Maafushi Island is one of the biggest and most beautiful islands in the Maldives. Located in Kaafu Atoll about 27 km away from the airport of Male, this island is home to over 2700 people. The island is an idyllic destination that strikes a perfect balance between lifestyle and convenience. It is rather easily accessible from Male Airport. Just hop on to a speed boat and enjoy your 45-minute ride to this beautiful island. And as you leave for your vacay don’t forget to carry this things to do on Maafushi Island list!
9 Fun Things To Do On Maafushi Island
Maafushi is a hidden gem that not many know of. The very first guesthouse for tourists was built only in the year 2009, and since then several more have mushroomed across the island. Unlike other commercialized tourist destinations, a stay at Maafushi is relaxing and rejuvenating.
- Snorkeling: Witness The Marine Life!
- Sandbank Tours: Explore Around!
- Night & Day Fishing: Catch Uniques Species Of Fishes!
- Island Hopping: Explore The Nearby Islands!
- Local Culture: Socialize A Bit!
- Dolphin Safari: Spot The Cute Creatures!
- Luxury Resort Stay: Get Pampered!
- Bikini Beach: Get That Gorgeous Tan!
- Floating Bar & Safari: Grab A Beer Or Two!
1. Snorkeling: Witness The Marine Life!
All guesthouses and 3 diving companies in Maafushi offer exciting trips to breathtaking reefs that are full of beautiful corals and are teeming with marine life. Some of the best snorkeling sites are Maavelaathu, Banana Reef, Vilivaru Corner, and Maafushi Corner. You may also enroll in a PADI certified snorkeling course if you are a beginner and would like to learn a few quick snorkeling tips. An experienced instructor will guide you through the reef and give you interesting tidbits about all the magnificent things you will see under the ocean. Be sure to carry a mask, fins, and snorkel, from home if you can, as the gear is quite overpriced at the island.
Best Snorkeling Sites: Maavelaathu, Banana Reef, Vilivaru Corner, and Maafushi Corner
Must Read: 17 Best Maldives Beach Resorts That Are A Perfect Blend Of Luxury & Elegance
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2. Sandbank Tours: Explore Around!
No trip to the Maldives is complete without a sandbank excursion. Sandbanks are made from snow-white sand that form in a shallow area of the sea. The colors emanating from a sandbank are truly mesmerizing, with different shades of greens and blues blending into each other creating a masterpiece like no other. When you sign up for a sandbank trip, you will be taken to a small sandbank for a whole day! You will get to dive into the lagoon, and also snorkel the outer reef if you wish to. These tours are semi-private tours, where you get to enjoy the beautiful ocean all by yourself!
Best Time For The Tour: January and February
3. Night & Day Fishing: Catch Uniques Species Of Fishes!
Most guest houses in Maafushi organize fishing tours for their patrons not just during day time, but also at night. If the guest house you are staying at doesn't offer this, simply walk up to the nearest dive center for an attractive package. The fish that you catch can be cooked in a restaurant for a really small charge. Or, you could set up a barbeque yourself and savor your catch as you watch the sun go down against the backdrop of the beautiful blue waters.
Different Species Of Fishes: Tuna, Emperors, Dolphinfish, Barracuda, Squirrelfish
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4. Island Hopping: Explore The Nearby Islands!
If you are tired of just snorkeling and fancy a change of scenery, head out to do some island hopping. There are a number of islands around Maafushi that you can explore. Your guest house will gladly arrange private transfers with a guide, upon request. A number of tour operators also provide island hopping packages at rather affordable rates. The most popular island-hopping day trip is to the capital city Male. But, if you wish to spend a quiet day exploring away from the crowd, be sure to ask the tour operator to customize a trip to one of the many quieter local islands. A day trip will include breakfast as well as lunch with an option for you to upgrade to an all-inclusive luxury day trip.
You may also choose to stay overnight in a water bungalow at one of the many resorts on the island you visit. A day of island or resort will cost you anything between $25 to $145 per person. Many of these tours also include exclusive spa packages! The transfers to and fro, the islands are generally done by boat!
5. Local Culture: Socialize A Bit!
Despite the fact that Maafushi is a small island with a slow pace of life, there are a number of interesting attractions, that you can explore. The best attraction is, of course, the sand kissed beaches. But, after a long day of soaking in the sun, you can step out for an evening stroll through the main street of the city and experience the local culture, first hand.
You will see a number of local convenience stores, a football pitch, dozens of bistros, local homes, and hair salons on this self-sufficient island. Be sure to carry a coverall to throw over your bikini, as walking on the streets of Mafushi requires for you to be clothed! At the end of the main street, to the very south of the island, is the daunting Maafushi prison. The prison looks imposing and is surrounded on all sides by a metal fence that has menacing jagged edges!
Suggested Read: Maldives In December: A Guide To Explore This Tropical Paradise, The Way You Want To!
6. Dolphin Safari: Spot The Cute Creatures!
If you are afraid of diving deep into the water, then one of the things you can enjoy on the water is Dolphin Safari. There are numerous operators that organize a Dolphin watching trip. Head on the motorboat and drive to the middle of the ocean where you will meet a school of fascinating dolphins. They are the most intelligent and cutest creatures in the water. When you get to see them from so close, it is a magnificent experience. One or two of these dolphins might jump out of the water and show their skills. So, keep your cameras handy.
7. Luxury Resort Stay: Get Pampered!
One of the must things to do in Maafushi island is to book a stay in one of those luxury resorts located right by the ocean. Maafushi gives you an excellent opportunity to enjoy a stay at one of these resorts where you can wake up to the enthralling views of the ocean and enjoy other luxuries in the resort. This kind of place is perfect for couples on honeymoon or romantic vacation.
Best Resorts: Six Senses Laamu, Rahaa Resort
8. Bikini Beach: Get That Gorgeous Tan!
There is a total of three beaches in Maafushi Island and Bikini Beach is one of them. It is the most liberal beach on Maafushi Island. Since it is an Islamic Island, there are strict cultural laws even tourists need to follow. But don’t worry! At Bikini Beach, women or girls can wear their favorite swimsuits and enjoy a carefree day by the beach without any fear of judgment. There are numerous restaurants on the beach and you can even rent sunbeds to get a perfect suntan.
Location: Maafushi Island, Maldives
9. Floating Bar & Safari: Grab A Beer Or Two!
Maafushi is an Islamic island which prohibits the consumption of alcohol on the island. But this does not mean you cannot have a can of beer on your island holiday. In fact, there is an interesting way to enjoy good food and drinks. What is that- Floating Cruise & Safari. The cruise organizes evening tours where alcohol and food are served. What is better than enjoying a beer with a view while floating on the water. There is even a lavish room where you can spend the night. It is one of the best things to do on Maafushi Island.
Further Read: 5 Underwater Restaurants In Maldives That Offer An Out Of The World Experience!
The best time to visit Maafushi is in summer between December and January. Plan to stay on the island for at least 4 days if you wish to explore and enjoy water activities. So, what are you waiting for? Catch a sunrise, sunbathe by the beach, get adventurous, and have a blast on Maafushi Island on your next trip to Maldives.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do On Maafushi Island
Can you drink on Maafushi Island?
No, alcohol is banned in the Maldives and it is not available in Maafushi Island as well.
Which is the best month to visit the Maldives?
The best months to visit the Maldives are November and April as the weather is hot and sunny. You can relax on the beaches and make the most out of your vacation.
What is the cheapest month to go to the Maldives?
September, October, and November are considered the cheapest months to visit the Maldives.
Is Maafushi Island worth visiting?
Yes, Maafushi Island is one of the best destinations to visit and it is totally worth visiting. Your vacation will be a mix of Beaches, local food, and dolphins.
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
