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Alimatha is a picturesque island in the Maldives resembling a heart shape when seen from above. It’s a tropical paradise known for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear water and rare marine ecosystem. Alimatha Island’s history mirrors the broader historical developments of the Maldives, from early settlement and religious transformation to colonial influences and finally to a modern tourism-driven economy. The island also offers an array of activities like diving, snorkelling, water sports, and night fishing which keeps the visitors busy. Therefore, this becomes an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure.
How To Reach Alimatha Island
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The Alimatha Island location lies in the Vaavu Atoll area of the Maldives. It is approximately 65 km south of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The only option available to reach this island is through the sea. A few transport options available from Velana International Airport are mentioned below:
Seaplane Transfer: Takes 25 minutes from Velana International Airport (Malé) and the cost ranges from $300 to $500 per person for one way.
Speedboat Transfer: Takes about 90 minutes from Velana International Airport (Malé) and the cost ranges between $100 to $200 per person for one way.
Places To Visit Around Alimatha Island
1. Fulidhoo Island
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It is a charming local island in the Maldives, located in the Vaavu Atoll. The distance of this island from the Island is only 10 km. It offers visitors beautiful beaches, vibrant marine life and an authentic experience of Maldivian culture. One can visit the island’s mosque, school, and community centre to witness the local Maldivian lifestyle. Moreover, individuals and groups can participate in traditional music and dance performances, such as the “Bodu Beru” drumming sessions. The best time to visit this place is during the dry season from November to April when the weather is calm and sunny.
The approximate cost/person for a one-way trip to reach the island is as follows:
- Speedboat Transfer: $50 – $100
- Public Ferry Transfer: $2 – $10
- Private Boat Transfer: $200 – $500 (depending on the duration of service)
- Things To Do: Experience local Maldivian culture, visit the local market, and enjoy traditional music and dance performances, water sports, snorkelling, fine dining etc.
2. Diving And Snorkelling Sites
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There are several exceptional diving and snorkelling sites worth exploring near Alimatha Island, such as:
- Fotteyo Kandu: Located about 20-30 minutes by speedboat from Alimatha, it is one of the Maldives’ premier diving sites which is known for its impressive underwater topography, including caves, overhangs, and walls. The site is famous for its abundant marine life, including various species of sharks (such as reef sharks and sometimes hammerhead sharks), rays, and schools of fish.
- Miyaru Kandu: Situated less than a kilometre from Alimatha, Miyaru Kandu is another top dive site in the Vaavu Atoll. The site offers a thrilling diving experience with strong currents that attract larger marine species. Divers can encounter reef sharks, rays, and large schools of fish. The site also features beautiful coral formations.
- Average Cost/Person: $100 to $150 (for diving) & $50 to $100 (for snorkelling), including boat transfer, equipment rental, and guide.
- Things To Do: Diving, snorkelling, photography, spotting fishies & coral reef structures, etc.
3. Fishing Trips
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The visitors can enjoy a day of big game fishing in the waters around Alimatha. These trips are usually organised by the resort and offer the chance to catch large fish like tuna, marlin, and sailfish. Apart from the big game fishing, the visitors can also indulge in popular night fishing which typically involves traditional hand-line fishing methods. Some of these trips also offer to cook your catch back at the resort elevating the entire experience for fishing enthusiasts.
- Big Game Fishing Timings: 6 AM – 7 AM (for 4 to 6 hours or a full-day trip)
- Night Fishing Timings: 6 PM – 7 PM (for 2 to 3 hours)
- Big Game Fishing Cost: $300 – $600 for a private charter (variable)
- Night Fishing Cost: $40 – $80 (variable)
4. Sandbanks And Picnic Spots
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Sandbanks are small, isolated patches of sand surrounded by crystal-clear waters. They offer a perfect spot for a private picnic, relaxation, and swimming. A few popular sandbanks near Alimatha Island are Miyaru and Vashugiri Sandbank. These provide perfect secluded picnic spots for families and couples to enjoy. Apart from this, some nearby uninhabited islands offer ideal picnic spots with natural shade from trees. Famous picnic islands near Alimatha are Dhiggiri Island and Anbaraa Island, both offering surreal sea views from the beautiful white beachfront.
- Trip Cost/Person: $200 to $500 for an entire boat, depending on the duration and services
- Trip Cost/Group: $50 to $100, including boat transfer and picnic setup
- Things To Do: Snorkelling, swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, playing beach games etc.
5. Thinadhoo Island
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Thinadhoo Island offers a peaceful and scenic escape with its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Thinadhoo Island from Alimatha Island. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore underwater wonders, or experience local culture, Thinadhoo provides a serene and enjoyable environment. Its proximity to other attractions in the Vaavu Atoll makes it an ideal destination for island hopping and day trips.
- Speedboat Transfer (Cost/Person/Ride): $50 to $100
- Private Boat Transfer (Rental Cost/Boat): $300 to $500 for 6-8 people
- Dhoni Transfer (Cost/Person): $20 to $50
- Things To Do: Snorkelling and diving excursions, fishing trips, island hopping, water sports, etc.
Where To Stay
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Alimatha Island offers multiple accommodation options for the visitors. Staying on this island offers a perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing and memorable vacation. Guests can choose to stay at high-end beach bungalows, water villas, garden bungalows, affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels. A few popular accommodations are Alimatha Aquatic Resort, Keyodhoo Island Guesthouses and Thinadhoo Island Boutique Hotels. It is advisable to pre-book the rooms to avoid any last-minute delays.
Where To Eat
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The island offers a variety of dining options to cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the popular fine dining restaurants is the Alimatha Aquatic Resort which offers buffet-style dining with a wide variety of international and local dishes. Another one is Specialty Restaurant which offers a finer dining experience, with a la carte dining, focused on seafood, Italian, or other international cuisine. Lastly, you can explore the specialities of the resort such as a beach bar and grill, perfect for a relaxed meal or snacks like grilled seafood, burgers, salads, and light snacks.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Alimatha Island largely depends on your preferences. For optimal weather and water conditions, the peak season from November to April is ideal. However, if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder and low seasons (May to September) offer a more tranquil experience.
Other Factors To Consider
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Here are a few more factors to consider before planning a trip to the Alimatha Islands, Maldives:
Average Cost Of The Trip
The estimated average cost for a seven-day trip is:
- For A Budget Traveller: $1,200 – $2,000
(Accommodation, meals, activities, and basic transfers) - Mid-range Traveller: $2,500 – $4,000
(Comfortable accommodation, a mix of dining options, and various activities) - Luxury Traveller: $4,500 – $7,000
(High-end accommodation, fine dining, private excursions, and premium services)
Tips For Travellers
- Book your flight tickets and accommodation early and pack wisely
- Respect the marine environment and local culture of the island
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from sun exposure while exploring the island
- Check for the weather while planning outdoor activities
Alimatha Island is a tropical paradise in the Maldives that promises an unforgettable escape. Nestled in the serene waters of the Laccadive Sea, it offers an idyllic retreat for honeymooners, families, and adventure seekers. With its ideal weather, luxurious resorts, and a plethora of activities, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the ordinary. Plan a trip to Alimatha Island with TripXL, now for an amazing vacation!
Cover Photo: Frédéric Ducarme / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
