South Ari, and the one marine protected area in the country where whale sharks are recorded through the whole year rather than in a season.
South Ari is where the whale sharks are, and the distinction that matters is that they are here all year. Most Maldives megafauna is seasonal — Baa's manta aggregations run on the south-west monsoon and stop — but the ministry's description of the South Ari Marine Protected Area says the sharks can be seen throughout it. That is why this is the only atoll in the directory where a sighting is a reason to book rather than a reason to pick your dates.
The rest of the register is smaller and older. Kudarah Thila is a single upstanding rock with clefts and swim-throughs, protected since 1995. Faruhulhuvalhi beyru is a shallow plateau dropping to forty metres, and the register notes its manta season as December to March — the opposite half of the year from Baa's, on the same coast of the same country.
Villa International at Maamigili is inside the atoll, which makes this one of the few places outside Malé where the runway is local rather than a connection.
SourcesMaldives protected areas registerMaldives Civil Aviation Authority — list of land aerodromesTrans Maldivian Airways — frequently asked questionsSouth Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA)Faruhulhuvalhi beyru
Alifu Dhaalu Atoll has one airport. The nearest to Velana is Villa International Airport Maamigilli on Maamigili, 110 km south of it. The runway takes turboprops rather than jets, so every arrival connects through Malé or comes by seaplane.
Villa International Airport Maamigili is in the atoll and takes turboprops, though the national carrier does not sell it — flights are with other operators. Seaplane from Velana is the common alternative. Seaplanes fly between sunrise and sunset only, and the operator asks guests who want to reach the resort the same day to be in the Maldives by 15:30.
| Airport | Code | From Velana | Runway | Operator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villa International Airport MaamigilliMaamigili | VAM | 110 km | Turboprop | Villa Shipping and Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. |
SourceMaldives Civil Aviation Authority, register updated July 2025checked 2026-09-21
4 protected areas are declared in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, covering 6,762 hectares, the third largest total in the country. They were declared between 1995 and 2009.
The South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) is a world-renowned area, and the most significant feature of this area is that Whale Sharks (Fehurihi) can be seen here throughout the year. It is also famous for its reef, which is rich with diverse varieties of corals and marine life. Important species spotted in this area include turtles, manta rays and different types of sharks.
A shallow platue, 10m with a drop off going down to 40m Manta season from December to March
Kudarah Thila is a relatively small upstanding rock, the highest point of which is in 2m. It is steep sided with great clefts, overhangs, caves and swim-throughs. Underwater scenery, Fish including occasional sharks.
The main purpose of protecting Adh. Hurasdhoo island is because it is unique in its formation, and it has a delicate environment. In addition to this, the island also has remarkable geomorphological features.
SourceMinistry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology, Maldiveschecked 2026-09-21