Tag: local island

Dhigurah Island

Dhigurah is located 96 km southeast of Male in southern Ari Atoll. The length of the island is almost 4 km, the width (in the widest part) is 300 m. The island narrows in a southward direction and ends with a sandbank. You can go to the neighboring resort LUX * Maldives.

In the local language, Dhivehi, the name of the island can be directly translated into ‘Long Island’ and has consequently the longest beach of the atoll (and in one of the longest in Maldives). Its surrounding waters are known to be a famous whale shark area.

>> Check our Dhigurah Tours here <<

A huge lagoon can be found protecting the west side of the island, which is one of the more reliable places to see manta rays in this area, particularly in the southwest monsoon.

Unfortunately, you can’t go snorkeling by your self as it’s a protected area this day.

Things to do in Dhigurah

Beach and house reef

The entire western part of the island is occupied by the beach (it’s around 4 km!). Nowadays, not many dead corrals can be found here.

The beach is lined with palm trees, which provide natural shade from the sun and create a tropical ambiance.

The bottom of the beach is sandy and comfortable for swimming. Great for children. On the southern edge of the beach is a road that runs through the jungle. The whole way is about 3 km. If you wish, you can go along the beach, but at high tide, it will be not so easy. The island ends with a long sandbank that leads to the neighboring island of LUX South Ari. There you will find a sign warning you to ban visits to this resort.

The places there are very picturesque and very few people go there. The highest level of privacy will be provided!

House reef is located on the opposite side of the island. You should swim on the edge because there is a chance to see whale sharks and manta rays. However, due to safety reasons, it’s better to do this in fins and not alone.

Whale Shark Safari near Dhigurah

If, however, you still could not see whale sharks on the house reef, then it is better to go on a safari near Sun Island – the place where the chance to see these fish is much higher. Whale sharks in the Maldives, if we compare to Cebu in the Philippines, are not artificially fed to attract. Therefore, no one will give you a 100% guarantee that today you will see them. Usually, you can see 1-2 sharks during the safari, which usually lasts 2-3 hours. Since the place is very popular and, in fact, the only available, it attracts a lot of tourists (sometimes up to 100) from both neighboring resorts and other atolls.

Once somebody sees a shark, a boat on the radio station with each other and within 5-10 minutes everyone already knows where it was found. Therefore, you need to be ready and, if possible, immediately jump into the water because they swim quickly and can go to the bottom, where they will not be caught up.

Night fishing

For centuries, the Maldives was primarily a nation of fishermen. It is so entwined in the lives of Maldivians that there are celebrations when a good catch is caught and complaints when fish is scarce at your dinner tables.

>> Check our Dhigurah Tours here <<

To experience the satisfaction of catching and cooking your fish, a night fishing trip (offered by the hotel) is the way to go. You leave before sunset to find a good spot near a reef. The boat crew will show you how to use the lines, hooks, and sinkers. Later, you will be provided with a BBQ dinner. The trip lasts 1,5-2 hrs.

Manta ray snorkeling near Dhigurah

The best time to see manta rays near Dhigurah is from December to April, when the water is clear and the visibility is excellent. During this time, the manta rays congregate in large numbers in the area, making it a prime spot for snorkeling and diving.

One of the best places to see manta rays near Dhigurah is a dive site called Manta Point. This site is located just a short boat ride from the island, and it’s known for its large population of manta rays. Here, you can snorkel or dive with the manta rays as they glide gracefully through the water, feeding on plankton.

Picnic on the Dhigurah sandbank

Escape the island and enjoy the serenity and solitude of a sandbank for a half or full day. Day trips are arranged by the hotel with BBQ to the sandbank which has pleasant walking tracks and is well-vegetated. The white sandy beaches are perfect, with a beautiful lagoon for a swim in the crystal clear water.

You can even walk to LUX South Ari Resort!

Scuba diving near Dhigurah

Dhigurah is one of the destinations that offer good diving conditions and opportunities for all levels.

The dive boat (or “Dhoni”), with a rooftop tanning deck, is fully equipped for a full day of diving. It is possible to hop on board to join for one, two or even three dives and the boat goes out every day!

There are over 30 dive sites that offer a great variety of corals, schools of fish, rays, turtles, coral formations, and the largest fish on the planet – the whale shark!

Kuda Rah Thila, Broken Rock, Manta Point, and Maamigili Beru are among the most popular dive sites located close to Dhigurah.

Kuda Rah Thila

Current: Can be strong
Life: Rich diversity
Visibility: up to 30 m
Best dive period: December to April

It’s a marine-protected reef since 1995 and is one of the most famous reefs in the Maldives. Only 10 mins from Dhigurah and a very exciting dive with thousands of blue stripe snappers often being hunted by sharks, tunas, giant trevallies, and jacks. Some very beautiful soft corals with a large swim thru at one end. Kudarah Thila is made of the main reef that has shallower tops on each side, and a tunnel crossing the deeper coral ridge on its western side. As the site is very famous, there might already be divers here when you arrive.

Broken Rock

Current: Can be strong
Life: Fan corals, napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, moray eels, and soft coral
Visibility: up to 30 m
Best dive period: December to April

Broken Rock is one of the most well-known dive sites in South Ari Atoll. It is a canyon in an oval-shaped coral reef 50m long and 2m wide. The reef was cracked in two areas by water streams and has a large crevice in the very center that formed a tunnel. The bottom of the reef is covered with predominantly soft corals, while two beautiful coral blocks are at 25-30m depth on the north side of the reef.

>> Check our Dhigurah Tours here <<

5 rocks

Current: Can be strong
Life: Fan corals, Napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, moray eels, and soft coral
Visibility: up to 30 m
Best dive period: December to April

It’s also known as Reethi Thila is a great dive with five large blocks with canyons in between them. It is known for large barracudas, grey reef sharks, anemones, as well as eagle rays, and surgeonfish following you to the surface. Beautiful fan corals and soft corals form fields around the base of the thila can be found in the cracks and overhangs.

Maamigili Beru

Current: Can be strong
Life: Moray eels, lionfish and nudibranchs, eagle rays, Mobula mantas and whale sharks
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: December to April

Maamigili Beru is an outer reef of the local island Maamigili. The top reef starts at 7 m and is dominated by hard coral formations. You will see a great variety of moray eels, lionfish and nudibranchs. Eagle rays and mobula mantas are also common here. During some time of the year, whale sharks can also be seen cruising along the reef.

Other activities in Dhigurah

Resort day visit. The hotel on Dhigurah can arrange a day trip to Vakarufalhi Island Resort, Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa, Conrad Maldives, or Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa. Transfer, entrance fee, lunch, and resort facilities (pool, SPA, etc.) are in the package.

Dolphin watching. There are both Bottlenose and Spinner dolphins in Ari Atoll. They typically travel in small pods ranging from five to fifteen.

Water sports. You can go for a trip by jet ski, take classes of wakeboard or water skiing, or get around by kayak or SUP.

Dhigurah infrastructure

Nowadays, there are several dining places in Dhigurah. The restaurants serve Western, local and Asian food. The prices are affordable.

More and more hotels are opening (not guest houses) that keep prices high. But still, the island is much less crowdy, compared to Thoddoo or Ukulhas.

The island also has a small health center and a pharmacy, which can provide basic medical services. However, for serious medical emergencies, tourists will need to be transported to the nearest hospital on a nearby island.

>> Check our Dhigurah Tours here <<

In general, the island is more suitable for divers, beach lovers, couples, and families.

With respect to the local religion, there is no alcohol available in Dhigurah, however, guests who would like a drink can visit a nearby resort only 10 minutes away.

Additionally, there are several small shops on the island where tourists can buy essentials, souvenirs, and snacks.

There is ATM on the island as well.

Where to eat in Dhigurah

Shell restaurant and cafe. This cafe is located on the main street of the island and serves a variety of dishes, including pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. The restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat.

Cafe’ Dune. There aren’t many places to dine on Dhigurah outside hotels, so you’ll probably end up here. The atmosphere is pleasant, the service is kind, and the rates are low (about one-third to one-half of those at hotel restaurants). Although the order processing time might be too long and the quality of the food can vary, this is still a wonderful value.

Absolute Thai. Thom Yam is really good. It’s wow the service the location and the food itself enjoyed every day small tip portion for 2 is much bigger per person than a portion per 4.

Dhigurah Beach Cafe: This is a cozy little restaurant located on the beach, where you can enjoy a variety of international and Maldivian dishes. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and serves fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.

Where to stay in Dhigurah

There are 15 hotels and guest houses opened in Dhigurah.

Based on my personal experience, one of the best ones is White Sand Dhigurah, and that’s why

– They have sea view rooms, rooms with balconies and spa baths;
– Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed;
– Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine;
– Rooftop dining area with sea view;
– In-house dive center;
– Private dinner on a beach;
– Affordable prices;
– Low price for a trip to whale shark point, sandbank visiting and snorkeling at manta point
– Free Airport meet and greet service;

Transfer to Dhigurah

Domestic flight

Flight to domestic is carried out by the local airline Fly.Me. Cost – $ 295 in both directions per person (including transfer to Maamigili). Flies 5-6 times a day.

Flight time – 20 minutes

Speedboat

Male – Dhigurah
Every day at 10:00 and 16:00 (on Friday at 10:30am and 16:30), costs $ 60 per person one way. It takes about 2 hours.

Dhigura – Male
Every day at 7:00 am and 1:00 pm (on Friday at 7:30 am and 1:30 pm).

Ferry

Male – Dhigurah
Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday. Departure at 8:30, cost $ 8 per person one way. On the way for about 7 hours.

Dhigura – Male
Resurrection, Tuesday, Thursday. Departure at 8:30, cost $ 8 per person one way. On the way about 7 hours.

>> Check our Dhigurah Tours here <<

February 2, 2025
Dharavandhoo Island
Dharavandhoo Island is located in Baa Atoll 110 km north of Male. With a population of about 800 people, the island has its own airport.

Check: Budget packages to local islands

This island is surrounded by clear waters known as Dharavandhoo Thila and Hanifaru Bay; which are famous amongst divers around the world, for it is a sanctuary for a variety of marine life, including manta rays and whale sharks.

Things to do in Dharavandhoo

Beach and house reef

The island itself is divided into two parts: a domestic airport and a village. The village occupies almost half of the island. It’s not large, but well-managed. There are litter bins on the streets. It’s a rare thing for local islands.

Bikini beach is quite long and occupies almost the whole northern part of the island. The beach has sunbeds, hammocks, swings, and umbrellas. During the off-season (May to November), the ocean brings a lot of garbage, which does not always have time to clean up. So be prepared for this.

The private beach area is marked by a small sign, but it is not enclosed.

Water entry is not very convenient. There are a lot of dead corals, but you can find a sandy place where you can lie and have a rest.

House coral reef stretches over the whole beach line, but it is not as interesting as the one on Rasdhoo or Omadhoo, it is more like the one on Dhiffushi. You need to swim 40-50 meters to reach its edge. The water is crystal-clear. The visibility is 30-40 m!

Expect to see schools of fish, rays, turtles, and reef sharks.

So it makes sense to go on snorkeling trips. For example, you can visit Turtle Garden (near Soneva Fushi resort). There you can see 5-7 turtles at a time.

Hanifaru Bay

A key area of UNESCO’s biosphere reserve, Hanifaru Bay (Vandhumaafaru Adi) is a huge elongated coral reef and a marine conservation area in the Maldives surrounded by white sands, 5 minutes by boat to the east of Dharavandhoo.

Nowadays Hanifaru Bay is considered to be the world’s largest manta ray feeding station. For many years Hanifaru has been known to local fishermen who used to hunt the whale sharks that also frequent this site. More recently the site is frequented by scuba divers; the first dive operators ventured up into Baa Atoll in the mid-1990s.

Realizing that the bay had turned into something of a circus and the situation would affect the sustainability of the area, a proactive stance was taken and the bay was declared a Marine Protected site in 2009 by the Maldives government, in recognition of its importance in the ecosystem. In 2011 it was also declared a core-protected area within the newly designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that encompasses the entirety of Baa Atoll.

Tourists visit this place just to see this area of outstanding natural beauty. But why? From May till November in Hanifaru Bay you can see 100-200 manta rays! I managed to see 70 manta rays. Unforgettable feelings!

No diving is allowed there, only snorkeling. The daily limit is 5 boats and no more than 80 people at any given time

It’s vital to remember that you must not touch them. They are very friendly and if they wish, they will touch you themselves.

The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay is from June to November. During these months the southwest monsoon causes massive built of plankton drawing hundreds of manta rays and whale sharks into the bay. The best time to visit this preserved area is full moon days. It is during this time when tides are high and there is more feed for manta rays.

The excursion lasts 40-50 min (you are not permitted to stay longer by authorities). But it is worth it. You’ll have an unforgettable experience!

Sandbank visiting near Dharavandhoo

Visit a virgin island, a stretch of sand in the sky for the epitome of romantic picnics. Sandbank excursions in the Maldives will be the idyllic escapade for those seeking adventures in the Maldives to indulge in the wonderful climate of sun, sea, and sand. Drinks are inclusive, lunch is for an extra price.

Picnic islands. Near Kendhoo, there is a chain of 4 uninhabited islands that are possible to visit as well. They have an amazing untouched house reef with a lot of fish. They are not popular among other island resorts, so there is a high chance you will be the only one out there.

An uninhabited island Mendhoo is operated & managed by the Biosphere Reserve Maldives Environment Protection by UNESCO. It’s possible to arrange day packages to this beautiful island where you will get to enjoy the white sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear water.

Night fishing

Maldivians have been fishing for millennia and they have become extremely good at it! With a simple hook and line, enjoy this ancient pastime and maybe even catch yourself some dinner! Guests often return to the hotel with a juicy snapper or mackerel in tow.

This is definitely a night to remember full of scenes and memories. Bait your hook, drop your line direct from a ‘Dhoni’ to the reef edge & hope for a fish as you watch the spectacular colors of sunset & ocean waves lap the surrounding islands. The fish caught by you will be cooked for a dinner at the same night.

Snorkeling safari near Dharavandhoo

There are countless incredible snorkeling sites near Dharavandhoo. Here, you’ll be able to observe an abundance of aquatic life, ranging from tiny shrimps to titanic manta rays.

Coral Garden. The Coral Garden Reef with narrow reef flats with lots of channels and wide lagoons is the best for snorkeling. As the water gets deeper, the differences in the coral and other types of marine life are clearly visible.

Turtle Reef. Soneva Fushi resort is located near Dharavandhoo. This place is inhabited by turtles. It is possible to see 5-7 turtles there. I’d definitely visit it!

Dolphin Cruise

Dolphins are a species that is a pleasure to behold; their seeming lust for life, energy, and playfulness is delightful. In the Maldives, we are lucky to be surrounded by these smartest creatures. The most common species is the spinner dolphin, which can gather into groups of up to 500.

Head into the feeding grounds of Maldivian dolphins. Heart-warming interactions as they tail your vessel and leap above the waves. Stunningly graceful, strikingly human.

Scuba diving near Dharavandhoo

The Maldives is one of the most sought-after dive destinations and living in Baa atoll will amaze you. There are plenty of dive sites nearby where you can see mantas, whale sharks (rare), hammerheads (very rare, it’s better to go to Rasdhoo) or simply drift through the amazing coral formations viewing the marine life as you pass the nooks and crannies of the reef.

Resort day visit near Dharavandhoo

There are many resorts in Baa Atoll, which are open to visitors. Among them are:

— Kihaad Maldives;

— Amila Fushi resort;

— Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu;

— Finolhu Baa Atoll;

— Royal Island resort.

Prices differ, but the average one is $80-200 per person. You can ask the staff in your guesthouse to help you.

Island Hopping

Dharavandhoo is an incredible example of Maldivian island living. The island is surrounded by other beautiful local communities. Wander the streets of these inhabited islands and note the subtle differences between them. Meet the famed fishermen of Dhonfan or meander the quiet streets of Maalhos. Visit the atoll’s capital of Eydhafushi and observe the most populated island in Baa Atoll.

Other activities on Dharavandhoo

Water sports. A range of watersports from Jet SKis to Banana Boats will provide plenty of thrills and excitement for the more action-oriented!

Big game fishing. If you are a bit more into fishing than merely tossing a line overboard and you feel like you want to go for a bigger prize, then big game fishing is for you.

Dharavandhoo Infrastructure

The economy is mainly based on tourism-related activities, fishery, and agriculture, though most of the educated run their own businesses or are employed with work in Male (the capital city of Maldives).

Dharavandhoo is a local hab for visitors surrounded by local islands, so it’s considerably developed. There are 4 cafes on the island, and some gift shops (a lot of resorts are located nearby).

The island has its own health center, two football grounds, ATM, a bank office, mobile operator offices, a pharmacy, and two dive centers.

Two companies Maldivian and FlyMe fly to Daravandhoo. The total number of flights per day is 8-9, and prices from 85 USD per person, one way. Conveniently, you can fly away at almost any time, but a little bit expensive.

Where to eat on Dharavandhoo

There are several cafes on the island, as well as restaurants and bars in the hotels. Food on offer is a mix of traditional and modern cuisine, where the menu is designed with an emphasis on taste, variety, and quality of ingredients.

No alcohol is allowed in Dharavandhoo. To drink some beer or wine you have to take a resort day trip.

Honey Bunny. The food is delicious, with great local-style curry and affordable prices.

The Mini Bunny. Local place with a great variety of local and continental food. The mango juice is great and the prices are reasonable.

Loamaafaanu Restaurant. The in-house restaurant of Aveyla Manta Village hotel. A large selection of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Layers Cafe & Bakers. A nice cozy place to chill out with friends. Homemade bread is the best.

Where to stay on Dharavandhoo

You can choose one of the local hotels or guest houses, but I advise Kihaa Beach, and that’s why.
- Super friendly staff;
- #1 hotel in Dharavandhoo based on Tripadvisor reviews;
- An amazing in-house chef that can cook a great variety of local and continental cuisine;
- Unlimited coffee and tea;
- Own 8 pax capacity speedboat for cruising and activities on nearby islands;
- Affordable room prices
- Free Airport meet and greet service;
Transfer to Dharavandhoo

Combined speedboat

NOTE: Transfer might be not available anymore

Male-Eydhafushi Saturday, Monday, and Thursday at 11:00 and 13:00. The cost is $50 one way per person.

Eydhafushi-Dharavandhoo. Free of charge if you book through us

Dharavandhoo-Eydhafushi. Free of charge if you book through us

Eydhafushi-Male. Saturday, Monday, and Thursday at 7:30 and 8:00.

Domestic Airlines

5 times a day – by Maldivian airlines, 3-4 times a day – by FlyMe. The cost is 110 USD one way per person. The traveling time is 30 minutes. Fast and convenient.

Contact me for a personal tour of the Maldives!
January 12, 2025
Ukulhas Island
Ukulhas is my second most visited island after Rasdhoo – 6 times in the last 3 years. I like it because of the beach and house reef.

The island is located 72 km from Male and is part of the atoll Alif Alif. The size of the island is 1000×200 m. about 900 people live on it.

Table of content:
Things to do on Ukulhas

Beach and house reef

The beach is the main attraction of Ukulhas. Its length is almost 1 km! Therefore, it occupies almost the entire western part of the island. Some hotels have direct access to the beach, but there is no sea view from the room. There are a lot of sunbeds and umbrellas. You can comfortably be under the shade of trees. The beach is regularly cleaned, like the rest of the island. Despite a large number of tourists, there is enough space for everyone. Not like on Rasdhoo or Thoddoo, where there really may not be enough sunbeds.

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here

But this rule applies only to the period of Nov – Apr. The rest of the time, waves and currents carry a large amount of dead coral. Locals can’t take them off because there are too many of them. Also, during off-season tides are usually higher, so most of the beach is underwater and you can no longer go from one end to the other. Depends on the times of the year, the size of the beach can change, for example, in April, the southern part almost completely disappears. The reason is the change in wind direction and the absence of an external reef, which serves as a barrier to debris and waves.

This island is a perfect place for families with small children because the distance from the beach to hotels is a maximum of 100 m. Ukulhas is very popular among Italians, about 80% of tourists are from there.

There is almost no garbage on Ukulhas, as on many local islands. Moreover, the island is considered one of the most environmentally friendly in the Maldives and in 2014 received the award from the government.

Snorkeling on Ukulhas

Opposite the bikini-beach, there is a long and beautiful house reef with live soft and hard corals. Many fish, including huge schools of parrotfish, can be seen during a snorkel. Also, almost every day you will see stingrays, small cuttlefish, turtles, and octopuses. Sometimes there are even mantas! I saw only once mantas during the off-season.

Ukulhas is home to sea turtles. Once I saw three (!) turtles there at once. This can only be seen on snorkeling safaris on other reefs.

In the northern part of the island, there is a lagoon with a coral reef. A couple of years ago there were some alive corals, but not so long ago I swam there, and no sharks, no stingrays, no live corals, only some fish.

Truly large schools of fish, living corals, and manta rays can only be seen during a snorkeling safari.

Between Ukulhas and Mathiveri there is a lagoon, where up to 20 mantas gather together! This is the only place in this area with manta rays. Therefore, tourists often come there both from local islands and from resorts.

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here

How to snorkel with manta rays? Mantas are very intelligent and friendly animals that if they feel threatened, they will never come to you. What to do in this case? It’s simple, as soon as you jump into the water and see mantas, just do not rush and swim toward them very carefully and wait a bit. If the manta feels that you are not a threat, it will come to you. Chasing manta rays is the last thing you need to do because it will be faster than you in any case.

Any snorkeling is not a sprint, but a marathon that requires patience and endurance.

There was such a story, I went on a snorkel with mantas. In the same place was a group of tourists. Because of the rush, the manta always sailed away from them and sailed to me, because as soon as I jump into the water, I just waited. They swam so close that I could touch them.

Life-hack: do not try to touch the mantas, it will touch you if it feels that you will not harm it.

Due to its size (wings up to 6m.), It can scare you, but do not worry. Their main food is the smallest plankton. Therefore, it certainly will not swallow you!

Over the past 4 years I have seen hundreds of manta rays, so I can say with confidence that following the above rules will help you get to know these marine giants closely.

Uninhabited island near Ukulhas

I would say that this is something between a sandbank and a desert island. They do not organize trips from Ukulhas because of the poor beach and inconvenient entrance. For these purposes, tourists are taken to uninhabited islands near Rasdhoo.

Sandbanks

In the Ukulhas area, there are at least 5 sandbanks that are available at different times of the year. Most tourists are visited three of them. I visited all of them at different times. Such places are a unique Maldivian experience where you can feel like Robinson Crusoe, being cut off from the outside world!

The length of one of them is approximately 100-150 m and is available year-round. There is a cool house reef with plenty of fish, stingrays, and even turtles. Visibility – up to 40 m! I was not able to fully explore it, at the end the current becomes strong, so I had to go back to a sandbank.

Never swim alone in such places! It may be dangerous! Every year, in the Maldives, tourists are taken to the ocean by the current. Some of them can’t be rescued

Sometimes tourists from nearby resorts are brought to this sandbank, so it can be crowded or no one at all.

There are no palms, so you must take umbrellas and a portable refrigerator with you (the hotel provides them).

Resort visiting

From Ukulhas, trips to resorts such as Nika Island, Gangehi, Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon can be organized on request. The cost depends on the resort. The hotel only charges for transfers to/from the resort. But the entrance fee is paid separately at the resort (about $ 100-150 per person).

The price includes the time spent on the island (usually from 10:00 to 17:00), towels, food and drinks (depending on the resort), the ability to visit bars, restaurants, SPA, and other resort amenities

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here

Access to the villas is at an additional cost.

Romantic dinner

Hotels can organize two types of dinners: on the beach and on the sandbank. The cost of the first is about $ 100 per pair, the second is about $ 250. The high cost of sandbank dinners is because of the high cost of logistics.

On the beach, unlike Rasdhoo, you can organize a fairly private candlelight dinner for two. No one will disturb you.

Big game fishing

Ukulhas is one of the few local islands where such activity is organized because it requires knowledge of the places and availability of special speed boats that can sail to a depth ocean.

Popping. There is no better site for a fisherman than to see a sudden explosion on the surface and the popper or swimbait being smashed while the reel starts to lose line rather rapidly. Be it a GT, Dogtooth, Red Bass, Coral Trout, or Barracuda they simply cannot resist a surface lure that is properly displayed.

Jigging. With plenty of dropoffs and channels all across the Maldives, Jigging always lands you plenty of fish and quite often fish that can give you a real fight. Big Dogtooths, GT’s, Barracudas, and if at the right location, Yellowfin Tuna take the properly worked jig with surprising regularity.

Trolling. Every angler has their sights set on a successful day of fishing, but it’s more than just throwing some bait on a line and hoping for the best. There are different techniques used for every type of fishing, whether it’s inshore or offshore.

Safari with dolphins

Not regularly arranged because the natural habitat of dolphins is far from Ukulhas. However, I saw them several times along the way from the sandbank. They are not very friendly and do not allow them to swim close to themselves.

Seeing playing dolphins in the wild is an unforgettable experience, and the Maldives are home to some species of dolphins, including spinner dolphins and grind. This is one of the most fun activities for Ukulhas and is especially popular among families. Excursions for watching dolphins are on request, early in the morning, or before sunset.

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here

Diving

There is only one dive center on the island. This is due to the limit of dive spots nearby. Usually, divers go to Rasdhoo or other islands of the central and southern Ari Atoll.

Night fishing

Even amateurs can try to catch a fish. It is very rare that anyone comes back without any single fish. A catch can be prepared at the hotel.

Ukulhas Infrastructure

The island has everything you need: a hospital, a school, a fitness center, and a football field, several shops and cafes. Near the pier is a small mosque. Although there are few shops on the island, only 4-5, and the choice of products is limited. However, here you can buy drinks, fruits, cookies, etc.

On Ukulhas there is a modern hospital, school, football field, Body Work Gym, and two mosques, where the Kudamiski’y mosque is the oldest building on the island (since 1656), the remains of which are presented as a popular tourist attraction.

Several simple grocery shops can be found at Bodu magu, the island’s main road that goes from east to west. Those shops sell a variety of items ranging from food and beverages to cosmetics and building materials. You can also reload your cell phone there.

After the rain, the streets can literally turn into rivers! So be prepared for this.

Where to eat on Ukulhas

Local cuisine is not much different from other local islands. All dishes are mainly Indian, Thai, and Western cuisine, with local characteristics. Among other dishes, hedhica is served as an appetizer: grilled fish with grated coconut, lime juice, onions, and chili. In addition, you can taste bajiya (pies stuffed with fish), Kulhi boakibaa (fishcake), Keemia (fish roll), gulha (fish balls), and masroshi (small pancake stuffed with fish).

Céleste Restaurant. The 150-person capacity, located near the harbor, serves Maldivian dishes plus Asian and European staples. The place is good value for money even if it is marginally more expensive than average.

Home Beach Restaurant. It’s a local cafe with air conditioning and a nice local vibe. You can get all kinds of food here including cheeseburgers with cheese and vegetables, soups, curry, fresh grilled fish with a taste of soy sauce, and light seasonings. There are delicious fresh fruits and Maldivian sweets. It is also inexpensive as well.

Central Diner Restaurant. Many of the island’s guesthouses use this place to cater to their meals. Best place to eat Italian cuisine on Ukulhas. Portions are huge, however, at times you can get less than usual.

Retro Royal. The place has become one of the most popular eateries on the island with tourists. Located in the northern corner of Ukulhas island near the school, Retro Royal is indeed a haven for seafood lovers. The menu has a wide selection of dishes such as freshly grilled fish or garlic prawns with fish steak, calamari, chili octopus plus chips, rice, and salad.

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here

Olhumathi Restaurant. Olhumathi is set near the bikini beach. It’s the oldest restaurant in Ukulhas. Along with the Asian and Local, the menu also has local Maldivian and International cuisine. The menu offers around 8 different fish and seafood dishes, including Indian style.

Black Y Garden. It’s just next to the port. Set in the garden, the restaurant offers varied local and international dishes, including noodles and lots of salads and desserts.

Coco Bar. Serving only fresh juices and canned drinks, no alcohol is allowed on inhabited islands. The prices are great and you always get some fresh fruit besides. It’s near the beach and the service is fantastic.

Paguro Cafe. Paguro Café is an international affair combining the best of the world’s cuisines to offer a delightful menu. For lunch and dinner pick from dynamic dishes that are inspired by the very best of the Americas, Europe, and Asia. However, for breakfast expect more traditional dishes such as eggs, pancakes, and fresh smoothies

Where to stay on Ukulhas?

About 30 hotels and guest houses of various price categories are open on the island. During high season, the cost starts from $ 60 and up to $ 150 per night! On the island, there is something like a union of hotel owners and guest houses that keep prices at about the same level and do not lower them.

I always stay at Ganduvaru Villa – one of the first hotels in Ukulhas, which has been open since 2015. Its main features are a high level of service, reasonable prices and family rooms with up to 4 beds!

For three years of working with them, tourists from more than 30 countries have been welcomed. Everyone was satisfied. And if there were minor misunderstandings, they were all quickly resolved as soon as possible.

Transfer to Ukulhas

Public ferry

Cost: $4 one way, per person (it takes about 4 hours).
Departure from Male: Sunday, Tuesday, at 9:00.
Departure from Ukulhas: Monday, Wednesday at 10:00.

Sharing Speedboat

Cost: $50 one way, per person (duration is 1,5 hours).
Every day
Departure from Male to Ukulhas: 11:00 and 15:00-16:00 (on Friday at 9:30 and 15:00).
Departure from Ukulhas to Male: 07:00 and 16:00.

Seaplane

It’s possible to fly to Nika Island Resort by TMA seaplane, as there is no TMA platform at Ukulhas Island. From the resort to Ukulhas it’s another 20 minutes by speedboat. Price is 260 USD + speedboat fee depends on the hotel.

>>> Check our Ukulhas Tours here
January 10, 2025
Rasdhoo Island
Rasdhoo is the only island I’ve visited 12 (!) times in the last 8 years. The first visit was back in 2015 when a budget holiday was just started in the Maldives.

At that time there was very little information about local islands, but because of that island, I created a blog about local islands and later founded a travel agency to the Maldives.

Table of contents:
The island is located in the North Ari Atoll, 60 km west of Male. The size of the Island is approximately 500×600 m. Almost the entire territory of the island is built up. The population is about 1200 people. You would think that so many people can live on such a small piece of land, but in reality, you won’t even notice it.

RASDHOO TOUR PACKAGES

Things to do on Rasdhoo

Bikini beach and house reef

At the moment, the beach on the island is kinda large, about 500 m in length! The beach was extended recently and occupied almost half the island. However, during the season it’s packed with people. But it’s still possible to find a private space. The beach is equipped with a toilet and shower. You can order a drink from nearby beach bar.

There are sun loungers that are free of use on the beach, which is very convenient. Entrance to the water can be not easy, especially during low tide, because in some places there is a lot of dead coral. Therefore, in order to avoid injuries, I advise you to wear special shoes.

The length of the house reef is about 1 km. In this case, you will see all the most interesting sea life on its outer side. The current is constantly changing: today it may not be, tomorrow you can only swim with fins. If you are a beginner, then you have to snorkel only with a buddy for your own safety.

What you can see on the outer reef? Depending on the current and time of the year, on the reef you can see huge schools of reef fish, batfish, tuna, and parrot fish; there are Napoleon fish and schools of barracudas. Rasdhoo is famous for its habitats of black and white tip reef sharks. And for a good reason – in one place you can see up to 3-5 sharks, is this not breathtaking? These sharks are absolutely safe for humans and they scare you more than you do them. So when you see them, you can just freeze and watch them.

The most awesome experience while snorkeling was when I met a school of batfish. They were so friendly and close to me, that I could even touch them! Without any reason, they followed me around 100 m. ! I don’t know why they liked me, but it was extremely unusual and breathtaking!

Tip: if you want the fish/rays/sharks to come towards you, then do not make sudden movements do not try to catch them (anyway they are faster than you). Best of all is just to stop and wait.

Several turtles live on the reef and you can see eagle rays almost every day!

If all these creatures can be seen on a house reef, then why you should take a snorkeling safari tour? It is a good question that you asked. That is why I advise you to take this tour.

Here is house reef review by Marie, USA (Nov 2020):

“Went for the first snorkel this is just off the shore. Wow. Now I “get it” about Rasdhoo. Saw three mantas, close enough to touch, one passed by 5 times until snorkelers from a boat scared it off, saw a group of 4 southern stingrays and another giant one and one lying on the sandy bottom, saw a pair of eagle rays that circled me twice, and saw one of them again swimming slowly in the current in the channel, I swam alongside it for some time, saw a moray, a 4-foot long jack, schools of tuna, two hawksbill turtles, a coral pipefish, two black-tipped reef sharks (one multiple time), a white-tipped nurse shark???, etc etc. Don’t think I’ve seen three types of rays in one snorkel or dive before. Coral here looks perkier than on Kuredu plus more sponges and anemones. And this is all 50 to 100 meters from the guesthouse. So maybe I can get used to feeling odd here on the island!

RASDHOO TOUR PACKAGES

Had another great snorkel off house reef, saw a gigantic black marble stingray, truly evil-looking, draped on the bottom in 8-10 ft of water then slowly moved off, 2 giant groupers bigger than me, several more v large groupers, the resident giant trevally, perhaps the largest turtle I’ve ever seen sleeping on the bottom of the channel, multiple black tips and white tip reef sharks, dogtooth tuna, etc. On another snorkel saw my first contained or feather tailed ray, also a large individual.”

Firstly, you will be taken to places where the water is more transparent, with more live corals, more fish.

Secondly, there are places, for example, next to Veligandu resort, where you can see manta rays! Mantas do not swim ashore because they prefer deep water.

Thirdly, with a high chance, you will want to try scuba diving to see more. Perhaps this is a so-so reason for some, but diving opens you a truly new underwater world compared to snorkeling because corals and fish will be much closer and you can make out them in detail.

Uninhabited islands

Perhaps the most breathtaking and amazing place I visited in the Maldives is the nearby chain of uninhabited islands and sandbanks. Every time I visit Rasdhoo, I definitely visit these places.

What is so unique about it? First of all, there is a lagoon, where you can see a real 50 shades of blue with a beautiful reef in the center. A lot of fish live on the reef, which themselves swim up to you because they expect something food from you. They are already taught this. Therefore, if you still decide to feed them, then take a bit of bread in a plastic bottle and mix it with water. But be careful, there can be a lot of them.

The second thing is the ability to walk by water between these islands and sandbanks. There is some magic in the sandbanks because you are on a piece of land without any plants or palms in the middle of the ocean! Isn’t that fascinating?

The outer reef of the lagoon is rich in its wildlife and you can see sharks, stingrays, and turtles. But there is always a current between Rasdhoo and the lagoon, so I strongly do not recommend swimming alone there!

Dolphin safari

Between Rasdhoo and Thoddoo there is a place where a group of dolphins gathers in the evenings. They are very friendly and follow the boat. Sometimes they swim so close that you can even touch them (but you shouldn’t do that). But officially you can’t swim with them. You can try, who knows, maybe you are lucky and they will come to you.

Night Fishing

Usually, it’s still an evening activity. No need to be a professional fisherman to catch a fish in the Maldives. It is enough to have only reels and fishing lines. You can ask to cook caught fish at your hotel (in most cases this is free of charge, but depends on the hotel). Personally, I’m not a good fisherman, so I tried only once and caught a small snapper.

Romantic dinner

It can be arranged either on the beach or on a sandbank. Based on my experience, the beach is not very suitable for that, because there is almost always someone nearby.

For this reason, a sandbank will be the best solution. After all, there will be no one else except you. The maximum level of privacy is guaranteed!

Resort day visit

Nearby resorts Kuramathi and Veligandu are not allowed guests from inhabited islands. Only Ellaydhoo by Cinnamon and Nika Island is possible to visit. Price is around 130-165 USD per person (entrance fee + round way transfer).

Scuba Diving

Rasdhoo is truly famous for its diving. It’s said, this area is one of the best in the Maldives. Eight (!) diving centers (nowhere else in the Maldives you can find so many centers on one island) offer to take a short training course and dive with an instructor. A great advantage of Rasdhoo is easy to access dive spots even for beginners. Even diving in 8 m depth will open you to a new underwater world!

I made my first dive in 2015 near Kuramathi Resort. At that time I was wearing glasses but has dived with contact lenses. After that, I decided that if I return to the Maldives, I will do a LASIK correction and take the course. Just next year it happened. Now I have Rescue Scuba Diver certification, just only one step for a divemaster!

For certified divers, 17 spots are available. The most popular among them:

Madivaru Corner is one of the most famous dive spots in the Maldives due to its excellent reef, many fish (barracuda, batfish, Napoleon, etc.), sharks, and stingrays. Every time you can see something new.

Caves. The farthest point from Rasdhoo. Drift dive with many caves at different depths. It features a wide variety of soft and hard corals. You can see a lot of lobsters!

Hammerhead point. One of the few places in the Maldives where you can see hammerhead sharks. Morning diving that starts at 6:00. Chance to see sharks 50/50. I tried several times – not lucky.

Manta Point. Manta ray cleaning station. You can see up to 5 rays in one place. You can also snorkel at this point, but diving is much better.

Read more about Scuba diving in Rasdhoo.

Shark Point. Many reefs, whitetip, and blacktip sharks.

Rasdhoo beyru. Or what I called is turtle point. It’s possible to spot up to 10 turtles!

The perfect solution would be to take a package of 8-10 dives and dive into the most popular places. Up to 4 dives can be completed per day.

Therefore, I recommend everyone to try diving, after which your ideas about the underwater world will change dramatically!

For water sports lovers, a center is open on Rasdhoo where you can rent a jet ski, wake/keyboard, kite surfing, and more.

Rasdhoo Infrastructure

Rasdhoo is the administrative center of the North Ari Atoll. This means that the island has everything you need for life:

– groceries and hardware stores. There you can buy fruit and drinks, and also beach staff. It’s very convenient for those who left something at home.
– gift shops. There are 6 gift shops on the island. There are lots of various souvenirs, everyone can find something to his liking.
– several cafes. There are 4 local cafes (two more are coming) on the island, and what’s more, most of them are intended for tourists.
– dive centers. There are 8 dive centers on the island. And one water sports center
– a bank;

– ATM (you can withdraw rufies only, the service fee is 100 rufiyaa, and it doesn’t matter how much money you’re going to take out);
– a branch office of the mobile network operator.
– a hospital. They can help you in case if you have got a minor illness. Otherwise, they’ll transfer you to Male by speedboat.
– a post office;
– a police station.

Where to eat in Rasdhoo

Each guest house has its own restaurant tuned to Western tastes and also BBQ facilities on each site. In general, food quality is better at in-house restaurants.

The Harbour Restaurant. This is a seaside restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood dishes. They offer a range of grilled fish, prawns, and lobster, as well as other local Maldivian dishes. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and you can enjoy your meal while watching the sunset.

Shallow Lagoon Restaurant. This is a popular restaurant on Rasdhoo that serves delicious Maldivian cuisine. They specialize in fresh seafood dishes, grilled meats, and traditional Maldivian curries. The restaurant is located in a garden setting, which adds to its charm.

RASDHOO TOUR PACKAGES

Lemon Drop. Nice Maldivian breakfast and great service! Lemon Drop is serving lunch and dinner as well. The place is popular so sometimes you will have to wait for the food, but it’s worth it.

Alimente. Nice place with an excellent sea view. The best for coffee, drinks, and delicious local spicy snacks with tuna.

Where to stay on Rasdhoo?

There are a lot of places to stay, already about 30. The cost varies from 40 USD to 85 USD per night.

But the best one is Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo. And that’s why:

1. This is one of the first hotels I’m working with since 2017. During this time, I organized holidays for clients from 40 countries to that hotel, and there were no concerns during that time. I also brought my friends here several times while I was living in the Maldives in 2016-2017. Everyone was satisfied.2. They are very responsible and easily go to meet customers (which is not so common in the Maldives), therefore they are always ready to satisfy any of your wishes. The staff is always nearby, so there is no need to look for anyone if you need anything. In this hotel, you will feel at home!

2. They have international staff and provide a service like at the resort!

3. Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo is almost the only example of a hotel that is developing and expanding. I work with 20+ hotels on local islands, so I can see the changes. For example, in three years they expanded their area by 3 times and now they have the largest garden on Rasdhoo!. They have their own snorkeling gear, including life jackets. Free unlimited tea, coffee, water.

4. They have a separate block, which is located on the beach, with an ocean view. The total number of rooms will increase to 17. The block is a home for in-house dive center as well.

5. They recently equipped a new kitchen and hired a chef from Sri Lanka, who used to work at Adaaran Rannalhi Resort (the vast majority of hotels can only afford Bangladeshi or local). Therefore, high-quality food is guaranteed!

Transfer to Rasdhoo

Public ferry

Rasdhoo to Male at 11:00
Every: Sunday, Wednesday

Male to Rasdhoo at 9:00
Every: Monday, Thursday

From Rasdhoo you can also take a ferry to the neighboring Thoddoo or Ukulhas.

Scheduled speedboat

Runs daily, the duration is 1 hour 20 minutes, price is 30 USD per person.

Male-Rasdhoo at 10:30 and 15.30 – 16.00, on Friday at 9:30 and 15:00

Rasdhoo – Male at 7:30 and 13:30.

Private speed boat

The traveling time is about 1 hour 20 minutes, the cost is 700-800 USD.

Seaplane

The traveling time is about 15 minutes, the return ticket is 360 USD per person per one way.

RASDHOO TOUR PACKAGES
January 9, 2025
Omadhoo Island

Omadhoo is located in South Ari Atoll and that is about 70 km far from the capital Male. About 800 people live on Omadhoo but this shouldn’t bother you at all like on many other islands in Maldives it’s not busy here. Not so long time ago the island has started to develop. The new guest houses are popping up, the litter is being thrown away and the size of the bikini beach is increasing. What is more, the transport communication is being rapidly developed too.

The village takes up 2/3 of the island that is measured 1000m in length and 300m in wide. Life in Omadhoo is simple and has changed very little over the past few hundred years. Sometimes shy, women are dressed in black from top to toe, unlikely in Male, where traditions are not so strict.

Check: Budget packages to local islands

The eastern and western parts of the island are covered with tropical vegetation such as breadfruit and coconut trees. The island’s western part could be described as a real island jungle due to a rich abundance of huge banyan trees and tropical palms. Omadhoo is home to birds and flying foxes and also curious herons.

Things to do in Omadhoo

Beach and snorkeling

At this moment bikini beach area is officially rather small, but guests can go outside and locals won’t say anything. The beach is clean and nice with a long sandbank with a water “entrance” to a house reef.

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>

The house reef is very long and has 2 entrances. Its length is about 1km, so every day you can see something new. The current can be very strong, so I recommend using fins. Although you can swim without them – it’s up to you.

The Eastern part is full of sharks and a school of fish.

The central part is a great place to see a group of eagle rays and turtles.

The Western part is home to huge schools of fish, like snappers, unicorns, barracudas.

The most exciting thing awaits you at the very edges of the house reef as well as on most other islands. The reef is 60-70% alive so you can see a lot: schools of fish, lots of actinia with Nemo fish, and beautiful coral gardens. It is even possible to see turtles, rays, sharks as well.

Manta ray snorkeling

The best time to go Manta Ray snorkeling near Omadhoo is from May to November when the visibility is excellent, and the Manta Rays are abundant in the area.

Manta Rays are gentle and harmless creatures that feed on plankton, and they are known for their graceful movements underwater. During snorkeling tours, you can observe them gliding and performing acrobatic moves in the water.

The reef manta ray is a large animal but feeds on tiny creatures – plankton. Specifically, zooplankton. Its teeth are useless when feeding as this species filters food through plates called gill rakers that are found in their ventral gills.

Turtle snorkeling

Turtles were of such a size that the shell of one would suffice to roof a little hut or cot and to cover ten or more persons sitting. There were vast numbers of them at the Maldives and some little islands you may see inhabited by no other animals than these great turtles, but covered with them.

Whale shark snorkeling

If you’re visiting Omadhoo, you should not leave without having joined one of the whale shark safari excursions. These gentle giants are filter feeders, meaning that although they are the largest fish on the planet, they are completely harmless to humans. Swimming alongside one of these colossal creatures is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In fact, snorkeling is one of the best ways to encounter whale sharks as they often swim very close to the surface. The excursion takes the whole day and includes not only whale shark point but manta point and sandbank visiting.

Robinson Crusoe

One of the guest houses has exclusive access to a nearby uninhabited picnic island (they manage it), where guests can enjoy the same freedom as Robinson Crusoe! The entire island can be booked at your request. With sun loungers, snorkeling equipment, barbecue facilities, and an onsite bathroom, this island has everything you might need to enjoy a day away from the world!

The island is very beautiful with a white beach that surrounds the whole island! There is a house reef where you can see a lot of fish, rays and sometimes turtles. The reef is badly damaged due to global warming and it takes time to re-enter us with this color diversity.

Sandbank

There are several sandbanks near Omadhoo, the largest one is located near the island of Hangnaameedhoo. Its length is about 150-200 m. There are very few tourists coming here, so it’s cleaned not regularly. The other sandbank appears only in certain months of the year once the current changes.

Another sandbank is on the way to Dhigura (a place where you can see whale sharks). On the way back you’ll visit it as well.

Overnight on an uninhabited island

Have you wanted to spend the night under a million stars, by the water’s edge, at one with nature? Omadhoo Inn – the only guest house on Omadhoo that can make this a reality! They permit other guest houses, resorts, and safari boats to visit this island. Therefore, they are always aware of how many people are on the island. And it’s very convenient because you can know for sure that today the island will be only for you. Sometimes safari boats have parties, so you can join them.

It’s possible to organize a night of Maldivian camping under the stars! And with an onsite bathroom, and electricity, you’ll still have everything you need to be comfortable! Tent renting, beach BBQ dinner, and transfer are included. Alcohol is by request for an additional charge.

Scuba diving near Omadhoo

There are 3 dive centers on the island. Certified divers offer morning, afternoon, and night fun dive boat trips every day. For first-timers, the dive center offers intro dives with professional instructors or a base PADI Open Water Diver course.

Omadhoo Dive Center can offer to free divers the best dive sites of the Ari atoll with the innocent and beautiful underwater nature. And on top of this – incredible free diving with manta rays and whale sharks.

Omadhoo Island is located in the South Ari Atoll, which is home to several world-class dive sites. Some of the popular dive sites include Maamigili Beyru, Kuda Rah Thila, and Broken Rock.

The waters surrounding Omadhoo Island are teeming with marine life, including Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles, and a variety of colorful fish species. You may also encounter Moray Eels, Octopuses, and other fascinating creatures during your dives.

The best time to go scuba diving near Omadhoo is from December to May when the waters are calm and clear, and visibility is excellent. However, diving is available year-round, and each season offers a unique experience.

Dive sites

Maamigili Beyru. This site is located near the nearby island of Maamigili and is known for its Manta Ray and Whale Shark sightings. The site features a shallow reef with vibrant coral formations and a sandy bottom.

Kuda Rah Thila. This dive site is a popular spot for advanced divers due to the strong currents. The site features a pinnacle that rises from a depth of 30 meters and is covered in colorful soft coral and sea fans. You may spot sharks, rays, and schools of fish during your dive.

Broken Rock. This site features a rock formation that has split in two, creating an interesting underwater landscape. The site is known for its large schools of fish and colorful coral formations. You may also spot Moray Eels, Lobsters, and other fascinating creatures during your dive.

Himandhoo Thila. This dive site is located near the nearby island of Himandhoo and is known for its steep walls and strong currents. The site features a pinnacle that rises from a depth of 35 meters and is covered in colorful soft coral and sea fans. You may spot sharks, rays, and schools of fish during your dive.

Hukrueli Faru. This site is located near the nearby island of Dhangethi and is known for its abundance of marine life, including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of fish. The site features a shallow reef with vibrant coral formations and a sandy bottom.

Map of dive sites.

Resort visiting

There are a lot of resorts that are open for day visits: Centara Grand Resort, Lily Beach, Conrad Maldives, and others. You can also dine in the underwater restaurant of the Conrad Maldives Resort.

Omadhoo infrastructure

There are no ATMs on the island, so prepare some cash. In hotels and dive centers bank cards are widely accepted.

There are several grocery shops, but the choice of products is very poor compared to other nearby inhabited islands.

Omadhoo has a small health center that provides basic medical care and services. However, for serious medical conditions, patients are usually transferred to the main hospital in Malé.

There are several local restaurants and cafes on Omadhoo that offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional Maldivian dishes and international cuisine. You can also find small shops and markets that sell snacks and drinks.

A school, a playground, and a mosque are located on Omadhoo as well.

Where to eat on Omadhoo

In Omadhoo the majority of guests are used to eat in in-house restaurants.

Athiri Restaurant. This is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, offering a variety of Maldivian and international cuisine. The restaurant is located near the beach, providing a beautiful view of the sea while you dine.

Mazaaraa Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, especially its grilled fish and prawns. The restaurant is located in a small guesthouse, providing a cozy and intimate dining experience.

Yonder Retreat. This is another guesthouse that offers a small restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area and offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.

Omadhoo Inn. This is a small hotel on the island that has a restaurant serving a variety of Maldivian and international dishes. The restaurant is located near the beach, providing a beautiful view of the sea.

Kahanbu Ocean Front Restaurant. This is a new restaurant on the island that offers a variety of dishes, including seafood and traditional Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant is located near the beach and provides a beautiful view of the ocean.

Transfer to Omadhoo

By a scheduled speedboat

The price is $45 per person.

Male – Omadhoo at 16:00, on Friday at 9:30, on Thursday 10:00, 16:00

Omadhoo – Male at 7:00

By a slow ferry

Travel time is 4.5 hours. Price is USD 4 one way

Malé – Omadhoo: 09:00 Saturday, Monday and Wednesday
Omadhoo – Malé: 10:00 Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday

Contact us to get a personal tour to the Maldives!

January 8, 2025
Thulusdhoo – Travel Guide

Thulusdhoo Island is located just 28 km north of Male. It is the capital of Kaafu Atoll. Approximately 1400 people live on the island. The size of Thulusdhoo is 700 x 400 meters.

The industrial sector on the island is quite diverse, it includes factories for drying tuna and sea cucumber (looks like black sausage) and workshops for the construction of boats. But the main attraction of the island is built in the 80s the only plant in the world of the Coca-Cola company, which uses desalinated seawater. Because of this, the island is sometimes called Coke’s Island. In addition, the name of soda migrated to the nearest surf spot, which is called Coke’s.

Quite a lot of islands have been expanding in this way in recent years due to rising sea levels. In addition, breakwaters and barrier blocks are built near the coast. Not quite aesthetically pleasing, but prevents the erosion of the coastal zone.

Check: Budget packages to local islands

Things to do in Thulusdhoo

Beach and house reef

The island has its own bikini beach, reserved specifically for tourists. The beach is small and fenced from the ocean with blocks of stones. In addition, the area of the island was extended by an artificial embankment on the east side, which is not yet built up.

There’s actually a pretty decent reef just outside the boat entrance, and there’s heaps of fish and beautiful coral. If you’re lucky, you might even be surrounded by dolphins who swim nearby the island.

Outside Thingiri snorkeling point is definitely for you. There you’ll surely see sharks and manta rays and other bright and spectacular underwater flora and fauna.

Local sports

The Maldivians are a very active nation; various sports events are often held there. Football and cricket are the most popular sports there. But I’d like to describe local games that are also in favor there.

Bashi is an entertaining game only for women (that’s a Muslim country, but still). You’re expected to kick a tennis ball with a racquet as hard as you can to the other side of the pitch, while your opponent is to catch it. Limb injures and hitting on ahead with a ball are the most widespread injures in this game, which shows how fearless the Maldivian women are.

When tournaments are held, such a dance is traditionally performed before a game.

Baibalaa is men’s sports, presupposing tough contact, when one team’s player is trying to get into a circle, to touch an opponent, and to leave the circle before he is caught and probably injured by his opponents. The tourists’ participation in evening sports events is always welcomed and it provides you with an opportunity to have a good time with the locals.

Surfing

When everyone thinks about the Maldives they usually imagine blue calm lagoons and sea – which in general is true – but the Maldives is also home to some coolest world-class surf too! Thulusdhoo Island is considered one of the best local island surfing spots in the Maldives.

And it’s not for nothing. It was surfers who lay the foundations of local tourism on the island in the 70s.

Surfing spots nearby:

Chicken’s

Wave is located on Villingilimathi Huraa uninhabited island, next to Thulusdhoo Island (on the other side of the channel). This wave holds swell size from 3ft to well over 10ft and provides rides up to 500m long. This is a long left-hand wave with 2 sections where you can easily get barrels on the last section of the wave. There used to be a chicken farm. It doesn’t exist now, but the Chickens’ name got stuck to it forever.

Coke’s

Also close to the Island of Thulusdhoo, this is a right-handed wave recommended for intermediate surfers or experienced especially when the swell is big. The wave It is a hollow and tubular right-hander. breaks over a shallow reef and is known as one of the best waves in the Maldives. The wave’s name is due to the Coca-Cola factory nearby on the island of Thulusdhoo. Works best with winds from the south and northeast.

Ninja’s

Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Presumably named because it’s one of the favorite waves of Japanese surfers. Best conditions on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However, swells larger than 1m ruin it.

Sultan’s

For those who want something a bit bigger and more challenging, this is the spot and it’s certainly not one for beginners or low-end intermediates! Handling some solid sizes get prepared for some awesome tube rides. Breaking anywhere from 1.2 m up it really starts to come into its own at 3m+, however with this sizeable perfection often come the crowds and it’s a favorite with surf charter boats in the area too.

Honky’s

Located near Thaburudhoo island (near the same island as Sultans), some consider it the best wave of the Maldives, but maybe not as popular as Cokes and Chickens. When the conditions are met, it is a true World Class, that’s for sure! It is a super long, left-hand wave that can double in the second section. It is a fast left at 1-2m and needs the right swell direction. Worth checking out if Sultans is crowded. It is an ideal spot for winter on North-East wind.

Sandbank visiting

You’ll experience different sandbanks with fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. They look so beautiful that they seem to be unreal.

Asdu Sand Bank. The stretch of sand is 30 minutes from Thulusdhoo. It is also a kind of excursion that satisfies everyone as it allows you to stay on the white sand beach, bathe on a sandy bottom, and especially if you leave a few meters away you will find a coral reef that will take your breath.

Chikana Sand Bank. Another piece of sand to 20 minutes from the island. And a fleeting paradise because you can only find with the highest peak of low tide. Here there is plenty of reefs to explore

Infinity Sand Bank. The last nearby sandbank to Thulusdhoo. With very striking colors and so-called because the low tide overlooking the impression of being endless for its long narrow shape.

Snorkeling safari

There are a lot of nearby spots for snorkeling to let you see amazing coral gardens, pristine underwater life with colorful fishes, sharks, turtles, and rays.

Coral garden. The right place for snorkelers. Here you will have the opportunity to swim with the turtles and the nemo-fish. Coral Garden a coral garden in the open sea where the seafloor drops to 2 m deep and will give you the chance to see all kinds of fish and swim in the company of turtles.

Shark point. It is an about a 30-minute boat ride from our island is a point where you can swim and watch closely only with masks and fins the shark safely.

Night fishing

The fishing trip on a Dhoni (local fishing boat) with experienced local fishermen from the island is the most authentic way to join this experience.

You will be fascinated by the colorful sunrise, the wide ocean, and the daily work of the fisherman and you will be enthusiastic to discover how they catch big sailfish.

You can ask to cook catch fish as well.

Strict rules against poaching helped these atolls to preserve the abundance of sea life. On Thulusdhoo there are boats, that are constructed for catching not only large marlines, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna, but also smaller species, such as crevalles, barracudas, and runners.

Other activities

Dolphin cruise. From the beach, you can watch the dolphins passing by in front of the island. But it is even more fascinating to see them closer.

Scuba diving. For beginners and for experienced divers, Thulusdhoo gives you the possibility to enjoy amazing diving. There is only one dive center in Thulusdhoo.

Resort day visit. Wanna compare island resorts and local islands? Join a day trip to nearby Club Med Kaani or Cinnamon Dhonveli and feel true luxury. The cost of visiting the first one is $120 per person (8.00 – 17.00), the second one – $130. What is included? The tourists are offered a wide range of dishes, unlimited access to alcohol bars, shows, and cultural events.

Thulusdhoo Infrastructure

There are around 20 guest houses and hotels on the island, and each of them is eager to do everything possible to make your holiday unforgettable. There are several grocery and hardware stores, where you can buy not only fresh fruit or dried tuna but also beach gear.

The island has several restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including local Maldivian dishes, Indian, and international cuisine. The restaurants are located near the beach and offer a great view of the ocean.

Thulusdhoo has a small health center that provides basic medical services to locals and tourists. The center is equipped with a small pharmacy and a trained medical staff who can provide medical assistance in case of emergencies.

There is a mosque located on the island where locals go to perform their daily prayers. Visitors are welcome to visit the mosque, but it is important to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.

Thulusdhoo has a ferry terminal that provides regular ferry services to Male, the capital city of the Maldives. The ferry terminal is located on the western side of the island and is easily accessible by foot or bicycle.

Thulusdhoo is known for its great surfing spots, and the island has several surf shops that rent out surfboards and other equipment. The shops also offer surfing lessons for beginners.

There are several souvenir shops on the island that sell local handicrafts, such as woven baskets, wooden carvings, and handmade jewelry. These shops are great places to find unique and authentic souvenirs to bring back home.

Thulusdhoo has several small convenience stores that sell basic groceries, snacks, and toiletries. These stores are convenient for visitors who want to stock up on supplies during their stay on the island.

Check out the industry including fish drying factories, boat-building yards, sea cucumber processing, the Maldive’s sole Coca-Cola factory, and the agricultural section. You can visit the school, and the powerhouse, and learn about the island’s history.

Where to eat on Thulushoo

The food is represented by four small but cozy restaurants. Nevertheless, still, try everything and decide for yourself where it is better. An average bill is approximately $10-18 per two persons.

Local restaurants short overview:

Short Break Cafe. Amazing food, no matter what you order. The service was not as slow as it should be, but the food was so yummy, with good portions and fresh.

Byyoni. A very local place with Maldivian food. Plenty to choose from the menu, however, the curry is rather watery to my liking. Great value for money

Contagious Pizza Cafe’ Five. Very basic pizza, but it is better than in other places on the island where they make it from semi-finished products.

Santa Rosa Restaurant. The place looks nice for Thulusdhoo standards. The menu has good variety, and the prices are reasonable. Orders are taken quite quickly, but the waiting time is too much.

Transfer to Thulusdhoo

Scheduled speedboat

Speedboat transfer from the airport to Thulusdhoo takes only 25 minutes. Price is 35$ per way per person.

Runs daily except Friday

Male-Thulusdhoo: 11:00, 17:00, 22:00 (on Friday 9:00, 17:00, 22:00)

Thulusdhoo-Male: 8:00, 14:30, 18:00 (on Friday 7:30, 14:30, 18:00)

Local ferry

Transfer by local ferry to Thulusdhoo

From Vilingili terminal at 14:30
From Thulusdhoo at 7:30
Daily except for Friday

Contact us to get a personal tour to the Maldives!

January 5, 2025
Dhangethi Island 2025

Modest in size, but bright in beauty, the island of Dhangethi is located quite far from Male – 87 km. The island size is 925 x 350 m, which is the capital of the atoll Alif Daal (South Ari Atoll). About 1000 people inhabit this small island.

Things to do in Dhangethi

Bikini beach

Only a 2-minute walk from the village is a bikini beach with beautiful white sand. The beach is cleaned daily. It even has facilities like a shower and a toilet.

Check: Budget tours to local islands

Dhangethi has several stunning beaches that visitors can enjoy. Here are some details about the beaches on Dhangethi:

Bikini Beach. This is the most popular beach on Dhangethi and is exclusively reserved for tourists to wear swimwear. The beach is pristine with crystal clear waters and powdery white sand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling in the calm waters.

Local Beaches. There are also a few local beaches on Dhangethi, where visitors can observe the daily life of the islanders. These beaches are often less crowded than Bikini Beach and offer a more authentic Maldivian experience.

Picnic Island. This is a small island near Dhangethi that is popular for day trips and picnics. The island is surrounded by clear waters and coral reefs, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.

Sunset Beach. This is a quieter beach on the western side of the island, offering a peaceful escape for visitors. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset and take in the beautiful colors of the sky.

House reef

The house reef on Dhangethi Island is located just a short distance from the shore, making it easily accessible for both experienced and novice snorkelers. The reef is teeming with colorful fish, vibrant corals, and other fascinating marine life. Snorkeling in the house reef is a must-do activity during your stay on Dhangethi Island.

The reef is home to a wide variety of marine species, including butterflyfish, parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, and many others. You may also spot larger creatures such as reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The visibility in the water is excellent, making it easy to appreciate the underwater scenery.

Sandbanks

The Maldives is the best barefoot luxury destination with sandy white beaches, clean water lagoons, blue skies, and hundreds of stunning private sandbanks. Also, people describe it as a dot of Sand in the middle of the Ocean.

Indulge in a romantic trip with your loved ones here. At your request, you will be transferred to one of the nearby sandbanks (including Dhigurah sandbank) within 5 to 10 minutes. There are three sandbanks where the nearest sandbank is just 5 minutes away. You can do many activities on the sandbank including lunch/dinner, wedding ceremonies, and snorkeling.

Kite surfing

Experience excellent kite conditions with flat water and small waves on Dhangethi’s local reef. Clean winds and a safe sandy reef are available throughout the windy season. The kite center offers on-beach services such as equipment rental, a fully IKO-certified kite school, rescue, and storage.

Season. Kite season starts in May and ends in October. Kite service is active the entire season, but school is active September-October.

School. The training is built on individual lessons. They are 2h 20 min each and adapted for your current level, allowing you to progress at your own pace. The price is US$ 190. Equipment renting for experienced kitesurfers is available as well.

Snorkeling safaris

Turtle snorkeling. Observing turtles in their natural habitat is a delightful experience. There are several turtle snorkeling points near Dhangethi and it offers incredible turtle sightings and 99% guaranteed you see them. Guests can reach the turtle snorkeling point by a traditional boat ride within 15 minutes. And a guide will be there through the journey.

Manta snorkeling. Snorkeling with manta rays is unforgettable and one must-have experience in the Maldives. Dhangethi Island area is one of the best places where you can swim with manta rays. They are harmless to humans and very friendly. The Manta snorkeling trip is a half-day activity starting from 8:00 am, but it depends on the weather and current.

Water sports

Dhangethi truly allows you to have fun in the sun, offering a wide range of water sports in the Maldives for all family members. Maldives offers many exciting sports for those who have talent and love adventure. Simple or stimulating, sports in the Maldives are an excellent way to stay in shape having fun surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes around the world.

Available water sport activities: Jet Skiing, Double Dog, Roamer, High Roller, Hydra Pack, Paparazzi, Banana, Water skiing, Wake Board, Knee Board, Mono Ski, Paddle Board, and Windsurfing.

Resort day visit

During your stay, if you’d like to compare local and luxury life in the Maldives, then resort day trips are just the things you need. Dhangethi is surrounded by 14 luxury resorts. But not all of them are open for day visits. You can book your day staying at Sun Island Resort, Centara Grand Resort, Conrad Maldives. The last one is famous for its underwater restaurant – the first of its kind in the Maldives. Guests can dine at this restaurant by appointment, which costs about 335 USD per person + transfer to/from the resort.

During your stay at the resort, you can relax at a pool or the beaches of the resort, get lunch, and use other resort amenities. Spa treatments, drinks, and some other amenities (like the water sports center) in the resort only with extra charges.

Whale shark snorkeling

Dhangethi is near Maldive’s famous whale shark point which is one of the main reasons to visit Dhangethi. Ask anyone where the best place is to spot whale sharks and they’ll tell you at the coral reef next to Maamigili island. Enjoy the company of these harmless giants. Usually, whale sharks can be spotted all year round. Since they are the biggest fish species, they can grow up to 10 m in length (in the Maldives the average size is 6-8 m).

Whale sharks are rather slow-moving creatures and are curious, but obedient. Whale sharks will eagerly come close to snorkelers, divers, and boats and will often stay close as long as they don’t feel in danger.

It feeds on plankton including copepods, krill, fish eggs, and small nektonic life, such as small squid or fish. Feeding occurs either by ram filtration, in which the animal opens its mouth and swims forward, pushing water and food into the mouth, or by active suction feeding, in which the animal opens and closes its mouth, sucking in volumes of water that are then expelled through the gills. In both cases, the filter pads serve to separate food from the water.

So whale sharks are absolutely harmless!

Guests can reach the famous whale shark point near Dhangethi within 30 minutes by a traditional boat ride.

Scuba diving in Dhangethi

With over 50 dive sites, Dhangethi is the perfect place for a diving holiday both for beginners and experienced divers. The South part of South Ari Atoll (near Maamigili, Sun Island Resort) is a protected Marine Area. Weekly full-day trips are offered to search for whale sharks in this area throughout the year.

The dive sites are between 10 minutes and 1 hour away from the island. These dive sites are reached by comfortable dive boats (dhonis). The unique diversity and variety of underwater life in the Maldives especially around Dhangethi have a lot of highlights to offer scuba divers.

The most famous dive sites near Dhangethi

Kudarah Thila

Current: Can be strong
Life: Rich diversity
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Jan-Apr

The Thila is a part of Marine Protected Area and is often considered the most beautiful site of the South Ari atoll with exceptional diving conditions.

Kudhimaa Wreck

Current: Can be strong
Life: Lots of macro
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Jun-Nov

50m long cargo ship lying on a sandy bottom at around 30 meters depth, right next to a Centara Grand Island Resort. It was sunk in 1998 and already offers good coral growth and a large variety of species living on it. Nurse sharks, batfish, stonefish, lionfish and moray eels are permanent residents and can be spotted around the wreck.

Maamigili Beyru

Current: Can be strong
Life: Mostly big fish
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Aug-Nov

Located on the Southern part within the Marine Protected Area of South Ari atoll. Shallow and very easy dive, which might turn into a very exciting one, as it is known as the best location in the Maldives for spotting whale sharks (if you’re lucky enough).

Broken Rock

Current: Can be strong
Life: Alive coral gardens
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Jan-Apr

It’s one of the most well-known dive sites in the South Ari Atoll due to its unique formation which has a canyon splitting the reef in two. While swimming you should keep an eye out for the large corals which stick out from the walls. Resident napoleon wrasse, turtles, scorpionfish, and a stunning variety of marine life including many species of moray eels and a great variety of soft coral.

Five Rocks

Current: Can be strong
Life: canines/macro
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Jan-Apr

It’s formed by a pinnacle that has been split into five pieces over the centuries. These “rocks” reach from 12 m to 40 m at the sandy bottom. Numerous overhangs and ocean-swept currents provide the perfect environment for vibrant corals, plenty of reef fish and white tip reef sharks. Five Rocks is a favorite among photographers for its unique underwater landscapes.

Vilamendhoo Thila

Current: Can be strong
Life: Rich diversity
Visibility: up to 25 m
Best dive period: Apr-Nov

The thila is a large, complex reef structure that begins in 10m of water and extends down to a sand bottom at 30m. Parts of the thila are sloping reef, others steep walls with overhangs. In the shallow water, large bommies are scattered about, with rich growths of hard corals. The fish life is especially dense, with schooling blue-striped snapper, oriental sweetlips, and sometimes whale sharks.

More dive sites near Dhangethi.

Dhangethi Infrastructure

The narrow streets of Dhangethi, with their unique and bright houses, create an amazing atmosphere of tranquility. Walking through them, you can feel what it means to be a real islander far from the mainland, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Like on any other inhabited island, the streets of Dhangeti create a cunning interweaving. But they all somehow lead to the same place – the ocean.

There are 8 minimarts, 4 restaurants, and cafes, and 12 souvenir shops on the island. Also, you will find the hospital, school, cultural center, mosque, football field, and a mobile operator company office.

Where to eat on Dhangethi

Dhangethi guest houses are offering included breakfasts: fresh fruits, local tuna dish, toast and jam, pancakes and omelet made to you.

In-house restaurants are serving a great variety of Maldivian, Asian and Continental food.

But if you decide to eat outside, here are some places worth checking out.

Hawaee Foods. Probably the best food on the island. Great menu, everything well cooked, and reasonable prices. Excellent curry, kottu roshi, and milkshakes. Just be ready to wait a long time for your meal.

The Blue Moon Cafe. Basic Maldivian dishes like tuna fried rice/noodles served with a fried egg on top are very tasty. Fresh juices are also good. Excellent location on the seaside. Tuna kothu roshi is really good.

A.S Youth Cafe. A very basic Maldivian-style cafe mostly for coffee and soft drinks.

Transfer to Dhangethi

Domestic flight + speedboat

Around 250 USD per round trip per person, there are 5 flights per day to Maamigili followed by a speedboat to Dhangethi.

Scheduled Speedboat

Daily at 15:00-16:00 from Male jetty no.1 or no.6 and at 7:00 am from Dhangethi. Price is 45 USD per way per person. Duration is 1,5 hrs.

Private speedboat

The price is 700-800 USD per way per boat. Can be arranged at any time.

Public Ferry

Runs from Viligilli ferry Terminal, Malé:

Trip duration is a 6hrs one-way. Price – US$5.

Malé – Dhangethi, 09:00 am (on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday), one-stop and a ferry change in Mahibadhoo.

Dhangethi – Male’, 09:00 am (on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday), one-stop and a ferry change in Mahibadhoo.

Warning:

– Tickets are issued from the Vilingili terminal on the day of travel.
– The ticket price is $US 6 per person.
– It can be canceled due to weather conditions.
– Service may stop without prior notice.

Contact us to get a personal tour to the Maldives!

January 3, 2025
Top 17 budget islands to visit in Maldives

How to choose a local island in the Maldives? What do you have to consider? What is the difference between the islands and how not to be disappointed with your dream vacation?

In this post, I will share my experience and give a brief description of more than 20 local islands that I’ve visited over the past 3 years.

I’m not going to describe in detail all these islands but stop only on some significant pros and cons. I hope, given info will help you to choose the right place for your holidays.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

So let’s go.

Rasdhoo

The number of visits is 11. I will start my list of the most visited island. The first visit took place back in 2015 when speed bots went every other day. A lot of things have changed since that time.

Rasdhoo can not be called “Maldives paradise” with an endless snow-white beach. Nevertheless, it fell in love with himself. Rasdhoo beach is small but is constantly being cleaned. Also, there is a natural shadow from trees and sunbeds. Disadvantages – little algae (not as much as in Dhiffushi) and noise from the generator, which so far can not get rid of. I’m not a fan of just lying on the beach, so these things do not bother me.

Advantages – nice house reef, where I saw a lot of sharks (there is even a point where you can see up to 5 sharks), stingrays, and huge schools of fish.

In March, due to the current time, schools of batfish are coming to the house reef. They are very friendly and literally surrounded me! But you need to know where to snorkel to see them. Below the red line marks the most interesting places for snorkeling.

House reef is recovering, but there is still something to see.

Uninhabited islands. A chain of two uninhabited islands and three sandbanks are near Rasdhoo. It’s very easy to walk between them during low tide. Or you can cross the channel between Rasdhoo and the islands by kayak (we already did this, it’s quite safe). For me, this is the most fascinating and exciting place in the Maldives I’ve ever visited.

Kayaking. Due to the close location of islands in Rasdhoo Atoll, you have a unique opportunity to start from Rasdhoo and go around either Kuramati resort or uninhabited islands. Therefore, you can independently set up a cool boat trip, snorkeling, visiting the islands.

Rasdhoo is the only local island in the Maldives from which you can do such an adventure journey.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

A small difficulty is to cross the Rashoo and Kuramathi / uninhabited islands channel. It is best to use a double kayak for your own safety. Also, I do not recommend sailing in windy weather or during strong currents in the channel; try to stay in shallow water or close to the islands.

Diving. Near the island are some of the best diving sites in the Maldives.

Also, only on this island, I managed to see and try the local hookah (only women smoke it). An interesting thing, and very different from the usual we used to see.

For me, Rasdhoo is one of the few islands in the Maldives that I am always happy to return to.

Thoddoo

A number of visits – 3. A favorite place for Russian-speaking tourists. And this is understandable: not far from Male, two beaches, a large and green island with farms.

One disadvantage, I would say, is the remoteness of the beach from the house reef. Yes, one of the beaches has a few corals by the beach, but they are very small. The underwater life boils at the edge of the reef. There is a greater chance to see sharks, turtles, and stingrays (on the second beach I saw even manta rays). But still, you have to swim there.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

Nevertheless, this local island in the Maldives is great for families with children, but depending on the location of your hotel, you’ll have to walk 10-20 minutes. Because of the jungle, there are many mosquitoes on Thoddoo (I can’t say exactly about their seasonality)

And of course, steep beaches for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Ukulhas

A number of visits – 6. And this island is a favorite place for Italians (about 70% of all tourists come from there). One of the longest bikini beaches among local islands is located in Ukulhas. I like this beach more than Thoddoo beach (because you can take a walk along the coast). Also, a house reef is located closer to the beach. I’ve seen turtles, and one time they were next to each other. Therefore, with a probability of 90%, at least one can be seen. Mantas also sometimes come. Sharks are not so many, compared to Rasdhoo. But to see these animals, you need to snorkel over the entire length of the reef.

Disadvantage – the high cost of accommodation during high season, which can even compete with some 3* resorts (Biyadhoo, Fihalhohi, Malahini Kuda Bandos). In addition, high waves rise during the off-season and the water becomes moody, which is not good for snorkeling. Once the current almost brought me outside the reef, so never swim alone, especially in places with a strong current.

From the nearby attractions, I would recommend Manta Point and sandbanks.
Manta Point is a 3×3 km area where you can see up to 20 mantas. At the same time, they are friendly enough and can touch you.

In the Ukulas area, there are 4 sandbanks. Some of them are available year-round, while others – depending on the season. I was on three of them. And sometimes it happened that you were the only tourist there. Near some of them, there is a house reef with live and untouched coral and schools of fish.

Mathiveri

A number of visits – 1. I visited this local island in the Maldives a long time ago – in 2016, but as far as I know, little has changed there. Mathiveri itself is a very small island. In the center, there is one place where you can see all 4 sides of the island. Of the three beaches, only one is dedicated to tourists. At the same time, its size is like on Rasdhoo. It’s almost impossible to swim during low tide – it’s too shallow, and it’s very difficult to get to the edge of the reef. Near Mathiveri there is an uninhabited island, which can be reached either by swimming or by kayak.

Another disadvantage – there are no good restaurants for tourists. Also, the transfer is quite expensive – $ 55 per person one way. I don’t speak about ferries as they go only 3 times a week.

But nearby resorts are open for visiting.

Feridhoo

A number of visits – 1. Not yet a very popular local island in the Maldives due to remoteness. But there is the most beautiful reef of all that I have seen in local islands. 80% live corals with a wide variety. However, there are not many fish, sharks, etc. But still, you can explore it for a very long time. The current can be strong, so it’s better to stay close to the shore. The second significant advantage is the beach. Long enough with a comfortable entry into the water.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

The only disadvantage is the transfer cost – $ 60 per person per one way and the lack of local restaurants. But almost no tourists.

So we ended with the North Ari Atoll and move on to South Ari.

Omadhoo

A number of visits – 3. In my opinion – one of the most underrated local islands. Moreover, it has many advantages: a very good and equipped tourist beach, a long house reef, where you can see huge schools of fish, turtles, sharks, and stingrays. Cheap transfers and hotels will also be a great addition. Plus, one of the hotels organizes an overnight stay on a desert island in a tent and it also organizes private dinner on a boat

The disadvantages are the lack of restaurants and shops.

Dhangethi

A number of visits – 1. The island is more suitable for water sports lovers and scuba divers because there are a lot of cool dive spots nearby. The beach, although equipped, is very small with algae off the coast. Due to the weather, I had to spend 2 extra days there because nobody wanted to sail even to the neighboring island of Dhigura.

Other advantages I would include the presence of a large number of shops, cafes, and proximity to the spot with whale sharks.

Dhigurah

A number of visits – 2. Perhaps the longest local islands in Maldives that I was on. A big advantage is the presence of a long tourist beach. But this is also a disadvantage: a large amount of dead coral on the shore opposite the hotels. Therefore, you need to go towards the sandbank either along the shore or through the jungle (just a couple of years ago there was no way through the jungle). In this case, you need to go about 1-1.5 km to the zone more or less clean from corals. Also in the jungle, there is still a lot of garbage that locals are in no hurry to clean up. The sand spit itself ends near the LUX * South Atoll resort. Therefore, it can be reached without any problems. Of course, there are very beautiful places, but there is no shadow, no sunbeds.

Hotels on the island are quite expensive, like in Ukulhas. Maybe even more expensive. But then there is a spot with whale sharks nearby. They can be seen all year round, but there is no 100% guarantee. I was lucky, and I saw it at arm’s length. I heard that they swim sometimes to Dhigurah house reef in the eastern part of the island, but happens quite rarely.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

In addition, there are no good restaurants on the island and, in general, you have a feeling that the island is not very developing in terms of infrastructure (I’m not talking about opening new hotels). Also, the cost of excursions and diving is overpriced.

Next stop is Vaavu Atoll.

Thinadhoo

A number of visits – 1. A couple of years ago, I would call this local island in the Maldives a mini-resort. And that’s why: the island’s population is only 60-80 people, and there are almost no hotels, but at the same time restaurants and shops. Located far away. But now other islands can compete with him.

There is not a budget hotel Plumeria, which “runs” on the island. There are several small guest houses, but they are for Italians.

Of course, Thinadhoo has a cool beach, but the reef is so-so-dead. Near the island, there are many places for diving and snorkeling (including night snorkeling/diving with nurse sharks). There are several uninhabited islands and sandbanks.

Previously, the transfer was only by Plumeria for $ 65 one way per person, but nowadays there are independent transport companies with lower prices.

At the moment, this is the only island that I visited in Vaavu Atoll.

South Male Atoll.

Guraidhoo

A number of visits – 1. A well-known island with cheap hotels. Nearby there is a desert island that is equipped for tourists. But at the same time, there is absolutely no entry into the water – a lot of dead coral. Also, there is no house reef. But you can do surfing. Among the advantages, I would include resorts open for visits, cheap excursions, and an affordable shuttle service.

Maafushi

A number of visits – 2. The most famous local island has developed the mass tourism direction. The conception of the budget the Maldives started from Maafushi. Two factors contributed to this: President Nasheed, who actively promoted the island, and the welfare of the locals themselves. Oddly enough, thanks to the presence of prison, locals earn very decent money, even by local standards. Therefore, they had the opportunity to open their own business.

Among the advantages, I would single out a large selection of hotels, low prices for excursions, many open resorts to visit, and an affordable transfer.

Among the shortcomings: too many tourists even in the low season, a very small beach, you will not be alone on excursions.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

In my opinion, due to these factors, Maafushi can no longer be called an example of the classic Maldives, with its solitude and peace.

We finish the review of the central atolls.

Thulusdhoo

A number of visits – 1. This island is primarily suitable for surfers due to its large number of sites. The rest of the island has a small tourist beach, but it is fenced with blocks in the water. There are a lot of hotels and restaurants. But there is no house reef.

A couple of years ago, the island was expanded but has not yet begun to actively build up. Also, excursions are quite expensive for some reason unknown to me. But speedboats run 4 times a day.

Dhiffushi

A number of visits – 1. Perhaps the only island on which I have not decided unambiguously whether I like it or not.

On the one side, there are two quite good beaches, although on one of them, there are algae, there are also free places from them. Quite a nice reef, albeit half dead, but with a lot of fish.

On the other side, it is quite built up and there are few cafes for tourists. And the excursions are not very cheap. Also on the second beach, the way for speedboats to jetty runs very close by, so it’s not very safe.

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

Therefore, it is difficult to decide.

Moving north – Baa Atoll.

Dharavandhoo

The number of visits – 1. The only reason I went there is Hanifaru Bay. It’s a marine reserve, where you can see up to 200 manta rays! There are only a couple of places in the world where you can see such a large concentration of these ocean devils. The perfect time is May-Nov. But this is a low season, so the weather can be very unstable. For example, I ran there by boat, and between the North Male and Baa Atolls, the ocean was very rough (some of them were sick of it). And my way back was by plane or local airline, because the boats were canceled, or already fully booked.

On the island itself, especially in the low season, it is not very clean (tourist beach), the house reef does not cause much delight either. But diving there is quite good, there are also many resorts, open for visiting.

Fulhadhoo

A number of visits – 1. This local island in the Maldives is famous for its long, snow-white, and deserted beaches. And this is his main feature. The reef is more or less okay, there are several sandbanks nearby. Therefore, privacy is a great option.

But the infrastructure is not developed at all: only a few hotels, no restaurants/shops, transfer at a very inconvenient time, boat jetty. And there is a feeling that this process has stopped and is not moving anywhere.

At the moment, 3 hotels are officially registered with the Ministry of Tourism, but on different websites, you can find more accommodation options. According to Maldivian laws, this is illegal. Therefore, when you reserve such places, you do this at your own peril and risk. In case of problems, it will be difficult to hold them accountable.

Other popular (and not so) islands that I haven’t been to for various reasons.

Himmafushi – the same as Thuludhoo.

Huraa – the same as Thulusdhoo.

Gulhi – is even smaller than Mathiveri, but pretty much the same.

Maamigili – no beach, no house reef, but they have an airport.

Hangnameedhoo – is similar to Omadhoo, but the second one has a sandbank.

Fulidhoo – they said it’s a nice place, but haven’t been there still.

Fehendhoo and Goidhoo – I was in Feridhu, may next time visit these islands.

Bodufulodhoo – the same as Mathiveri.

Rakeedhoo – there are nice places for snorkeling.

Addu City and Fuvahmulah – far from Male, but I want to visit them.

Hanimadhoo – too far from Male, not so interested to go there.

Conclusion

It is difficult to choose an island for only one criterion, so you should not focus on the distance from the island to Male and the cost. Each island is beautiful in its own way.

Try as many excursions as possible, if, of course, the budget allows.

The lowest prices are from May to September, the highest are from November to April.

If you have the opportunity to visit several local islands in the Maldives – use it, you will not regret it.

Before you start the trip to the Maldives, decide for yourself what you want to get from this vacation, so that it will be remembered for a lifetime!

>> Check our Budget Tours here <<

January 2, 2025