12 Best Local Islands in the Maldives – Updated for 2025
With around 200 local islands spread across 26 atolls in the Maldives, choosing the right ones to visit can feel overwhelming. After spending almost two months island-hopping, we wished someone had told us beforehand where to go and why. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the 12 best local islands in the Maldives, highlighting what makes each one special and worth visiting.
In a Rush? 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 Green Island & White Beaches – Best Hotel: One Season
- DHARAVANDHOO / MAALDHOS for Hanifaru Bay – Best Hotel: Transit Inn
- FULHADHOO for Paradise & 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
Maps of the Best Local Islands in the Maldives
Open our free map pins in Google Maps to save them for your next trip.
How to Plan Which Maldivian Islands to Visit
The Maldives consists of multiple atolls, each made up of groups of islands. Traveling between islands within the same atoll is straightforward. However, traveling between different atolls often requires returning to Malé, which can be time-consuming.
To make the most of your time, we recommend exploring multiple islands within the same atoll before moving to another:
- For up to 10 days, stick to 1 atoll
- For 20 days, visit 2 atolls
- For longer trips, explore 3 atolls
Check out our perfectly planned itineraries for 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-week trips.
We especially recommend visiting the South Ari Atoll (Dhigurah & Omadhoo) and North Ari Atoll (Feridhoo, Mathiveri & Thoddoo), as they include some of the best local islands located next to each other. Both atolls are connected to Malé by either a daily speedboat or a twice-weekly ferry to their “capitals”: Mahibadhoo (South Ari Atoll) and Rasdhoo (North Ari Atoll). Once you’re in an atoll, daily local ferries (except Fridays, the holy day for Muslims) connect the islands.
Update: During our last visit in 2024, we discovered a way to travel between the South Ari Atoll and the North Ari Atoll without returning to Malé. The key connection point between these two atolls is Feridhoo. Check out our Ultimate 3-Week Loop in the Maldives to learn more about this route!
Rule of Thumb: The farther you travel from Malé, the more exclusive and untouched the paradise feels. You’ll find fewer tourists and less infrastructure. For example, Kaafu Atoll (Thulusdhoo and Maafushi) is far more touristy than Baa Atoll (Fulhadhoo and Dharavandhoo) due to its proximity to Malé and ease of access.
Updated: 12 Best Local Islands in the Maldives
Here’s an overview of the 5 atolls where the 12 best local islands featured in this blog are located:
1. Dhigurah: Best Beach, Free Sandbanks & Whale Sharks
Dhigurah is, without a doubt, the best local island in the Maldives. It boasts the longest and most beautiful powdery white sand beach we’ve ever seen. You can walk to the tip of the island, where, depending on the tides, you may even reach nearby sandbanks on foot.
It feels like a paradise all to yourself, with tourists spread out along the large bikini beach. In fact, 80% of the island remains untouched and teeming with nature. If you love snorkeling or diving with incredible marine life like whale sharks, Dhigurah is one of the best places in the Maldives to see them.
All you need is our complete Dhigurah travel guide & best things to do, the speedboat schedule and the best accommodations for Dhigurah Island.
Top 3 Hotels in Dhigurah
- Budget ($): TME Retreats
- Mid-range ($$): Athiri Beach
- Luxury ($$$): Boutique Beach
2. Omadhoo: Laid-Back Vibes, Rays & Sharks Snorkeling
We knew Omadhoo Island in the Maldives was a hidden gem not yet discovered by many tourists, so we kept our expectations low. By the end of our stay, we didn’t want to leave this peaceful paradise with its laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect spot for anyone seeking a quieter experience, free from crowds and full of friendly locals.
The highlights of Omadhoo include its stunning bikini beach and public beach, both of which are almost deserted. You can even snorkel for free with massive stingrays (some over a meter wide), nurse sharks and reef sharks right off one of the fishing piers. This incredible experience is hard to find elsewhere.
There’s also a nearby snorkeling spot known for manta rays, making a manta ray excursion one of the top activities here. With no mass tourism, you can take a small private boat and have the snorkeling site all to yourself.
Discover everything you need to know with our ultimate Omadhoo travel guide & best things to do, the speedboat schedule and top accommodation options for Omadhoo Island.
Top 3 Hotels in Omadhoo
- Budget ($): Nemo Inn
- Mid-range ($$): Green Leaf
- Luxury ($$$): Hitha
3. Mathiveri: Free Access to Picnic Island, Shipwreck & Manta Snorkeling
Mathiveri is the perfect destination for easy and even free access to one of the most beautiful picnic islands we’ve ever seen. It also offers incredible opportunities for snorkeling with stingrays and manta rays, as well as exploring a fascinating shipwreck. Additionally, you can enjoy dolphin encounters, sandbank trips and exciting water sports.
Mathiveri Finholu, a stunning picnic island, is located just 100 meters from Mathiveri. At low tide, you can walk across, while at high tide, it’s accessible by swimming, kayaking or boat.
Our comprehensive Mathiveri travel guide & best things to do, the speedboat schedule and the best places to stay on Mathiveri Island have got you covered.
Top 3 Hotels in Mathiveri
- Budget ($): Mystic Retreat
- Mid-range ($$): Captal Island Villa
- Luxury ($$$): La Pearl
4. Feridhoo: Peaceful Nature, Exclusivity & Minimal Tourism
Feridhoo Island is a hidden gem in the Maldives, offering stunning natural beauty and minimal tourism. The Bikini Beach is fantastic, featuring sunbeds and umbrellas reserved for each accommodation’s guests.
It’s the quietest island we’ve ever visited in the Maldives, perfect for relaxing, disconnecting and soaking up the sun without any crowds. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a more authentic, less commercialized side of the Maldives.
Feridhoo is a haven of untouched natural beauty. Two-thirds of the island is covered in lush greenery, complemented by pristine white sand beaches and a stunning house reef located on the public beach side, possibly the best we’ve ever seen in the Maldives! Snorkelers are often treated to the sight of numerous sharks, turtles and rays, making it a thrilling experience.
Update: Feridhoo is ideally located between two main ferry routes, linking the South Ari Atoll (Dhigurah, Omadhoo, Mahibadhoo) with the North Ari Atoll (Rasdhoo, Thoddoo, Ukulhas, Mathiveri). Many travelers don’t realize they can visit islands like Dhigurah, Omadhoo, Feridhoo, Mathiveri, Ukulhas, and Thoddoo without returning to Malé, simply by stopping in Feridhoo. Check out our Ultimate 3-Week Loop in the Maldives to learn more about this route!
Plan your perfect trip with our detailed Feridhoo travel guide & best things to do and the best accommodation options on Feridhoo Island.
5. Thoddoo: Best for Turtle Snorkeling, White Beaches & Fruit Plantations
Thoddoo Island boasts some of the whitest beaches and most turquoise waters among the local Maldivian islands. Known as the “Fruit Island” of the Maldives, Thoddoo is covered with lush fruit plantations, particularly watermelon farms. The island’s charm lies in its unique combination of pristine white beaches and vibrant green agriculture.
Highlights of Thoddoo Island include the stunning Bikini Beach, perfect for relaxing and watching magical sunsets, snorkeling with dozens of turtles in the house reef and exploring the picturesque, palm-tree-lined roads on a bicycle while observing locals working on the fruit plantations. Be sure to try the delicious local fruits!
A cool fact about Thoddoo: the island is quite large, with accommodations and restaurants located only in the small village at its center, while the coastal areas are reserved for fruit plantations and will hopefully remain unchanged. This gives the island a pristine, untouched feel, making it an amazing retreat despite its popularity. We absolutely love Thoddoo Island!
Get ready for your adventure with our ultimate Thoddoo travel guide & best things to do, the speedboat schedule and the best stays on Thoddoo Island.
Top 3 Hotels in Thoddoo
- Budget ($): Thoddoo Haisha inn
- Mid-Range ($$): One Season
- Luxury ($$$): Fairytale Inn
6. Hanifaru Bay: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve & Manta Rays
Hanifaru Bay may not be an island, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most impressive spots in the Maldives. As a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s renowned for its incredible gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks.
If you plan to visit Hanifaru Bay, we recommend staying on one of these two islands in the Baa Atoll:
- Dharavandhoo Island: The closest island to Hanifaru Bay, offering easy and convenient access.
- Maalhos Island: A quieter, less crowded alternative, perfect for a peaceful experience.
Both islands provide guided boat tours, giving you the opportunity to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Hanifaru Bay for manta ray sightings is during the peak season from June to November, with July and August offering the optimal conditions.
Explore more about the best accommodations for Hanifaru Bay and check out the speedboat schedule with prices to plan your trip seamlessly.
Best Accommodations in Dharavandhoo
- Budget ($): Hanifaru Transit Inn
- Mid-Range ($$): Biosphere Inn
- Luxury ($$$): Kiha Beach
Best Accommodations in Maalhos
- Mid-Range ($$): Dhooni Finolhu Guesthouse
- Mid-Range ($$): Manta Reserve
- Luxury ($$$): Thundi Village & Spa
7. Fulhadhoo: Best for Romantic Beach Getaways
Fulhadhoo is a laid-back and romantic paradise, boasting untouched beaches and a crystal-clear lagoon. The island is perfect for romantic getaways and intimate beach retreats, making it an ideal destination for couples. Fulhadhoo offers a more tranquil experience compared to the busier Maldivian islands.
Similar to Dhigurah Island, Fulhadhoo is a long island with an extensive bikini beach that transitions into a sand extension at its tip: a true beach paradise. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling, diving, and exploring nearby sandbanks.
Fulhadhoo is the perfect addition to your itinerary when visiting Hanifaru Bay, as both are located in the Baa Atoll.
Discover the best accommodations on Fulhadhoo Island.
Best Accommodations in Fulhadhoo
- Budget ($): Azoush Tourist Guesthouse
- Mid-Range ($$): Palms Retreat
- Luxury ($$$): Island Luxury Boutique Hotel
8. Fulidhoo: Crystal-Clear Lagoon & Stingray Point
If you’re looking for an isolated, beautiful island near Maafushi, we recommend Fulidhoo. Located in the same atoll, this peaceful and small island offers stunning natural beauty and a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect escape from Maafushi’s bustling tourist scene.
Fulidhoo is known for its crystal-clear lagoon and white sandy beaches. The turquoise waters are ideal for snorkeling and swimming, with excellent opportunities to spot marine life, including the impressive stingray observation point at the public beach. Here, you can watch dozens of large stingrays and schools of fish, creating an unforgettable underwater spectacle.
Explore the best accommodations on Fulidhoo Island and check the Fulidhoo speedboat schedule with prices to plan your trip.
Best Accommodations in Fulidhoo
- Budget ($): Fulidhoo Ihaa Lodge
- Mid-Range ($$): Kinan Retreat
- Luxury ($$$): NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi
9. Ukulhas: A Vibrant Small Island with Endless Options
Ukulhas, a small island with a white-sand bikini beach and a beautiful house reef, is the perfect Maldivian destination for those seeking a well-developed infrastructure. Located in the heart of the Maldives, the island boasts numerous restaurants, hotels and tour providers, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
While Ukulhas may no longer be the quiet retreat it once was, it has become a fantastic alternative to Maafushi, the Maldives’ entertainment hub, offering a superior beach and reef experience. It’s also an ideal destination for solo travelers looking to connect with others.
Plan your perfect getaway with our Ukulhas travel guide & best things to do, the speedboat schedule and discover the top accommodations on Ukulhas island.
Top 3 Hotels in Ukulhas
- Budget ($): SeaLaVie Inn
- Mid-Range ($$): Beach Veli
- Luxury ($$$): Ranthari Hotel and Spa
10. Rasdhoo: Best for Shark Diving & Local Ferry Transfers
Rasdhoo boasts incredible dive sites thanks to its unique location within its own small atoll, the Rasdhoo Atoll. This special geographic setting supports rich marine biodiversity, featuring vibrant coral reefs and clear waters that attract a variety of marine life. Shark encounters here are almost guaranteed!
Rasdhoo also serves as the local ferry hub for accessing all the islands in the North Ari Atoll. For travelers arriving from Malé by public ferry, Rasdhoo is an excellent first stop. Affordable public ferries run directly from Malé twice a week, with a journey time of 3 hours and a fare of just $4. From Rasdhoo, you can catch daily ferries (except Fridays) for only $1 to nearby islands like Thoddoo, Ukulhas, Mathiveri and Feridhoo.
For a hassle-free trip, check out our complete Rasdhoo travel guide, the speedboat schedule and the best accommodation options for Rasdhoo Island.
Top 3 Hotels in Rasdhoo
- Budget ($): Dhaankolh
- Mid-Range ($$): Beach Cottage
- Luxury ($$$): Summer Vibes Beach Front
- Private Resort Island ($$$$): Kuramathi Maldives
11. Thulusdhoo: Best for Surfing & Art Scene
Thulusdhoo is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, drawing surf enthusiasts from around the globe. This island paradise offers thrilling experiences for surfers of all levels, making it a must-visit destination for wave riders.
The surfing season runs from March to October, with the largest swells occurring between June and August.
Beyond surfing, visitors can relax on beautiful beaches, enjoy affordable water sports and excursions, explore the island’s vibrant art scene and tour the Maldives’ famous Coca-Cola Factory.
Discover the best accommodations on Thulusdhoo Island and check the Thulusdhoo speedboat schedule with prices to plan your trip.
Best Accommodations in Thulusdhoo
- Budget ($): Surf Trip Maldives
- Mid-Range ($$): Eden Blue
- Luxury ($$$): Reef Edge Thulusdhoo, Maldives
12. Maafushi: Best for Budget-Friendly Tours & Nightlife
Maafushi is where the local tourism and guesthouse industry in the Maldives began. That’s why it’s the most developed and busiest island, offering a wide range of activities, tours and services at more affordable prices.
While Maafushi isn’t the most beautiful island, it’s the best choice for budget-friendly tours and excursions in the Maldives. Instead of paying around $70 per person for a private 2-hour boat trip on other islands, you can join a full-day shared boat tour for about $50. These tours, with 10–15 other travelers, usually include lunch and visits to multiple spots. For example, we joined a $50 tour with Shadowpalm in Maafushi, where we snorkeled with sharks, swam with dolphins, watched stingrays, explored a sandbank and had lunch on a picnic island.
Being close to Male airport, Maafushi was a convenient and budget-friendly end to our trip. However, we wouldn’t recommend staying here unless you’re interested in affordable tours, nightlife or its infrastructure.
There were party boats at the pier where tourists could board and buy alcohol. We think it’s a clever way for locals to offer alcohol without bringing it onto the island, respecting the Islamic laws of the Maldives.
If you prefer the natural beauty and peace of the Maldives and can afford private tours on quieter islands, it’s better to skip Maafushi. You won’t miss much.
Check out more of the best accommodations for Maafushi Island and the Maafushi speedboat schedule with prices.
Best Accommodations in Maafushi
- Budget ($): Alaika Maafushi
- Mid-Range ($$): Island Ambience
- Luxury ($$$): Triton Prestige Seaview and Spa
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