Islands of North Malé Atoll

From surf-village guesthouses to ultra-luxury resorts, the islands where Maldivian tourism began

North Malé Atoll contains around 50 islands, ranging from tiny uninhabited sandbanks to the sprawling urban landscapes of Malé and Hulhumalé. For travellers, the islands divide into two broad categories: the inhabited local islands that offer guesthouse accommodation and a window into everyday Maldivian life, and the resort islands that provide the all-inclusive luxury experience the Maldives is famous for worldwide.

Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo is the most popular local island in North Malé Atoll for independent travellers. Located about 27 kilometres northeast of Malé, the island of roughly 1,500 residents has become synonymous with affordable surfing holidays in the Maldives. The world-famous Cokes break sits just offshore, and the nearby Chickens break provides an excellent alternative for intermediate surfers. Beyond surfing, Thulusdhoo charms visitors with its village atmosphere, local Coca-Cola bottling factory, and growing selection of comfortable guesthouses. The house reef on the western side offers rewarding snorkelling with turtles and reef fish.

Himmafushi

Himmafushi is another surfing-focused island, best known for its proximity to the Jailbreaks surf break — a consistent right-hander that works through most of the March-to-October swell season. The island is slightly larger than Thulusdhoo and has developed a lively strip of guesthouses, cafes, and dive shops catering to a steady stream of surf travellers. Himmafushi is also one of the closest local islands to Malé, making it easy to reach by both public ferry and speedboat. The bikini beach area, while smaller than some, provides a pleasant spot for swimming and relaxation.

Huraa

For travellers seeking a quieter, more traditional Maldivian island experience, Huraa delivers beautifully. This small island has a long history of lacquerwork craftsmanship, a decorative art form that involves carving and painting wooden vessels and containers with intricate designs. Huraa has fewer guesthouses than Thulusdhoo or Himmafushi, which means fewer tourists and a more authentic feel. The island is popular for half-day visits and excursions from Malé, but staying overnight allows you to experience the island's peaceful rhythm of life at its best.

Gaafaru

Gaafaru sits at the northeastern edge of North Malé Atoll, making it the most remote inhabited island in the atoll. This isolation has preserved both the reef environment and the traditional way of life. The island is surrounded by a remarkably healthy reef system, and several shipwrecks in the vicinity make for interesting snorkelling and diving. Gaafaru sees very few tourists compared to other islands in the atoll, offering a genuinely off-the-beaten-path experience for those willing to make the longer journey from Malé.

Resort Islands

North Malé Atoll is the most densely developed atoll for resort tourism in the Maldives. This is where the country's first resort, Kurumba, opened in 1972. Today, more than 25 resort islands operate within the atoll, spanning every category from ultra-luxury to mid-range. The main advantage of choosing a resort here is the short transfer time from the airport — some properties are just 15 minutes away by speedboat. Well-known resorts include One&Only Reethi Rah, Gili Lankanfushi, Baros, Bandos, and Kurumba, each offering its own style and character.

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