manta season at nearby Hanifaru Bay (part of Baa Atoll; a private boat charter is required). Seasons: Nov–Apr is the dry northeast monsoon, with plenty of sunshine, calm seas and excellent visibility — this is high season and prices peak; May–Oct is the wet season with frequent showers and rougher seas, but prices are noticeably lower and chances of whale sharks and mantas are good. Getting there: seaplanes from Velana International Airport in Malé reach the resort islands in about 35–45 minutes. Seaplanes only fly in daylight, so late-arriving flights mean a night in Malé; some resorts can also be reached by domestic flight plus speedboat. Plan on 4–7 nights at a single resort, focusing on snorkeling, diving, fishing and sunset cruises. You can't hop freely between islands — island-hopping has to be arranged by your resort. Good to know: most resorts are all-inclusive or half-board, and on-island prices are high. Local islands follow Islamic customs, serve no alcohol and require modest dress.

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