Maafushi

During my last visit, I stayed on Maafushi Island for two days, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Located just a 40-45 minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport, Maafushi offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, exciting activities, and authentic local experiences. Unlike the luxurious overwater villas of private resorts, Maafushi is a budget-friendly destination without compromising on the beauty and charm of the Maldives. The island boasts a wide range of hotels and guesthouses, catering to different budgets while ensuring comfort and hospitality. For adventure lovers, Maafushi is a dream destination, offering snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in its crystal-clear waters. Visitors can also explore sandbanks, embark on dolphin-spotting tours, or take day trips to nearby islands for even more breathtaking experiences. In the evening, the island comes to life with live music, beachside BBQs, and cultural performances, creating a vibrant yet relaxing atmosphere. Maafushi is alcohol-free, but for those looking for a drink, a yacht located just a five-minute speedboat ride away serves alcohol. The island also features two mosques, two football fields, a school, a play zone for kids, a skating area and even a prison, adding a unique touch to its landscape. The island is 1.28 km long, with well-planned development ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors. Overall, Maafushi Island is a must-visit for travelers looking for an affordable yet unforgettable Maldivian vacation. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or family, the island offers a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and local culture—all without breaking the bank.

An excellent place for a budget trip in Maldives. Affordable hotel and restaurant prices, and lots of excursion options. Inhabited island, for tourists that means no alcohol and no swimsuit in public places (except on "bikini beach"). Don't expect picture-postcard views, this isn't the "true Maldives", but still very beautiful.

Local island of Maldives. Various options for hotel, restaurant, mart, water sport activities & sea trip agent. We can choose acording to our budget, time preference and activities. While staying here, we can explore the local island locality. There are school, mosque, hospital, police station, water filter stucture, garbage process area, local resident area, prison area & other local beach. In the island there are 2 bikini beach and several non-bikin island. Is it so impressive to have such muslim friendly environment. All food in the island are HALAL & non halal food & drinks are prohibited in the land. The Maafushi people are so kind and friendly. Maybe some foreign workers are not so friendly. We can differentiate the way they treat us by their attitude. -Malaysian & Muslim Traveler - 🇲🇾

Beautiful place. Though it's a small island, but a lot is happening there. One can explore, experience the blue sea, have fun with the activities. Lively place with different people.

Maafushi islands is one of the best islands when you visit Maldives. There are private boats and ferries which will connect you from airport (MLE) to island 🏝️ in around 45 mins - 1 hr time. Scuba 🤿 diving, Para sailing ⛵️, Sea food, Swimming in blue clear sea water , Maldives 🇲🇻 Souvenir shops are the major must do activities. MAAFUSHI DIVE CLUB is a reliable diving tour operators for scuba diving. USD ( preferred) and Maldivian 🇲🇻 Rufiyaas are the currencies accepted. International cards 💳 will work most of the shops and hotels.

One of the best private islands in Maldives! Maafushi Island is very affordable, and some hotels have the best views of the beaches. One of my most favourite hotels is Kaani Beach Hotel. Another one is Arena Veli Seaview. These two hotels have both cheap and expensive rooms, depending on your budget. These hotels also offer free buffet breakfasts and free room upgrades. Besides hotels, Maafushi has some good gift and souvenir shops and plenty of day excursions to private islands. You only collect memories when you visit Maafushi. There are local photographers to capture your special moments. There are Dj parties, live music, destination dining, cultural nights, and a lot more each day of the week. Below are some pictures and videos from my stay.

Disappointing island. There is no longer virgin nature, it has become a very poorly built tourist area, tall buildings on an island so small that it hurts the eyes. Nothing paradise!!! 😭

Very calm island, people are very friendly and helpful. Tourists are also friendly just like myself. Close to the airport(Male) frequent speed boats are available to the airport/male.