Renowned for its water sports and laid-back atmosphere, Maafushi is an inhabited Maldives island in the Kaafu Atoll. It’s a popular island-hopping destination for tourists from neighbouring resort islands, ringed by palm-fringed beaches, coral reefs and idyllic sandbanks that can be explored on a range of daily excursions.

Things to do

Spend a day relaxing on the sands of Bikini Beach, which lies on the north side of the island and is divided into two by a breakwater. You can join a snorkelling excursion to discover the vibrant marine life of the house reef or venture further afield to the colourful coral gardens at Maavelaathu, Banana Reef and Villivaru Corner.

Scuba divers can select from several dive centres to complete a certification course or join a day trip, with colourful coral reefs and fascinating wrecks to explore. Other water sports available on Maafushi include jet-skiing, windsurfing and parasailing while excursions to Ari Atoll offer a chance to swim with whale sharks.

For a quintessential Maldives experience, visit one of the neighbouring sandbanks for a picnic lunch, followed by time spent swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Anglers are also well catered for with both day and night fishing charters, with the opportunity to lure marlin, sailfish and barracuda.

Getting around

Maafushi is connected by a regular ferry service to Male or private speed boats that can be chartered. Velana International Airport on Hulhulé Island is a 15-minute taxi ride from the ferry terminal in Male. Bicycles are available to rent on Maafushi, although the island is small enough to explore on foot.