Atoll profile
LaamuLaamu Atoll.
A remote, eco-conscious destination with unique mangrove ecosystems.
- Islands82
- Inhabited13
- Resort islands1
- From MLE264 km
- TransferDirect seaplane from Velana Internationalapprox. 65 minutes
At a glance
Home to the Maldives Underwater Initiative (Manta Trust, Blue Marine, Olive Ridley Project) at Six Senses Laamu, with a manta cleaning station minutes away..
Best for
Getting here
Character
Ideal stay
Protected status
Surf
For non-divers
Pairs well with
Thaa AtollDestination brief
A guide to Laamu Atoll.
Laamu Atoll is a remote, nature-focused destination in the southern Maldives. The atoll is known for its lush vegetation, unique mangrove ecosystems, and encounters with hawksbill turtles and nurse sharks. Six Senses Laamu, the lone luxury resort, operates with a strong sustainability ethos, making this atoll ideal for eco-conscious travellers.
Laamu (historically Hadhdhunmathi) is home to the Maldives Underwater Initiative, a partnership between Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Olive Ridley Project whose work led the Maldivian government to designate six Marine Protected Areas across the atoll. Tropical scenes for the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were shot in Laamu, doubling for the planet Scarif.
Field notes
What's here.
Dive sites06
- 01
Hithadhoo Corner
Manta Point
- 02
Fushi Kandu
- 03
Munnafushi Kandu
- 04
Maamendhoo Giri
- 05
Mirihi Kandu
- 06
Isdhoo Kandu
Marine life04
- 01
Year-round manta ray cleaning station at Hithadhoo Corner, peaking October-November and April-May
- 02
Regular hawksbill turtle encounters and healthy nurse shark populations
- 03
Pelagic drift dives with whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, jacks, tuna and eagle rays
- 04
Six designated Marine Protected Areas including mangroves, seagrass beds and channels
Notable resorts01
- 01
When to go
Marine-life calendar.
Best visibility
Dec–Apr
Reef manta
Year-round · Peaks Oct–Nov & Apr–May at Hithadhoo Corner
Turtles
Year-round · House reef
February to April for diving visibility; October to April for the most consistent manta activity Laamu's position in the deep central-south means it benefits from both monsoons — the northeast (December-April) delivers clear water on the east side, while the southwest brings nutrient-rich currents that fuel manta and pelagic activity on the west. Surf season runs roughly March to October.
Typical windows — encounters vary year to year; not guaranteed.
Dive sites
Where to dive in Laamu Atoll.
Channel · intermediate
Fushi Kandu
A top channel dive — five pinnacles funnel schooling fish and reef sharks.
Manta point · intermediate
Hithadhoo Corner
Laamu's signature manta site — five cleaning stations at the southern tip.
Reef · beginner
Maamendhoo Giri
An easy shallow giri with enormous table-coral formations — a strong night dive.
Channel · advanced
Munnafushi Kandu
A fast-flow channel where tuna and sharks compete over bait schools.
Curious what you'll meet underwater? Browse the Maldives marine-life guide.
Accommodation Collection
2 Resorts in Laamu Atoll.
Frequently Asked
Planning a trip to Laamu Atoll.
How do I get to Laamu Atoll?
Laamu Atoll sits approximately 264 km south of Malé; regional gateway Kadhdhoo Airport (KDO) from Velana International Airport (Malé). The standard transfer is Direct seaplane from Velana International (approx. 65 minutes), or domestic flight to Kadhdhoo (KDO, approx. 40 minutes) followed by a 15-minute speedboat transfer. Your resort or guesthouse will typically arrange the transfer as part of your booking.
What is the best time to visit Laamu Atoll?
February to April for diving visibility; October to April for the most consistent manta activity. Laamu's position in the deep central-south means it benefits from both monsoons — the northeast (December-April) delivers clear water on the east side, while the southwest brings nutrient-rich currents that fuel manta and pelagic activity on the west. Surf season runs roughly March to October.
How many resorts and guesthouses are in Laamu Atoll?
We currently list 10 properties in Laamu Atoll on Resortlife. The atoll has roughly 1 resort islands in total, with options ranging from intimate guesthouses on local islands to ultra-luxury overwater resorts.
Which are the best resorts in Laamu Atoll?
Notable properties include Six Senses Laamu. Which resort suits you depends on travel style — honeymoon, family, dive-focused, or budget-conscious — our specialists can match you to the right island.
What is the diving and marine life like in Laamu Atoll?
Key dive sites include Hithadhoo Corner (Manta Point), Fushi Kandu, Munnafushi Kandu, Maamendhoo Giri. Highlights: Year-round manta ray cleaning station at Hithadhoo Corner, peaking October-November and April-May; Regular hawksbill turtle encounters and healthy nurse shark populations; Pelagic drift dives with whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, jacks, tuna and eagle rays. Most resorts operate PADI-certified dive centres with daily boat dives and house-reef snorkelling.
What makes Laamu Atoll unique compared to other Maldives atolls?
Laamu (historically Hadhdhunmathi) is home to the Maldives Underwater Initiative, a partnership between Six Senses Laamu, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Olive Ridley Project whose work led the Maldivian government to designate six Marine Protected Areas across the atoll. Tropical scenes for the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story were shot in Laamu, doubling for the planet Scarif.
Keep exploring
More Maldives atolls.
For travel trade
Quote Laamu Atoll with confidence.
Contracted net rates, multilingual GROs at Velana, charter-flight coordination and 24/7 partner support.