Stingrays at the shore
Rays gather in the shallows on the south-western side of the island, in the morning and at night, and visitors can watch them from the beach. Sightings are common but never guaranteed.
LOCAL ISLAND GUIDE · VAAVU ATOLL
Fulidhoo, small island with big marine life
Stingrays, sharks and Vaavu diving. Best for wildlife, snorkelling, divers and travellers who want somewhere small and traditional.
AtollVaavu Atoll
From MaléAbout 56 km south, around 1.5 hours by speedboat
Island sizeAbout 675 m by 200 m, around 400 residents
Best forStingrays, sharks, diving, traditional culture
ABOUT THE ISLAND
Fulidhoo in a few words
Fulidhoo is a very small island in Vaavu Atoll with a few hundred residents, a large lagoon that serves as a natural harbour and a handful of guesthouses. There are no big resorts, which keeps it peaceful.
It is well known for wildlife close to the shore, and Vaavu Atoll's channels and reefs attract divers from all over the world.
FAMOUS FOR
What Fulidhoo is known for
Shark snorkelling
Trips to Shark Point let you snorkel with nurse sharks and reef sharks, and certified divers can join night dives.
Vaavu Atoll diving
Channels, caves and coral gardens around Vaavu are a favourite of divers, and Fulidhoo is a good base for exploring them.
Local traditions
Fulidhoo is known for its traditional Langiri drum dance and Thaara, performed on special occasions. If you are there for one, it is a memorable evening.
HOW TO GET THERE
Reaching Fulidhoo
Ferry and speedboat times change by season and by day. Share your flight and we confirm the right transfer for your dates.
Speedboats run from Malé to Fulidhoo, usually in the morning, taking roughly an hour and a half. Public ferries run a few times a week and take around three and a half to four hours.
There is no direct ferry to other tourist islands such as Maafushi, Dhigurah or Omadhoo, so we plan combinations through Malé or by private boat.
- Wear swimwear only at the bikini beach, and dress modestly in the village.
- Alcohol is not sold on the island.
- Do not touch or feed the stingrays and sharks. If a ray brushes past you, that is fine.
- Friday is the prayer day, with shops and cafés closing for part of it.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
- Because the island is so small, guesthouses usually offer half or full board, which is practical when you are out on trips all day.
- Dry season is roughly December to April. May to November is wetter and quieter.
- Ask us about combining Fulidhoo with another island in a longer trip.
- Bring cash. ATMs and card machines are limited on small islands.
WHERE TO STAY
Stays and holidays on Fulidhoo
Guest houses we work with
Holiday packages
Ask us for dates, availability and a quote.
Planning a trip to Fulidhoo?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply on WhatsApp with options, transfers and a clear plan.
OTHER ISLANDS