Thoddoo Island Maldives – Travel Guide & 8 Best Things
Thoddoo Island features some of the whitest beaches and 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!
This comprehensive Thoddoo travel guide provides everything you need to know, from how to get there and where to stay, to the 8 best things to do.
Where is Thoddoo Located
Thoddoo Island does not geographically belong to any specific atoll, but administratively, it is part of the North Ari Atoll. It is located 20 km north of Rasdhoo and 70 km from Malé.
Thoddoo Island on Map
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Best Time to visit Thoddoo Island
The Maldives has a tropical climate, ensuring warm weather throughout the year. Thoddoo Island is a great destination to visit at any time, making it ideal for travel. The dry season runs from November to April, while the rainy season spans from May to October.
Although the wet season brings more rain, there are still plenty of sunny days. We visited in both March and August and enjoyed pleasant weather on both occasions. If you’re planning to visit during the rainy season, consider staying an extra day on each island in case of rain. The lower accommodation prices make it worth it!
- Dry season (Nov-Apr): Expect more sunshine and calm seas, but also larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.
- Rainy season (May-Oct): Enjoy lower prices, fewer tourists, but with a higher chance of rain and rougher seas.
How Long to Stay in Thoddoo
The amount of time you spend on Thoddoo Island depends on your travel style and the other Maldives islands you’re planning to visit. We recommend staying for 3-4 days to fully explore the island, relax on its beaches, snorkel and join a tour.
If you’re short on time, a 2-day visit is sufficient, especially if you’re coming from a nearby island with a quick transfer.
If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to visit Thoddoo on a day trip, the answer is yes. However, you won’t be able to experience everything the island has to offer, and you’ll need to prioritize your activities.
Top 3 Hotels in Thoddoo
- Budget ($): Thoddoo Haisha inn
- Mid-Range ($$): One Season
- Luxury ($$$): Fairytale Inn
How to Get to Thoddoo?
First, fly to Malé International Airport (MLE), the starting point of your journey to Thoddoo island. We found very affordable direct flights to Malé from Kuala Lumpur (50 USD), Colombo (80 USD) and Abu Dhabi (80 USD).
From Malé, you can reach Thoddoo Island by speedboat or public ferry, with the latter making a stop at Rasdhoo Island along the way.
Male to Thoddoo by Speedboat
Tourist speedboats to Thoddoo depart from the Malé Airport Jetty once or twice a day and take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Make sure to reserve a seat in advance. You can book the speedboat online through 12Go or directly with your accommodation.
Male to Thoddoo via Rasdhoo by Public Ferry
There is also a public ferry service operated by MTCC (Maldives Transport and Contracting Company), which takes 3 hours to travel from Male to Rasdhoo and around 1.5 hour to travel from Rasdhoo to Thoddoo Island, costing around 4 USD. Be sure to check the updated schedule on the MTCC website.
Tip: Maldivian local ferries are frequently delayed and can even be canceled at the last minute due to weather conditions. If your ferry is canceled in the morning (as they usually all depart in the morning), you can still try to take a morning or afternoon speedboat to your desired location.
Recommendation: If you’re planning to visit both Rasdhoo and Thoddoo by local ferry from Malé during your trip, we suggest starting with Rasdhoo and visiting Thoddoo afterward. Here’s why:
- Rasdhoo is the ideal first stop in the North Ari Atoll when traveling by public ferry. It is the only island in the area with a direct ferry from Malé, which takes about 3 hours.
- If you want to continue to Thoddoo, you’ll have to stop at Rasdhoo for a few hours anyway before proceeding. The journey from Male to Thoddoo will take up an entire day.
- A better option is to spend a few nights in Rasdhoo first, then take the ferry directly from Rasdhoo to Thoddoo, which takes only 1 hour.
Alternatively, you could use the lunch break during your local ferry stopover in Rasdhoo to check out the island and decide whether it’s worth a longer visit after your visit to Thoddoo. Keep in mind that Rasdhoo isn’t a peaceful, nature-filled island like Thoddoo; it’s more developed and touristy.
How to Get Around in Thoddoo
Thoddoo Island, although larger than other local islands, can still be explored on foot. You may need to walk longer distances, such as 10 to 20 minutes to reach the beach.
Thoddoo Island, although larger than other local islands, can still be explored on foot. You may need to walk longer distances, such as 10 to 20 minutes to reach the beach.
Where to Stay in Thoddoo
In Thoddoo, most accommodations are locally owned, offering warm hospitality and an authentic experience. We recommend staying in the village, where most restaurants and shops are located, and walking or cycling to the beach.
Did you know? While you may find hotels located closer to the beach, there are no options directly on the beaches due to local laws prohibiting construction on these lands, which are reserved for plantations. Locals prefer to preserve their land and avoid development and we hope this remains the case.
Best Accommodations in Thooddoo
- Budget ($): Thoddoo Haisha inn
- Mid-Range ($$): One Season
- Luxury ($$$): Fairytale Inn
BUDGET TIP: Guesthouses and hotels in the Maldives typically offer breakfast included in the room price, providing a great opportunity to save money.
Where to Eat in Thoddoo
Here are some restaurant recommendations in Thoddoo from us.
- Mango House Cafe & Restaurant: Be sure to try the creamy Chicken Panini and the flavorful Tandoori Chicken Panini.
Fishka Restaurant: Don’t miss the grilled octopus: it’s tender and full of flavor! Their other grilled dishes are just as tasty, making it a great spot for seafood lovers.
Tropical Lounge Restaurant: Their pizzas are delicious and a must-try for Western food fans!
8 Best Things to Do in Thoddoo
Here are the 8 best activities, sightseeing and excursion options in Thoddoo.
1. Bikini Beaches
Visit the two stunning bikini beaches on Thoddoo Island, located on opposite sides of the island. One of them is among the best we’ve seen in the Maldives.
The smaller, quieter beach in the northeast, closer to the village, tends to be less crowded. The second beach, our favorite, is located in the west. It’s larger, more beautiful and offers the perfect spot for sunsets. Both beaches have trees for shade and some sunbeds and hammocks available. Arrive early to claim your spot.
The bikini beach boundaries are marked by a fence made of dry palm leaves. Remember, swimwear is only allowed within the designated bikini beach area.
2. Turtle House Reef Snorkeling
Try snorkeling at the Thoddoo Snorkeling Point, where you’ll encounter numerous sea turtles and a vibrant house reef. You’ll see turtles of all sizes, including babies, along with a variety of fish and marine creatures. It’s truly an unforgettable experience!
We went snorkeling there almost every day because the experience was absolutely amazing and free. Be sure to check the current before venturing too far out. Fins are always helpful when there’s a bit of current.
3. Vaau Magu
Vaau Magu is a scenic, palm-tree-lined road where you can capture breathtaking pictures and videos. Make sure to do so when the light is soft, such as in the morning or late afternoon.
4. Fruits Plantations
Thoddoo Island is known as the agricultural hub of the Maldives, supplying fruits and vegetables across the country, with its sweet watermelons being especially famous. You can walk around the farms to immerse yourself in local agriculture and observe the hardworking locals tending to the fields.
The island also employs many workers from countries like Pakistan, who come to work on the farms. Some of the crops grown here include papayas, watermelons, bananas, coconuts, lettuce, cucumbers and pumpkins.
Top 3 Hotels in Thoddoo
- Budget ($): Thoddoo Haisha inn
- Mid-Range ($$): One Season
- Luxury ($$$): Fairytale Inn
5. Magical Sunsets
Make sure to visit Sunset Beach before dark, where you’ll find swings perfect for enjoying the sunset and capturing beautiful photos. You might even spot flying foxes overhead as they return to the island from a nearby one.
At the beach entrance, there’s a small shop selling fresh fruits. We grabbed some coconuts to enjoy as a snack while soaking in the golden hour before the sun set.
6. Rent a Bicycle
Of all the islands we’ve visited in the Maldives, Thoddoo is the one where we were really glad we rented a bike. The roads are ideal for cycling, and it was a fun way to explore the larger island. We paid 5 USD per day.
Experience the real Maldivian life as you ride through the peaceful village. Be sure to visit the coastline, where, aside from the bikini beaches, you’ll find long stretches of pristine, white sandy beaches, perfect for a secluded experience. Along the way, you’ll see locals sitting in traditional rope chairs called “joali.”
7. Manta Rays Cleaning Station
Encounter manta rays at a cleaning station near Thoddoo. Snorkeling is an option, but diving is usually better, as mantas prefer deeper waters.
8. Island Hopping
Visit other local islands via the public ferry or speedboat for a day trip or longer stay after Thoddoo. Explore some of the Maldives’ most beautiful islands, such as Mathiveri (offering free access to a picnic island), Feridhoo (known for its low level of tourism), and the South Ari Atoll, which includes Dhigurah and Omadhoo Island.
Where to go after Thoddoo?
Here are a few great recommendations for your next destination after Thoddoo Island. All of these islands are located in the North Ari Atoll and can be reached by public boat on selected days of the week from Thoddoo. Be sure to check the MTCC website for the most up-to-date schedule.
- Mathiveri: The perfect balance between a peaceful retreat and a vibrant island experience, best known for its stunning picnic island, an incredible shipwreck, and plenty of activities.
- Feridhoo: A small, less touristy island almost entirely covered in nature, with an amazing bikini beach.
- Ukulhas: A bustling island with a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, tours, and activities to choose from.
- Rasdhoo: Ideal for a short stop when arriving by ferry from Malé, offering excellent diving opportunities with top-notch dive centers and impressive dive sites.
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