Tag: rasdhoo

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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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January 9, 2025
Scuba Diving in Rasdhoo

Scuba diving in Rasdhoo Atoll is one of the most affordable diving in Maldives.

Rasdhoo is located 56 km west of Malé, Rasdhoo Atoll is the capital of Alif Alif Atoll – more commonly known as Ari Atoll. The atoll consists of inhabited island Rasdhoo, two private island resorts Kuramathi and Veligandhu, and 2 uninhabited islands Madivaru and Madivaru Finolhu. A great number of liveaboards are coming here as a part of the Central Atolls itinerary.

Check: DIVING TOURS

When to go

There are two seasons in Maldives: the northeast monsoon (dry season) and the southwest monsoon (wet season). Like most places in the world, with the increasing impact of climate change, the seasons and transitions in the Maldives have become less predictable in recent years.

Northeast monsoon (January – April)

The dry season usually brings blue skies and calm winds. The season runs from January to April with the transition shoulder periods arriving earlier in December or continuing into May. The change to the wet season is usually signified by a wet spell of three or more consecutive days of rainfall along with a shift in wind direction.

Southwest monsoon (May – November)

The wet southwest season generally means more cloudy skies, stronger winds, and a greater chance of rough seas. The monsoons dictate the migrations of large pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks. With tidal strength and wind direction affecting the movement of plankton, filter-feeders naturally follow the food, so at certain times of the year, you are more likely to encounter these animals in specific locations. The visibility can be very poor for some days. It’s impossible to predict it.

Transfer options to Rasdhoo Atoll

If you are traveling from Velana Airport (the main international Airport) to Rasdhoo Atoll you have a number of options.

Seaplane

The quickest, but the most expensive transfer, a round way trip is $US 365 per person. It’s possible to travel only from 6:00 am to 16:00. If you’re staying on local island Rasdhoo, an extra speedboat will be applied as well.

Speedboat

Scheduled speedboat. On a daily basis, there are 2 speedboats to/from the local island Rasdhoo, price is $US 35 per way per person. If you stay in Kuramathi, they can arrange it as well (cheaper than a seaplane).

Private speedboat. On request, the price is $US 600 per way, 22 pax capacity. Can be arranged at any time.

Public ferry

The slowest transfer. It takes 2,5 hrs to reach Rasdhoo from Male. You can’t use this transfer if you’re staying in Kuramathi or Veligandu.

Diving in Rasdhoo overview

It doesn’t matter your level of experience scuba diving in Rasdhoo atoll has something to tempt you. There are 19 dive sites, including 5-star dive sites making up plenty of variety for a great diving/ snorkeling holiday.

Rasdhoo and Ari Atoll is the place where the best chances of seeing hammerheads are. The season is Jan-Apr, and chances to see is 50/50. These days, it’s possible to see no more than 2-5 sharks. The main reason is the water temperature. Hammerheads prefer cold water, but in the Maldives due to climate change temperature is rising.

Two WWII shipwrecks serve as scuba diving attractions in Rasdhoo Atoll and they are popular with photographers.

Between November and April, manta rays slip into the atoll through the northern channel in search of a cleaning station, known as Manta Block. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

Check: DIVING TOURS

Madivaru Corner is arguably the atoll’s most famous site. Reaching out across one of the southern channels, a horse-shoe-shaped ridge is patrolled by grey reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and schools of eagle rays.

Dive sites in Rasdhoo Atoll

Rasdhoo Beyru

Distance: 03 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Small to Medium – can be strong or very strong

A beautiful wall on the south side of Rasdhoo island with three small thilas which are located on the drop-off edge a bit further away from the island wall. Thilas top starts from 18 to 20 meters which is suitable for beginners to experienced divers but the current can be medium to strong.

It’s possible to see up to 15 turtles in this spot!

Napoleon, white-tip reef sharks, and grey reef sharks can be seen here regularly. Sometimes stingrays rest on the sandy bottom between 25 to 30 meters deep between the wall and thilas. If you are lucky eagle rays and on very lucky days mantas !! This is also a great dive spot for macro fans because so many small creatures can be found here!

Rasdhoo Channel

Distance: 03 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Deep Dive Training or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong

One of the best diving sites in Rasdhoo. Another great dive site for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level because of the negative entry and the depth! All thilas are already well-colonized on the atoll drop-off edge at a depth between 20 to 25 meters between Kuramathi and Rasdhoo island. On the sandy bottom between the thilas, look for stingrays or white-tip reef sharks. While crossing the channel, almost anything is possible like grey reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon, dog-tooth tunas, and many more. On some very lucky days, you may see silver-tip reef sharks! However, this dive can be done only when the current runs into the Atoll!

If you are lucky, you will be able to find a huge school of tuna in the blue water and swim inside a huge fish ball! This is an unforgettable experience.

Holhi Faru

Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

Outside of Kuramathi, we find 3 bays along the main reef of the island. Each bay is surrounded by coral blocks at different depths between 16 – 25 meters where moray eels and lobsters are not rare. Very often you can see stingrays resting underneath coral blocks. On the sandy bottom, you can find white-tip reef sharks, in the shallow part of the bays black-tip reef sharks – do not forget to have a look at the blue for a surprise.

Three Palms

Distance: 08 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

A very nice wall with a reef top starting in shallow water and which can be dived at any depth. Along with the dive, we encounter three big coral blocks in three different areas between 16 – 23 meters, just like « Three Palms ». Anything is possible here, like white-tip reef sharks, stingrays, and even more. Eagle rays also like to drift in the current along this wall. Looking down, beautiful sea fans can be seen. If you are lucky sometimes a green turtle or hawksbill turtle will come and say Hello.

Bodu Gaa

Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

Bodu Gaa means Big Stone in Dhivehi. This Bodu Gaa can be seen on the reef top just a few inches below the surface and is fully covered by multi-colored fish. On the wall between 25-28 meters are two sandy areas where it is not rare to meet white-tip reef sharks or stingrays relaxing for the day. Around 25 – 26 meters, a couple of nice coral blocks are well-located on this sandy bottom. These blocks are full of Kashmir-snappers, oriental sweet-lips, glass fishes even stingrays are possible underneath any of the coral blocks. When there is some current, eagle rays may show up.

Check: DIVING TOURS

Caves

Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift, Overhangs
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

The furthest dive site in the Rasdhoo Atoll takes about 20 minutes to get to from Rasdhoo/Kurmathi, from Veligandu around 35 mins. This beautiful wall is part of our atoll barrier reef which is connected along the very end of the Kuramathi Sandbank on the South Westside. Very nice reef formation with lots of overhangs between 17 to 30 meters. If you start with the reef on your right shoulder – of course, if you are Deep Dive Training or Advanced level then 30 meters swim-through will be the best to start.

Even if you are a beginner you could start within your allowable depth limit and keep drifting because soon you will reach 17 to 20 meters overhang which you can go inside but do not forget to get proper buoyancy under the overhang, otherwise you may hit the ceiling or kick on the sandy bottom which may lead to poor visibility or disturb the stingrays who rest often here! Apart from these two specific overhangs, there are still so many small ones where it is possible to find baby white-tip reef sharks or nurse sharks. It’s great to stay above 20 meters because very often eagle rays pass along the edge of the reef – above your head. Do have a look into the blue for a surprise.

Miyaru Faru

Distance: 30 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift, Overhangs
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

Another wall dive from the atoll barrier reef, but an easy dive site on the outside of the North of the Atoll. The reef slowly goes down between 3 to 10 meters then a steep wall follows. On the bottom 30 to 40 meters, we often see white-tip reef sharks relaxing. On the reef itself, you can see moray eels, lionfish, and for expert eyes even scorpionfish. A nice and easy dive. During manta season even mantas.

Beyru Kandu

Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

A very nice and easy place to dive for beginners, the reef is a steep wall and goes down to approximately 30 meters. A few coral blocks are to be seen on the reef top where lobsters have their « home sweet home ». Along the wall, small holes with nudibranchs, shrimps, and more. During your dive look to the blue or reef top often because, if you are lucky, it is possible to see eagle rays or manta rays and even white-tip reef sharks which often come and say hi to you.

Check: DIVING TOURS

Madi Gaa

Distance: 25 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Coral Block (Mostly sit on the sandy bottom next to the Coral Block)
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

Inside the North Channel, in the manta season (from November to April) there is a good chance of seeing mantas on this dive. A big coral block in 14 m, with the top at 10 m is an attraction for many species of fish. The best is to sit next to the block when mantas are around and watch them circle!

Veligandu North

Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

This dive site offers a top reef separated by a sandy plateau between 5 to 9 meters’ depth, below is a very nice steep wall dropping to around 25 to 30 meters continuing to the atoll drop-off. Along the wall, you can find some overhangs from a depth of 12 to 16 meters in different areas. Sometimes these overhangs are covered by glass fishes, through the glass fishes you may find lobsters or even stingray resting. Lots of macro stuff possible here. If you look carefully, you may find ghost pipefish and even leaf fish inside the overhangs or at the edge of the overhangs. If Madivaru is the capital of the sharks then Veligandu Noth will be the Capital of the moray eels. Please do not forget to have a look into the blue – sharks and more.

Veligandu Beyru/Veligandu East

Distance: 20 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – very rare to get Strong

The Outer Reef of Veligandu is a nice steep wall with a reef top coming up to 3 to 5 meters. On the reef plateau, you will find oriental sweet-lips, jack fishes, tunas, and sometimes napoleon wrasse. Blue always surprises.

Madivaru Reef

Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wall, Drift
Current: Small to Medium – very rare to get Strong

This wall located on the outside reef near the Island of Madivaru is perfect for a nice and easy drift dive. Also, a very good opportunity for beginners to experience dives with medium to strong current. Along the reef, corals are growing nicely and many species of fish can be spotted. Do not forget to turn your head towards the blue where pleasant surprises often appear.

Check: DIVING TOURS

Madivaru Corner

Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Channel Dive
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong

A highlight in the Rasdhoo Atoll for many reasons. This reef is located just in front of the island Madivaru and has some superb overhangs between 26 to 30 meters before a breathtaking drop-off. The real beauty of the dive will be when the current runs along the reef on the right shoulder and into the Atoll. Because with this current you don’t have to swim much because most of the time on your dive you just hold onto some dead coral on the drop-off around 18 meters where the breathtaking show begins. Everybody can find here almost anything they are looking for, from macro to big pelagic species like grey reef sharks, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, napoleon wrasse, shoals of barracuda, jackfish and even giant travelers and dog-tooth tunas chasing baitfish etc. Always worth a dive. Anything is possible, however, the current can be medium to very strong.

Hammerhead Shark Point

Distance: 05 Minutes Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Deep Dive Training or Advanced Divers (Good Buoyancy required)
Type: Bluewater dive with no reference
Current: Medium to Strong – can be very strong

Another highlight, an early morning diving to meet the famous Scalloped Hammerhead shark which can only be seen in a few places in the Maldives. A blue-water dive with no reference. In other words, no reef or bottom where the blue plankton let you think you are flying among the stars. Even without sharks an unforgettable experience. Only for experienced divers with Deep Dive Training or Advanced level, of course, good buoyancy control required! NITROX highly recommended.

These days it’s very rare to spot hammerhead sharks on this site.

Reef Explorer (Wreck Dive)

Distance: 05 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wreck Dive
Current: Small to Medium – can be Strong

A 30-meter fishing boat that sank in the Rasdhoo channel that lies on its side on a sandy bottom, surrounded by garden eels and shrimp in a depth of 12-16 meters. Some big groupers have been spotted here, and a few mantas occasionally patrol the area. Good buoyancy control is needed to avoid kicking up sediment which ruins visibility and take care to avoid many metal structures protruding from the wreck and in the sand. Some nice coral blocks around. Look out for the cleaner shrimp and goby pairs in the sand around the wreck.

Kuramathi Queen (Wreck Dive)

Distance: 08 Minutes from Rasdhoo Local Island
Level: Beginners or Advanced Divers
Type: Wreck Dive
Current: Almost nothing

A well-protected area – just inside the lagoon of Kuramathi. The Kuramathi Queen sits on a sandy bottom, the top of the wreck is at 16 meters, bottom at 20+m. Great for a night dive, very spooky.

Check: DIVING TOURS

Where to stay in Rasdhoo Atoll

There are 3 options to stay in: a luxury island resort, a guest house on Rasdhoo island, and diving liveaboards.

Kuramathi Island resort

An emerald jewel in the turquoise Maldivian waters. Acres of luxuriant vegetation. Spectacular beaches tapering into an endless sandbank. On this stunning Maldives island resort, you can stroll along sandy white beaches and dip your toes in the water to cool off on a balmy day. Spend leisurely hours exploring the vibrant reefs or an afternoon of extravagance at the spa. Indulge in dining and dining experiences to suit your every desire.

Price per room starts from $US 390 per night, on a full board basis.

Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo

There are 18 guest houses in Rasdhoo and 5 dive centers, so is wide.

Based on my personal experience, Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo and Dive Rasdhoo diving center is the best choice. And that’s why

– Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo is an award winner in 2018;
– Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed;
– Dive center owner had experience working in different liveaboards and resorts;
– Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine;
– Shallow Lagoon Rasdhoo has the largest garden area on Rasdhoo;
– Unlimited coffee and tea;
– Own 8 pax capacity speedboat for cruising on nearby islands;
– Really good prices for accommodation, food, and diving;
– Free Airport meet and greet service;

Liveaboards

There are almost 30 liveaboards operating in the Maldives and almost each of them has Rasdhoo in their itinerary. Liveaboard is the best experience for divers as you will visit only the most beautiful dive sites in the area.

My suggestion is Carpe Diem as one of the most affordable liveaboards in the Maldives with European management and long history operating in the Maldives.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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January 2, 2025