Maldives / Northern Resort Atolls (Baa, Raa, Lhaviyani) / Lhaviyani Atoll ResortsLhaviyani Atoll Resorts
Turtle Reefs and Resorts a Seaplane Hop North
A compact atoll north of Malé, 35 to 40 minutes by seaplane, with a few big resorts (some with all-inclusive plans that suit families), turtle-rich reefs, and the Kuredu Express and Shipyard wreck dives. Seaplanes fly in daylight only (last departures around 16:00), so plan a night in Hulhumalé if you land late; some resorts offer a domestic flight and speedboat instead. 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
- Snorkel with turtles
- Dive the Shipyard wreck
- Seaplane over the atoll
- All-inclusive family resorts
- Water villa sunsets
Things to do
- Turtle snorkel on the house reefMorning · 2h
- Shipyard wreck diveMorning · 4h
- Sunset dolphin cruiseEvening · 2h
- Spa treatmentAfternoon · 2h
Tours & tickets
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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
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.
- 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.