Map of Maldives – Islands, Atolls & Resorts Visitor Guide

The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean renowned for its coral atolls, turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and extraordinary marine life. Extending across the equator southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the country contains approximately 1,200 islands grouped within a long chain of natural atolls.

Malé is the capital and principal urban centre, while nearby Velana International Airport provides the main arrival point for international visitors. From the airport, travellers continue to local islands and private resorts by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane.

This map of the Maldives provides a location guide to Malé, Velana International Airport, major atolls, inhabited islands, resort islands, marine reserves and popular visitor destinations.

Quick Answer

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka. The island nation extends approximately 870 kilometres from north to south, with Malé and Velana International Airport forming its main international gateway.

Map of Maldives

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Where Are the Maldives Located?

The Maldives lies in the central Indian Ocean, crossing the equator southwest of Sri Lanka. Its islands form a double chain of coral atolls surrounded by reefs, lagoons and deep ocean channels.

The country includes 26 natural atolls, which are divided into administrative areas. Only a portion of its islands are permanently inhabited, while many others are used as private resort islands or remain undeveloped.

The map marker identifies Malé, the national capital and the most useful reference point for understanding the location of the country's principal airport and central atolls.

Maldives Map Features

• Malé
• Velana International Airport
• North Malé Atoll
• South Malé Atoll
• Ari Atoll
• Baa Atoll
• Raa Atoll
• Lhaviyani Atoll
• Vaavu Atoll
• Addu Atoll
• Fuvahmulah
• Local islands
• Private resort islands
• Domestic airports
• Ferry and speedboat routes
• Coral reefs and lagoons

Major Atolls and Regions

North Malé Atoll

North Malé Atoll contains Malé, Velana International Airport and one of the country's largest concentrations of resorts. Many islands in this region can be reached by speedboat, making it particularly convenient for shorter holidays.

South Malé Atoll

South Malé Atoll lies immediately south of the capital and includes popular local and resort islands. Maafushi is one of the country's best-known inhabited islands and provides guesthouses, excursions and access to nearby reefs.

Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll is one of the Maldives' most celebrated diving regions. Its reefs and ocean channels are known for manta rays, whale sharks, turtles and other marine life.

Baa Atoll

Baa Atoll is internationally recognised for its exceptional marine biodiversity. Hanifaru Bay is especially famous for seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks.

Northern Atolls

The northern Maldives includes atolls such as Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, Noonu, Raa and Lhaviyani. These regions contain local communities, remote resorts, coral reefs and comparatively quiet stretches of ocean.

Southern Atolls

The southern Maldives includes Gaafu Alif, Gaafu Dhaalu, Fuvahmulah and Addu Atoll. These destinations are separated from the central tourism region and are generally reached by domestic flight.

Popular Islands and Destinations

• Malé
• Hulhumalé
• Maafushi
• Dhigurah
• Thulusdhoo
• Ukulhas
• Rasdhoo
• Fulhadhoo
• Fuvahmulah
• Vaadhoo
• Baros
• Kuramathi
• Meeru
• Veligandu
• Hanifaru Bay
• Addu Atoll

Transport and Getting Around

Most international visitors arrive at Velana International Airport on Hulhulé Island beside Malé.

Speedboats commonly serve islands and resorts within practical travelling distance of the airport. More distant destinations may require a seaplane or a domestic flight followed by a boat transfer.

Public ferries connect various inhabited islands, although routes and schedules may be less convenient for short visits than private transfers.

Because the Maldives covers an extensive ocean area, visitors should confirm transfer arrangements with their accommodation before arrival.

Local Islands and Resort Islands

Local islands contain permanent Maldivian communities and generally offer guesthouses, shops, cafés and opportunities to experience everyday island life. Local laws and customs apply, including restrictions concerning alcohol and appropriate clothing away from designated tourist beaches.

Resort islands are usually occupied by a single hotel complex. Accommodation, restaurants, beaches and recreational facilities are contained within the resort, with transfers generally arranged directly by the property.

Best Areas to Explore

Malé and Hulhumalé provide the easiest introduction to the capital region and are convenient for visitors with time between flights or transfers.

Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Ukulhas and Dhigurah are popular choices for travellers seeking locally operated accommodation and marine excursions.

Ari Atoll is particularly attractive for diving and whale shark experiences, while Baa Atoll is renowned for manta ray encounters and protected marine environments.

Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah offer distinctive landscapes and marine experiences far from the central resort regions.

Top Experiences

• Snorkelling on coral reefs
• Scuba diving
• Manta ray encounters
• Whale shark excursions
• Sandbank trips
• Dolphin cruises
• Island hopping
• Seaplane sightseeing
• Local island visits
• Beach holidays
• Surfing
• Fishing excursions
• Kayaking and paddleboarding
• Resort stays

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Maldives located?

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean southwest of India and Sri Lanka.

What is the capital of the Maldives?

Malé is the capital and principal urban centre of the Maldives.

How many islands are in the Maldives?

The Maldives contains approximately 1,200 coral islands grouped within a chain of natural atolls.

What is the main airport in the Maldives?

Velana International Airport is the country's principal international airport and is located beside Malé.

How do visitors travel between islands?

Visitors travel between islands by speedboat, public ferry, seaplane or domestic flight, depending on the distance and destination.

Which Maldives atoll is best for first-time visitors?

North Malé and South Malé atolls are convenient for first-time visitors because many islands can be reached by speedboat from the international airport.

Which Maldives atoll is best for diving?

Ari Atoll is one of the country's most popular diving regions, although excellent reefs and dive sites are found throughout the Maldives.

Is the Maldives only suitable for luxury holidays?

No. In addition to private resorts, inhabited islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Ukulhas and Dhigurah provide guesthouses and locally operated tourism experiences.

How long should visitors spend in the Maldives?

Many visitors stay between five and ten nights. Longer trips provide more time for island hopping or combining a local island with a resort stay.

Is the Maldives worth visiting?

Yes. The Maldives offers some of the world's finest tropical beaches, coral reefs, marine wildlife and island scenery.

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Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general travel information only. Flight schedules, seaplane services, speedboat transfers, ferry routes, resort access, marine conditions and visitor requirements may change. Confirm all island transfers directly with your accommodation or transport provider before travelling.