Lhaviyani Naifaru Island Map

Lhaviyani Naifaru Island Maldives

Naifaru is the capital and most populous island of the Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives. Known for its bustling local life, strong fishing culture, and increasing focus on tourism, Naifaru is a vibrant island offering a mix of authentic Maldivian life and tourism services. It is famous for its natural beauty, local heritage, and proximity to some of the best diving spots in the atoll.

Packages

Hotels

Transfers

Activities

Location and Geography

- Naifaru is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, approximately 142 kilometers north of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The island spans an area of about 0.53 square kilometers, making it relatively small but densely populated. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean, Naifaru is close to some of the most famous coral reefs and dive sites in the Maldives.

Population and Community

Naifaru is home to around 4,000 to 5,000 residents, making it one of the larger inhabited islands in the atoll. The local community thrives on fishing, boat building, and small-scale tourism. In recent years, there has been a significant focus on environmental conservation and sustainability, partly due to the island’s increasing exposure to tourism and development projects.

Things to Do in Lhaviyani Naifaru

Snorkeling: The coral reefs surrounding Naifaru are full of colorful marine life, including tropical fish, rays, and turtles. Several snorkeling spots near the island allow easy access to shallow reefs, making it a perfect activity for both beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Diving: Lhaviyani Atoll is renowned for its diving spots, and Naifaru provides access to some of the best ones. Dive sites such as Kuredu Caves, Fushivaru Thila, and The Shipyard are all within close proximity, offering encounters with manta rays, sharks, and stunning coral formations.

Fishing: Naifaru has a deep-rooted fishing culture, and visitors can experience this by joining traditional fishing trips or modern big-game fishing excursions. Night fishing trips are particularly popular, where guests can try their hand at catching local fish species using traditional Maldivian techniques.

Island Hopping: From Naifaru, visitors can embark on island-hopping trips to nearby inhabited islands, uninhabited islands, and resort islands. These trips offer a chance to experience different facets of Maldivian culture and enjoy pristine beaches in a more secluded setting.

Turtle Sanctuary: Naifaru is home to the Naifaru Juvenile Turtle Sanctuary, a conservation project dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating endangered sea turtles. Visitors can learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to safeguard turtle populations and even get the chance to see these beautiful creatures up close.

Water Sports: Naifaru offers various water sports, including jet skiing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. These activities provide both adrenaline-pumping adventures and more relaxed ways to explore the surrounding waters.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Health Center: Naifaru has a regional hospital, which provides medical services not only to Naifaru but also to nearby islands. It offers general healthcare, emergency services, and outpatient treatments.
Schools: The island has several schools that cater to different age groups, ensuring education is available for local children. The Naifaru School is the main educational institution on the island.
Shops and Markets: Naifaru has various local shops, mini-markets, and grocery stores where visitors can buy everyday items, souvenirs, and Maldivian crafts. There are also small clothing stores and hardware shops available.
Restaurants and Cafés: While Naifaru doesn’t have large-scale restaurants, there are several small cafés and local eateries that serve traditional Maldivian dishes. Fresh seafood is a highlight of the local cuisine, with popular dishes including garudhiya (fish soup) and rihaakuru (fish paste).
Mosques: There are several mosques in Naifaru, with Masjid al-Sultan being the oldest and most historically significant. These mosques serve as spiritual centers for the local community and offer visitors a chance to observe Islamic practices in the Maldives.
Public Services: The island has a powerhouse, ensuring a stable electricity supply, and a water treatment plant that provides potable water. Additionally, the island has public offices, including local government buildings and an administrative council.

Key Highlights

Diving at The Shipyard: One of the most popular dive sites near Naifaru, The Shipyard features two wrecks resting on a coral bed. Divers can explore these wrecks, which are now covered in coral and home to a variety of marine life, making it a top attraction for underwater enthusiasts.
Turtle Sanctuary: The Naifaru Juvenile Turtle Sanctuary is a key highlight of the island, where conservationists work to protect sea turtles from poaching and environmental hazards. The sanctuary also helps educate locals and tourists about marine conservation.
Fishing Heritage: As one of the most important fishing islands in Lhaviyani Atoll, Naifaru’s local fishing practices are a significant part of its identity. Visitors can witness traditional fishing methods and participate in fishing excursions, getting a firsthand experience of the island’s rich maritime history.
Cultural and Religious Sites: Naifaru has several mosques that reflect the island’s Islamic culture. The oldest mosque on the island, the Masjid-al-Sultan, is a significant cultural landmark with traditional architecture.
Local Craftsmanship: Naifaru is known for its boat-building craftsmanship. Traditional dhonis (wooden boats) are still built on the island, and visitors can see artisans at work, continuing a centuries-old tradition.

How to Get to Lhaviyani Naifaru

By Domestic Flight and Speedboat: The nearest airport to Naifaru is the Madivaru airport which is under construction, so currently active airport is Dharavandhoo Domestic Airport in Baa Atoll or Ifuru Domestic Airport. From Malé, visitors can take a 30-minute domestic flight to these airports, followed by a speedboat ride to Naifaru, which takes around 45 minutes.
By Speedboat: Regular speedboat services operate between Naifaru and Malé, taking about 2 to 3 hours depending on sea conditions. These speedboats are a popular option for tourists and locals traveling between the islands.
By Ferry: Public ferry services connect Naifaru with other islands in Lhaviyani Atoll and nearby atolls. Though slower, ferries provide a more affordable way to travel between islands and are a great option for those looking for a more leisurely journey.
Inter-Island Transport: Private boat charters and local dhonis also operate between Naifaru and neighboring islands, making it easy for visitors to explore the atoll and visit nearby islands.