Maldives / Ari & Rasdhoo Atolls / Ari Atoll ResortsAri Atoll Resorts
Whale Sharks, Mantas and Seaplane Resorts West of Malé
One of the largest atolls, 25 to 35 minutes west of Malé by seaplane, or by domestic flight to Maamigili (VAM) and the resort's boat for the south; some North Ari resorts also run long speedboat transfers. South Ari's whale sharks (all year) and the manta cleaning stations make it the atoll for snorkellers and divers. Seaplanes fly in daylight only. Alcohol is served on resorts. Resorts are the only places to eat on their islands and many sell rooms with a compulsory meal plan (half board, full board or all-inclusive); the food cost here is priced as one.
Highlights
- Whale shark snorkel in South Ari
- Manta rays at a cleaning station
- Seaplane flight over the atolls
- Water villa
- Night dive at Maaya Thila
- Sandbank picnic
Things to do
- Whale shark snorkel excursionMorning · 4h
- Manta snorkel or diveMorning · 3h 30m
- House reef snorkelAfternoon · 2h
- Sunset on the villa deckEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
Tourisma may earn a small commission if you book — it never changes your price.
When to go
Best time: December – April
Worth knowing
South-West Monsoon: Seaplanes Held in Storms
From May to October the south-west monsoon brings squalls and rough seas. Seaplanes are held on the ground in storms and low cloud, sometimes for hours, so the transfer back can miss an evening flight home: leave at least half a day between the seaplane and the international flight, or sleep in Hulhumalé. Resort rates are at their lowest.
Worth knowing
Seaplanes Fly in Daylight Only
Seaplanes fly only in daylight, with the last departures from Malé around 16:00. If your flight lands later, sleep in Hulhumalé or Malé and fly to the resort in the morning, or ask the resort for a domestic flight and speedboat instead, which run after dark. On the way home, the morning seaplane suits flights leaving after about 14:00.
Heads up
Whale Shark Peak in South Ari
Whale sharks are seen in South Ari all year, most often from August to November. Snorkel with a licensed operator, keep at least a few metres away, never touch, and no flash.
Heads up
Festive Peak: Minimum Stays and Gala Dinners
Over Christmas and New Year resorts charge their highest rates, set minimum stays (often five to seven nights) and bill compulsory gala dinners on 24 and 31 December. Seaplane seats sell out: book by September.
- Whale shark peak in South Ari — Whale sharks live along South Ari's outer reef all year, but sightings are most frequent from August to November. Seas can be rougher then; January to April has the clearest water. Keep your distance, never touch, and no flash.
- Christmas and New Year peak — The resorts' dearest fortnight: minimum stays of five to seven nights, compulsory gala dinners on 24 and 31 December billed on top, and seaplane seats that sell out. Book by September, or come in early December or mid-January for the same dry weather at lower prices.