The Maldives is made up of 1,190 coral islands formed around 26 natural ring-like atolls, spread over 90,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean. Known for it’s crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, tropical marine life, and blue skies, we are incredibly lucky be surrounded by this beautiful natural paradise!

Lhaviyani Atoll

Atoll Volunteers operates the majority of its volunteer placements within Lhaviyani Atoll. There are a total of 54 islands in the atoll of which only 4 are inhabited, namely Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo and Olhuvelifushi. Naifaru is the capital of the atoll and the base of Atoll Volunteers.

There are seven tourist resorts in the atoll: Kuredhu, Kanifushi, Komandoo, Kanuhuraa, Palm Beach, Hurawhali and Cocoon Resort. The only tuna canning factory in the country is on Felivaru located between Naifaru and Hinnavaru, which supplies tuna to all over the world!

Naifaru Island

Our beautiful island of Naifaru is located in Lhaviyani Atoll, in the north of the Maldives. The island lies approximately 142 kilometers (88 miles) north of the capital, Malé, and is approximately 53 hectares (53 km²), which includes an area of recently reclaimed land. Within this reclaimed area there are a lot of construction projects planned during the next few years, which will see Naifaru grow, meaning your help as a volunteer will be crucial in the future development of the island.
We have a vibrant community, of just over 6000 people currently registered on the island, with the majority being Maldivian, as well as a small number of expatriate workers from countries such as Bangladesh and Pakistan. Our island is the capital of Lhaviyani Atoll, and whilst you probably we are still a small island community, we have everything you could need. There is a post office and a bank (with an ATM) at your disposal as well as a number of restaurants, coffee shops and stores selling everything from hardware to tailoring services.

Naifaru has a few main streets which form a grid within which you will find a maze of intricate side streets and alleys, perfect for exploring. Both the main streets and side streets are always filled with people of all ages, sitting around talking, playing local card games or even playing Maldivian music in the street. Naifaru is a vibrant island full of life and friendly people, a great place to make new friends to last a lifetime.

Given the relatively small size of the island, everything is within easy reach – From the volunteer house you can walk to any of our projects in less than ten minutes. Or you might walk down to one of the island’s four restaurants and enjoy the cool evening breeze with a cup of coffee and a view of the Indian Ocean and the Naifaru ‘skyline’.