At a glance
| At a glance | Gaafu Alifu |
|---|---|
| Where | The deep south; the north-east of Huvadhoo |
| Getting there | A domestic flight, then a speedboat; one resort by seaplane |
| Under water | Deep channels with reef sharks and dolphins |
| On land | Mat-making on Vilingili; textiles and coir on Dhevvadhoo |
| Suits | Experienced divers, remoteness |
Where it is
Gaafu Alifu is the north-eastern part of Huvadhoo, one of the largest atolls in the world, in the deep south of the Maldives. It became a separate district in 1962, when Huvadhoo was divided in two, and its capital is Vilingili.
Getting there
Kooddoo, in the atoll, has a domestic airport. Most resorts are reached by a domestic flight and then a short speedboat ride; one sits beside the airport on Kooddoo, and one is reached by seaplane from Malé. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.
Under water
Huvadhoo’s ring of reef is broken by around forty deep channels, where dolphins, reef sharks and larger fish are seen. Its remoteness and many advanced sites make it best for experienced divers. Hithaadhoo has been a protected area since 2006.
On land
Vilingili is known for its mat-makers, and Dhevvadhoo for textiles and coir.
Who it suits
A stay here suits experienced divers, and anyone who wants to be far from it all in the deep south. Our pick of Gaafu Alifu’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
