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How To Choose A Local Island In Maldives?

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Local islands are reopened on 15 October 2020 onwards. Maldives Reopening Guideline.

How to choose a local island? What 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.

So let’s go.

Rasdhoo

The number of visits is 11. I will start my list from the most visited island. The first visit took place back in 2015, when speed bots went every other day. A lot of things have been 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 no 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 snorkelling.

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 a kayak (we already did this, it’s quite safe). For me, this is the most fascinating and exciting place in 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 from which you can do such an adventure journey.

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, 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.

Nevertheless, the island 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’ say exactly about their seasonality)

And of course, steep beaches for lovers of a relaxing holiday.

Ukulhas

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. Repeatedly 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, comparing 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.

Mathiiveri

Number of visits – 1. I visited this island 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 per 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 very popular island 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.

The only disadvantage is 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

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, stingrays. Cheap transfers and hotels will also be a great addition. Plus, one of the hotels organize an overnight stay on a desert island in a tent and it also organises private dinner on a boat

The disadvantages are the lack of restaurants and shops.

Mahibadhoo

Number of visits – 1. I was there on the way from Omadhoo to Dhangethi but managed to see what is on this island. The island is very similar to the mini version of Hulumale: there is no goo beach, paved roads, industry, just a couple of hotels. Therefore, as for me, there is nothing to do there.

Dhangethi

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

Number of visits – 2. Perhaps the longest local islands 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, especially during the low season. 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 rare.

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

Number of visits – 1. A couple of years ago, I would call this island a mini-resort. And that’s why: the island’s population is only 60-80 people, 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

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

Number of visits – 2. The most famous local island, which has developed the mass tourism direction. The conception of budget Maldives has started from Maafushi. Two factors contributed to this: President Nasheed, who actively promoted the island and the welfare of the locals themselves. Oddly enough, but 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.

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

Number of visits – 1. This island is primarily suitable for surfers due to a large number of sites. The rest of 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 have 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

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, but 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.

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 a plane of local airlines, 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, opened for visiting.

Fulhadhoo

Number of visits – 1. The island is famous for its long, snow-white and deserted beach. And this is his main feature. The reef is more or less okay, there are several sandbanks nearby. Therefore, for privacy, 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 in the Ministry of Tourism, but on different websites you can find more accommodation options. According to the 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 accountable.

And the last island that I mention is Magudhoo.

Magudhoo

Magoodhoo is located in Faafu atoll, which three years ago was almost sold to the Saudis, but the people began to be indignant, so it didn’t. I was there only once at a time when the first guest house had just started to operate. Therefore, I was almost the first tourist there.

I wouldn’t say there is something interesting there. The beach is so-so, the house reef was not impressive either. Therefore, how things are going now, I even don’t know.

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 – even smaller than Mathiveri, but pretty much the same.

Maamigili – no beach, no house reef, but they have airport.

Hangnameedhoo – 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 will 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 is from November to April.

If you have the opportunity to visit several islands – 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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About Author

Welcome! My name is Alex and since 2015 I have been “sick” with Maldives. In 2016-2017 I lived in Maldives and worked at a local travel agency. I managed to personally visit 15 local islands and 10 resorts.

Since 2017, I have been organizing holidays for couples, families and groups. More than 300+ clients from 60 countries have used my service.

Contact me for a free consultation and help with a personal tour to Maldives!

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Как выбрать локальный остров на Мальдивах?

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Как выбрать локальный остров? Что нужно учитывать? Какая разница между островами и как не разочароваться с отдыхом своей мечты.

В этой статье я поделюсь своим опытом и дам краткую характеристику более 20-ти местных островов, которые я посетил за последние 3 года.

Я не буду подробно описывать что на острове можно делать, а лишь ограничусь наиболее значимыми преимуществами и недостатками. Все изложенное ниже – это мои личные мысли/наблюдения, которые, как я надеюсь, будут полезны при выборе острова.

Итак, поехали.

Расду (Rasdhoo)

Кол-во посещений – 11. Начну свой список с самого посещаемого мною острова. Первый визит состоялся в далеком 2015, когда спидботы ходили через день. С тех пор многое изменилось.

Этот остров нельзя назвать “Мальдивским раем” с бесконечным белоснежным пляжем. Тем не менее он меня влюбил в себя. На Расду пляж небольшой, но постоянно убирается. Плюс есть натуральная тень от деревьев и лежаки. Из минусов – немного водорослей (не так много, как на Диффуши) и шум от генератора, от которого пока что избавиться не могут. Я не любитель просто лежать на пляже, поэтому такие вещи меня не волнуют.

Из плюсов – неплохой риф, где я видел много акул (там даже есть поинт, где можно увидеть до 5 акул), скатов и огромные косяки рыб.

В Марте, когда практически нет течения, на домашний риф приплывают косяки batfish, которые очень дружелюбны и буквально окружили меня! Но нужно знать, где сноркать, чтобы увидеть их. Ниже красной линией отмечены наиболее интересные места для снорка.

Домашний риф все еще восстанавливается, но все-равно есть что посмотреть.

Необитаемые острова. Рядом с Расду расположена цепочка из двух необитаемых островов и трех песчаных отмелей. При желании (и во время отлива), их можно все обойти пешком или же пересечь пролив межде Расду и островами на кайаке (мы так уже делали, вполне безопасно). Для меня – это самое красивое и захватывающее место на Мальдивах из всех, что я был (есть с чем сравнить). Поэтому уже ради этого я бы сюда поехал.

Каякинг. Благодаря близкому расположению островов в Расду Атолле, вам предоставляется уникальная возможность отправиться с Расду и обогнуть либо резорт Курамати, либо необитаемые острова. Поэтому самостоятельно можно организовать себе классную морскую прогулку, сноркелинг, посещение островов.

Расду – единственный локальный остров, с которого можно совершить такое путешествие.

Небольшая трудность – это переплыть канал меджу Расду и Курамати/необитаемыми островами. Лучше всего использовать двуместный каяк для вашей же безопасности. Также не рекомендую плыть в ветренную погоду или во время сильных течений в канале; старайтесь держаться на мелководье или поближе к островам.

Дайвинг. Рядом с островом находятся одни из самых крутых мест для погружения на Мальдивах.

Также только на этом острове мне удалось увидеть и попробовать местный кальян (его курят только женщины). Интересная штука, и очень отличается от привычных нам.

Для меня Расду – это один из нескольких островов на Мальдивах, на которые я всегда рад вернуться.

Тодду (Thoddoo)

Количество посещений – 3. Излюбленное место у русскоговорящих туристов. И это вполне понятно: недалеко от Мале, два пляжа, большой и зеленый остров с плантациями. Однако при всем этом иногда чувствуется отношение местных (в первую очередь работников турсферы) к туристам как будто ты находишься в Египте. Также не радуют постоянные разборки у местных между собой, которые в конечном итоге сказываются на сервисе.

Еще из минусов я бы назвал удаленность пляжа от домашнего рифа. Да, у одного из пляжей есть пару кораллов у пляжа, но это совсем мало. Вся жизнь кипит у окраины рифа. Именно там бОльший шанс увидеть акул, черепах и скатов (на втором пляже я как-то видел скатов-манта). А туда еще нужно доплыть.

Тем не менее, остров отлично подходит для семей с детьми, но в зависимости от расположения отеля, придется идти 10-20 мин. Из-за джунглей, на Тодду бывает много москитов (про их сезонность не подскажу)

Ну и конечно же крутые пляжи для любителей именно спокойного отдыха.

Укулас (Ukulhas)

Количество посещений – 6. А этот остров – излюбленное место у итальянцев (около 70% всех туристов именно оттуда). Один из самых длинных бикини-пляжей среди локальных остров расположен именно на Укуласе. Этот пляж мне больше нравится, чем на Тодду (хотя бы потому, что есть где прогуляться по берегу). Плюс домашний риф расположен ближе к пляжу. Неоднократно я там встречал черепах, причем пару раз их было несколько рядом друг с другом. Поэтому с вероятностью в 90% хоть одну но увидеть можно. Также иногда приплывают манты. Акул не очень много. Но чтобы все это увидеть, нужно сноркать по всей длине рифа.

Из минусов – высокая стоимость размещения в сезон, которая может даже конкурировать с некоторыми резортами 3* (Biyadhoo, Fihalhohi, Malahini Kuda Bandos). Помимо этого в несезон поднимаются высокие волны и вода становится мутной, что для снорка не есть хорошо. Один раз меня течение чуть не вынесло за пределы рифа, поэтому никогда не плавайте в одиночку особенно в местах с сильным течением.

Из рядом расположенных достопримечательностей, я бы выделил манта-поинт и песчаные отмели.
Манта-поинт – это область размером 3х3 км, где можно увидеть до 20 особей. При этом, они достаточно дружелюбны и могут сами коснуться тебя.

В районе Укуласа расположено 4 песчаных отмели. Некоторые из них доступны круглый год, другие же – в зависимости от сезона. Я был на трех. Причем иногда бывало такое, что ты там единственный турист. Рядом с некоторыми из них есть крутые рифы с живым и нетронутым кораллом, и косяками рыб.

Мативери (Mathiveri)

Количество посещений – 1. Этот остров я посетил достаточно давно – в 2016, но насколько я знаю там мало что изменилось. Сам Мативери очень маленький остров. В центре есть одно место, откуда можно увидеть все 4 стороны острова. Из трех пляжей только один выделен для туристов. При этом его размер как на Расду. Во время отлива плавать практически невозможно – слишком мелко, при этом до края рифа очень сложно добраться. Рядом с остров есть необитаемый остров, до которого можно добраться либо вплавь, либо на кайаке.

С минусов – нет нормальных ресторанчиков для туристов. Также трансфер достаточно дорогой – 55$ с человека в одну сторону. Про паромы я не говорю так как они ходят всего 3 раза в неделю.

Но рядом расположенные резорты открыты для посещения.

Фериду (Feridhoo)

Количество посещений – 1. Пока еще не очень популярный остров из-за удаленности. Но там расположен самый красивый риф из всех, что я видел. На 80% живой с большим разнообразием кораллов. Однако рыбок, акул и т.д не очень много. Но зато можно его исследовать очень долго. Течение может быть сильным,поэтому лучше держаться поближе к берегу. Второе значимое преимущество – это пляж. Достаточно длинный с удобным заходом в воду.

Из минусов можно выделить стоимость трансфера – 60$ с человека в одну сторону и отсутствие локальных ресторанчиков. Но зато почти нет туристов.

На этом мы закончили с Северным Ари атоллом и переходим к Южному Ари.

Омаду (Omadhoo)

Количество посещений – 3. На мой взгляд – один из самых недооцененных локальных островов. При этом у него много преимуществ: очень даже неплохой и оборудованный туристический пляж, длинный домашний риф, где можно увидеть просто огромные косяки рыб, черепах, акул, скатов. Дешевые трансфер и отели также будут отличным дополнением. Плюс один из отелей организовывают ночевку на необитаемом острове в палатке и он же организовывает приватные ужины на лодке

Из минусов я бы выделил нехватку ресторанчиков и магазинов.

Махибаду (Mahibadhoo)

Количество посещений – 1. Я там был проездом, но успел посмотреть, что есть на этом острове. Остров очень похож на мини версию Хулумале: нет нормального пляжа, асфальтированные дороги, промышленность, всего пару отелей. Поэтому как по мне – там нечего делать.

Дангети (Dhangethi)

Количество посещений – 1. Остров больше подходит для любителей водных видов спорта и дайверов т.к рядом очень много классных дайв спотов. Пляж хоть и оборудован, но очень маленький с водорослями у берега. Из-за погоды, мне там пришлось провести 2 дополнительных дня т.к никто не хотел плыть даже на соседний остров Дигура.

К другим преимуществам я бы отнес наличие большого кол-ва магазинчиков, кафе и близость к споту с китовыми акулами.