Machchafushi, meaning ‘Fish Island’ in Dhivehi, perfectly embodies the essence of this unique retreat in South Ari Atoll. Part of The Centara Collection, Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa captures the authenticity of the Maldives, offering guests an intimate connection with the ocean, marine life, and the island’s rich heritage.

Nestled at the heart of the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), a UNESCO-recognised wonder, Machchafushi offers year-round access to extraordinary marine encounters, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable underwater adventures, including the renowned Kudhimaa shipwreck.

Once a secluded, uninhabited island, Machchafushi has long held a place in the cultural heart of the Maldives. Today, as part of this protected marine reserve, it remains authentic, sustainable, and deeply connected to the ocean.

Marine life truly takes centre stage at Machchafushi. Guests can experience year-round whale shark encounters, boasting one of the world’s highest resighting rates, alongside sightings of graceful manta rays and an abundance of tropical fish drifting like legends of the sea. Surrounded by a world-renowned house reef that stretches five times the island’s size, Machchafushi offers an underwater paradise teeming with more than 1,000 fish species and 200 types of vibrant coral. 

The South Ari Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most celebrated dive destinations, offers over fifty dive sites, each brimming with life and adventure. Kudarah Thila reveals a UNESCO-protected maze of overhangs and swim-throughs alive with fusiliers and snappers, while Broken Rock captivates with its dramatic canyon of vibrant corals and macro life, ideal for underwater photography. Dhigurah Beyru and Maamigili Corner are famed for encounters with whale sharks and manta rays, occasionally joined by playful dolphins, and the Kudhimaa Wreck, a 52-meter sunken cargo ship, has transformed into a thriving coral habitat, home to lionfish, batfish, groupers, and the expertly camouflaged stonefish and frogfish. Nearby, Anemone Alley flourishes beneath the seasonal seaplane platform, offering a dynamic hub of biodiversity that delights snorkellers and divers alike, making the house reef the heart of Machchafushi and a world-class underwater wonderland.

Beyond the reefs, the island itself tells its own story. At its heart stands a centuries-old Banyan Tree, known locally as the Ummeedhu Tree, meaning ‘Wish Fulfilment’.  This living legend invites guests to pause, reflect, and become part of its timeless story. Guests can take part in the Sacred Thread Ceremony, leaving their wishes and intentions entwined with the tree, creating a personal connection that lingers long after their stay.

Sustainability flows through every aspect of Machchafushi, ensuring that every initiative, every effort, safeguards the island’s natural and cultural legacy. Every sunrise, every dive, every golden leaf tied to the Banyan Tree tells a story, and at Machchafushi Island, every moment becomes a journey into the extraordinary, an invitation to create your own story in a setting where the Maldives’ beauty and heritage are celebrated at every turn.

Dive into the story of Machchafushi Island - https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/the-centara-collection/cirm/the-machchafushi-experience