AriAtoll (also called Alif or Alifu Atoll) is one of the naturalatolls of the Maldives.[1][2] It is one of the biggest atolls and is located in the west of thearchipelago. The almost rectangular alignment spreads the islands over an area of about 89 by 3 kilometres (55.3 by 1.9 miles). It has been divided in two sections for administrative purposes,Northern Ari Atoll andSouthern Ari Atoll consisting of 105 islands. Ari Atoll is part of the zone designated for tourist development in theMaldives. It is roughly a 30-minute seaplane flight away from the capitalMalé.
There are more than 20 islands in the Atoll designated for tourist resorts. Each island resort is self-contained with accommodation and recreational facilities, such as atennis court.Scuba diving is the most popular tourist activity in the Maldives. The diving in Ari Atoll is extensive and is often defined by location within the atoll, either North or South.
The main tourist resorts areAri Beach,Halaveli,Maayyafushi,Twin Islands Resort, andDhoni Mighilli.
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3°51′51″N72°50′02″E / 3.86425°N 72.8339°E /3.86425; 72.8339
