North Malé is the classic mix: fast access from the airport, famous reefs like Banana and HP, manta cleaning near Lankan on the right weeks, bright public beaches on local islands, surf breaks on the outer rim, and a big range of stays from budget guesthouses to flagship resorts with quick boats.
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Why Go Iconic reefs close to MLE Manta cleaning (seasonal) Outer-reef surf
High site density = more time in water, less time commuting.
Must-See Banana Reef and HP Reef for classic scenery • Lankan Manta Point on the right weeks • Public beaches on Huraa/Himmafushi/Thulusdhoo • Outer-rim sandbanks on calm tides.
Signature Dives HP Reef — strong currents, rich overhangs, big schools.
Banana Reef — caverns, soft corals, friendly profiles.
Victory Wreck — moody hull, sponges, schooling fish (check current availability with ops).
SMB and good buoyancy are non-negotiable in current.
Surf Notes Sultans, Honky’s, Jailbreaks fire in the main swell seasons • Early sessions = cleaner winds • Boats jump fast between peaks.
Activities Three-tank dive days • Sandbank lunches • Drift snorkels • Surf missions • Café crawls on local islands • Sunset shots from long jetties.
Best Time Year-round for reefs • Mantas cluster by weeks; ask ops • Surf is swell-dependent; mornings usually cleaner.
Getting There Land at MLE (Velana) • Speedboats to islands and resorts (15–60 min typical) • Seaplanes for distant properties.
Stay Guesthouses on Himmafushi, Huraa, Thulusdhoo • Large resort spread across the rim • Ask for early breakfasts, camera benches, and rinse tubs.
Smart Tips Book key sites early in peak weeks • Modest dress off the beach • Drybag for sandbanks • Local SIM for fast data.
Trip Builds Reef hits (HP + Banana + Lankan) • Dive + surf mornings • Family split (snorkel + sandbank).
Hidden Edges Blue hour at public beaches • Calm leeward snorkels after short squalls • Fresh bakery stops near harbors.