MALDIVES LOCAL ISLANDS
Do you want to visit Maldives? Paradise is much closer than you might think - read on!
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the middle of the Indian Ocean, renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. This island nation is made up of 26 atolls and over 1.000 islands, making it a haven for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. While many associate the Maldives with luxurious overwater villas, the local islands offer an authentic and affordable alternative to experience Maldivian culture and lifestyle.
During our trips to the Maldives, we’ve had the chance to explore several local islands, and we’re excited to share our recommendations to help you choose the perfect destination for your trip. Whether you’re looking for adventure and excursions, serene tranquility, luxurious options, or more budget-friendly alternatives, we’ve got you covered. ​​​
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⇲ Maafushi
⇲ GULHI
⇲ DHIFFUSHI
⇲ THULUSDHOO
⇲ FULIDHOO
⇲ DHIGURAH
⇲ RASDHOO
MAAFUSHI
Maafushi is one of the most popular local islands in the Maldives. Located in the Kaafu Atoll (also known as South Malé), it’s just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé. This easily accessible island blends beautiful beaches with vibrant local life. It’s undoubtedly the liveliest island in the Maldives, though it’s worth noting that alcohol is prohibited due to religious reasons. The only ways to consume alcohol in the country are by staying at a resort or visiting the party boat anchored near Maafushi’s harbor.
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The best part about visiting Maafushi is the wide range of activities and excursions available. From snorkeling and diving to sandbank visits and countless other unforgettable experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do. The island also offers a broad selection of accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly options to more luxurious stays. Additionally, Maafushi boasts many restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Maldivian dishes as well as international options like pizza, burgers, and more.
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However, Maafushi’s popularity does come with a few drawbacks to keep in mind. During the high season, the island sees a large influx of tourists, which can detract from the sense of tranquility if you’re looking for complete relaxation. Moreover, while it’s a local island, the growing tourism industry has created a more commercial atmosphere. For this reason, we recommend pairing your visit with another local island to enjoy a more authentic experience and immerse yourself in true Maldivian life.
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As for Maafushi’s Bikini Beach, it’s a pleasant spot to relax, but it doesn’t quite compare to the crystal-clear waters you’ll find on other islands. That said, we were amazed when we went snorkeling right off the shore. Within minutes, we spotted rays, eagle rays, turtles, colorful fish, and more – a truly magical experience!
GULHI
Gulhi is a small and charming local island in the Maldives, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a more authentic experience. Located just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé or 10 minutes from Maafushi, it belongs to the same Kaafu Atoll.
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One of Gulhi’s main attractions is its stunning "Bikini Beach", ideal for soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea in a peaceful setting. At the center of the beach, you’ll find the iconic swing with the words 'I LOVE GULHI', making it a perfect spot for photos. You can also easily swim out to the reef surrounding the beach, where you’ll discover a vibrant underwater world filled with fish and corals—highly recommended! The island has a small local community, giving you the opportunity to experience Maldivian culture up close as you stroll through its streets, visit small artisan workshops, or enjoy traditional cuisine at local restaurants.
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Although Gulhi is smaller and offers fewer accommodation options compared to other islands, it provides excellent value for money with its cozy guesthouses. We recommend staying one to two nights to fully enjoy its charm. However, keep in mind that its dining and activity options, while pleasant, are somewhat limited for longer stays.
DHIFFUSHI
Dhiffushi is a peaceful and authentic local island in the Maldives, located in the Kaafu Atoll – North Malé. Just 45 minutes by speedboat from Malé, it’s an ideal destination for those who want to escape mass tourism while still enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty that defines these islands. Dhiffushi features two Bikini Beaches: the first, known as Bibee Beach (according to Maps), is situated in the northern part of the island. Though small, it’s perfect for enjoying its clear waters. However, caution is needed as speedboats heading to the harbor pass very close to the shore at high speeds. The second Bikini Beach, located at the southern tip of the island, is stunning. Here, you can walk into the shallow, crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot to unwind. It’s not uncommon to spot baby sharks swimming near the shore, but they’re harmless and usually swim away if you try to approach them.
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The island offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from simple guesthouses to slightly more upscale options like those from the Stone hotel chain, all providing excellent value for money. When it comes to dining, there are plenty of choices, including local restaurants. However, prices tend to be slightly higher than on other local islands.
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While Dhiffushi doesn’t offer as many activities as Maafushi, you can still book excursions for snorkeling, diving and visiting nearby sandbanks. The sandbank we visited between Dhiffushi and Thulusdhoo was one of the most beautiful places we’ve seen in the Maldives. In summary, Dhiffushi is a great choice for those seeking a more relaxed and slightly exclusive experience within the local island category, offering the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives without the crowds.
THULUSDHOO
Thulusdhoo is a local island known for its relaxed atmosphere and connection to authentic Maldivian life. Located about 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé, in the Kaafu Atoll – North Malé, it’s famous for being one of the best islands in the Maldives for surfing. If you’re a surf enthusiast or want to try the sport for the first time, this island is a must-visit destination. However, don’t make the same mistake we did on our first trip to the Maldives and dismiss it just because you’re not a surfer. Thulusdhoo has so much more to offer: you can enjoy idyllic beaches, including the sandbank at the island's western tip, known as Sunset Beach, a perfect spot to unwind and take in the views.
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On the eastern side, you’ll find the island’s Bikini Beach, featuring white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters protected by breakwaters near the shore. For snorkeling enthusiasts, it’s easy to swim out to the reef just behind the breakwaters, where you’ll discover a variety of marine life. The beach also offers water sports like paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and more.
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Thulusdhoo provides a range of accommodations, from simple budget-friendly options to more comfortable guesthouses. The island’s restaurants serve both traditional Maldivian dishes and international cuisine, making it a great spot for travelers looking to escape mass tourism and immerse themselves in Maldivian culture. While Thulusdhoo is less developed in terms of tourism infrastructure, it still offers incredible experiences. We went on two dives at nearby reefs, and they were absolutely spectacular. This island is a perfect choice for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation and authentic island life.
fulidhoo
Fulidhoo is a beautiful local island in the Maldives that perfectly combines tranquility and natural beauty. Located about 60 minutes by speedboat from Malé, in the Vaavu Atoll, Fulidhoo is renowned for its pristine landscapes, featuring white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
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Under ideal sea conditions, with little to no waves, the Bikini Beach and the harbor area are absolutely stunning—they could easily rank among the best beaches in the Maldives. However, we recommend avoiding the beach on the western side of the island; during our visit, it resembled more of a dumping ground than a beach, with litter scattered everywhere. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed soon.
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Like other local islands, Fulidhoo offers a great range of accommodations with excellent value for money. The island also has several restaurants, located along the main street and near the beach, where you can enjoy local cuisine in a calm and relaxed setting.
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While smaller and less developed for tourism, Fulidhoo still has plenty to offer. Beyond relaxing on its turquoise beaches, snorkeling and diving are popular activities, with nearby coral reefs providing an excellent opportunity to explore marine life. We suggest visiting Fulidhoo as part of a Vaavu Atoll excursion from Maafushi to swim with nurse sharks, or including it in your itinerary for a stay of at least 2 to 4 days to fully appreciate its charm.
DHIGURAH
Dhigurah is a local island located in the South Ari Atoll, about 70 minutes by speedboat from Malé, and it’s undoubtedly one of our favorites. This destination is perfect for those looking for a relaxed experience while still enjoying breathtaking landscapes and a wide range of water activities. The island is known for its long Bikini Beach with fine white sand and stunning turquoise waters, the beautiful sandbank at one end, and its easy access to coral reefs, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling. Additionally, it’s located in a prime area for swimming with whale sharks, which adds to its uniqueness.
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Dhigurah offers simple yet comfortable accommodations, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to hotels with more amenities. Life on the island is peaceful, allowing you to experience the warm hospitality of the locals as you explore its streets and small shops. When it comes to dining, Dhigurah boasts a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Maldivian dishes.
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In summary, Dhigurah is an excellent choice for those seeking tranquility in a stunning natural setting. With its crystal-clear beaches and lush palm trees, it’s the perfect place to experience the Maldives without the crowds.
RASDHOO
Rasdhoo is one of our favorite local islands due to the unforgettable experiences we had there. Located in the Alif Alif Atoll, also known as North Ari, it’s just 60 minutes by speedboat from Malé. This peaceful island boasts stunning natural beauty and coral reefs that are perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts like us. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just starting out, Rasdhoo is an ideal place to explore the underwater world. For moments of relaxation, the Bikini Beach offers beautiful white sand, crystal-clear waters, hammocks to lounge in, and swings to enjoy the ocean views.
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When it comes to accommodations, Rasdhoo has a good range of guesthouses, from basic options to more comfortable stays, making it accessible for all budgets. The island also provides a glimpse into local life, with quiet streets and authentic corners to explore. While the dining options are more limited compared to other tourist-heavy islands, the quality of the food is excellent, and you’ll have the chance to try fresh seafood and traditional Maldivian dishes.
One of the must-do activities in Rasdhoo is swimming with reef sharks, and for the more adventurous, it’s also one of the best places to spot hammerhead sharks. The island has a strong focus on diving, with plenty of PADI and SSI dive centers offering access to nearby coral reefs. However, snorkeling excursions are slightly more limited compared to other islands. We did our first scuba diving experience here, at Kuramathi House Reef, and the crystal-clear waters allowed us to witness incredible marine life. It’s an experience we’ll never forget!
OTHER LOCAL ISLANDS
THODdOO
Thoddoo, located in the Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari), is about two hours by speedboat from Malé and 30 minutes by boat from Rasdhoo. Known for its local agriculture, particularly its watermelon production, the island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Its Bikini Beach, surrounded by lush vegetation, provides the perfect spot to relax and unwind in a peaceful environment.
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Ukulhas
Ukulhas, also in the Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari), is approximately 90 minutes by speedboat from Malé and 30 minutes from Rasdhoo. Renowned for its environmental commitment, Ukulhas is considered one of the cleanest islands in the Maldives. It features a wide Bikini Beach and a fantastic range of water activities, such as snorkeling and diving in its vibrant coral reefs.
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Huraa
Huraa, located in the Kaafu Atoll (North Malé), is just 30 minutes by speedboat from Malé. This tranquil island is one of the closest local islands to the capital and offers visitors a relaxing escape. Huraa boasts a beautiful Bikini Beach and a chance to explore Maldivian culture. Don’t miss the unique saltwater lagoon separated from the ocean—a hidden gem of the island.
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Guraidhoo
Guraidhoo, situated in the Kaafu Atoll (South Malé), is about 40 minutes by speedboat from Malé. Known for its authentic charm, the island offers a lively local atmosphere and proximity to popular surf spots. While the Bikini Beach is small, Guraidhoo makes up for it with its bustling streets, cultural vibe, and convenient access to nearby islands and water activities.
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Omadhoo
Omadhoo, located in the South Ari Atoll, is a peaceful retreat about 90 minutes by speedboat from Malé. The island is known for its natural beauty, featuring a long Bikini Beach surrounded by lush greenery and crystal-clear waters. With vibrant nearby reefs, Omadhoo is an excellent destination for relaxation and snorkeling enthusiasts.
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Dhangethi
Dhangethi, in the South Ari Atoll, is about 90 minutes by speedboat from Malé and only 15 minutes from Dhigurah. This tranquil island offers a quieter alternative to more tourist-heavy spots like Dhigurah. Dhangethi boasts a spacious Bikini Beach and is ideally situated near fantastic snorkeling and diving sites, including areas known for whale sharks and manta rays. It’s the perfect destination for blending relaxation with underwater adventures.
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