The Alifu Atoll is located between the latitude 4° 27' N and 3° 55' N and 45 km to the west of ‘Kaafu Atoll’. Comprising of 3 geographical atolls, namely, the Ari Atoll, Rasdhoo Atoll and the Thoddoo Atoll, Alifu was the second zone to establish its tourism industry.
This atoll also boasts some exceptionally exciting dive sites; the hammerhead point in Rasdhoo Atoll, Maaya Thila in Northern Ari Atoll which is a protected site and dive sites in the south famous for its sighting of whale sharks are just some of the highlights.
Only 18 islands are inhabited, and the rest lie unexploited and untouched in all their pristine beauty
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Measuring around 80 kms in length and 30 kms in width, the Ari Atoll is one of the largest atolls in Maldives. Its natural beauty has led to it being the most well developed tourist zone in Maldives.
Rasdhoo
Rasdhoo Atoll, another atoll which is a part of the Alifu Atoll, boasts of two resorts and an uninhabited island. The Atoll capital, Rasdhoo has a population of more than 850.<br>
Thoddoo
Excavations on the archeological sites of Thoddoo, have revealed that the island was an important Buddhist centre before Maldives embraced Islam in 1153. One of the main attractions of this island is the 17th century Mosque. Thoddoo is also well-known for its watermelon fields.
The 10000 population of Alifu Atoll is spread over 18 Islands. The main occupation of the natives includes weaving sails, collecting and carving corals and catching turtles. These islanders are recognized for their legendary shark catching skills and they continue to catch sharks even now. They are in contradiction with the divers, who prefer to keep the sharks well and alive under water. Another source of economy for this island is its high production of coconuts. Establishment of resorts has provided new sources of income and employment opportunities for the natives. The preferred mode of transport for accessing the resorts is by speedboat and seaplane.
