Maldives Atolls Explained: Names, Codes and Choosing a Resort Location
The Maldives has 20 natural atolls grouped into administrative atolls with two names each. How to read Kaafu, Baa, Ari and more when picking a resort.
By Travel To Hotel Editorial
·Published October 11, 2026
·Updated October 11, 2026
# Maldives Atolls Explained: Names, Codes and Choosing a Resort Location
Resort listings use confusing atoll names: Kaafu or North Malé, Alif Alif or North Ari. This guide explains them using the Government of Maldives atolls portal.
Natural vs administrative atolls
The government portal says the Maldives is a long, narrow country formed by 20 natural atolls, and that all land above the surface is of coralline origin. (Atolls of Maldives) Administrative atolls do not always match the natural ones. For example, Baa Atoll is made up of three separate natural atolls. (Atolls of Maldives)The two-name system
| Administrative (code) name | Traditional name |
|---|---|
| Kaafu | Male Atholhu (North & South Malé) |
| Alifu Alifu | Ari Atholhu Uthuruburi (North Ari) |
| Alifu Dhaalu | Ari Atholhu Dhekunuburi (South Ari) |
| Baa | Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi |
| Raa | Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi |
| Lhaviyani | Faadhippolhu |
| Vaavu | Felidhe Atholhu |
| Laamu | Hahdhunmathi |
| Seenu | Addu Atholhu |
| Gnaviyani | Fuvahmulah |
| Noonu / Shaviyani | Miladhunmadulu Dhekunuburi / Uthuruburi |
| Haa Alifu / Haa Dhaalu | Thiladhunmathi Uthuruburi / Dhekunuburi |
| Faafu / Dhaalu | Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi / Dhekunuburi |
| Meemu | Mulaku Atholhu |
| Thaa | Kolhumadulu |
| Gaafu Alifu / Gaafu Dhaalu | Huvadhu Atholhu Uthuruburi / Dhekunuburi |
Kaafu: closest to the airport
Kaafu consists of Kaashidhoo Island, Gahaafaru Atoll and Malé Atoll (North and South Malé). The capital Malé sits in North Malé Atoll but is not part of the Kaafu administrative division. (Atolls of Maldives)Using the atoll to choose
Distance from Malé usually decides the transfer type and time. Atolls further out often need a seaplane or domestic flight; see our seaplane guide. Unverified: we do not rank atolls for diving, marine life or "best beaches" here, because we could not confirm those claims from primary sources today.Checked against the sources listed on 11 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the official source before you travel.