Maafushi
Island ·

Maafushi

Island ·

Affordable Maldivian island destination for backpackers and resorts

water sports
scuba diving
friendly staff
sea food
swimming
souvenir shops
halal food
alcohol-free
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null
Maafushi by null

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Last updated

Jan 20, 2026

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@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,539 Cities

The Best Places to Travel Solo, According to a Traveler Who Has Visited 65 Countries Alone

"A backpacker-friendly island option in the Maldives that caters to budget travelers; the author notes that even staying at a resort on the island can be accomplished for under $350 per day, making it a more affordable entry point to the destination." - Katie Jackson Katie Jackson Katie Jackson is a New York City-based writer who covers travel, food, and more. Her work has appeared in USA Today, The Sunday Times, Esquire, Outside, New York Post, and Travel + Leisure, among others. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-solo-travel-destinations-8775852
Maafushi
@travelleisure
28,641 Postcards · 5,539 Cities

The Best Places to Travel Solo, According to a Traveler Who Has Visited 65 Countries Alone

"An island in the Maldives catering to backpackers, offering affordable stays." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-solo-travel-destinations-8639283
Maafushi
@nomadicmatt
6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

An In-Depth Guide to Seeing the Maldives on a Budget in 2025

"When I arrived on Maafushi, I found it to be a horrible place that felt like the victim of uncontrolled development: hotels were sprouting up everywhere, boats shuttled frequent tour groups to Malé, and there was one small, overcrowded, overbuilt beach while much of the island outside the tourist area was a trash-covered dump. I worried it would become the next Ko Phi Phi. Still, Maafushi is useful for diving and snorkeling and served as a convenient launching pad to prettier, quieter islands like Gulhi and Fulidhoo." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/maldives-budget-travel/
Maafushi
@silverkris
10,054 Postcards · 2,272 Cities

How to live like a local in and around Male, Maldives - SilverKris

"A lively island in Kaafu Atoll where visitors can observe everyday Maldivian life: coral-built mosques and houses, sandy roads traversed by beach bikes (there are no cars), and schools shaded by coconut palms; noted as one of the archipelago’s most happening islands." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/travel-tips/live-like-local-around-male-maldives/
Maafushi

Ibrahim S.

Google
Maafushi Maldives, is offering water sports to wellness… island exploring to horse ride…

Samsul A.

Google
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.

ansonbj

Google
It is an ideal community island for those seeking cost-effectiveness, suitable for surfing and beach volleyball. Sea turtles come ashore here to lay eggs, and the local residents are very friendly. It's a fantastic experience.

Balázs K.

Google
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.

Junayed R.

Google
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.

Fauzana Z.

Google
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 - 🇲🇾

Kanyaka S.

Google
🥹🥲Staying at the iCom Marina in Maafushi we felt so sorry for the 8 lovely Macaw and Ara Parrots outside. Looks like nobody really takes care of them except the hotel staff who gives water and white bread a few times a day. Having parrots ourselves we know that is not a healthy diet, so we bought some nuts and fresh fruit for them daily and spent some time caring for and playing with them. It was easy to see it affected their well being. Any bird lovers visiting Maafushi please consider to help these lovely animals with something to boost their diets and give them some love 💕

Ranish P

Google
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.