Kandima Maldives
Kandima Maldives
Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives · Overwater Villas · Dining · PlaySpace · Fast Track
tripadvisor
4.7
Based on 3,449 reviews
Travellers' Choice 2026
Excellent
84%
Very Good
8%
Average
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
What Our Guests Say
Rated Very Good on TripAdvisor
Great vacation!
It was like in paradise! I loved everything, every time we found what to eat, what to drink. A very good staff on the island. Especially Sanjana in the breeze bar and manager Jonathan, they were so kind. Me and my kids were happy in this place. Thank also for snorkelling and fishing, we saw a lot of fishes, corals, it was amazing time. I would really recommend this place.
А
Thanks to Sippo at Velana Airport
Special mention for Asif Ali or Sippo for his assistance and attentiveness in providing best customer service to my family as we landed at Velana International Airport. He is professional, friendly, full of information and very resourceful. The resort is beautiful, a must visit option for Maldives!
h
Outstanding Assistance – Thanks to Sippo
We had a great experience from the moment we arrived in Malé. A special thanks to Sippo for assisting us from the airport until our transfer to the hotel. He was friendly, professional, and respectful, and he guided us through every step of the process. Everything was well organized, making our arrival smooth and stress-free.
C
Family Photoshoot – Amazing Experience
A huge thank you to our photographer Sidhra at Kandima Maldives for an amazing experience! He was incredibly professional, patient, creative, and made our whole family feel comfortable throughout the photoshoot. He captured beautiful, natural moments that we will cherish forever. The photos exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kandima.
z
House reef
2/5
Thin
Little or nothing to snorkel off the beach. Some islands in this band run a free boat to a reef — the note below says whether this one does.
There is no snorkelling off the beach here. The reef sits about 500 metres out and is reached by a free boat to a platform at the reef edge, six times a day at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00 and again at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00, so nothing crosses the middle of the day. Guests who take it see turtles, coral and baby sharks, but several report bleaching. The lagoon is the better story: shallow and safe, which suits toddlers, with baby sharks and rays in the shallows. Bring water shoes, there is dead coral near the shore.
Getting there
Route
Domestic flight + speedboat
Journey
50 min, airport to island
Last arrival that works
20:45
Land at Velana after 20:45 and the last transfer of the day will have gone, which means a night in Malé before you reach the island.
There is a second way in. Seaplane, about 45 min, for arrivals at Velana up to 15:00.
A domestic flight, then a short boat. It runs far later than a seaplane, so an evening arrival usually still reaches the island the same day.
Transfer details last checked August 2026. We re-check yours against your actual ticket before we quote. See what your flight can reach →
We were last here
October 2022
Inspected in person · 3 yr ago
Kandima Maldives stands out as one of the archipelago's most dynamic destinations, and for good reason. This expansive island resort offers something rare in the Maldives: genuine variety without compromising on luxury. The sheer scale...
Read the visit note →Choose Your Villa
Domestic flight + speedboat from Velana International Airport, 50 min.
Beach & Sky Studio
Smart, stylish studios set in 2-storey villas along the main beach. Choose a Sky or Beach Studio and enjoy your own private balcony or terrace with tropical views.
- 128 studios
- 40 sqm internal space
- Private balcony or terrace
- 15 sqm balcony
Beach Villa with Swirlpool
Set on the beachfront so you can enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes anytime. The private deck extends towards the Indian Ocean with endless views.
- 18 villas
- 55 sqm internal space
- Private Swirl Pool
- Beachfront location
Beach Pool Villa with Swirl Pool
Cool down in your own private pool. Dry off on the private deck of this spacious villa that extends towards the Indian Ocean.
- 37 villas
- 55 sqm internal space
- Private pool + Swirl Pool
- 14 Sunrise & 15 Sunset Beach Pool Villas
Aqua Villa
Make a splash! Welcome to your spacious, stylish and deluxe overwater retreat. Take in the endless views from your very own private deck area.
- 30 villas
- 48 sqm internal space
- Overwater location
- Direct lagoon access
Aqua Villa with Swirlpool
Dive in! With direct access to the ocean from your own private deck, you can snorkel to your heart's content. Spacious, stylish and deluxe with your own outdoor Swirl Pool.
- 29 villas
- 48 sqm internal space
- Private Swirl Pool
- Snorkelling from deck
Ocean Pool Villa
Wake up to uninterrupted views across the Indian Ocean. If you're lucky you'll see friendly dolphins frolicking in front of you from your own private pool.
- 18 villas
- 60 sqm internal space
- Private infinity pool
- Panoramic ocean views
A day here, honestly
Scale sets the shape of your day here. Kandima is three kilometres long, which is enormous by Maldivian standards, and it means you walk or cycle to things rather than stepping out of your room into them. It also runs a 24-hour room policy, which is rare in the Maldives and makes your arrival and departure days worth far more.
- Getting here Domestic flight + speedboat, 50 min · latest Velana arrival 20:45
- Alternative Seaplane, 45 min · cut-off 15:00
- Highest plan sold Bed and breakfast
- House reef 2 of 5
We would talk you out of 3 nights here. On an island three kilometres long you spend the first day just working out where things are.
Day 1, arriving
A domestic flight to Dhaalu then a short boat, around fifty minutes of actual travelling. It runs far later than a seaplane, so an evening landing at Velana usually still reaches the island the same day. A seaplane is available instead, faster in the air but tied to a 15:00 daylight cut-off, so it only helps a morning arrival. Then the fact that changes everything: there is no fixed check-in or check-out time, and you may stay a full 24 hours from when you arrive. Land at eight in the evening and you leave at eight in the evening. On a four-night stay that is close to a whole extra day, and almost nobody books it knowing.
Do these three things when you land.
- Get a bicycle. Three kilometres is a long way to walk to dinner twice a day.
- Ask when the reef boat runs. It is free and roughly hourly, and it is the only way to snorkel here.
- Pack water shoes if you did not bring them. There is dead coral on the seabed near the shore.
Days 2 to 3, your full days
Mornings
Little to snorkel from the beach. The reef here is a boat trip.
There is no snorkelling off the beach. We say that plainly because the island is large and beautiful and people assume the water matches. The house reef is a five-minute boat ride to a platform at the reef edge, the boat is free and runs roughly hourly, and guests who take it see turtles, coral and baby sharks. The lagoon itself is shallow and safe.
- Anyone who came to snorkel
- Take the boat, and take it early. It is free and it is genuinely good out there. Just do not expect to walk into it from your villa.
- Families with small children
- The shallow lagoon is the point. It is safe for toddlers, and you will see baby sharks and dolphins from the jetty without going anywhere.
- Anyone here to be active
- This is the island for it. Tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, a football field, the art studio and one of the largest pools in the Maldives.
Afternoons
Kandima runs one of the fullest activity programmes in the country, which is a large part of why people choose it. The schedule and prices are set by the resort and move through the season, so tell us what you want to do and we will price it against your dates.
Evenings
Seven restaurants and several bars, which on an island this size means you should book rather than wander. The rate you see is bed and breakfast; half board, full board and premium all-inclusive are all sold as supplements on top, and the plan rates 4 out of 5 on our all-inclusive ratings. Children under six eat free on their parents' plan, and there are dated family offers that can make two children under twelve free on both room and meals where two adults share. Ask us to run those, because they change the arithmetic more than the villa choice does.
Day 4, leaving
The 24-hour policy applies here too, so you are not turned out at eleven in the morning. Work backwards from your domestic flight rather than from a check-out time, and reconfirm the connection the evening before.
What you will still pay
Whatever sits outside bed and breakfast, which on this island is most of the eating and drinking unless you bought a plan. Then the spa, the water sports and the excursions. Kandima is a place where the folio grows quietly because there is so much to do, so decide about a meal plan before you arrive rather than after two dinners.
Who this island's day does not suit
Anyone who wants a small quiet island, and anyone whose idea of the Maldives is snorkelling from the beach. This is a big, busy, energetic island and it is unapologetic about it.
Day 1, arriving
A domestic flight to Dhaalu then a short boat, around fifty minutes of actual travelling. It runs far later than a seaplane, so an evening landing at Velana usually still reaches the island the same day. A seaplane is available instead, faster in the air but tied to a 15:00 daylight cut-off, so it only helps a morning arrival. Then the fact that changes everything: there is no fixed check-in or check-out time, and you may stay a full 24 hours from when you arrive. Land at eight in the evening and you leave at eight in the evening. On a four-night stay that is close to a whole extra day, and almost nobody books it knowing.
Do these three things when you land.
- Get a bicycle. Three kilometres is a long way to walk to dinner twice a day.
- Ask when the reef boat runs. It is free and roughly hourly, and it is the only way to snorkel here.
- Pack water shoes if you did not bring them. There is dead coral on the seabed near the shore.
Days 2 to 4, your full days
Mornings
Little to snorkel from the beach. The reef here is a boat trip.
There is no snorkelling off the beach. We say that plainly because the island is large and beautiful and people assume the water matches. The house reef is a five-minute boat ride to a platform at the reef edge, the boat is free and runs roughly hourly, and guests who take it see turtles, coral and baby sharks. The lagoon itself is shallow and safe.
- Anyone who came to snorkel
- Take the boat, and take it early. It is free and it is genuinely good out there. Just do not expect to walk into it from your villa.
- Families with small children
- The shallow lagoon is the point. It is safe for toddlers, and you will see baby sharks and dolphins from the jetty without going anywhere.
- Anyone here to be active
- This is the island for it. Tennis, badminton, beach volleyball, a football field, the art studio and one of the largest pools in the Maldives.
Afternoons
Kandima runs one of the fullest activity programmes in the country, which is a large part of why people choose it. The schedule and prices are set by the resort and move through the season, so tell us what you want to do and we will price it against your dates.
Evenings
Seven restaurants and several bars, which on an island this size means you should book rather than wander. The rate you see is bed and breakfast; half board, full board and premium all-inclusive are all sold as supplements on top, and the plan rates 4 out of 5 on our all-inclusive ratings. Children under six eat free on their parents' plan, and there are dated family offers that can make two children under twelve free on both room and meals where two adults share. Ask us to run those, because they change the arithmetic more than the villa choice does.
Day 5, leaving
The 24-hour policy applies here too, so you are not turned out at eleven in the morning. Work backwards from your domestic flight rather than from a check-out time, and reconfirm the connection the evening before.
What you will still pay
Whatever sits outside bed and breakfast, which on this island is most of the eating and drinking unless you bought a plan. Then the spa, the water sports and the excursions. Kandima is a place where the folio grows quietly because there is so much to do, so decide about a meal plan before you arrive rather than after two dinners.
Who this island's day does not suit
Anyone who wants a small quiet island, and anyone whose idea of the Maldives is snorkelling from the beach. This is a big, busy, energetic island and it is unapologetic about it.
Tell us your flight times and we will check this against your actual dates.Ask on WhatsApp
Where in the Maldives?
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kandima Maldives located? +
Kandima Maldives is located in Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 450 km south of Malé. It is one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, spanning a 3 km-long island.
How do I get to Kandima Maldives? +
Guests travel from Velana International Airport (Malé) via a combination of domestic flight and speedboat, or by seaplane. The journey takes approximately 35–45 minutes by domestic flight + speedboat. Transfer arrangements are coordinated by the resort.
What villa categories are available at Kandima? +
Kandima offers 270 studios and villas across 7 categories: Beach & Sky Studios, Beach Villa with Swirl Pool, Beach Pool Villa with Swirl Pool, Aqua Villa, Aqua Villa with Swirl Pool, Ocean Pool Villa, and Sunset Aqua Pool Suite.
What dining options are available? +
Kandima has 8 restaurants and bars including Flavour & Zest (all-day dining), Azure Mediterranean, Smoked BBQ, Sea Dragon (Asian cuisine), Beach Club, Breeze Pool Bar, Aroma Café, and Deli. Most outlets are open from morning until late night.
What is PlaySpace at Kandima? +
PlaySpace is Kandima's ultimate gaming and entertainment hub — featuring two bowling alleys, Eskape Rooms, a Classic Games Zone, VR Hologate Arena, Karaoke Room, Movie Theatre, Arcade Games, and PlaySpace Café. It's open to all ages.
What is the Fast Track at Kandima? +
Fast Track is the Maldives' first asphalt oceanfront electric go-kart track. The 500-metre course offers high-speed racing with stunning island views. Minimum height: 1.4m, minimum age: 10 years.
Is Kandima suitable for families with children? +
Absolutely. Kandima has Kandiland, a dedicated kids club with a daily programme of fun and educational activities. The resort also has a large lagoon, shallow water areas, PlaySpace, and family-friendly dining options.
What watersports and diving are available? +
Aquaholics, Kandima's watersports and diving centre, offers scuba diving, snorkelling, marine biology activities, and a full range of water sports. The resort also has a Diving School and Marine Biology Centre.
Is there a spa at Kandima? +
Yes — Eskape Spa offers a full range of treatments including massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa also has a steam room, sauna, yoga classes, nail bar, and hairdresser.
How do I enquire about rates and availability? +
You can reach our reservations team directly via WhatsApp at +91 98112 03263. You can also click the "Enquire Now" button on any villa package above.
Curated by Maldives Specialists
Every resort we feature is personally vetted by our founders — so you book with confidence.
Pranjal
Founder & Maldives Specialist
Selling the Maldives since 2004. He will tell you when a well-known name is not what it used to be.
Amosha
Co-Founder & Maldives Specialist
Meticulous attention to detail and deep resort relationships for seamless, personalised journeys.
