Located in the Kaafu Atoll, very close to the city of Malé, the capital of the country, this small island (just over a kilometre long and a mere 300 metres wide) is the perfect place to discover an authentic side of the Maldives. Divided into three parts: the tourist area, the local residential and commercial area, as well as a prison (located at the southern tip of the island and, of course, closed to the public), the island offers an array of experiences not to be missed.
In any case, Maafushi has long been committed to hospitality, opening its doors and welcoming travellers from all over the world. Tourist beaches, shops, restaurants, water sports and excursion companies, accommodation, etc. All this and more can be found in this picturesque corner of the Maldives, which has become one of the most popular local islands in the country in its own right.
- How to get to Maafushi
- A day at the beach: Maafushi’s Bikini Beach
- Underwater paradise: snorkelling in Maafushi
- Swimming with whale sharks: a unique experience
- Touring the island like a local
- Gulhi, Maafushi’s little sister
- Where to eat in Maafushi
- Where to stay in the Maldives
How to get to Maafushi
Maafushi is about 26 kilometres by sea from Velana International Airport and the city of Malé (and therefore from the rest of the world). From there (and from many other points in the Maldivian archipelago), anyone can travel to Maafushi by speedboat (there are shared and private speedboats). In addition, the island is connected (at specific times and days) to the capital itself and other neighbouring islands (Gulhi, Guraidhoo, and Fulidhoo) via the public ferry network (which is the cheapest option, but obviously the slowest).
A day at the beach: Maafushi’s Bikini Beach
As part of its firm commitment to welcoming travellers, Maafushi has its own bikini beach or tourist beach (a tourist-only area not subject to the restrictions of local beaches, where visitors can’t wear bikinis or swimming trunks). Maafushi’s bikini beach is located in the northwest of the island, surrounded by all kinds of amenities (restaurants, cafes, accommodation establishments, etc.). It’s an ideal place to enjoy the sun, the white sand, the crystal clear waters, and the island’s wonderful atmosphere.
In this sense, Maafushi is a large marine “theme park”. On the island you can practise all kinds of water sports, including swimming, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, kitesurfing, paddle surfing, and snorkelling, among others. You can also book a variety of excursions, such as diving/snorkelling trips, fishing charters, swimming with whale sharks, visiting the famous sandbanks, catamaran trips, etc. In short, there are many and varied options for enjoying an unforgettable day of sun and sand.
Underwater paradise: snorkelling in Maafushi
Speaking of underwater attractions, visiting this small island and not exploring its seabed would be a real shame. So, first of all, you can start exploring the area right in front of Maafushi’s bikini beach. There you can easily see all kinds of multicoloured fish, coral areas and, with a bit of luck, the occasional reef shark. You can, of course, bring your own mask, snorkel, fins, etc., but you can also buy/rent them directly there.
However, if you want to fully appreciate the underwater wonders the area has to offer, it’s best to book a snorkelling (or diving) excursion at one of the many water sports centres located directly next to the bikini beach. Less than a 20-minute boat ride from the island, the possibilities and wealth of marine flora and fauna increase enormously. The nearby reefs (Biyadhoo reef, Turtle reef, Maafushi corner, etc.) are home to a real celebration of tropical marine life, exotic, and full of vibrant colours.
Swimming with whale sharks: a unique experience
Without a doubt, one of the best experiences you can have in the Maldives is swimming with these spectacular underwater giants (the largest fish in the world). Fortunately, these imposing and noble creatures live year-round in certain areas of the archipelago, and from Maafushi you can embark on an excursion to swim (snorkel) with whale sharks.
Although these fantastic and harmless marine animals can be found all year round, the best time to see whale sharks is between August and November, gliding alongside giant manta rays at Baa Atoll and South Ari Atoll, particularly within the South Ari Marine Park (SAMPA) protected area.
Touring the island like a local
Outside the very “touristy” bikini beach of Maafushi, the island also invites you to discover its hidden corners and experience it as a local. There are souvenir shops and art galleries, local beaches (where you have to dress appropriately), a couple of mosques, some supermarkets, the football ground, and some administrative buildings. The streets of the island (all white sand, hardened by the passage of motorbikes and the few cars that pass by) reveal a serene and picturesque world that’s well worth a look.
Gulhi, Maafushi’s little sister
Visiting this small island, located about five kilometres to the north (about ten minutes by boat), is one of the most recommended excursions from Maafushi. Tiny and laid-back, Guhli is ideal for unwinding and enjoying its beautiful bikini beach, which is one of the most spectacular in the Maldives. It is, of course, the perfect place for snorkelling.
In tiny Guhli there are also some accommodation establishments, restaurants, cafes, small shops, and water activity centres. In any case, a leisurely stroll around the island to take in the relaxed local atmosphere and enjoy the sea, the sun, and the sand is more than enough to enjoy the inexhaustible charm of this small stone island nestled in the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Where to eat in Maafushi
One of the island’s main attractions is undoubtedly the food. Both typical Maldivian dishes (fish, seafood, coconut, etc.) and influences from around the world make the restaurants and cafés of Maafushi a feast of flavour. This always comes with the hospitality that is the hallmark of this fantastic archipelago. The proof is in the pudding:
Caviar Cafe and Restaurant. Just a stone’s throw from the bikini beach, this terrace-style place (as most of them are) is very popular on the island thanks to its great atmosphere, live music and, of course, its wide variety of dishes, from noodle and rice dishes to pizzas and salads. Their shakes and smoothies are also very famous.
Mr.Octopus – Your holiday Chef. Close to the last one we mentioned, this restaurant in Maafushi also offers a typical mixture of flavours from here and there, with octopus obviously being one of its main attractions. Once again, the good service and friendly atmosphere of the place set the tone for any visit to Mr. Octopus.
Hiyala Mariyaad Cafe’. A couple of streets further south, pastas, pizzas, curries, and noodle and rice dishes of all kinds feature on the menu alongside fresh seafood, fruits of all colours, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. In short, it’s a glimpse into a more local Maldivian experience.
Where to stay in the Maldives
Enjoy an unforgettable stay on your next trip to the Maldives by staying at the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives. Located on the private island of Bodufinolhu in South Ari Atoll (about 50 km from Malé), this exclusive Barceló Group five-star resort has everything you need to experience the Maldives to the fullest.
Its fantastic Water Villas with outdoor terrace and fully equipped Beach Villas are just part of this paradise surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand, and coral gardens. In addition, several bars and restaurants, a wellness centre (a spa, sauna, and gym, etc.), two swimming pools, and a lively beach club, among other options and experiences, are always available to guests of the Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives.
