Maafushi and the Local Islands

Since the Maldives opened its inhabited islands to tourism, local islands like Maafushi have transformed the destination, offering the same dazzling turquoise lagoons and coral reefs at a fraction of resort prices. On these islands, small guesthouses, cafes and dive shops sit among the homes of Maldivian communities, and travellers can enjoy designated bikini beaches, snorkelling trips to see turtles and mantas, sandbank picnics and dolphin cruises. It is a more affordable, sociable and authentic way to experience the beauty of the atolls.

What you actually see

• The public and bikini beaches - the local island beaches and lagoons.
• The snorkelling excursions - the trips to reefs, turtles and mantas.
• The sandbank trips - the picnics on pristine sandbanks.
• Local island life - the Maldivian community and guesthouses.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the best weather and water clarity; the local islands are reached cheaply by public ferry or faster by speedboat from Malé. Excursions to sandbanks, reefs and nearby resorts for a day are easily arranged through guesthouses.

Honest expectations

As inhabited Muslim islands, local customs apply: modest dress in the village, swimwear only on designated bikini beaches, and no alcohol except on offshore excursion boats or resort day-trips, which surprises some visitors. The islands are simple and the beaches busier than a private resort. For an affordable, authentic and friendly taste of the Maldives, though, they are a wonderful and increasingly popular choice.

Nearby

The capital Malé, nearby resorts and other local islands are close by.