At a glance
| At a glance | South Malé |
|---|---|
| Where | South of the airport, across a channel from North Malé |
| Resorts | With North Malé, the most of any atoll |
| Getting there | Speedboat, usually under an hour |
| Under water | Kandooma Thila, Cocoa Thila, the Kuda Giri wreck |
| Surf | Breaks for beginners and experienced surfers |
| Suits | A quieter stay close to the airport, divers, surfers |
Where it is
South Malé is the southern part of Kaafu Atoll, across a channel from North Malé. It is more spread out and noticeably quieter than its northern neighbour, while still close to the airport. Together, North and South Malé have more resorts than any other atoll.
Getting there
Resorts are reached by speedboat or yacht, usually in under an hour. Maafushi, a local island, is served by public ferries and scheduled speedboats.
Under water
The channels attract reef sharks, eagle rays and turtles. Kandooma Thila, the best-known site, has grey reef sharks, and suits experienced divers. A thila is a coral pinnacle that rises from the atoll floor, with its top under water. Guraidhoo and Embudhoo channels have been protected since 1995. Cocoa Thila is a long, teardrop-shaped pinnacle, and the small Kuda Giri wreck suits newer divers.
Surf
South Malé has breaks for beginners and learners as well as experienced surfers, among them Kandooma Right.
On land
Maafushi, a local island, is a popular choice for travellers on a budget. Guraidhoo is known for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Who it suits
A stay here suits anyone who wants a quieter island without a long transfer, usually under an hour by speedboat, and divers and surfers. Our pick of South Malé’s resorts is below. Tell us who is travelling and what matters most, and we suggest the island that fits.
