Ukulhas
About the Island
Welcome to Ukulhas
Ukulhas stands apart as one of the Maldives' most environmentally conscious local islands. The community has received the Green Flag Beach Award for its pristine, immaculately maintained beaches — a rare honour for a local island — and the entire community takes visible pride in protecting their natural environment.
The island sits in Alif Alif Atoll, roughly 60 kilometres north of Malé, accessible by a two-hour ferry or a fast speedboat. What awaits is exceptional: a long bikini beach of powdery white sand, one of the best house reefs for snorkelling in the country, and a spectacular sandbank just a few minutes by boat.
The water around Ukulhas is famously clear, with visibility regularly exceeding 30 metres. Overnight liveaboard dive boats frequently anchor here, and the surrounding atoll hosts seasonal manta ray aggregations that draw divers from around the world.
Island Highlights
What makes Ukulhas special
Green Flag Beach
Ukulhas holds one of the few Green Flag environmental awards given to a Maldivian local island for beach cleanliness and environmental practices.
World-Class House Reef
The house reef is considered among the best in the local island circuit, with vibrant coral gardens, turtles, and reef sharks in abundance.
Pristine Sandbank
A short 10-minute boat ride reveals a picture-perfect uninhabited sandbank surrounded by turquoise shallow water — ideal for photos.
Manta Ray Season
Between May and November, manta rays aggregate in the channels around Alif Alif Atoll, often visible from the reef just off the island.
Tourism
Best for
Tourist Attractions
Top things to see & do
Ukulhas Bikini Beach
The Green Flag-awarded beach runs along the western shore — broad, clean, and framed by coconut palms. One of the best swimming beaches on any local island.
The Sandbank
A stunning uninhabited sandbank 10 minutes from the island by speedboat, surrounded by impossibly clear turquoise water.
House Reef Snorkelling Trail
A maintained snorkelling trail around the house reef with designated entry/exit points and underwater markers identifying key species.
Night Snorkelling
The house reef transforms at night with bioluminescent plankton, hunting octopus, and sleeping reef sharks — a magical experience.
Community Environment Tour
Local eco-guides offer tours explaining Ukulhas' award-winning waste management and coral restoration programmes.
Gallery
Ukulhas in pictures
Location