Until recently, the Maldives were known almost exclusively for their luxury resorts, but today more and more travelers are choosing local islands for their vacations. They offer lower prices, a more authentic view of life in the Maldives, and often just as beautiful beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling as the resort islands.
However, choosing the “right” island is not entirely easy. Every atoll and every island is different — some are ideal for snorkeling, others for peaceful relaxation, others have better infrastructure, more restaurants, or easier transportation from the airport. We visited several local islands in the Maldives, and Fulhadhoo Island is definitely one of our favorites. Why? We will discuss this in the next section of the article.
Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo is located in Baa Atoll, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled regions of the Maldives. It is a local island that has gained popularity among travelers mainly thanks to its extremely long beaches, fine white sand, and turquoise water, which you would rather expect to find in luxury resorts.
Among the local islands, Fulhadhoo is an ideal compromise. It is not overcrowded with tourists, but at the same time it does not feel deserted. The island has a pleasant center with restaurants, cafes, and small shops, and overall a very relaxed “slow” vibe. That is why it is one of our favorite local islands in the Maldives.
How to get to Fulhadhoo Island
There are several ways to get to the island, and the choice depends mainly on your budget and time constraints. The most common choice for travelers is a speedboat from Malé, which will take you to the island in about 2.5 hours. The advantage is that it runs directly from Malé International Airport, so you don’t have to travel anywhere after your arrival. An alternative is a domestic flight to the nearby island of Dharavandhoo Island in the Baa Atoll, followed by a boat transfer.
There is also the option of a private seaplane, but this is a significantly more expensive option, which most travelers do not use for practical and financial reasons. We discuss exact times, prices, and combinations of transfers in detail in our e-book.
Amenities in Fulhadhoo
Fulhadhoo is well organized and very easy to navigate. Most accommodations, restaurants, and services are located in one part of the island, so the location of the hotel is practically irrelevant. The island is small, so you will mostly get around on foot. Card payments only work in certain places, so you will definitely need cash. If you don’t have time to withdraw cash at the airport, there is also an ATM on Fulhadhoo Island.
There is also a small health center on the island, which only provides first aid and treats minor health problems. More serious cases are dealt with by transferring to Male. However, this is how it works on almost all local islands in the Maldives.
Where to stay in Fulhadhoo
The range of accommodation on Fulhadhoo is surprisingly varied. You will find there simple guesthouses as well as more elegant boutique hotels, making the island suitable for low-budget travelers, but also for those who want to enjoy greater comfort.
The price range is wide (from €50 per night to €250 per night) and the differences are mainly in design, services, and location relative to the beach. We stayed at the Island Luxury Dive Hotel on Fulhadhoo Island, where we paid €102 per night for two people, including breakfast. The location of the hotel was a big advantage, as we were on the very edge of the inhabited part of the island, so we were really close to the bikini beach compared among the other islands.
Check out all accommodation offers in Fulhadhoo
Many people associate a holiday in the Maldives with a holiday in Sri Lanka. So if you’re also going to Sri Lanka, we’ve prepared a 14-day itinerary to exotic Sri Lanka – discover the best Sri Lanka has to offer!
Beaches on Fulhadhoo
Fulhadhoo is known for having one of the longest beaches among the local islands. The beaches are spacious, so even during peak season they don’t feel crowded.
The main bikini beach is located on the west and southwest side of the island and stretches for more than one kilometer. At low tide, a large sandbank forms at its end, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the Maldives – mainly thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and orientation towards the sunset. This is where we ended each day. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the sandbank from the village, and if you go during the day, we recommend taking plenty of water, something to cover your head, and sunscreen. At the end, you won’t find any restaurants or shops.
In addition to this, the island also has several public beaches, which are mainly used by local residents. They are ideal for walking, observing local life, or taking photos, but the dress code typical for local islands applies here. You can find out more about the rules that apply to local islands in this article.
BONUS TIP: If you want to take beautiful photos, there is an iconic palm tree alley on the island that ends right on the beach. Location here.
Snorkeling and excursions on Fulhadhoo
You won’t find the richest coral reefs right off the shore of Fulhadhoo, so snorkeling from the beach is rather average. However, the island’s location is an advantage. There are great places for trips in its vicinity.
You can choose from various trips organized from Fulhadhoo:
- trips to see manta rays, dolphins, or nurse sharks
- visits to sandbanks and coral reefs
- trips to nearby uninhabited islands
There are several companies on the island that organize these trips, and reservations can also be made directly through the hotel (often with card payment available). From our own experience, we can recommend Flow Ventures Fulhadhoo, which offers a great selection of trips and excellent guides, ensuring a great atmosphere on board during the trip. As a bonus, they will take photos and videos for you to keep as souvenirs.
Food and restaurants in Fulhadhoo
The gastronomic offer on Fulhadhoo is truly diverse. You will find local restaurants, modern cafés, and establishments serving international cuisine. The island offers everything from simple Maldivian dishes to brunch, Thai cuisine, and high-quality coffee.
The Dune Café is definitely worth mentioning, where, in addition to local specialties and fresh fish, you will also find a great selection of breakfasts and specialty coffees. We also recommend trying their homemade lemonade. If you are looking for something local, we recommend visiting Blue Café, where they serve local snacks in the form of fish specialties and toast during the day, and they also prepare very tasty and inexpensive coffee. In our opinion, the best restaurant on the island is Naya Cafe, which offers a great selection of food at great prices.
Who is Fulhadhoo Island ideal for?
We recommend Fulhadhoo especially to travelers who are looking for beautiful beaches without crowds and prefer a quieter island with a wide range of excursions focused on the underwater world. It is also suitable for people who want to spend about 5-7 days in one place and want to combine relaxation with activities.
As a contrast to Fulhadhoo, the quieter island of Maalhos in the same atoll is a great fit, and you can add it to your itinerary without any long transfers.
E-Book Maldives
More information about Fulhadhoo and other local islands, practical tips on transportation, accommodation, food, excursions, and itineraries are compiled in the Maldives on Budget ebook, which is based on our real experiences traveling around the local and resort islands of the Maldives. It will help you plan your trip so that you can experience the best and completely stress-free. The e-book can be found here.
In our e-book you will find everything in one place:
- All tips and tricks regarding airline tickets, transportation, money, SIM cards, useful
applications or accommodation. - Discount codes (which will immediately repay your investment in the ebook) and direct contacts for the best tour providers on the islands
- Complete information about six local islands – Fulhadhoo, Dhigurah, Maalhos, Dhiffushi, Thulusdhoo, and Omadhoo.
- Itineraries for your dream vacation in paradise.
* All links in this article, including accommodation via booking, are affiliate links. All in one place. It won’t cost you any extra money or effort, it will make your planning easier and save you time. We will be very happy if you book your dream holiday through them 🙂
