Maafushi Island Guide: Budget Stays, Beaches & Getting There

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Why Maafushi

Maafushi sits in Kaafu Atoll (South Malé Atoll), south of the capital. Guesthouse tourism in the Maldives took off here after local islands opened to tourists in 2009. Today it has more guesthouses, dive centres and excursion shops than any other local island, so it's the easiest way to try the budget Maldives for the first time.

Where to stay

Most guesthouses are a few minutes' walk from the bikini beach. Before you book, check the distance to the beach, read recent reviews, see whether breakfast and transfers are included, and find out whether your room faces the street or the sea. Our Maafushi guesthouse checklist goes into more detail.

The bikini beach

Maafushi is a local island, so swimwear is only allowed on the designated tourist beach (the "bikini beach") and on excursions. Everywhere else, dress modestly. Our local island rules guide explains why.

Things to do

• Sandbank picnics and snorkelling half-days
• Dolphin cruises at sunset
• Day passes to nearby resorts
• Snorkelling with nurse sharks and turtles
• Diving with the island's dive centres

Our guide to the best Maafushi excursions breaks them down.

Is Maafushi right for you?

Pick Maafushi if you want convenience and plenty of choice. If you'd rather be somewhere slower and greener, try Thoddoo. If you've come for whale sharks, go to Dhigurah.