At a glance
| At a glance | Noonu |
|---|---|
| Where | The north; the southern half of Miladhunmadulu |
| Getting there | Seaplane; or a flight to Maafaru, then a speedboat |
| Under water | Spinner dolphins, turtles and reef fish; channels and coral pinnacles |
| On land | Velidhoo, where safari boats are built |
| Suits | Privacy, high-end stays |
Where it is
Noonu is the southern half of Miladhunmadulu, a natural atoll in the north of the Maldives. It is remote and unspoilt, with green islands scattered across deep-blue lagoons, and it is home to some of the most exclusive resorts in the country.
Getting there
Resorts are reached by seaplane. Maafaru, in the atoll, has had a domestic airport since 2019, and a flight there followed by a speedboat is another way in. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.
Under water
The atoll is rich in reef fish, such as snappers and fusiliers, and has a large population of spinner dolphins. Turtles are common on the reefs, and Noonu has some of the country’s important turtle nesting beaches. Deep channels and coral pinnacles, known locally as thilas, suit experienced divers.
On land
Velidhoo is known for building and repairing safari boats. Manadhoo is the atoll capital.
Who it suits
A stay here suits couples who want privacy and a high-end resort, with spinner dolphins and turtles in the water around them. Our pick of Noonu’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
