Bikini beach
A designated bikini beach on the north of the island is the place for swimwear, sunbathing and swimming. Elsewhere on the island, dress modestly.
LOCAL ISLAND GUIDE · SOUTH MALÉ ATOLL
Maafushi, the original guesthouse island
The best-known guesthouse island. Best for first-time visitors, water sports, easy excursions and a wide choice of guesthouses.
AtollKaafu (South Malé Atoll)
From MaléAbout 26 km south, around 30 minutes by speedboat
Island sizeAbout 1.3 km long, with a large visitor community
Best forWater sports, snorkelling, island hopping
ABOUT THE ISLAND
Maafushi in a few words
Maafushi is the most developed of the Maldives' local islands for visitors. It has more guesthouses and guest beds than any other inhabited island, so it is easy to find somewhere that fits your budget and style, and easy to book excursions from your door.
It is lively compared with other local islands, with cafés, small shops and dive centres along the main street, yet it is still a Maldivian community, with a school, mosques and families going about their day.
FAMOUS FOR
What Maafushi is known for
Water sports
Jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, wakeboarding and glass-bottom boats are all offered, along with diving and snorkelling trips to nearby reefs.
Sandbank and resort trips
Day trips to sandbanks, picnic islands, dolphin-watching cruises and visits to nearby resort islands leave from the island every day.
Everything within a short walk
The island is about 1.3 km long and easy to walk or cycle, with restaurants, supermarkets and souvenir shops close to the guesthouses.
HOW TO GET THERE
Reaching Maafushi
Ferry and speedboat times change by season and by day. Share your flight and we confirm the right transfer for your dates.
Speedboats from Malé take roughly 30 minutes. A public ferry also runs from the Villingili terminal in Malé, taking about an hour and a half to two hours, but it does not run on Fridays and has few departures.
From the airport, private and shared speedboat transfers are the most convenient. We book the one that matches your flight time.
- Wear swimwear only at the bikini beach. In the village, cover shoulders and knees.
- Alcohol is not sold on Maafushi. Please do not bring it onto the island.
- Water sports and boat trips should be booked through your guesthouse or a licensed operator.
- Friday prayers close shops and cafés for part of the day, and public ferries do not run.
GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go
- It is the busiest local island, so book early for peak months (December to April).
- Many cafés, small shops and tour desks prefer cash, so bring some US dollars.
- Because of its size and choice, Maafushi suits couples, families and friends travelling together.
- If you prefer quiet, ask us about calmer islands such as Gulhi or Omadhoo.
WHERE TO STAY
Stays and holidays on Maafushi
Guest houses we work with
Ask us for dates, availability and a quote.
Planning a trip to Maafushi?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply on WhatsApp with options, transfers and a clear plan.
OTHER ISLANDS