About Gaafu Alifu Atoll

The gentle sea with the purest water and the magnificent sandy beaches of Gaafu Alifu Atoll attract more and more tourists yearly. The crystal turquoise color of the seawater sets the level of your vacation somewhere between stunning and perfect. So if you are looking for the perfect sea, this is your place!

Gaafu Alifu Atoll Best beaches

view the highest rated beaches in area

Meradhoo Beach

Thinadhoo 12.5 km
Very good
8.7
Hotel guests only • Hotel beach • Exceptional beauty • White sand • Access by boat • No parking
6 Amenities index
Good for Relax

Maamendhoo Beach

Villingili 5.3 km
Good
7.6
Free entrance • Virgin beach • Easy access • Bright sand • Turquoise pure water • Distant parking
0.5 Amenities index
Good for Relax

Olhuvaali Beach

Thinadhoo 14.3 km
Pleasant
6.7
Free entrance • Virgin beach • Bright sand • Access by boat • Large low tide • Sand & Rocks bottom
0 Amenities index
Good for Relax

Halhage Hutta Beach

Thinadhoo 8.3 km
Tolerable
5.5
Free entrance • Virgin beach • Easy access • Large low tide • Rocks bottom • Aqua socks necessarily
1 Amenities index

Calm, measured rest and the sound of waves are perhaps the most common associations that arise with the word "beach". This is not surprising, as relaxation is exactly what many beach travelers are looking for. If you associate your vacation primarily with such activity, choose one of the 28 beaches in the island.

To make your choice easier, we have prepared a list of the best beaches for relaxation in Gaafu Alifu Atoll.

Attraction and Infrastructure

As for the main features of the beaches of Gaafu Alifu Atoll, they are as follows:

  • The island's beaches are mainly wide, moderate length and have a high level of cleanliness. The most common surface is sand of white color.
  • Usually, entry into the water is gentle, which is very good for kids. There are 27 such beaches.
  • An important clarification, 3 beaches in the island have a long intertidal zone, which means that during low tide hours you may have to travel a considerable distance. This is also something to consider if you don't want to suddenly be in the water at high tide.
  • The average distance from the road to beach in Gaafu Alifu Atoll is less than 500 meters. 10 beaches are relatively easy to access, and 18 beaches are only accessible from the water. The latter include both island beaches and beaches with no land routes due to the natural borders.

Wild beaches with no infrastructure dominate the coastline of Gaafu Alifu Atoll however, even here you can find a beach with a standard set of accessories: sun beds, umbrellas, restaurants, showers and toilets.

Latest reviews on Gaafu Alifu Atoll's beaches

Meradhoo Beach
10 SANJIT SINGH

Raffles Maldives, a prestigious member of the Raffles Hotels & Resorts collection, is situated on the serene Meradhoo Island in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll. The resort boasts a variety of dining experiences with its three restaurants and two bars. Guests can indulge in day-long dining at Thari, savor beachside BBQ at Firepit, or experience the exquisite Japanese cuisine at Yuzu. For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, the resort offers private dining options complete with a 24-hour butler and personal chef service, allowing guests to enjoy meals in the privacy of their villa or anywhere on the island. Spa & Leisure Facilities The resort features an award-winning spa and a yoga center offering bespoke yoga programs, alongside an over-the-water fitness center for workouts with stunning ocean views. A plethora of water activities are available, including snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, parasailing, jet ski safaris, sea bolt rides, dolphin watching, and a PADI-certified dive center for exploring some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. On land, the excitement continues with a unique open-air cinema experience under the stars. Location Nestled on Meradhoo Island within the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the Maldives, access to the island is facilitated by a 50-minute flight from Male Airport followed by a 10-minute speedboat journey. Situated in the southern Maldives, within the pristine Indian Ocean, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo is a true haven. This exceptional resort, encompassing two islands, features 38 luxurious beachfront and overwater villas and residences, offering vast spaces for relaxation. The overwater spa provides rejuvenating treatments, while the three restaurants and bars present delectable local and international cuisine amidst breathtaking natural vistas. The signature Raffles butler service adds an unparalleled touch of luxury to your stay. From the moment of arrival, the resort offers a unique experience, perfect for those eager to dive or snorkel in the vibrant reefs and explore the rich marine life. It’s an ideal retreat for relaxation and reconnection.

Maamendhoo Beach
10 Sami Khaleel

I have visited many beaches, but this one stands out as the most stunning. It's possible to walk to the neighboring island that's visible in the photo, and the water is shallow, only a few inches deep.

Olhuvaali Beach
10 Sarina Khan

This beach is a stunning location that is perfect for families looking for a spot to have a picnic and stay overnight.

Halhage Hutta Beach
10 Mckenzie Kindersley Daisy

Please note that lifeguards supervise 9 beaches in the island, but you should rely on more than just them, remember the elementary rules, as lifeguards are not on duty around the clock, even on equipped beaches!

There are few offers for accommodation in the beach area, so finding a suitable place to stay can be a problem. You can use the map search to get more information about this.

The hottest month of the island is May - air temperature during this time warms up to 29.6°C and water up to 30.4°C in April. The coldest month is January - air temperature drops to 28.1°C and water to 28.9°C. Air and water temperature allows you to relax comfortably in the island all year round, which is enjoyed by tourists and locals.

Do you know how many beaches there are in Gaafu Alifu Atoll? In total there are 28 beaches and the most popular is Amari Havodda Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main features of best beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

When it comes to finding the best beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, the following aspects should be taken into account.

There are 28 beaches in total, of which about 10 can be called high-rated.

The best beaches in the majority:

They are also usually:

The best beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll:

View all beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and create your selection by features

How to view only nearest to me beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

To find the beaches closest to your current geolocation, click the Nearby Beaches icon in the search box. You will see the nearest beaches sorted by distance from you.

Note, that if you only want to see the beaches closest to you in Gaafu Alifu Atoll, you must be in that area to get the correct results.

See also: View all beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and create your selection by features.

How to view all beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll on map?

What are all easy accessible beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

Most of the beaches located in Gaafu Alifu Atoll are hard to reach, but there are also easily accessible beaches among them. Use the filter to sort the beaches by access details (parking, distance etc.).

Popular categories of beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll by access:

See also the categories:

Top 5 popular beaches with easy access in Gaafu Alifu Atoll:

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How to view all sandy beaches or beaches with other natural features in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

Use the "Main features" section of the filter in search results to see all the beaches with the feature you're interested in.

The most popular selections of beaches with natural features are listed below. Don't forget that you can create your own selection with any combination of features

Beach coverage and water

Natural scenery

Other popular categories

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How to find uncrowded beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

The presence of crowds of tourists on the beach these days is becoming a mass character, and sometimes you want silence and solitude. Use the filter in search results to view the beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll by occupancy.

Popular categories:

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Which beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll are kid-friendly, good for relax, pet-friendly, naturist-friendly, camping-friendly?

How to view all beaches by amenities details in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

Use filter in search results to select a beach according to your preference for amenities.

Popular beach infrastructure categories:

See also:

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How to view all beaches by activity of interest in Gaafu Alifu Atoll?

Use the "Activity" section of the filter in search results to view the selections of beaches by one or multiple activities. Below are a few popular selections that you can change as you like using our filter.

View all beaches in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and select by activity