Maldives Itinerary 2025: Local Island Trips (1-4 Weeks)
Everyone should visit the Maldives at least once in their lifetime, a tropical haven known for its white beaches, turquoise waters and amazing underwater encounters, located in the Indian Ocean.
When planning your Maldives trip, it’s important to choose the right islands and itinerary. Island hopping is a great way to explore and enjoy the unique beauty of different islands. The local islands are also surprisingly affordable, with prices similar to those in Southern Europe.
To save time and avoid costly transfers via Malé, stay within the same atoll when island hopping. If you have less than 10 days, we recommend staying within one atoll. For trips under 20 days, sticking to two atolls is ideal.
This guide offers you a selection of perfectly planned itineraries for 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks, depending on your wishes and time.
Choose local Islands in the Maldives
Start by deciding which local islands in the Maldives you want to visit. Check out our list of the 12 best local islands to help you choose. Based on your selected islands and the time available, pick one of our Maldives itineraries to make the most of your trip!
Tip: The farther you travel from Malé, the more exclusive your experience gets—fewer tourists, more natural beauty, less development, and more untouched places to discover.
Well-Crafted Itinerary Options: 1-, 2-, 3-, & 4-Week Plans
1-Week Itinerary A: Dhigurah + Omadhoo
Spend a week in the South Ari Atoll, a bit farther from Malé than most recommended islands in the Maldives. The longer transfer is worth it for the untouched nature and incredible experiences this area offers.
Transfer from Malé
From Malé, you can either:
- Take a 5.5-hour public ferry from the Malé jetty to Dhigurah via Mahibadhoo (1-hour break). Check the ferry schedule.
- Use a 2-hour speedboat directly from the airport jetty to Dhigurah. Check the speedboat schedule
If taking the ferry, you might need to stay overnight in Malé, depending on your arrival time and the ferry schedule.
Dhigurah Island (3–4 Nights):
Dhigurah boasts pristine white sand beaches, extensive bikini beaches and sandbanks you can walk to. With 80% of the island covered in untouched nature, it offers a serene escape. Tourists are spread out, so it feels like you have the island to yourself. Explore our Dhigurah Island Travel Guide for the best activities and accommodations.
Top 3 Hotels in Dhigurah
- Budget ($): TME Retreats
- Mid-range ($$): Athiri Beach
- Luxury ($$$): Boutique Beach
Travel to Omadhoo Island:
Take the 1.5-hour morning ferry from Dhigurah to Mahibadhoo, where you can stop for lunch. Try Delish or Lemon Sea View restaurants, and visit the quiet bikini beach. In the afternoon, board a 15-minute ferry to Omadhoo. Note that ferries run only a few times a week, so check the updated MTCC ferry schedule. Alternatively, arrange a private speedboat through your accommodation.
Omadhoo Island (3 Nights):
Omadhoo is a peaceful paradise with friendly locals and a laid-back and untouristed atmosphere. Enjoy white sand beaches, snorkeling with stingrays and sharks and discovering local culture. Check our Omadhoo Travel Guide for top activities and stays.
Top 3 Hotels in Omadhoo
- Budget ($): Nemo Inn
- Mid-range ($$): Green Leaf
- Luxury ($$$): Hitha
Return to Malé:
Choose between a direct speedboat (arranged through your accommodation) or the public ferry via Mahibadhoo.
1-Week Itinerary B: Feridhoo + Mathiveri
Spend a week in the North Ari Atoll. Discover the stunning islands of this beautiful atoll, home to some of the Maldives’ most beautiful islands, such as Mathiveri and Feridhoo. These two islands are the most remote and least touristy in the North Ari Atoll, offering an escape into untouched beauty and tranquility.
Transfer from Malé:
Options to reach Feridhoo:
- 6-hour public ferry from Malé jetty to Feridhoo via Rasdhoo (1-hour break). Check the ferry schedule.
- 2.5-hour speedboat ride directly from the airport jetty to Feridhoo. Check with your accommodation.
If taking the ferry, consider staying overnight in Malé based on your arrival time.
Feridhoo Island (3–4 Nights):
Feridhoo is the calmest island we’ve visited, with stunning natural beauty and minimal tourism. Its bikini beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for hotel guests, and the house reef is the best among Maldivian local islands. Check our Feridhoo Travel Guide for must-do activities and accommodations.
Travel to Mathiveri Island:
Take a short, direct ferry from Feridhoo to Mathiveri. Ferries run daily except Fridays, check the updated MTCC schedule.
Mathiveri Island (3–4 Nights):
Mathiveri offers access to a gorgeous picnic island, snorkeling with stingrays and manta rays, and exploring a fascinating shipwreck. Dolphin encounters, sandbanks and water sports add to the adventure. Explore our Mathiveri Guide for the best experiences and stays.
Top 3 Hotels in Mathiveri
- Budget ($): Mystic Retreat
- Mid-range ($$): Captal Island Villa
- Luxury ($$$): La Pearl
Return to Malé:
Choose between a direct speedboat or the public ferry via Rasdhoo.
1-Week Itinerary C: Hanifaru Bay + Fulhadhoo
Explore the Baa Atoll, a remote and exclusive destination ideal for manta ray encounters at Hanifaru Bay and romantic getaways on Fulhadhoo Island.
Transfer from Malé:
Take a speedboat to either Dharavandhoo or Maalhos, your base for Hanifaru Bay excursions (arranged through your accommodation). Alternatively, there are also flights from Malé airport to Dharavandhoo Airport.
Hanifaru Bay (3 Nights):
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is famous for manta rays and whale sharks. The best time to visit is June-November, with peak sightings in July and August.
Stay Options:
- Dharavandhoo Island: Closest to Hanifaru Bay for easy access.
- Maalhos Island: A quieter, peaceful alternative.
Both islands offer guided tours to Hanifaru Bay.
Top 3 Hotels in Dharavandhoo
- Budget ($): Hanifaru Transit Inn
- Mid-Range ($$): Biosphere Inn
- Luxury ($$$): Kiha Beach
Travel to Fulhadhoo Island:
Take the 4-hour public ferry from Dharavandhoo or Maalhos to Fulhadhoo via Eydhafushi (4-hour break). Check the ferry schedule.
Fulhadhoo Island (3–4 Nights):
Fulhadhoo is a romantic paradise with untouched beaches and a crystal-clear lagoon, perfect for couples. Its extensive bikini beach transitions into a sandbank, making it ideal for snorkeling and relaxation.
Top 3 Hotels in Fulhadhoo
- Budget ($): Azoush Tourist
- Mid-Range ($$): Palms Retreat
- Luxury ($$$): Island Luxury Boutique Hotel
Return to Malé:
Take a speedboat back to Malé (arranged through your accommodation).
2-Week Itinerary A: Dhigurah + Omadhoo + Feridhoo + Mathiveri
Combine our 1-Week Itinerary A: Dhigurah + Omadhoo with our 1-Week Itinerary B: Feridhoo + Mathiveri.
One important thing to add when combining the two 1-week itineraries is how these islands are connected: Located in two different atolls, we had trouble finding this information online. We discovered it last minute while already in the Maldives. Once we figured it out, we followed this exact route. Let us explain:
Even though Dhigurah and Omadhoo are located in the South Ari Atoll and Mathiveri and Feridhoo in the North Ari Atoll, there’s a way to visit them one after the other without returning to the capital. We found a ferry connection that saves you from having to go back to Malé. Feridhoo is connected to the South Ari Atoll, like Omadhoo and Dhigurah, via Mahibadhoo Island, and it is also connected to the North Ari Atoll, where Feridhoo and Mathiveri are located (check the ferry schedule).
Overview of the 12 Best Islands + Where to Stay
Here are the top 12 local islands in the Maldives, each paired with a carefully selected and highly recommended accommodation.
- Dhigurah for Whale Shark Encounters – Best Hotel: Athiri Beach
- Mathiveri for Sandbank & Fishing – Best Hotel: Mystic Retreat
- Feridhoo for Peaceful Nature – Best Hotel: MAMELLO
- Thoddoo for White Beaches – Best Hotel: One Season
- Dharavandhoo / Maalhos for Hanifaru Bay – Best Hotel: Transit Inn
- Fulhadhoo for Romance – Best Hotel: Azoush Tourist Guesthouse
- Fulidhoo for Stingray Point – Best Hotel: Fulidhoo Ihaa Lodge
- Ukulhas: for House Reef Snorkeling – Best Hotel: SeaLaVie Inn
- Rasdhoo for Sharks Diving & Sandbanks – Best Hotel: Dhaankolh
- Thulusdhoo for Surfing – Best Hotel: Surf Trip Maldives
- Maafushi for Tours & Nightlife – Best Hotel: Alaika Maafushi
2-Week Itinerary B: Feridhoo + Mathiveri + Rasdhoo/Ukulhas + Thoddoo
Add neighboring islands Rasdhoo or Ukulhas and Thoddoo to our 1-Week Itinerary B: Feridhoo + Mathiveri.
This itinerary is fully located in the North Ari Atoll, making it a great option for those seeking an uncomplicated journey with a mix of different islands, all located close to each other. The order of islands when coming from Male is: Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Mathiveri and Feridhoo. There is about a 1-hour public ferry ride between each, sometimes a bit longer or shorter (check the ferry schedule).
If you’ve read this far, you should know that Mathiveri and Feridhoo are two of our favorite islands. Thoddoo is an island we love and would visit again anytime. While Ukulhas and Rasdhoo are less stunning in terms of natural beauty, they’re located between Thoddoo and Mathiveri, so check them out to see if they have anything you’d like to experience. If not, feel free to skip them and spend more time on Feridhoo, Mathiveri and Thoddoo.
2-Week Itinerary C: Dhigurah + Omadhoo + Hanifaru Bay + Fulhadhoo
This itinerary is perfect if you want to avoid touristy areas. The islands in this plan are more remote, located farther from Malé, making it the most secluded option we recommend.
Combine our 1-Week Itinerary A: Dhigurah + Omadhoo with our 1-Week Itinerary C: Hanifaru Bay + Fulhadhoo.
For this itinerary, you’ll need to return to Malé to switch atolls. However, we think it’s a small price to pay considering the remoteness and exclusivity of these Island.
This itinerary is also ideal for those interested in manta ray and whale shark sightings, as Hanifaru Bay and Dhigurah Island are hotspots for these beautiful creatures.
3-Week Itinerary - THE ULTIMATE LOCAL ISLANDS LOOP! Dhigurah + Omadhoo + Feridhoo + Mathiveri + Ukulhas/Rasdhoo + Thoddoo
This itinerary is a well-thought-out and personally tested loop in the Ari Atoll. It can be completed entirely by local ferry, making it perfect for budget travelers, slow travelers and anyone who has the time and wants to enjoy the journey itself.
Here’s something interesting we discovered: the North and South Ari Atolls are connected by a local ferry. We couldn’t find any information about this connection online, but we found it by studying the ferry timetable carefully.
This loop offers a perfect mix of experiences, allowing you to visit 7 of the 12 best islands in the Maldives in one trip. If you prefer less crowded places, you can choose either Rasdhoo or Ukulhas or skip both and travel from Mathiveri to Thoddoo Island.
Here’s how the loop works using public ferries and what to expect on each island:
- START: Malé
- FERRY: Malé to Dhigurah (via Mahibadhoo): $4
- 1. ISLAND: Dhigurah: The most beautiful island, with the best and longest beach, free sandbanks, and whale shark encounters.
- FERRY: Dhigurah to Omadhoo (via Mahibadhoo): $1
- 2. ISLAND: Omadhoo: A hidden gem with laid-back vibes, snorkeling with rays and sharks, and a beautiful quiet beach.
- FERRY: Omadhoo to Feridhoo (via Mahibadhoo): $4
- 3. ISLAND: Feridhoo: The quietest island, with untouched nature, minimal tourism, and the best house reef we’ve ever seen.
- FERRY: Feridhoo to Mathiveri: $1
- 4. ISLAND: Mathiveri: Free access to one of the most beautiful picnic islands in the Maldives, plus shipwrecks and manta snorkeling.
- FERRY: Mathiveri to Ukulhas: $1
- 5. ISLAND: Ukulhas: A vibrant small island with endless options, great for connecting with shared tours.
- FERRY: Ukulhas to Rasdhoo: $1
- 6. ISLAND: Rasdhoo: Best for shark diving and local ferry transfers, with a direct ferry to and from Malé.
- FERRY: Rasdhoo to Thoddoo: $1
- 7. ISLAND: Thoddoo: Famous for turtle snorkeling, stunning sunsets, white beaches, fruit plantations, and palm-lined roads.
- FERRY: Thoddoo to Malé (via Rasdhoo): $4
- END: Malé
All you need for this trip is the MTCC Ferry Timetable and our 41 tips for the Maldives to make the most of your journey. We also have detailed guides for each island on this loop. Dive in and enjoy an unforgettable adventure!
4-Week Itinerary
Combine our ultimate 3-Week Maldives Loop in the Ari Atoll with either our 1-Week Itinerary C: Hanifaru Bay + Fulhadhoo or spend a week closer to the airport and the capital, Malé, at two of the best islands in the Maldives: Fulidhoo, a hidden gem with a crystal-clear lagoon and Stingray Point, or Thulusdhoo, the best island for surfing.
Overview of the 12 Best Islands + Where to Stay
Here are the top 12 local islands in the Maldives, each paired with a carefully selected and highly recommended accommodation.
- Dhigurah for Whale Shark Encounters – Best Hotel: Athiri Beach
- Mathiveri for Sandbank & Fishing – Best Hotel: Mystic Retreat
- Feridhoo for Peaceful Nature – Best Hotel: MAMELLO
- Thoddoo for White Beaches – Best Hotel: One Season
- Dharavandhoo / Maalhos for Hanifaru Bay – Best Hotel: Transit Inn
- Fulhadhoo for Romance – Best Hotel: Azoush Tourist Guesthouse
- Fulidhoo for Stingray Point – Best Hotel: Fulidhoo Ihaa Lodge
- Ukulhas: for House Reef Snorkeling – Best Hotel: SeaLaVie Inn
- Rasdhoo for Sharks Diving & Sandbanks – Best Hotel: Dhaankolh
- Thulusdhoo for Surfing – Best Hotel: Surf Trip Maldives
- Maafushi for Tours & Nightlife – Best Hotel: Alaika Maafushi
What Are the Local Islands in the Maldives?
Did you know that the world-class luxury destination of the Maldives can be visited on a budget? An alternative to the luxury resorts on private islands, which often provide an all-inclusive experience, is exploring the local islands: a more adventurous, authentic and budget-friendly way to experience the Maldives.
Why Visit Local Islands in the Maldives?
If you ask us, local islands are a better choice than private islands in the Maldives. Why? Here are two key reasons:
1. Budget-Friendly Travel
Enjoy the beauty of the Maldives without overspending.
- Stays: Guesthouses start at 50 USD per night, often including breakfast. In contrast villas on private islands can cost 500 USD or more.
- Transportation: Travel between islands on ferries (1–10 USD) or speedboats (20–80 USD). Private islands often require pricey seaplanes or private boats, costing up to 500 USD.
- Meals: Dine at local restaurants for just 2–5 USD per meal, compared to expensive resort dining.
- Activities: Tours are more affordable due to local competition and there’s plenty to explore on your own. Resorts on private islands often limit options and charge more for activities.
2. Authentic Adventure
Visiting local islands offers an adventurous and authentic experience.
- Plan your trip your way, explore multiple islands and enjoy local ferry rides.
- Stay in guesthouses run by locals, enjoy home-cooked meals at small restaurants and explore villages.
- Your spending directly helps local families and boosts the island economy.
- Traveling to local islands also means respecting Islamic customs: 1. Dress modestly outside designated “bikini beach” areas. 2. alcohol is not available on local islands.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures around 30°C year-round, making it an excellent destination at any time of the year.
- Dry Season (November to April):
This is the peak tourist season, offering plenty of sunshine and calm seas. However, it also brings larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and activities. If you plan to visit during this time, booking in advance is highly recommended. - Rainy Season (May to October):
This period sees occasional rainfall and rougher seas, but you’ll still experience many sunny days. The rainy season is ideal for those looking to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Additionally, the vibrant marine life and lush greenery make it an enchanting time to visit. - Shoulder Months (November and May): These months are a blend of the two seasons, offering fewer crowds and relatively lower rainfall. It’s a perfect compromise if you’re looking for pleasant weather with less tourist activity.
Seasonal Highlights:
- Diving: The Maldives offers spectacular diving opportunities throughout the year.
- Surfing: The rainy season is best for surfers, thanks to larger waves and better breaks.
Personal Experience:
We visited in March and August and enjoyed great weather both times. If traveling during the rainy season, consider adding an extra day to your itinerary on each island to account for possible rain delays.
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