Rasdhoo, North Ari
Islands / North Ari
Local inhabited island

Rasdhoo

Dawn hammerhead dives on the atoll edge

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Alif Alif (AA) 58 km from Malé Pop. 1,282 (2022)
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈1 hr by speedboat
Population1,282
Bikini beachYes
ATMNo
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Rasdhoo sits on its own little atoll at the north-east corner of Ari. It is a diver's island, famous for early-morning hammerhead dives, plus a big bikini beach and easy reef snorkeling.

Rasdhoo is the only inhabited island on its own small natural atoll, about 58 km west of Malé, with 1,282 residents in 2022.

Rasdhoo street
georama · CC BY 3.0
Cirrhilabrus finifenmaa underwater photograph from Rasdhoo Atoll, Maldives, 60 m deep. Photograph by Luiz A. Rocha.
Photograph by AR Emery and R Wi… · CC0
Rasdhoo pier
georama · CC BY 3.0
Rasdhoo street
georama · CC BY 3.0
2025-08-20 Inauguration of AA. Rasdhoo Dialysis Centre
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
2025-08-20 Inauguration of AA. Rasdhoo Dialysis Centre
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Hammerhead shark dives at Rasdhoo Madivaru
  • Manta rays and reef sharks
  • Bikini beach facing the lagoon

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No listings of this type listed on Rasdhoo yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Rasdhoo
Hammerhead diveManta ray snorkelingSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkelingTurtle snorkeling
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

2 routesHow to get to Rasdhoo

Shared speedboat from the airport (≈1 hr–1 hr 15 min).

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

1 HR
Several departures daily; times vary by operator
Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

Public ferry from Malé ferry terminal

LONGER THAN SPEEDBOAT
Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.
Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.
Operator: Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMNO
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationYES
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasdhoo · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf