Maafushi is one of the inhabited islands of the Maldives and since 2009, tourists are also allowed to stay on this island. It is easily accessible from Malé, the capital and the international airport. Maafushi is especially popular among backpackers as you will find affordable hotels and restaurants here. In addition, various activities and day trips are organised from Maafushi! We made our trip to the Maldives combined with our trip to Sri Lanka. Highly recommended!
General information about Maldives
Are you planning a trip to Maafushi, a holiday in the Maldives or would like to combine it with your trip through Sri Lanka? Then take a look at our tips for the best route, the best travel period, and transport to and in the Maldives. This way, you will be prepared for your new adventure!
1. Snorkelling tour from Maafushi, Maldives
On Maafushi, you can book several snorkelling tours. A full-day snorkelling tour costs $50.- p.p and a have day or overnight fishing tour costs $25.- p.p. Almost all organisations go to the same places. We opted for full-day snorkelling with Shadow Palm. In this full-day tour, you will snorkel with dolphins, stingrays, nurse sharks and giant trevallies. You will also visit the longest sandbank in the Maldives and the island of Fulidhoo.
Throughout the day, the guys from Shadow Palm will take free (underwater) photos and, for a fee, drone photos will also be taken for you. We definitely recommend this as it allows you to enjoy your tour to the fullest yourself!
Tip: Staying in the Maldives for a short time? Then book in advance via Instagram or the website contact Shadow Palm. This will ensure you a place. They also offer direct boat transfers on from the airport to Maafushi, read more about transport options here.
Are you going to a resort? Then you can most likely dive into the sea from your villa and enjoy a beautiful colourful underwater world.
2. Take a day trip to one of the resorts
If you visit the Maldives on Instagram or Pinterest past, you mostly see pictures of luxury resorts. But these resorts cost quite a bit of money. Don't feel like paying a few hundred or a thousand euros for a night but still want to experience what a resort holiday is like? Then opt for one of the day trips. You can easily book these trips at your hotel/hostel or at one of the tourist points on the island. A day trip to a resort (all-inclusive) starts at $100, - p.p. This includes transport, lunch and unlimited drinks.
Tip: Choose the right resorts and ask about the possibilities on the island. This way you avoid disappointment if the part of the island you want to visit is not accessible to day guests.
3. Dive tour from Maafushi, Maldives
The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world. Not surprisingly, because the underwater world is beautiful! You will find nurse sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and many colourful fish. We did not do a dive tour ourselves but heard many positive stories about Maafushi Dive & Watersports. This is diving school on the island that takes you to different places.
4. Whale shark or Manta tour from Maafushi, Maldives
Besides the possibility of choosing a half-day or full-day tour, there are also specific tours for manta rays and whale sharks. Unfortunately, we were advised against this tour as it was not the right time. So make sure you ask what are the chances of spotting these animals. This tour costs about $100, -p.p.
5. Explore the island of Maafushi
Maafushi is not the most beautiful island in the Maldives, but a walk around the island is still worthwhile. You'll find colourful houses, palm trees and white beaches all over the island! Now you might be thinking, so that will be a long walk... but it's not so bad! Within an hour, you will definitely have walked around the entire island.
6. Bikini beach
The Maldives is a Muslim country so you are not allowed to walk around in your beachwear everywhere. This applies to both men and women. But Bikini beach is an exception! You'll find the beach next to the Kaani Grand Seaview hotel. Keep in mind that this is not the prettiest beach. But it is a perfect place to spend a few hours in the sun.
7. Island hopping
Want to explore several islands? Then go island hopping! You can choose to stay on an island for a few days and then travel on, or opt for a day trip. You will then sail to several islands in one day.
We visited the local island of Fulidhoo on our snorkelling tour with Shadow Palm. You get an explanation of the island, the buildings, how the locals live and much more. It's fascinating to see that people can still live so ‘simply’.
8. Visit Malé
Are you in the Maldives for a longer time and have already done many excursions? Then take the Ferry to the capital of the Maldives, Malé. A special city where you experience a totally different atmosphere from the islands. You can visit the Sultan's Palace here and the fish market.
Where is the best place to stay on Maafushi?
Maafushi has plenty of choice when it comes to hostels, guesthouses and hotels. So you can find suitable accommodation here for every budget. We stayed at Alaka at Maafushi An excellent hostel for a low price!
Want to know more about Maafushi or a holiday in the Maldives? Check out here all our blogs about this impressive country. Prefer an organised trip? Then check out the website of Tui or Fox Travel From the ANWB.
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