The island of Maafushi is one of the most visited local islands in the Maldives. It is the place to experience turquoise lagoons, sandy beaches, engaging water sports and authentic Maldivian island living. Located in South Male Atoll, Maafushi Island also boasts an array of guest houses, restaurants, diving schools and excursion companies.
Different from expensive luxurious resorts, Maafushi allows tourists to get acquainted with the Maldives at a budget-friendly rate and in proximity of the country’s amazing underwater world. There are many activities in Maafushi for couples, families and thrill-seekers – from unwinding on Bikini Beach to snorkeling among marine life.
Here are some of the top activities you may want to include in your Maafushi vacation plans.
1. Relax at Bikini Beach
First on your agenda should be Bikini Beach. It is a special place where visitors can have fun swimming and basking in swimwear.
This includes sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a beautiful tropical atmosphere. Spend your morning sunbathing or photographing the stunning landscape of Maldives, by taking a swim at the lagoon.
Please keep in mind that Maafushi is a Muslim community of locals, therefore tourists must dress decently except in tourist beaches.
2. Go Snorkelling in South Male Atoll
One of the most common activities in Maafushi is snorkelling. There are local guides who take tourists to nearby reefs for discovering amazing corals and marine animals.
Depending on the chosen activity, you can come across different sea animals including turtles, rays, reef fish and others. Many diving and other water sport agencies on the island offer such excursions both for beginners and experienced tourists.
Make sure you choose a reliable agency that follows all the rules regarding sea life.
3. Have a Day Out in the Sandbanks
Sandbank tours make for another exciting activity that awaits you in Maafushi Island. The sandbanks represent small pieces of white sandy land surrounded by crystal-clear water and making the perfect scene from a Maldives postcard.
It is common for tours involving sandbanks to combine the latter with snorkelling at one or two nearby reefs. You will be able to swim in the lagoon, sunbathe on the beach, and take some memorable pictures of your holiday.
The sandbank tour is particularly recommended to couples interested in relaxation but other groups of tourists can join it as well.
4. Dive in the Underwater World of the Maldives
Maafushi Island will be perfect for those who are planning to explore the underwater world of the Maldives. There are several local diving companies offering tours for both beginners and experienced divers.
Beginner divers can have a look at the reef under professional supervision, while experienced divers can check out some of the deeper reef sites.
Encounters with the marine life can be numerous, including various kinds of reef fish, turtles, rays, and even reef sharks.
5. Join a Dolphin Cruise
A dolphin cruise at sunset provides travelers in Maldives with the combination of two famous things: sunset over the Indian Ocean and a search for dolphins in the surrounding waters.
Such boat rides are usually organized in the evening as it is then that the colors of the ocean are orange and gold due to soft light conditions, and spotting a dolphin pod could become an unforgettable sight.
Select an operator which will keep a respectful distance from the dolphins and won't chase them or surround them with the boat.
6. Have Fun with Water Sports
For those who would like their vacation to be more active, there are various types of water sports available in Maafushi depending on the season and the local provider.
These types of activities are ideal to help add spice to your Maldives travel itinerary. It is important to always listen to the instructor and use the proper equipment.
7. Experience the Local Island Life
A big advantage of choosing to stay in Maafushi is the fact that visitors have a chance to experience the Maldives local life first-hand.
Go on a walk around the island to see the local streets, harbour where the boats arrive bringing the daily catch and the local cafes. This will give you a chance to experience a side of the Maldives which you don't get in a private resort.
Experience the local island is an important aspect of Maafushi and provides visitors a chance to learn about the culture and local community of the Maldives.
8. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Food enthusiasts must try the local Maldivian cuisine while visiting this place. The local cafes offer both international and Maldivian dishes.
Seafood, coconut, rice and spices are some of the common ingredients used in the local food. Garudhiya, which is a fish-based soup, is a typical example of Maldivian dishes.
Attending meals in local restaurants is yet another way of supporting Maafushi’s tourism economy based on community efforts.
9. Fish at Sunset Time
Fishing is one of the main activities associated with Maldivian culture, thus fishing tour would be an excellent opportunity to feel the local culture in action.
Sunset fishing tours provide the opportunity to go out on the open sea, fish in the old Maldivian way, enjoying the colors of the sunset. Some tours can combine fishing and dinner.
It will be an excellent option for tourists who prefer relaxing options rather than diving or water sports.
10. Get a Day Tour at the Local Resort
If you are interested in getting acquainted with the luxurious resorts of the Maldives without leaving the local island, then a resort day tour might come handy in case this option is available.
It will all depend on the specific resort and whether they offer this kind of tours for tourists.
Such an approach would allow you to combine the authenticity of Maafushi with the luxury of Maldivian resorts.
11. Watch a Relaxing Sunset
No need to sign up for any guided tour in order to see one of the natural wonders that the Maldives can offer. Find a secluded spot close to the waterfront and just wait until the sun goes down behind the horizon of Indian Ocean.
The sky will turn into various shades of orange, pink and gold and this experience will make sunset one of the easiest and most remarkable things to do in Maafushi Island. Watching the sunset is mentioned among the attractions of Maafushi by the local council.
The best time to visit Maafushi
As it is a local island, tourists should consider the Maldivian customs as well. Swimsuits are recommended to be worn only at the designated beach for tourists while modest clothing is considered proper when one explores the village.
How to get to Maafushi Island
Maafushi island is conveniently situated 27 kilometres away from Male, making it an easily reachable destination when compared to remote Maldivian islands. According to the information provided by the local council, one can reach the destination by using either ferry or speedboat with the latter being faster and reaching the destination within 40 minutes depending on the services used.
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