North Male Atoll Holidays 2025/2026
This cluster of islands in the Maldives is the perfect spot for a beach hotel. Not only will your upmarket hotel be surrounded by miles of white sand beaches and turquoise seas, but it’ll also house exquisite restaurants to top off a luxurious holiday.
North Male Atoll Holiday Deals
Welcome to Paradise
North Male Atoll is a string of islands in the Maldives each with their distinct differences. Some are uninhabited, tiny specks in the ocean waiting to be discovered. Others are thriving tourist destinations, housing North Male Atoll resorts, which are sprawling, 5* hotels with exquisite restaurants, allowing you to relax in the lap of luxury.
What all the islands have in common is their amazing white sand beaches. They’re surrounded by waters so clear that it’s easy to see why the Maldives is one of the world’s best diving spots. North Male Atoll is also a renowned surfing destination.
The North Male Atoll’s namesake island city of Male, is the capital of the Maldives, and its most inhabited island. It’s a unique, bustling city that makes for an interesting change from the relaxed pace of life on the rest of the islands. The adjacent island of Hulhule houses Male International Airport, meaning that when you arrive for your North Male Atoll holiday you’ll have a short transfer.
Fun in the ocean
North Male Atoll has some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives, which are perfect to explore on a snorkelling or diving trip. The pristine waters of the Indian Ocean mean there is excellent visibility for these underwater activities.
Manta Ray Point is an amazing dive site where you can swim with manta rays among colourful corals. The deeper you descend into the ocean, the larger the rays become. Another favourite with divers is the Maldives Victory Wreck, a 100-metre-long shipwreck lying on the sea floor, encrusted with barnacles and vivid red and orange corals. Diving here is so popular that you must book your trip in advance.
North Male Atoll is also one of the region’s premier surfing destinations. The small island of Huraa is a particular favourite amongst surfers, with 15 breaks located around its shores.
A cosmopolitan capital city
Many tourists are tempted to skip the capital city of Male and hurry straight to the region’s beautiful beaches. But in doing so they’re missing out on a chance to know more about this fascinating walled city in the middle of the Indian Ocean. It’s home to the impressive golden-domed Grand Friday Mosque, the largest in the Maldives.
Here you’ll be able to find out more about the cultural heritage of the Maldivians, and experience what daily life is like for them. The city boasts many dining opportunities, serving cuisine from Thailand, India, and authentic Maldivian dishes.
Shoppers will be in their element here, as at the bustling Male Market you’ll find colourful rows of fruits, vegetables and spices, as well as intriguing homemade local delicacies. The main shopping street, Majeedhee Magu, is a colourful sprawl of shops and stalls selling one-of-a-kind clothes and souvenirs.
The lap of luxury
The Maldives is the perfect place to relax and unwind in luxurious surroundings. North Male Atoll is renowned in the Maldives for having an abundance of amazing resorts where you can do just that. These top notch hotels offer spacious palm-thatched villas kitted out with modern amenities, and sunbathing decks overlooking the water.
Many of the resorts boast infinity pools and spas so you can pamper yourself. And you can indulge in meals at exquisite waterfront restaurants, or sip on cocktails beside the ocean as you watch the sun set and the stars come out.
Island Hopping
Each island in North Male Atoll has something different to offer. Dhiffushi is a small island with less than 1000 inhabitants and few tourists. It’s rich in greenery, and you’ll find an abundance of tropical fruit growing here.
Alternatively, the island of Huraa is a laid-back surfer hangout with some fabulous beaches. Meanwhile, on the sleepy island of Himmafushi you’ll find brightly coloured houses, friendly locals, and beautiful beaches to relax on.
For the ultimate in peace, the island of Kagi is an uninhabited paradise. It’s possible to take a boat to the island to go snorkelling, or to enjoy having the entire beach to yourself. All the islands and resorts of North Malé are easily accessible by boat or ferry from Malé. Or you could day trip around the many pristine, uninhabited islands of the South Male Atoll.