Maafushi - Easy local travel

Ease of travel, cheap prices, cool backpacker vibe, that's why Maafushi attracts many travellers of all ages. Located in South Male atoll, at around 35min speedboat ride, the island is the undisputed center of independant local tourism.

You can expect a wide range of activities and excursions at unbeatable prices, including many in other atolls - such as swimming with the nurse sharks in Vaavu Atoll or going to Ari Atoll to swim with the whale sharks. There are plenty of hotels who organize these excursions and there are also all sorts of water sports around the (crowded) bikini beach. 

We had anticipated the crowds, and nevertheless enjoyed our time in Maafushi. There are restaurants offering different sorts of cuisine, with top notch service. There are hotel chains - the kind you expect with tower building - and a few smaller establishments, around the beach area.

Apart from the water activities, diving and excursions there is not much to do. Given the number of tourists, there are 'safari boats' parked in the harbor where you could go for a 'offshore' alcoholic drink and party if there are fun people around.

Tips: There are 2 unmissable dive sites around Maafushi, Kandooma Thila and Kuda Giri Wreck. Both are for advanced divers.

We stayed at Triton Beach hotel, that has a small pool.