At a glance
| At a glance | Lhaviyani |
|---|---|
| Where | North of Malé |
| Getting there | Seaplane, about 30 to 45 minutes; or a flight to Madivaru |
| Under water | Drift dives, the Shipyard wrecks, green turtles |
| Suits | Divers, snorkellers |
Where it is
Lhaviyani, also called Faadhippolhu, lies north of Malé, a fairly large atoll with a horseshoe-shaped lagoon.
Getting there
Most resorts are a seaplane flight of about 30 to 45 minutes from the airport. Madivaru, in the atoll, has a domestic airport. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.
Under water
Kuredu Express is a drift dive through a channel where grey reef sharks often gather in schools, with eagle rays and tuna riding the current. The Shipyard has two wrecks in one dive: one breaks the surface, the other lies on its side.
Green turtles are found here more than in most atolls, and Lhaviyani has some of the country’s important turtle nesting beaches.
Who it suits
A stay here suits divers, and snorkellers hoping to swim with green turtles, a short seaplane flight north of Malé. Our pick of Lhaviyani’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
