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Ari Atoll

Tchami · File:Whale shark Maldives.jpg (cropped) · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0) · https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Whale_shark_Maldives.jpg

Region · Maldives

Ari Atoll

The reef-focused choice: diving and snorkelling, and a marine protected area where whale sharks are recorded through the year, though never on demand.

Best seasonDec – Apr
TransferConfirm per resort
SeaplanesDaylight only
Marine lifeReefs · whale sharks
Atoll namesNorth & South Ari
SuitsDivers · snorkellers
Overview

Why Ari Atoll

Ari is made up of North Ari (Alif Alif) and South Ari (Alif Dhaal). The South Ari Marine Protected Area, designated in 2009, covers about 42 square kilometres, and research there records whale sharks around the area throughout the year. A recording is not a sighting guarantee.

🗺 Interactive Map · Coming Soon

Explore the Ari Atoll region on the map

City locations, drawn from our published destination data. Attractions, hotels and restaurants are not mapped yet.

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Highlights

What Ari Atoll is for

Why divers and snorkellers choose it.

Diving and snorkellingDive centres and house reefs across the atoll. Conditions and quality vary by island and season.
South Ari Marine Protected AreaWhale sharks are recorded around the area through the year. Encounters are never guaranteed.
Resort islandsOne resort per island; the transfer is a seaplane or flight plus boat, so allow a full travel day.
When to go

When to visit Ari Atoll

Seasons follow the national pattern; marine sightings vary within them.

Dec – AprThe drier months overall. The Maldives Meteorological Service puts the dry north-east monsoon at January to March, with December and April as transition months. This is also usually the busiest period for the country as a whole.
mid-May – NovThe wetter south-west monsoon: more cloud, wind and showers, and rougher seas that can affect excursions and some transfers. Rates are usually lower.
Getting there

One pass, the whole region

Check the transfer for your island before you book.

Seaplane or flight and boat

  • Seaplanes fly in daylight only. A domestic flight with a boat is an alternative at some resorts; confirm times for your dates and whether a late arrival can connect.

Resorts in this area

  • The ministry register lists 28 resorts in Ari Atoll (North Ari and South Ari). We shortlist the right one for your budget, dates and transfer.
Itinerary

An Ari Atoll stay

Night 1

Arrive and rest

Allow for a long transfer day.

Nights 2–5

Reefs and the water

House reef, dive or snorkelling excursions, and an operator-led trip towards the marine protected area if you want to look for whale sharks.

Last day

Leave with a margin

Plan the return around daylight seaplane times and your flight.

Good to Know

Frequently asked

No. Whale sharks are recorded around South Ari throughout the year, but any given trip may not see one.
No. Many resorts have house reefs for snorkelling, but reef quality varies by island, so ask for the specifics.
Usually by seaplane or by a domestic flight and a boat, depending on the island. Your property confirms the exact transfer.
Plan

Plan your Ari Atoll stay

Tell us whether you dive or snorkel and when you can travel, and we will match an island to the reef you want.

Design my Ari Atoll trip →