10 Best Local Islands in the Maldives

Looking for the best local islands in the Maldives? While the Maldives is famous for luxury resorts, its local islands offer stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and excellent value for money. After visiting the Maldives every year and exploring over 30 islands – both local and resort islands – we’ve discovered some incredible places that showcase the true beauty of Maldivian island life.

In this travel guide, we’ll share our favorite local islands to help you plan your next Maldives trip. Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, or a glimpse into local culture, these islands are perfect for you if you want more than a resort vacation. Let’s explore the best local islands in the Maldives together!

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Best Maldives Local Islands – Quick Tips

MY TOP PICKS:
🏝️ For couples | Gulhi, Ukulhas, Fulidhoo
🏝️ For activities | Maafushi
🏝️ For beaches | Ukulhas, Dhigurah, Thoddoo, Gulhi
🏝️ For marine life | Dhigurah, Ukulhas
🏝️ For surfers | Thulusdhoo
🏝️ For airport transits | Hulhumalé

Keep reading for my complete Maldives local islands travel guide!

How to Get to the Maldives

To reach the Maldives, you’ll fly into Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé, the country’s capital. This airport is the main gateway to the Maldives and is well-connected with direct flights from major international hubs like Dubai, Singapore, Istanbul, and London, making it accessible from all over the world.

Many airlines, including both full-service and budget carriers, offer convenient routes, making it relatively easy to plan your trip no matter where you’re coming from. Booking flights early is key, especially during peak travel seasons from November to April.

How to Get Around – Island Hopping in the Maldives

Once you arrive in the Maldives, the type of transfer to your destination depends on the location of your chosen island. The country is made up of over 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean.

Local ferries are the most affordable way to travel but are slower and operate on limited schedules. Speedboats are a faster and more common choice for nearby local islands, while domestic flights are necessary for islands farther from the capital.

Some islands also offer seaplane transfers, though these are typically reserved for luxury resorts. I recommend booking your transfers in advance for a smooth trip. Most guest houses or hotels will help organize the transfers for you.

Best Time to Visit the Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives depends on what you’re looking for, but generally, the dry season from November to April is the ideal time for the best chances of perfect weather. However, we often visit during the shoulder seasons – May or September to October – and have had great luck with the weather most of the time. These months offer lower prices and fewer crowds, making them a great option if you want to visit the Maldives on a budget.

That said, the Maldives is a tropical destination, and the weather can be unpredictable. While rain showers are more common during the wet season from May to October, they’re usually brief and pass quickly.

Differences Between Local Islands and Resorts in the Maldives

The Maldives offers two distinct types of island experiences: local islands and resort islands. Both have stunning beaches, tropical nature, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear turquoise waters in common, but they differ significantly in atmosphere, amenities, and rules.

Local islands are inhabited by Maldivians and have local infrastructure, including villages, schools, mosques, and small businesses. Here, you’ll find affordable guesthouses and hotels, making them a budget-friendly option compared to the higher prices of private resorts.

However, alcohol is prohibited on local islands due to Islamic law, although some islands may offer “floating bars” on anchored boats for tourists.

Dress codes are another key difference. While resorts allow bikinis anywhere, local islands require modest attire outside of designated bikini beaches. These beaches provide the freedom to sunbathe and swim in swimwear but are often smaller and more limited than resort beaches.

Local islands offer insight into Maldivian culture and everyday life but often feature ongoing construction as tourism infrastructure expands. Resorts, by contrast, are private and secluded, providing a polished, luxurious experience. Each resort occupies its own island, offering high-end amenities, privacy, and all-inclusive packages.

Ultimately, the choice between local islands and resorts depends on your travel style and budget.

💡 Insider Tip: If you’re staying on a local island but want to experience a typical Maldivian resort for a day, many resorts near local islands offer day passes including transfers. These passes give you access to the resort’s main facilities, such as the pool, beaches, watersports, and restaurants, so you can enjoy the luxury of a resort without the high price tag of an overnight stay.

You may want to explore: The Best Resort Islands in the Maldives

10 Best Local Islands in the Maldives – Overview

Below, you can find a breakdown of the 10 best local islands in the Maldives to visit.

💡 Tip: Stay connected when traveling to the Maldives and get your Maldives eSIM here!

In the following, you can find more details on each local island, including our personal tips.

Most Beautiful Local Islands in the Maldives

Dhigurah

Dhigurah is one of my favorite local islands in the Maldives, and for good reason. Located in the beautiful South Ari Atoll, it offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, a lush jungle vibe, and an ideal location for marine life encounters. The name Dhigurah translates to “Long Island“, and at over 3 kilometers in length, it is one of the longest islands in the Maldives.

To get to Dhigurah, you have multiple options. You can take a 20-minute domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili, followed by a quick 10 to 20-minute speedboat ride to the island. Alternatively, you can opt for a shared speedboat transfer from Malé to Dhigurah, which takes around 2 hours. We’ve tried both options and can recommend either one. However, I wouldn’t recommend taking the slow public ferries – they may be extremely cheap, but the entire journey can take anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.

Dhigurah is known for its long, sandy bikini beach, which stretches along its western coast. Here, you can soak up the sun or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. At the tip of the island, you’ll also find a beautiful sandbank, offering a perfect spot for a beach walk or simply admiring the stunning views of the surrounding sea.

To reach the sandbank, you can either take a lush jungle walk through the island’s interior, providing a glimpse of its beautiful nature, or walk along the coast with its pristine beaches. Especially during the midday heat, I would recommend walking through the jungle to catch some shade.

In addition to its natural beauty, Dhigurah offers a great selection of restaurants, guesthouses, and hotels, making it a perfect place to base yourself for an unforgettable stay.

The island is also a prime location for marine life tours, especially whale shark excursions, which are often seen in the waters around the island. If you’re lucky, you might also spot manta rays!

Dhigurah is definitely one of the best local islands to visit in the Maldives.

Dhigurah: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Beach Lily Dhigurah ($)
Akiri Dhigurah ($$)
Dhiguveli Breeze ($$$) – where we stayed

How to get to Dhigurah
speedboat, domestic flight or public ferry

Best things to do
snorkeling, whale shark tour, sandbank, jungle walk, relax at the beach

Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo is a small local island in the Vaavu Atoll, known for its laid-back atmosphere. The island is a perfect spot if you are looking to experience a quieter side of the Maldives while still enjoying crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches.

The best way to get to Fulidhoo is by taking a 1.5-hour speedboat ride from Malé. The island is rather small but has a friendly local community, with a few guesthouses and restaurants.

One of the unique features of Fulidhoo is its resident stingrays, which can often be spotted in the surrounding waters. These gentle creatures are a highlight for many visitors. The island also offers excellent opportunities for exploring vibrant coral reefs, making it an ideal destination if you are a snorkeling or diving enthusiast.

Moreover, Fulidhoo has two bikini beaches, which are perfect for soaking up the island’s relaxed vibe. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a simple, authentic Maldivian experience away from the crowds.

Fulidhoo: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Cowry Inn ($)
Kinan Retreat ($$) – where we stayed
Luau Beach Inn Maldives ($$$)

How to get to Fulidhoo
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
diving, snorkeling, meet the stingrays, relax at the beach

Gulhi

Gulhi is a tiny island in the South Malé Atoll, easily accessible from Malé. It’s only a quick 20-minute speedboat ride from the capital. While the island is compact, it offers a lot of charm due to its small island vibe and beautiful surroundings.

One of the island’s main attractions is the stunning bikini beach, with its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There’s also a swing in the middle of the lagoon, which is a popular photo spot. While the beach can get crowded with day-trippers from Maafushi during the day, we had it almost completely to ourselves in the morning and late afternoon.

Gulhi also offers a variety of lovely boutique accommodations, from guesthouses to small hotels, providing a cozy and personal stay. The island has a friendly, local community, making it a great place to experience authentic Maldivian life in a relaxed setting. We really enjoyed our time there!

Gulhi: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Sandy Heaven Maldives ($)
Ocean Pearl Maldives at Gulhi Island ($$)
Ayala Oceanview Maldives ($$) – where we stayed

How to get to Gulhi
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
relax at the beach, watersports

Maafushi

Maafushi is one of the most famous and developed local islands in the Maldives. It’s located in the South Malé Atoll and easily accessible, with a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé.

The island belongs to the cheapest islands in the Maldives, featuring affordable accommodations and budget-friendly tours, which makes it a popular choice for those looking to experience the Maldives on a budget. Maafushi offers plenty of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and tour operators.

However, due to its popularity, Maafushi can get crowded, especially around its small bikini beach. While the beach offers beautiful views and clear waters, the limited space often leads to a cramped atmosphere, especially during the peak hours.

We visited Maafushi twice, but it’s not our favorite spot – its more touristy and bustling vibe makes it feel less intimate than other islands. That said, it’s a great place for travelers who fear getting bored. The island offers plenty of activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching, making it perfect for groups of friends rather than couples seeking a more peaceful escape.

Make sure to check out these awesome tours and experiences in Maafushi:

• 🦈 Maafushi: Nurse Sharks, Stingrays, Sand Bank and Dolphins (my top tip!)
• 🪸 Maafushi: Boat Tour with Coral Garden Snorkeling and Lunch
• 💦 Maafushi: Water Sports Combo – Jet Ski, Kayak & Tube Ride
• 🫧 Maafushi: Discover Scuba Diving Class

Our favorite activity was doing a nurse shark snorkeling trip. Swimming with these gentle creatures was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Maafushi: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
iCom Marina Sea View ($)
Crystal Sands ($$) – where we stayed
Kaani Grand Seaview ($$$)

How to get to Maafushi
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
watersports, snorkeling excursions, sandbank excursions, diving

You might also be interested in: Best Things to Do in the Maldives

Ukulhas

Ukulhas, located in the North Ari Atoll, is one of the most beautiful local islands in the Maldives. It’s known for its stunning bikini beach, lush greenery, vibrant marine life, and eco-friendliness, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

To get there, you can either take a 1.5-hour speedboat ride from Malé or opt for a scenic seaplane flight. We took the speedboat, but I ended up getting seasick due to the strong waves. Next time, I would definitely choose the flight for a smoother journey.

One of Ukulhas’ standout features is its incredibly large and beautiful bikini beach, which stretches along much of the island’s western coast. It’s one of the longest in the Maldives, offering plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun. The pristine beach in Ukulhas was hands down our favorite bikini beach in the Maldives!

The island is also considered one of the best local islands for snorkeling, thanks to its amazing house reef, which is home to a variety of colorful coral and marine life. We went snorkeling every day and saw turtles, blacktip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and lots of colorful fish.

We also loved our guesthouse and the relaxed atmosphere of the island. Ukulhas offers a quieter and more laid-back vibe compared to some of the other local islands, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful couple getaway. We would definitely visit again – it’s one of our favorite local islands in the Maldives!

Ukulhas: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Palm Oasis at Ukulhas ($)
Beach Veli ($$) – where we stayed
Ranthari Hotel and Spa Ukulhas Maldives ($$$)

How to get to Ukulhas
speedboat, public ferry or seaplane flight

Best things to do
snorkeling, relax at the most beautiful bikini beach in the Maldives

Thoddoo

Thoddoo is a unique local island renowned for its agricultural industry. Often called the “Watermelon Island,” it’s famous for its fruit plantations, including watermelons, papayas, and bananas, which are grown across the lush, green interior. This big agricultural focus sets Thoddoo apart from many other Maldivian islands and adds a different vibe to the experience.

To get to Thoddoo from Malé, you can take a 1.5-hour speedboat ride or opt for a slower but budget-friendly local ferry, which takes about 4 hours. The island is perfect for both families and couples, offering a mix of activities and relaxation.

Thoddoo features two bikini beaches and a great house reef, ideal for snorkeling and spotting marine life. In addition to its natural beauty, Thoddoo provides plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s lush plantations or enjoy fresh, locally grown fruit.

The island’s relaxed pace, combined with its beautiful beaches and rich vegetation, makes it a wonderful choice for a Maldivian local island getaway.

Thoddoo: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Blue Water Thoddoo Inn ($)
Athiriveli Thoddoo ($$)
Hakuna Maldives ($$$)

How to get to Thoddoo
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
snorkeling, fruit plantations, relax at the beach

Huraa

Huraa, located in the North Malé Atoll, is a small but charming local island just a short 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé. Its convenient location makes it a popular choice for travelers looking for a quick escape from the capital without venturing too far.

The island’s bikini beach is a highlight, featuring soft white sands, turquoise waters, and a picturesque swing in the lagoon. It’s an excellent spot to relax and soak up the sun or snap some postcard-worthy photos.

What truly sets Huraa apart is the Huraa Mangrove, a rare ecosystem in the Maldives. At the mangrove, you can explore the lush area, home to various plant species, birds, and other wildlife. Kayaking through the mangroves is a unique way to experience this natural treasure up close.

Huraa offers a mix of guesthouses and local eateries, allowing you to enjoy an authentic Maldivian experience. It’s a great destination if you want to combine beach time with ecological exploration and an authentic Maldivian local island experience.

Huraa: Quick Tips

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Best place to stay
Wish Guesthouse ($$) – where we stayed

How to get to Huraa
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
Huraa Mangrove, relax at the beach, sandbank excursion

Malé & Hulhumalé

Malé, the bustling capital of the Maldives, and Hulhumalé, its neighboring artificial island, aren’t your typical tropical island getaways. However, visiting them at least once is essential to get the full picture of life in the Maldives beyond the beaches.

They’re excellent options for a one-night stay if you can’t catch a connecting speedboat or ferry upon arrival or before departure, giving you a chance to do some “sightseeing” while you wait.

In Malé, explore historical and cultural landmarks like the 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque) and the iconic Islamic Centre with its Grand Friday Mosque (Masjid al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu al-Auzam), one of the largest mosques in the Maldives. Other notable spots include the Maldives National Museum, Sultan Park, and Republic Square.

A walk through the lively Malé Fish Market offers a fascinating glimpse into local life. Though compact and crowded, Malé has a distinct charm that lies in its busy streets and vibrant atmosphere.

I highly recommend joining a guided walking tour in Malé city. During the tour, we learned many fascinating facts about both Malé and the Maldives:

• 🕌 Malé City – Private Tour
• 🕌 Malé City – Small Group Tour

Hulhumalé, connected to Malé by a causeway, offers a more relaxed vibe with its artificial beach, scenic promenade, and inviting cafes. Highlights include the Central Park, local markets, and mosques. It’s also a convenient base for diving or snorkeling tours. We preferred staying in Hulhumalé over Malé.

💡 Interested in doing a snorkeling and sightseeing boat trip from Hulhumalé? Check out this Full Day Boat Tour!

While Malé and Hulhumalé don’t have the tranquil vibe of the remote atolls, they offer an enriching cultural experience and a convenient stopover. Therefore, I recommend visiting them at least once!

Malé & Hulhumalé: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Beach Breeze and Spa ($$)
Pine Lodge Maldives ($$) – where we stayed
Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale ($$$)

Best things to do
sightseeing, café & restaurants, local markets

Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo, located in the Kaafu Atoll, is famously known as the “Surf Island” of the Maldives and is home to some of the best surf spots in the Indian Ocean. Just a short 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé, Thulusdhoo is a convenient and accessible destination.

The island is a haven for surfers, with its proximity to world-class breaks like Cokes and Chickens. These surf spots attract surfers from all over the world, especially during the surf season from April to October.

If you’re not a surfer, Thulusdhoo still has a small tourist beach where you can relax and enjoy the stunning turquoise waters. Alternatively, you can try some other watersports or immerse yourself in the local culture.

The island has a vibrant vibe with numerous hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place for a more active Maldivian escape with a lively atmosphere.

Thulusdhoo: Quick Tips

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Best places to stay
Azaya Beach Maldives Thulusdhoo ($)
Villa Kudì Maldives Guest House Thulusdhoo ($$)
Samura Maldives Guest House Thulusdhoo ($$$) – where we stayed

How to get to Thulusdhoo
speedboat or public ferry

Best things to do
surfing, watersports, relax at the beach

I hope you enjoyed reading our comprehensive Maldives local islands travel guide and found it helpful in planning your next tropical escape. From the stunning beaches and vibrant local culture to the unique experiences, the Maldives’ local islands provide an unforgettable alternative to the typical resort experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, these islands are perfect if you seek an authentic Maldivian experience.

FAQ – Best Local Islands in the Maldives

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Want to explore more of the Maldives? Check out my other Maldives travel guides below!

• Maldives Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in the Maldives
• The Best Island Resorts in the Maldives
• BeOnd Flight to the Maldives: A Complete Flight Review

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