Safari Island
Overwater dining, a house reef, and a private safari boat — all on one island.
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An island resort on Mushimas Migili Alif Alif Mushimas Migili
Safari Island is a 4-star resort in the Mushimas Migili area of Alif Alif Atoll, reached by a roughly 25-minute seaplane from Velana International Airport. The transfer charge is separate from the room rate. The resort runs 84 bungalows across three categories, an overwater main restaurant, three bars, a spa in mangrove gardens, and on-site water sports. It also claims to be the only Maldives resort that lets guests plan their own private safari boat itinerary — choosing sandbanks, manta spots, or local island stops themselves.
The honest verdict
A mid-range island resort with solid activity options, overwater dining, and direct house reef access — a good all-rounder rather than an ultra-luxury escape.
Best for
- Couples wanting water bungalows with lagoon access
- Divers and snorkellers with a house reef on the doorstep
- Travellers who want flexible all-inclusive options
- Groups keen on guided safari boat excursions
Maybe not ideal for
- Budget travellers — seaplane transfer adds cost on top of room rates
- Those wanting a room with more than three guests
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
The Lagoon Restaurant
The main restaurant floats over the lagoon and runs a full buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The spread covers international, Indian, American, and Thai dishes. It is the daily centrepiece of the resort's dining.
House reef and diving
A house reef circles the island, accessible for snorkelling and diving. The resort runs its own dive operation with boat trips and courses up to Advanced Open Water level — no separate operator needed for standard programmes.
Water and semi-water bungalows
The 39 Water Bungalows sit directly over the lagoon with private sundecks and a glass-bottomed coffee table looking into the water below. The 15 Semi-Water Bungalows share the same glass-bottom feature with dual land and lagoon access.
Spa in mangrove gardens
The spa sits inside mangrove gardens — an unusual setting for a Maldives property. It operates as a wellness centre alongside the resort's fitness facilities.
Private safari boat tours
The resort offers charter tours on its own safari boat where guests design the itinerary. Options include sandbank visits, manta trips, and local island stops. This guest-planned model is uncommon in the Maldives.
Bars and evening options
Three bars run alongside the main restaurant: Palm Bar over the water, the Sun Down Bar positioned for sunset views, and a Pool Bar. Evening entertainment is also part of the programme.
Rooms & suites
Beach Bungalow
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Semi Water Bungalow
sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Water Bungalow
sleeps 2 · 1 queen bed
- Balcony
- Sea view
- Air conditioning
- Attached bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Inside Safari Island
Amenities at Safari Island
Most popular facilities
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Airport shuttle
- Spa and wellness center
- Non-smoking rooms
- Fitness center
- Free Wifi
- Restaurant
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Balcony
- Air conditioning
- Spa and wellness center
- View
- Bath
- Terrace
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Bath or shower
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Bathrobe
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Sea view
- View
Outdoors
- Beachfront
- Outdoor furniture
- Balcony
- Terrace
Getting there
Getting to Safari Island on Mushimas Migili Alif Alif Mushimas Migili in North Ari Atoll means covering about 73 km from Malé (MLE) by seaplane — a scenic flight of roughly 20 minutes. The resort books the seaplane with your stay. Seaplanes fly in daylight hours only, so late arrivals may overnight in Malé.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Mushimas Migili Alif Alif Mushimas Migili, the hotel's island, belongs to North Ari Atoll. North Ari Atoll (Alifu Alifu) is known for vibrant dive sites, reef sharks and a classic mix of resort islands.
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Safari Island holds a 4.6/5 Google rating across 542 reviews. Guests frequently single out the location and the quality of the buffet spread. The house reef access and the overwater setting of the main restaurant are recurring positives. The resort has also held TUI Top Quality recognition and TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence for consecutive years.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Safari Island from the airport?
The resort is reached by seaplane from Velana International Airport, a flight of around 25 minutes covering roughly 60 km. The transfer charge is not included in the room rate, so budget for this separately when comparing prices.
What room types are available?
There are three categories: Beach Bungalow (30 units, thatched, up to 3 guests), Semi-Water Bungalow (15 units, glass-bottom table, dual lagoon and land access), and Water Bungalow (39 units, private sundeck, direct lagoon access). All are 45 sqm.
Is there an all-inclusive plan?
Yes, an all-inclusive plan is available at Safari Island. The main restaurant — Lagoon Restaurant — runs an all-you-can-eat buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, covering international and regional cuisines.
Does Safari Island Maldives have a house reef?
A house reef runs around the island and is accessible for both snorkelling and diving. The resort has its own dive operation running boat trips and courses including Open Water and Advanced Open Water.
What watersports are available on site?
The resort has water sport facilities on site covering both motorised and non-motorised activities, including canoeing and windsurfing. Fishing is also available. Excursions such as snorkelling safaris and dolphin cruises are arranged through the resort.
What is the private safari boat tour?
The resort charters its own safari boat and lets guests plan the itinerary themselves — choosing from sandbank stops, manta viewing areas, and local island visits. The resort says this guest-designed format is unique among Maldives properties.
How many restaurants and bars are there?
There is one main restaurant — Lagoon Restaurant, an overwater buffet venue. The three bars are Palm Bar (overwater), Sun Down Bar, and Pool Bar. Evening entertainment also runs on site.
Is there a spa?
Yes. The spa sits inside mangrove gardens and operates as a wellness centre. A fitness centre is also on the property.
Are weddings available at the resort?
The resort offers wedding packages that include a tree-planting ceremony as part of the programme.
What is the starting price for a stay?
Beach Bungalows start from around $630 per night and Water Bungalows from around $761 per night. These figures do not include the seaplane transfer, which is charged separately.
Is Safari Island suitable for families?
Beach Bungalows accommodate up to three guests, which covers a couple with one child. The range of on-site activities — tennis, table tennis, darts, and evening entertainment — gives families options beyond the water.
When is the best time to visit?
The Maldives dry season generally runs from November to April, bringing calmer seas and lower rainfall. Alif Alif Atoll follows the same broad pattern, though specific weather data for the property is not published by the resort.
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