Rasdhoo

Rasdhoo

Residential Island Code: AA

About Rasdhoo

Rasdhoo is best known as the heart of Alif Alif Atoll, both historically and geographically. As the atoll’s administrative capital, it has long served as a regional center of governance and public services. The island, spanning just 0.58 km², supports around 1,500 residents and houses key institutions including a magistrate court, law enforcement offices, a secondary school, and a health centre. Rasdhoo is also a hub for tuna fishing, especially the traditional pole-and-line method that sustains local livelihoods. Its protected harbour supports inter-island travel, trade, and commercial fishing. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs—both fringing and patch types—that provide vital habitats for reef fish and tuna. Coastal vegetation, including coconut palms and sea lettuce, helps guard against erosion. With its combination of administrative significance, ecological richness, and well-planned infrastructure, Rasdhoo stands out as one of the most developed and strategically important islands in the central Maldives.

Island Information

Geographic

Area
21.83 hectares
Nearest Island
Madivaru (0.95 km)

Coordinates: 4.263105, 72.991977

Administrative

Island Name
Rasdhoo
Island Code
AA
Atoll
North Ari Atoll
Island Type
Residential Island
Regulating Authority
Council
Primary Agency
Council

Environmental Sites

Documented ecosystems and environmental sites on Rasdhoo.

Karibeyru Region

Documented

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Part of the larger Rasdhoo marine protected area network, the Karibeyru Region covers approximately 3.55 km². It includes fringing reefs, coral slopes, and sandy bottoms that support vibrant reef life. Known for frequent manta ray visits, especially during plankton blooms, it plays a critical role in sustaining coral reef ecosystems and pelagic feeding routes. The area's geography includes shallow lagoons and drop-offs, providing ideal conditions for both reef regeneration and snorkeling or research-based eco-tourism.

4.2603, 72.9913 View Details

Kudarah Thila

Documented

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

A compact but ecologically rich MPA, Kudarah Thila covers around 0.34 km². Its pinnacle-like structure features coral overhangs, caves, and densely populated reef walls. A prime site for soft corals and sea fans, it attracts schools of sweetlips, groupers, and reef sharks. The thila's strategic location within ocean currents makes it a biodiversity magnet and a key refuge for marine species. Though small, its environmental and dive value is internationally recognized, often cited among the Maldives’ best thilas.

4.2710, 72.9980 View Details

Orimas Thila Region

Documented

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

Orimas Thila, spanning about 0.39 km², is known for its dynamic reef life and large schooling fish. The reef top hosts dense coral gardens, while deeper ledges and slopes support species like eagle rays and reef sharks. The site also has historical reef fishing significance for local communities. Protected for its biological productivity, it is vital for reef health monitoring and sustainable marine tourism, particularly for responsible diving operations seeking encounters with large reef predators.

4.2660, 72.9875 View Details

Maaya Thila

Documented

Marine Protected Area (MPA)

A classic Maldivian pinnacle, Maaya Thila encompasses roughly 0.38 km². Rising from 30 meters to just under 10 meters, its circular thila supports soft coral, overhangs, and resident marine life including turtles, moray eels, and white-tip reef sharks. Strong currents bring in nutrients, making it a nocturnal diving favorite. Its geographic isolation enhances ecological value, functioning as a micro-reef habitat ideal for conservation education and structured dive experiences.

4.0072, 72.8233 View Details

Rasdhoo Madivaru Area

Documented

Covering approximately 3.79 km², Rasdhoo Madivaru includes coral slopes, sandbanks, and channels. It’s famous for pelagic sightings such as hammerhead sharks at dawn, manta rays, and schooling barracuda. The mix of reef and sandbank habitats supports both benthic and pelagic biodiversity. The site’s structure and current exposure make it ecologically critical, supporting fish migration and coral regeneration. It serves both ecological and educational tourism purposes, acting as a model site for atoll-edge marine biodiversity.

4.2675, 72.9945 View Details

Location on Map