# Safari Island Resort Maldives 2026 — Whale Sharks, House Reef > 2026 review of Safari Island Resort, North Ari. 84 villas from $215/night, reef 8.6/10, Joy Dive on-site, AI from $74 pp/day. 4 awards since 2014. Source: https://luxatolls.com/resorts/safari-island/ · Last updated: 2026-10-21 · Language: en · Prices in US dollars (USD) unless stated otherwise --- [Resorts](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/)/[North Ari](https://luxatolls.com/atolls/north-ari/)/Safari Island Resort # Safari Island Resort Maldives Walk into coral seven metres off the sand and loop the island without boarding a boat — Safari's curved Dhoni shape wraps a house reef that's essentially a back garden. 4-Star Resort Seaplane 25 min House Reef 7m Joy Dive Centre Atoll [North Ari](https://luxatolls.com/atolls/north-ari/) Villas 84 Transfer Seaplane Transfer Cost ~$400 pp RT Packages From Request Quote Meal Plans HB / HB+ / FB / AI Secret Price Secret Price Tailored to your dates Get a Personalised Quote More inclusions than direct Opened 2013 A 4-star hold-out in the Maldives' best-known snorkeling atoll — while LUX* South Ari and Conrad Rangali chase luxury, Safari spends its money on Joy Dive's multilingual PADI team and regular dhoni trips to South Ari whale shark grounds. Rooms are 45-sqm bamboo bungalows without pools; the point is the water, not the villa. 01 Villas· 02 Dining· 03 Inclusions· 04 Activities· 05 Reef· 06 Transfer· 07 Verdict·08 FAQ Lux Pulse™Updated Oct 04, 2026 · [How we score](https://luxatolls.com/how-we-rate/) Excellent & Consistent **176 new reviews** in the past 6 months across Google, TripAdvisor & Booking.com. Average rating **4.3 / 5** from 1,998 total reviews. +2% review volume vs. prior 6 months [How we score](https://luxatolls.com/how-we-rate/) 4 Awards since 2014 Travellers' Choice TripAdvisor '24 TUI Top Quality Award TUI '18 Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor '18 HolidayCheck Recommendation HolidayCheck '17 How It Compares ## Safari Island vs. Other Resorts Where this resort sits across the dimensions that matter most when choosing a Maldives property. Budget · Ultra-Luxury Adaaran Club LUX* South Ari Soneva Fushi Safari Island Lively · Secluded Kuredu Lily Beach Kudadoo Safari Island Easy Access · Remote Gili Lankanfushi Anantara Kihavah Park Hyatt Hadahaa Safari Island Couples · Family Komandoo W Maldives Siyam World Safari Island Boutique · Large Resort Makunudu (36) Coco Bodu Hithi (100) Meeru Island (286) Safari Island (84) Poor Reef · Exceptional Finolhu Vilamendhoo Safari Island Safari Island Reference resorts Accommodation ## Choose Your Villa Accommodation at Safari Island is deliberately simple — 84 thatched-roof bungalows across three categories, all 45 sqm and identical in footprint. Beach Bungalows sit among palm trees, Semi-Water Bungalows on the sand-and-lagoon threshold, and Water Bungalows over the reef on jetties. Luxury bamboo furniture and bathtubs throughout, but no private pools anywhere on the island. Beach · No pool Beach Bungalows From $215 45 sqm · 66% smaller than avg Beach Bungalow · Sleeps 3 · 45 sqm · No pool · $215 Overwater · No pool Water Bungalows From $2•• 45 sqm · 66% smaller than avg Semi-Water Bungalow · Sleeps 3 · 45 sqm · No pool · $2•• Water Bungalow · Sleeps 3 · 45 sqm · No pool · $2•• Not sure which villa is right? We'll match you based on your group size, budget and priorities. Prices shown are indicative low-season per night. See the season guide in the sidebar for how rates vary by time of year. We'll confirm exact pricing for your dates. Every quote from us includes the 10% service charge, 17% GST and the $12 per person per night green tax, so the price we quote is the price you pay. Pricing Get your secret price Secret Price Custom package · Your villa choice · Meal plan · Transfers Sending Quote Request Sent We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing. Reference Check your inbox for a confirmation. Tailor your trip Send Lux Exclusive Share your dates and preferences — we'll build a bespoke package with villa, meal plan, transfers and exclusive inclusions you won't find elsewhere. More inclusions than booking direct Get a Personalised Quote Quotes handled by [Tym's team](https://luxatolls.com/about/) of Maldives travel professionals. 24-hour response. Deal Alerts Be first to know when **Safari Island** has a deal — exclusive rates and upgrades, sent only when there's something worth sharing. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Season & Pricing Guide Dec 20 – Jan 10 · Peak · Highest rates Jan 11 – Apr 15 · High · +30–50% Apr 16 – Jul 15 · Shoulder · +10–20% Jul 16 – Dec 19 · Low · Best value Peak season fills 4+ months ahead. Shoulder season offers the best balance of weather, price and availability. Similar Resorts [Sandies Bathala Maldives North Ari · Same atoll From $245 /night](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/sandies-bathala/) [Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon North Ari · Same atoll From $170 /night](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/ellaidhoo-maldives/) [Veligandu Island Resort Rasdhoo · Nearby SPECIAL $2,000 / 5 nights](https://luxatolls.com/resorts/veligandu-island/) Share your dates & preferences — we'll build your perfect package. Dining ## 1 Restaurant & 3 Bars Dining at Safari Island is intentionally minimal — a single overwater buffet restaurant for all meals and three small bars scattered across the island. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served at the Lagoon Restaurant with live cooking stations and rotating themed nights. An à la carte menu is available as a supplement. Lagoon Restaurant International The resort's only restaurant — an overwater buffet for all meals with rotating international themes (Maldivian/Asian Sunday, Indian, Italian, seafood) and live action stations for pasta, fish, and grill. Homemade soups, breads, and desserts. À la carte menu available as a chargeable supplement. Setting · Overwater · Buffet · Live stations Our tip · Sunday night Maldivian/Asian buffet is the standout theme evening All plans Palm Bar Cocktails An overwater bar sitting in the turquoise lagoon beside the main restaurant. Doubles as the coffee shop — espresso, cappuccino, sandwiches, snacks, and cakes by day; cocktails, beer, and wine by night. The social hub of the island. Setting · Overwater · Central lagoon Our tip · Espresso and cappuccino are a supplement even on the all-inclusive AI included Sun Down Bar Beach Bar A small beachfront bar on the sunset side of the island serving evening cocktails, chilled beer, and house wines as the sun drops. Sand under your feet, relaxed vibe, and the best golden-hour views on the resort. Setting · Beachfront · Sunset-facing Our tip · Head here 30 minutes before sunset to grab a front-row bean bag AI included Pool Bar Snacks A daytime pool bar serving refreshments, light snacks, and soft drinks beside the island's only swimming pool. The setting is casual — a place to refuel between snorkel sessions rather than a dining destination. Setting · Poolside · Open-air Our tip · Order the fresh coconut straight off the tree after a morning snorkel AI included Meal Plans ## Dining Inclusions Safari Island uses a supplement model — Half Board is baseline, with Full Board, Half Board Plus, and All-Inclusive available as paid upgrades. Espresso-based coffees and premium drinks remain chargeable. | Plan | Restaurants | Alcohol | Minibar | ~pp/day | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Half Board | Lagoon Restaurant (B+D) | — | — | Baseline | | Half Board Plus | Lagoon (B+D) + house drinks at dinner | House | — | +$51 | | Full Board | Lagoon (B+L+D) | — | — | +$33 | | All-Inclusive | Lagoon + all bars | House | — | +$74 | Half Board · Baseline Lagoon Restaurant (B+D) Alcohol—Minibar— Half Board Plus+$51 pp/day Lagoon (B+D) + house drinks at dinner Alcohol · House · Minibar— Full Board+$33 pp/day Lagoon (B+L+D) Alcohol—Minibar— All-Inclusive+$74 pp/day Lagoon + all bars Alcohol · House · Minibar— Meal plan prices are a guide only — generally an average across the year. Resorts can change them at any time, they often vary by season, and a plan sold in one season may not be offered in another. We'll confirm what's available and the exact price for your dates. Experiences & Activities ## Your Days on the Island Activities centre on the ocean — Joy Dive Centre (German-run, PADI/SSI) and a Joy Water Sports hut share the reef-side of the island, while a Thai spa, single swimming pool, and small recreation zone cover land-side. Excursions run daily by dhoni to North Ari's big-name dive sites and sandbanks. Water Sports & Diving Joy Dive Centre (PADI/SSI) plus Joy Water Sports — English, German, and Chinese-speaking instructors. Joy Dive Centre · PADI + SSI · Multilingual · Open Water to Advanced · 30+ North Ari dive sites Guided house reef snorkeling · Reef drop 7–8 m from beach · daily guided tours with the dive team Manta snorkeling excursions · Scheduled trips to North Ari cleaning stations · seasonal (May–Nov peak) Wakeboarding & water-skiing · Joy Water Sports · chargeable · glassy morning lagoon ideal Windsurfing & catamaran sailing · Rentals with or without instruction · by the hour Stand-up paddleboarding · Shallow house-reef lagoon perfect for beginners Fun tube & banana ride · Towed watersports for groups and families Canoeing & kayaking · Explore the sheltered lagoon side at your own pace **Joy Dive Centre.** German-managed with PADI and SSI certification, Joy Dive runs two-tank morning dives to Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and the whale shark zone in South Ari. The house reef starts 7 metres off the beach and wraps the entire island — shore-entry snorkeling with a drop-off visible from the water villa decks. Excursions & Cruises Dhoni-based day trips bookable through the activities desk. Sunset fishing · Handline fishing from a traditional Maldivian dhoni Sunset & dolphin cruise · Spinner dolphin pods reliable in North Ari evenings Half-day local island hopping · Mahibadhoo mosque, school, and souvenir visits Full-day island hopping · Combined local island + sandbank + snorkel stop Private safari boat charter · Resort-owned luxury dhoni · hourly hire for in-house guests Whale shark excursion · Full-day boat trip to South Ari Marine Protected Area Snorkeling adventure trip · Boat snorkel to offshore thilas within 15 minutes Night fishing Spa & Wellness Duny Thai Spa with authentic Thai therapists and a compact fitness centre. Duny Thai Spa · Garden-set treatment pavilions · authentic Thai therapists Traditional Thai massage · Full-body stretching · 60 or 90 min Aromatherapy & deep tissue · Essential-oil blends · Swedish and sports-recovery styles Couples massage pavilion Hot stone therapy Gymnasium · Basic cardio and weights · complimentary for guests 12+ Outdoor swimming pool · Single freshwater pool near the restaurant Sports & Recreation Complimentary land-based games and occasional evening entertainment. Beach volleyball Hand soccer (beach football) Table tennis Darts Traditional Boduberu night · Scheduled Maldivian drum performance on the beach Live band evenings · Rotating weekly schedule at the Palm Bar Crab racing night Weekly themed disco Kids & Family Family-tolerant rather than kids-led: no dedicated club, but the lagoon and house reef reward families who bring their own schedule. Shallow inner lagoon with direct beach access · Calm wade-in water most of the swimmable perimeter · safe for non-swimmers House reef snorkeling straight off the beach · No boat transfer needed — parent and child can fin from shore together Guided group snorkeling with a marine guide · Safer alternative to unsupervised house-reef entries for less-confident swimmers Half-day local island hopping to Mahibadhoo · Cultural exposure kids won’t get inside the resort bubble Sunset dolphin cruise on a traditional dhoni · Resort flags ~50/50 sighting odds — set expectations in advance Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards & pedal floats in the lagoon Towed water toys — wakeboard, waterski, sofa rides · Age and weight minimums enforced by the watersports centre Private Safari-boat charter for the family · Resort’s own dhoni — flexible timing when kids tire of group schedules Resort Facilities ## What's on the Island Checked against the resort's own information. If something you need isn't listed, ask us before you book. - Dive centre - Spa - Gym Family & Kids ## Family-Friendly Features Safari Island welcomes children but runs no dedicated kids club or babysitting service. All 45 sqm bungalows cap at 3 guests, so large families will need two rooms. Under-2s receive complimentary seaplane transfers and meals; ages 2 to 11 pay 50%. Beach Bungalows are the sensible pick for families given direct beach access and the under-11 restriction on pool and fitness centre use without adult supervision. Shallow Lagoon Calm, shallow water safe for young children Highlights for Kids House reef 7 m from beach · Joy Dive PADI/SSI centre · Manta snorkeling excursions · Dolphin & sunset cruises Family Villa Options Beach Bungalow Snorkeling & Marine Life ## House Reef & Underwater 8.6 Excellent House Reef Lux Atolls Reef Score · top 15% of Maldives resorts #### Shore entry · 7–8 m reef drop · Wraps entire island Reef sharks · Turtles · Manta zone · 30+ dive sites Safari Island's house reef starts 7 to 8 metres off the beach and wraps the entire island — an atoll-edge position on the inner side of North Ari that attracts reef sharks, turtles, and schooling fish daily. The corals are live and colourful in the shallow sections, with a vertical wall dropping off beyond the reef crest. Direct shore-entry from any beach and from Water Bungalow jetties. Marine life observations sourced from dive logs and guest reports. Regularly spotted here (+10) Reef Sharks Blacktip and whitetip daily on the house reef; greys at nearby Maaya Thila Sea Turtles Hawksbill and green turtles resident on the reef — most snorkels produce a sighting Stingrays Blue-spotted and sting rays frequent in the sandy lagoon patches Tropical Reef Fish Parrotfish, fusiliers, butterflyfish, clownfish and moray eels cover the reef Octopus Seen regularly on guided night snorkels along the shallow reef flat Dolphins Spinner dolphins in large pods on sunset cruises — year-round in North Ari Whale Sharks Full-day excursion to South Ari Marine Protected Area — not on house reef Manta Rays Seasonal cleaning-station trips (May–Nov peak) via dedicated manta excursions Eagle Rays Schooling eagle rays cruise the outer wall and nearby channel dive sites Napoleon Wrasse Resident Napoleons patrol the reef's eastern side — a signature sighting Getting There ## Transfer from Malé Safari Island sits on Mushimasgali in North Ari Atoll, approximately 60 km west of Velana International Airport. Seaplane is the only scheduled option from Malé, with no speedboat route offered by the resort. Primary Seaplane (TMA) Direct from Malé · ~25 min · Daylight only ~$400 pp roundtrip Seaplane daylight only (last flight ~15:15). Late arrivals overnight in Malé and fly the following day. Children 2–11 pay 50%. Resort island map — Safari Island Resort Maldives Our Take ## Who This Resort is For Reviewed by [Tym Lewtak](https://luxatolls.com/about/), founder of LuxAtolls Updated Oct 04, 2026 Safari Island delivers exactly what a 4-star reef island should — a coral-rich house reef 7 m off the beach, Joy Dive Centre on-site, and a no-nonsense all-inclusive at $74 pp/day. Rooms are simple bamboo bungalows without pools, dining is one overwater buffet plus three bars, and espresso remains chargeable on AI. If the underwater world matters more than the villa and you need North Ari's big dive sites at a fair price, this is solid value. #### Ideal for - Divers and snorkelers — Joy Dive Centre (PADI/SSI) is on-island and the house reef drops off just 7–8 metres from shore with reef sharks, turtles, and Napoleons visible daily - Budget-conscious couples — a genuine 4-star with Beach Bungalows from $215/night and an All-Inclusive upgrade at $74 pp/day - Value-minded North Ari visitors — Maaya Thila, Fish Head, and the South Ari whale shark zone are bookable as dive/snorkel excursions straight from the island's dive dhonis - Repeat Maldives travellers who want reef over frills — no pools in villas, no butler service, just 45 sqm thatched bungalows focused on direct lagoon access #### Consider elsewhere if - Pool villa seekers — no villa has a private pool; the resort runs just one shared freshwater pool beside the main restaurant - Foodies wanting variety — a single buffet restaurant handles every meal with no alternative specialty dining beyond rotating themed nights - Honeymooners expecting 5-star polish — rooms are functional rather than designer, and some facilities show their post-2013 age in reviews - Families wanting a full kids club — no dedicated kids facility, no babysitting, and the 45 sqm bungalows cap at 3 guests Why Book Through Lux Atolls ### More Than Just a Booking What you get with us vs. booking direct or through a generic OTA Book with Lux Atolls Best rate guarantee on partner resorts — we match or beat what you find elsewhere Exclusive package inclusions negotiated through our direct resort relationships Transparent pricing — transfers, taxes, and meal plans quoted upfront, no hidden fees Personal trip advisor — villa matching, meal plan guidance, and honest recommendations Maldives-only expertise — we know every reef, transfer route, and seasonal sweet spot Direct resort contact — if something needs fixing, we call the GM, not a call centre No booking fees, no hidden charges — the price we quote is the price you pay Book Through Others Published rack rate — no negotiated extras No package inclusions beyond the standard rate Transfer costs and taxes added at checkout Generic customer support with no local knowledge One-size-fits-all recommendations across dozens of destinations Issues routed through a ticketing system, not a person Hidden fees and service charges added late in the process Frequently Asked Questions ## Safari Island Resort Maldives — FAQ **How do you get to Safari Island Resort?** Seaplane is the only scheduled option — a 25-minute flight from Velana International Airport (Malé) at approximately $400 per person round-trip. The resort is 60 km west of Malé in North Ari Atoll. Seaplanes operate only in daylight (last flight around 15:15), so late arrivals overnight in Malé and fly the following morning. **Is Safari Island Resort all-inclusive?** Half Board is the standard baseline plan (breakfast and dinner at the Lagoon Restaurant). All-Inclusive is a paid upgrade at approximately $74 per adult per night. Espresso-based coffees and premium spirits remain chargeable. **Does Safari Island have a good house reef?** Yes — the reef drops off only 7 to 8 metres from the beach and wraps the entire Dhoni-shaped island. Reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, rays, and colourful tropical fish are daily sightings. Direct shore entry from any beach and Water Bungalow jetty. Maaya Thila and Fish Head are bookable dive excursions. **Do Safari Island villas have private pools?** No — none of the 84 bungalows (Beach, Semi-Water, or Water) have private pools or jacuzzis. The resort runs a single shared freshwater swimming pool near the main restaurant. All villas are 45 sqm with bathtubs, air conditioning, and bamboo furniture. **Is Safari Island suitable for families?** Children are welcome, but there is no dedicated kids club or babysitting service. All bungalows cap at 3 guests (couple plus one child). Transfers are complimentary for under-2s and 50% for ages 2 to 11. Beach Bungalows are the practical choice for families given the direct beach access. Secret Price tailored to you Get Quote Get your secret price Quotes handled by [Tym's team](https://luxatolls.com/about/) of Maldives travel professionals. 24-hour response. Sending Quote Request Sent We'll reply within 24 hours with a personalised itinerary and exact pricing for your dates. Reference Check your inbox for a confirmation. Tailor your trip Send