South Ari Atoll is one of the best places in the Maldives to see whale sharks year-round. These gentle giants are frequently spotted along the atoll’s outer reef, especially near Maamigili, which is part of a designated Marine Protected Area. The atoll has over 50 islands, including popular resort destinations and inhabited islands like Dhigurah, Mahibadhoo, and Fenfushi. Mahibadhoo serves as the administrative capital. South Ari’s marine biodiversity is high, with manta rays, sea turtles, and large schools of fish common at dive sites like Kudarah Thila and Broken Rock. Tourism is a major part of the local economy, but traditional fishing, particularly yellowfin tuna fishing, still plays a role. The atoll lies southwest of Malé and is accessible by seaplane or domestic flight. Coral recovery varies across sites due to past bleaching, but some reefs show strong signs of regeneration thanks to local conservation work.