At a glance
| At a glance | Haa Alifu |
|---|---|
| Where | The far north; the northernmost atoll of the Maldives |
| Getting there | A seaplane, or a domestic flight north and a transfer to the island |
| Under water | Quiet reefs and channels, with reef sharks |
| On land | Utheemu, home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu |
| Suits | Repeat visitors, history lovers, a quiet stay |
Where it is
Haa Alifu is the northernmost atoll of the Maldives, and the closest to India. It takes in Ihavandhippolhu, the most northerly natural atoll in the country. Of its 42 islands, 14 are inhabited.
Getting there
The atoll is reached by seaplane from Malé, or by a domestic flight north. The resorts here are served by Hanimaadhoo airport, in neighbouring Haa Dhaalu, and Hoarafushi, in the atoll, also has a domestic airport. From the airport, there is an onward transfer to the island.
Under water
The far north sees few dive boats. Whitetip and blacktip reef sharks patrol the reef edges and the mouths of the channels, and diving conditions are generally best from December to April.
On land
Utheemu is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who freed the Maldives from Portuguese rule. His childhood home, Utheemu Ganduvaru, is now a museum.
Who it suits
A stay here suits couples who want a quiet island in the far north, and anyone curious about Maldivian history, with Utheemu in the same atoll. Our pick of resorts in Haa Alifu is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
