North Male Atoll (Kaafu)
North Male Atoll is a ring of islands stretching 50 km north of the archipelago’s capital Male, which is considered a separate administrative zone. Due to its proximity to the main city, the atoll was among the first in the country to open up to tourism, and is now home to some of the country’s most famous resorts. It is also the most “industrial” atoll, although, of course, to the Maldives this word can be attributed with a great strain. You can not imagine that your serene vacation will be spoiled by industrial noise and dirt. Tourists have been visiting these islands since 1972, when the first hotel in the Maldives, Kurumba, opened, followed shortly after by Bandos. Rapid tourism development followed, and the atoll now has about 30 resorts, most of which are located in its southeastern part.
General Information
It wouldn’t be entirely sincere to say that every corner of the Maldives is perpetually festive, but North Male Atoll is the most lively and fun place you can find. Not the least of which is the fact that airliner crews choose the major resorts nearby to relax during their layovers. The development of tourism has pushed other islands to change as well. Some of them still continue traditional fishing, while others have stopped this centuries-old business to sell local trinkets to day-trippers.
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In addition, tourists are attracted to this atoll excellent diving conditions, considered one of the best in the archipelago. Scuba connoisseurs often head straight to the less populated northern part, where the dive sites are calmer and virtually untouched. Another major snorkeling area is in the Wadu-Kandu Strait, on the channel separating North Male’ atoll from South Male’ atoll.
.Beaches
Like everywhere else in the Maldives, North Male Atoll has excellent beaches with little variation. Due to its proximity to the capital, there is busier boat traffic than in other areas, but you won’t see any signs of pollution.
The beaches here are invariably pristine, often long and wide, and sometimes even fringing the entire island. Groups of palm trees dotting the area give a little protection from the heat. Even in the larger resorts, the beaches will never be very busy. Many guests are either into diving or spend almost all of their time at the spas, so you’ll always find a time and place for a secluded stroll.
.In addition to hotel-owned beaches, the atoll also has a public one, which is located on the small uninhabited island of Vilingili to the west of Male. It is a quick ferry ride from the capital. This palm-fringed beach is quite popular with locals and independent tourists who want to escape the resort environment.
.Diving
The fairly large number of snorkelers coming to North Male Atoll is not reflected in the level and quality of diving. Most of the sites for this type of active vacation are located in the south of the atoll near the main resorts. But there are also remote spots in the north. The Maldives’ choppy waters provide divers with one of the most enticing adventures: exploring shipwrecks.
The Seagull sank in 1879 near Gaafaru Atoll, the same fate fifteen years later befell the Erlangen and the Lady Christine, as well as a modern ship that sank, recklessly named the Maldive Victory. Their wreckage among other ocean curiosities is explored by underwater adventurers. There are also many teal. These are Helengeli, which is south of the resort of the same name, HP Reef between Girifushi and Himmafushi, Okobe west of Lankanfushi, Nassimo west of Lankanfinolu. All are suitable for divers of all levels of experience.
.If you want to enjoy the underwater world without scuba diving, places such as Asdu, south of the resort of the same name, Hannes Reef and Banana Reef south of the main cluster of resorts on the atoll, and Hans Hass and Lyons Head at the southernmost edge, offer hearty snorkeling.
.Fishing
A food item that the Maldives has no shortage of is of course fish, and fishing is one of the activities for tourists. Most resorts can offer simple outings with catch-and-release fishing and bait fishing. The real fishing fanatics hunt for prized species such as sailfish and marlin.
.Vilingili
With the Maldivian government putting numerous bureaucratic hurdles in the way of those who wish to explore the archipelago on their own, the easiest and most enjoyable way to experience the real life of the indigenous people may be a day trip to Vilingili. This is a former resort island, now turned into the fifth administrative district of Male’ and absorbed some of the surplus housing stock. It is a 15-minute ferry ride from New Port (just south of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital). The atmosphere of Vilingili is very different from the energetic and hectic atmosphere of the eastern part of the city. Its streets are quiet and peaceful, and the people of the neighborhood go about their business in an orderly manner. You can see two mosques on the island: the old one is on the west end at the south end of the beach, and the new one is behind the northwest corner of the soccer field. There’s a nice beach here too (although a bit dirty compared to the resort beaches, which are cleaned regularly). But it’s great for doing nothing and enjoying a simple vacation.
.Water sports
Every resort offers some form of snorkeling, or snorkeling. The only difference is whether you can dive directly from the island or, if the reef is further away, from specially designed boats.
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North Male Atoll is rightly called the surfing capital of the world. It has several excellent spots for practicing the sport, most of which are located on or near the resort islands. The gale force winds that scare tourists away from the Maldives during the low season are a real boon to surfers. The peak season lasts from late February to mid-November, and the best waves can be caught from March to May and September to November. During this time, prices at the resorts are reduced and waves can reach up to two meters high.
.The main resorts for athletes are determined by their proximity to good surfing spots. Donveli and Hudhuranfushi Islands used to be considered the best in the country, now wave catchers are also attracted to Riti-Ra, Sheraton Full Moon and Paradise Island. Serious surfers prefer specialized charters.
.Individual firms offer package deals for amateur surfers.
.Seaplane flight
Guests of any resort in North Male Atoll can be taken to their hotel by boat. Using this mode of transportation is very convenient, but then there is the risk of missing out on a seaplane flight, which is a real visual treat. In many hotels such flights are included in the program, and they can be booked with one of the two companies that organize these exciting air trips: Trans Maldivian Airways (www.transmaldivian.com) and Maldivian Air Taxi (www.maldivianairtaxi.com). But in this case, of course, you will pay more than if the flight is included in the total cost of your vacation.
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