At a glance
| At a glance | Raa |
|---|---|
| Where | The north-west |
| Getting there | Seaplane, about 40 to 45 minutes; or a flight to Ifuru, then a speedboat |
| Under water | Coral pinnacles and channels; sharks, rays, turtles and mantas |
| On land | Rasgetheemu, said to be where the monarchy began; boatbuilding on Alifushi |
| Suits | Divers and snorkellers, a quieter stay |
Where it is
Raa is an atoll in the north-west of the Maldives, made up of the northern half of the Maalhosmadulu natural atoll and the island of Alifushi. It feels off the beaten path, with calm lagoons and lively channels.
Getting there
Most resorts are reached by seaplane, in about 40 to 45 minutes. Ifuru, in the atoll, has a domestic airport, and a flight there followed by a short speedboat is another route. Seaplanes fly in daylight only; Seaplane or speedboat? explains more.
Under water
Coral pinnacles and channels bring schools of reef fish, sharks, rays and turtles, and mantas visit cleaning stations in the atoll, such as Sola Corner.
On land
Rasgetheemu is where the Maldivian monarchy is said to have begun. Alifushi is known for boatbuilding, and on Inguraidhoo local artisans teach mat weaving. Ungoofaaru is the atoll capital.
Who it suits
A stay here suits divers and snorkellers, with coral pinnacles, channels and mantas, and couples who want a quieter side of the Maldives, about 40 to 45 minutes by seaplane. Our pick of Raa’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
