15 Best Beaches in the Maldives You Have to See to Believe

A chain of 1,192 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most serene, romantic, and wildly scenic destinations in the world. The islands are clustered into atolls, based on their proximity to coral reefs, and are surrounded by azure-colored lagoons. These still waters lend themselves to those dreamy overwater bungalows that have become synonymous with the archipelago, while the coral reefs make it a sought-after snorkeling destination. Of course, many visitors to this idyllic vacation spot will be content to luxuriate on the islands' pristine stretches of fine white sand. With that in mind, these are the 15 best beaches in the Maldives.

Cocoa Island

A luxurious hideaway, Cocoa Island is home to the stunning Como Cocoa Island resort. The South Malé Atoll island, also called Makunufushi, is known for its sugar-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. The thriving coral reefs are one of the island's best features for snorkelers or divers and are easy to visit with the resort's experts. Another reason guests love the island is the privacy Como Cocoa's beaches provide.

Landaa Giraavaru

Home to a Four Seasons Resort, Landaa Giraavaru is one of the most coveted private islands in the Maldives. The beaches that make up this paradise are part of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Visitors will find a long, otherworldly sandbank that extends into the ocean. Gaze at jaw-dropping waters with a kaleidoscope of blue and green hues from the idyllic shores. Plunge beneath the surface to explore a live reef and keep your eyes peeled for manta rays and sea turtles.

Baros

The beaches of Baros island are immaculate, encircled by clear waters and a coral reef, which adds a fantastical dimension to the unparalleled views. To experience the serene landscape, stay at the only resort on this private island: Baros Maldives. The property makes things memorable by facilitating romantic candlelit dinners on the soft sand.

Reethi Rah

Reethi Rah is home to some of the most secluded beaches in the Maldives, which are exclusively for guests of One&Only. The island boasts roughly three and a half miles of coast, giving the resort 12 breathtaking stretches of sand. It also has a separate time zone set an hour ahead of Malé, so you can savor the spectacular sunsets with your evening cocktails. One&Only will set up loungers on the beach for families wanting to spend the day in the sun and also offers villas with direct beach access.

Veligandu Island

Soft sand, overwater villas, and a sandbar stretching as far as the eye can see are what await guests on Veligandu Island. The beach is only open to Veligandu Island Resort & Spa guests. This adults-only property in the North Ari Atoll is spacious enough that every guest feels as if they're on a private stretch of sand. The beaches are also lined with luxe thatched-roof pavilions and loungers, and the reef around the island gives the water innumerable shades of green and blue.

Lily Beach

On Huvahendhoo Island in Ari Atoll, this beach is an exclusive playground for Lily Beach Resort & Spa guests. Get your first glimpse of its perfect white sands during your seaplane journey to the resort. On the ground, relax in one of the luxury beach villas, complete with private Jacuzzis featuring ocean views. Don't miss the nearby dive sites, which are among the most popular in the Maldives due to the unusual underwater topography. Caves, tunnels, and thilas (underwater islands) await under the surface.

Thulusdhoo Island

While the Maldives are home to many stunning luxury hotels, there are a few hot spots where visitors can appreciate this dreamy archipelago's culture. Thulusdhoo is a Maldivian surfing haven and the capital of the Kaafu Atoll. To reach the island, take an affordable, hour-and-a-half ferry ride from Malé; there are a variety of hotels for all budgets. Travelers looking to swim and relax on the sand should check out Bikini Beach, while experienced surfers chasing the best swells can head to Cokes Beach.

Hulhumale Island

Located in the North Malé Atoll, Hulhumale is a human-made Maldives island. It offers a more commercial atmosphere than many other islands in the archipelago and is well worth experiencing for a weekend. Hulhumale's beaches are a delight, lined with buzzing hotels, shops, restaurants, and water sports outfitters. Spend your days snorkeling, paddleboarding, or sipping a cocktail with your toes in the sand.

Vaadhoo Island

Although Vaadhoo's white sands and aquamarine water are beautiful by day, you'll want to explore its coastline after dark. This island in Raa Atoll is known for its bioluminescent beach, where microorganisms in the water sometimes create a glittering blue glow along the shore. For the best chance of seeing the dazzling natural phenomenon known as the "Sea of Stars," plan to visit between July and February.

Fulhadhoo Island

Two hours from Malé by speedboat, Fulhadhoo Island in the Baa Atoll is home to just 250 people. It's one of the quietest and most beautiful islands tourists can experience, with largely secluded beaches that feature calm lagoons and small natural pools. It also offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife sightings. Fulhadhoo shelters myriad fish species, dolphins, and turtles, making it a prime spot to snorkel and dive.

Ukulhas Island

Ukulhas is an under-the-radar island with beaches that are frequently cleaned to encourage tourism and combat pollution. The Alif Atoll island has resorts for every price range, most just a short walk from the beach, though none with direct access. Nevertheless, the beach is exactly why tourists come to the island. It's an uninterrupted one-kilometer stretch of white sand, lined with chaise lounges and umbrellas. The beach is also quiet and spacious enough that you'll never be without a lounger. Ukulhas promises an idyllic Maldivian beach experience no matter the budget.

Rangali Island

The beach at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which occupies two private islands, is as breathtaking from above as it is from the ground. Relax on the beach or in an overwater villa outfitted with a private sun deck. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience beyond the white sandy shores, book the Muraka suite, which features a bedroom, bathroom, closet, and viewing space all completely submerged in the island's blue waters.

Omadhoo

Set within the South Ari Atoll, Omandhoo is a quiet island that has developed its tourism offerings. More than half the island consists of a village with 800 residents. Western customs are less prevalent here, so visitors interested in respectfully learning more about Maldivian culture will appreciate the island. As for the beaches on Omadhoo, they are clean, quiet, and include a long sandbank extending through the crystal-clear water. The reef surrounding the beaches is home to schools of fish like barracuda and snapper, turtles, and even whale sharks.

Dhigurah Island

About 60 miles from the main island of Malé, Dhigurah is known for whale shark sightings, world-class diving, and beaches you'll never want to leave. The South Ari Atoll island also has a dive center, and the water surrounding the intimate beach is a gathering spot for sea turtles and several species of colorful fish. Its picturesque sandbar features picnic tables. Like Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah is home to several hotels and hot spots for travelers and locals alike.

Hadahaa

Home to the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa, the island is surrounded by a 360-degree reef. The picturesque beaches, with brilliant white sand and alluring turquoise waters, are protected by Park Hyatt's sustainability commitment. This ensures the reef remains healthy, the waters and beaches are clean, and the overall environmental impact is minimized. Though the hotel is gold-certified by Green Globe, the beaches must be monitored by an independent resident marine biologist to maintain the organization's standards and retain its status.