Ukulhas
Ukulhas is a local inhabited island located in Alif Alif (North Ari) Atoll of the Maldives. This charming island stretches approximately 1 kilometer in length and 200 meters in width, offering visitors a perfect blend of local Maldivian life and tourist amenities.
What makes Ukulhas particularly special is its environmental leadership - it holds the distinction of being the first local island in the Maldives to implement systematic waste management. The island has received environmental awards and maintains active sustainability programs, including regular beach cleaning initiatives, plastic reduction programs, and marine conservation efforts, making it a model for sustainable local tourism.
Beach lovers will appreciate Ukulhas's distinctive dual-sided beach access. The island boasts premium white sand quality, with an expansive western beach perfect for sunset viewing and a larger designated bikini beach. These beach areas are notably well-maintained and are above average in size and quality compared to other islands in the AA Atoll.
Marine life enthusiasts will find Ukulhas particularly appealing due to its strategic location. The island offers:
- An accessible house reef directly from the beach
- Seasonal manta ray aggregation points
- A resident turtle population
- Regular dolphin sighting opportunities
- Proximity to pelagic-rich channels
The island's tourism infrastructure is well-developed, featuring:
- Multiple dive centers (Ukulhas Dive Center and Blue World Divers)
- Various accommodation options ranging from budget ($40-60/night) to mid-range ($70-100/night)
- Diverse restaurants
- Regular transport connections to Male (90-minute speedboat or 4-5 hour public ferry)
The island maintains a good balance between tourist and local areas through organized village planning and effective tourist/local area separation, while managing tourist capacity to maintain its charm and sustainability.
Activities available include:
- Diving and snorkeling excursions
- Manta ray watching (seasonal)
- Dolphin spotting
- Fishing trips
- Water sports
- Cycling
- Beach sports
- Cultural tours
The best time to visit is during the peak season (December-April) when weather conditions are optimal and underwater visibility is better, though the island is accessible year-round.
