Omadhoo Island Maldives Guide 2025 – 8 Best Things to Do
We knew Omadhoo Island in the Maldives was less popular than Dhigurah, so we expected it to be less impressive. But after visiting, we realized the two islands complement each other perfectly. We highly recommend exploring this island either before or after Dhigurah for a unique and equally unforgettable experience.
Omadhoo is a peaceful paradise with friendly locals, untouched beauty, and almost no tourists. Highlights include white sand beaches and snorkeling with stingrays, nurse sharks, reef sharks, and manta rays.
This complete guide has everything you need for your next trip and presents the 8 best things to do on Omadhoo Island.
Why choose Omadhoo Island?
3 Reasons to Visit Omadhoo:
1. Beautiful Beaches
Omadhoo boasts two stunning beaches next to each other: Bikini Beach, where swimwear is allowed, and Public Beach, where more modest clothing is required. While they may not be as large as the beaches in Dhigurah, remember there are only a handful of tourists around.
2. Sting Rays & Manta Rays
Omadhoo is the perfect destination for ray enthusiasts. You can snorkel for free with massive stingrays, some over a meter wide, right off one of the fishing piers on the island. This is a unique experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Additionally, there’s a nearby spot known for manta rays, making a manta ray snorkeling trip one of the top activities here. It’s also much more affordable than on other islands, where long boat rides are often required to see these majestic creatures. We’ll share everything about these two activities below.
3. A Hidden Gem Near Dhigurah
Omadhoo remains relatively undiscovered by tourists, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a quieter experience. We highly recommend combining your visit to Dhigurah with a stay in Omadhoo if you’re exploring the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives. A smart way to travel the Maldives is to explore multiple islands within the same atoll, saving both time and money by avoiding unnecessary transfers via Malé.
Where is Omadhoo Located?
Omadhoo Island is located in the Maldives, in the South Ari Atoll, also known as the Alif Dhaal Atoll. Omadhoo is situated not far from Dhigurah.
Map of Omadhoo Island
Open our free map pins in Google Maps to save them for your next trip.
Best Time to Visit Omadhoo Island?
The Maldives has a tropical climate, so it’s warm all year. Omadhoo is a destination you can visit anytime, which is a big advantage of the Maldives. The dry season lasts from November to April, while the rainy season occurs from May to October.
Although it tends to rain more during the rainy season, you’ll still experience many sunny days. We visited in both March and August and enjoyed great weather on both occasions. If traveling during the rainy season, it’s wise to add an extra day to your itinerary on each island in case of rain, but the lower accommodation costs make it a great choice.
- Dry season (Nov-Apr): Expect more sunshine and calm waters, with larger crowds and higher prices.
- Rainy season (May-Oct): Enjoy cheaper accommodations and fewer tourists, but expect a bit more rain and rougher seas.
How Long to Stay in Omadhoo?
We recommend staying in Omadhoo for 3-5 days. The island is small, and everything is close by, so a few days are enough to experience and see everything, especially the stingrays, manta rays, and to enjoy plenty of time at the beach.
Wake Up to Paradise!
- Budget ($): Nemo Inn
- Mid-range ($$): Green Leaf
- Luxury ($$$): Hitha
How to Get to Omadhoo Island?
How do you reach Omadhoo from Malé? It’s simple! First, fly to Malé International Airport (MLE), the starting point of your journey to the island. We found very affordable direct flights to Malé from Kuala Lumpur ($50 USD), Colombo ($80 USD), and Abu Dhabi ($80 USD).
By Speedboat to Omadoo:
Most visitors reach Omadhoo Island by taking a direct, twice-daily 2-hour speedboat from Malé. It’s recommended that you book this in advance through your accommodation or on 12go.
By Ferry to Omadhoo:
If you don’t mind spending more time on your transfer, the most adventurous and low-budget way to reach Omadhoo Island is by public ferry. Locals always use ferries to travel between islands in the Maldives.
First, take a ferry from Malé to Mahibadhoo, and then another from Mahibadhoo to Omadhoo. The entire journey takes around 5-7 hours including a long lunch stop (2-3h) in Mahibadhoo, and is possible only a few times a week. Be sure to check the updated schedule on the MCTT website.
While waiting for your ferry in Mahibadhoo, you can enjoy lunch at one of two recommended restaurants, Delish (Delicious Food) or Lemon Sea View (Free Wifi). The island also has a quiet bikini beach where you can relax and explore.
By Domestic Flight to Omadhoo:
You can reach Omadhoo by taking a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé (Velana International Airport) to Maamigili Airport and then transferring by speedboat. This option is perhaps the fastest, but also the most expensive. Ask your accommodation to arrange this.
How to Get Around in Omadhoo Island?
Omadhoo is a small Maldivian island that is easily walkable. Everything is within 5-10 minutes of reach. The streets are sandy, making it possible to walk barefoot everywhere if you like.
Where to Stay in Omadhoo
We have a few reasons to love the local islands in the Maldives, and one major one is the quality of accommodation. We’ve never found another place where every accommodation gets such high ratings (9+), even the most budget-friendly ones. Even the lower-rated options are still great (8.5+). Take a look at Booking.com to see for yourself, and remember to compare prices on Agoda.com to find the best deals.
One of the best guesthouses we’ve ever stayed at in the Maldives was the Green Leaf Guest House in Omadhoo. The owner took excellent care of us and even offered private boat trips to the manta ray point for 40 USD per person.
The best accommodations in Omadhoo, across various price ranges, are:
- Budget ($): Nemo Inn
- Mid-range ($$): Green Leaf Guest House
- Luxury ($$$): Hitha
BUDGET TIP: Accommodations in the Maldives typically offer breakfast included in the room price, providing a great opportunity to save money.
Best Food in Omadhoo
Normally, we enjoy going our for dinner and explore different local restaurants on the island, but in Omadhoo, it wasn’t necessary. The restaurant at our own accommodation Green Leaf Guest House, called Green Island Taste, was the best on the island. They served delicious Maldivian snacks (samosas and croquettes) for lunch, had an extensive a la carte menu and a beautiful roof terrace. We highly recommend trying their club sandwich.
In the Maldives, most accommodations offer breakfast as part of the room rate. If you get the chance to choose between a continental breakfast and a Maldivian one, definitely try the Maldivian breakfast at least once. It usually features mas huni, a mix of tuna, coconut, onions, and lime, served with flatbread. We absolutely loved it!
Here are our top restaurant recommendations in Omadhoo:
Best Things to Do in Omadhoo
1. Relax at Bikini Beach
Omadhoo has just one small bikini beach, located on the western side of the island. Despite its size, we always found it uncrowded, typically sharing it with only two or three other couples or families, no matter the time of day.
Be sure to respect the designated area, as local laws allow wearing swimsuits only within the bikini beach boundaries. Don’t worry, though, the bikini beach offers everything you need: sun loungers, umbrellas, soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and a beautiful house reef just a short swim away.
REMEMBER: Swimwear can only be worn inside the designated bikini beach area.
2. Explore the Public Beach
Right next to the bikini beach, you’ll find one of the most stunning public beaches we’ve ever seen. With its abundance of palm trees and a picturesque sandbank extension, it’s an amazing spot for a morning or afternoon photo shoot.
Another public beach is located on the east side of the island. Exploring these beaches is always a fun experience, offering opportunities to observe local life, relax in picnic areas or on traditional Maldivian chairs, and spot wildlife such as the graceful Grey Heron.
Remember to dress modestly when visiting public beaches, as bikinis are not permitted in these areas.
3. Stingrays & Sharks Point
Before sunset on Omadhoo Island, locals throw their organic food waste, usually vegetable scraps and fish remains, into the sea from this wooden dock. This practice has turned the spot into an incredible gathering place for stingrays and sharks, making it the perfect location to observe or snorkel with these majestic creatures for free.
Thanks to @4stuffedbackpacks for sharing these pictures!
You’ll have the chance to see giant stingrays, nurse sharks, and reef sharks up close. Don’t worry, it’s safe, as long as you keep your distance during feeding times and avoid splashing your feet in the water.
If you feel unsafe going alone, ask your accommodation to arrange a snorkeling guide for a small fee, ensuring a safe and unforgettable experience.
This is also an amazing pier to watch the sunset and observe locals fishing.
Wake Up to Paradise!
- Budget ($): Nemo Inn
- Mid-range ($$): Green Leaf
- Luxury ($$$): Hitha
4. Manta Rays & Whale Sharks
Omadhoo, being near Dhigurah, offers incredible opportunities to encounter manta rays and whale sharks. These tours usually include snacks, snorkeling gear, and sometimes GoPro photos. Prices for excursions are often based on boat travel distances, so the closer the lagoon, the cheaper the tour.
We highly recommend taking the manta ray tour from Omadhoo, as the nearby lagoon helps keep the costs lower compared to tours from other islands. For a similarly budget-friendly option, you could also consider taking the manta tour in Mathiveri or Ukulhas.
Whale shark tours are also available from Omadhoo, though they are generally cheaper when organized from Dhigurah, as it’s closer to the whale shark hotspots.
Our fantastic guesthouse (Green Leaf Guest House) not only had the best restaurant (Green Island Taste) on the island, but also offered reasonably priced tours to the manta lagoon on their private boat. Check out their room prices for an unforgettable stay!
5. Visit Dhigurah
Dhigurah is, hands down, the most beautiful island we’ve visited in the Maldives. Despite its growing popularity, the island never feels crowded thanks to its impressively long bikini beach, which transitions into a breathtaking sandbank at the far end. A visit to Dhigurah is an absolute must when visiting South Ari Atoll!
6. Sandbank Trip
Take a trip to a nearby sandbank for a private and magical beach experience. Sandbanks are magical as they appear and disappear with the sea tides. Your accommodation can help you organize a romantic picnic or even a fresh fish barbecue on the sandbank.
TIP: Bring enough food, drinks, and sun protection for a pleasant time.
7. Fishing Trips
Fishing is at the heart of Maldivian culture, with fish being in most local dishes. Like many local islands, Omadhoo offers opportunities to experience traditional fishing methods, such as night fishing or big-game fishing.
8. Watersports
For adventure enthusiasts, watersports are another highlight on Omadhoo. Activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are easily arranged by most guesthouses.
If you’re interested in diving, check out Ari Atoll Divers for a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives.
Where to Go After Omadhoo?
Our favorite island in the Maldives is near Omadhoo. While visiting South Ari Atoll, don’t miss Dhigurah. You can get there by private speedboat or the public ferry, which runs daily except Fridays via Mahibadhoo.
Conclusion
Omadhoo Island in the Maldives is a hidden gem that many tourists don’t know about. It’s a place where you can snorkel with stingrays and sharks right at the pier. Both the bikini beach and the public beach are stunning, and you can also visit Manta Point to swim with manta rays.
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