Dhaalu Atoll.

Silversmiths, dolphins and an old coral-stone mosque.

Atoll by atoll

EquatorDhaaluMalé

At a glance

At a glanceDhaalu
WhereSouth-west of Malé; the southern of the Nilandhe atolls
Getting thereSeaplane, about 45 minutes; or a flight to Kudahuvadhoo
Under waterFushi Kandu, protected since 1999; dolphins
On landKudahuvadhoo’s coral-stone mosque; gold and silversmiths
SuitsResort comfort, local crafts

Where it is

Dhaalu is the southern of the two Nilandhe atolls, 23 km across and 38 km from north to south. Of its 56 islands, seven are inhabited. The capital, Kudahuvadhoo, is at its southern tip.

Getting there

Resorts are about 45 minutes from the airport by seaplane. Kudahuvadhoo has had a domestic airport since 2017, an option for arrivals after the seaplanes have stopped flying for the day. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.

Under water

Fushi Kandu has been a protected area since 1999, and dolphins are often seen.

On land

Kudahuvadhoo’s old mosque is known for its coral-stone carving and masonry, and the atoll is known for its gold and silversmiths.

Who it suits

A stay here suits couples who want resort comfort, with dolphins in the water and local islands close by, about 45 minutes by seaplane. Our pick of Dhaalu’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.

Where to stay

Our pick of resorts in Dhaalu.

Each one, and what it is known for.

  • The round island, its beach and reef, from the airVelavaru

    Angsana Velavaru

    Overwater villas with a rooftop of their own, for a barbecue under the stars.

    Photo © Angsana Velavaru
  • Overwater suites along a curving jetty, at sunsetKedhigandu

    Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas

    24-hour all-inclusive, and an 800-metre walkway to the island next door.

    Photo © Hotel Riu Palace Maldivas
  • A pool and beach with sun loungers, from aboveKandima

    Kandima Maldives

    An oceanfront go-kart track, and a kids club with its own aqua park.

    Photo © Kandima Maldives
  • Two curving rows of overwater pool villas, from the airEmbudhufushi and Olhuveli

    Niyama Private Islands Maldives

    Two islands joined by a bridge.

    Photo © Niyama Private Islands Maldives
  • Overwater spa pavilions with domed roofs, the island behindVommuli

    The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

    An overwater spa where guests watch marine life through glass floors.

    Photo © The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
  • The island and a long row of overwater villas, from the airAluvifushi

    Sun Siyam Iru Veli

    125 beach and overwater villas, each with a private pool.

    Photo © Sun Siyam Iru Veli
  • The island and its sandbank, from the airMeedhuffushi

    Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

    A house reef 30 metres from the shore, with rays at dusk.

    Photo © Sun Siyam Vilu Reef

Questions

Asked about Dhaalu.

How long is the seaplane to Dhaalu?

About 45 minutes.

What if my flight lands late?

Kudahuvadhoo has a domestic airport, an option once the seaplanes have stopped flying for the day.

What is Dhaalu known for?

Gold and silversmiths, a carved coral-stone mosque on Kudahuvadhoo, and dolphins.

Atoll by atoll

Other atolls.

Read next

More on choosing.

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