20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAAFUSHI ISLAND

Welcome to the ultimate list of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi island, one of the best local islands to visit in the Maldives. If you are looking at traveling to the Maldives on a budget, Maafushi is your best shot. This island has everything one can ask for on a tropical vacation.

Maafushi is easily accessible from Male airport, with the journey taking only 30 minutes and $20 on a speed boat or 1 hour and $3 on the public boats. Moreover, in Maafushi Island everywhere is within 15 minutes walk.

Therefore, every restaurant, diving school, snorkelling trip, and beach club will be super accessible from your hotel room. This makes the island really lively and provides the perfect balance between convenience and authenticity.

The following are the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island. I really expect these will convince you Maafushi is the place to be in the Maldives. However, if you are looking at alternative beach destinations, check out these posts on Zanzibar, Kenya, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Bulgaria which also make great beach holiday destinations.

Best things to do in Maafushi Island by the beach

1. Enjoy the bikini beach

The Maldives are a Muslim country with strict cultural rules that everyone has to follow, including tourists. Having your chest and tights covered at all times is one of them. However, most tourist travel to the Maldives looking for a gorgeous tan.

Therefore, local islands have accommodated certain areas where tourists can swim and sunbathe wearing a bikini, the so-called bikini beaches. Wondering around a bikini beach is definitely one of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi island.

The bikini beach in Maafushi is very easy to find. It stands right in front of one of the biggest hotels on the island, the Arena Beach Hotel.

It’s a gorgeous beach with soft white sand, turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. There you can go for a swim, sunbathe, go snorkelling, and try out one of the several swings that hang from the palm trees. The bikini beach is also a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset in Maafushi. 

2. Go diving

There are five diving centres in Maafushi, which is a lot for such a small island. Maafushi Dive & Water Sports as the one we used and we loved everything about them! The others are Eco Dive Club, Maldives Passion Diving, Maafushi Scuba and the Arena Dive Club.

No doubt the Maldives are one of the top diving locations worldwide. And Maafushi is one of the best spots in the country. If you love the Maldives overland wait until you see what’s below those blue waters. There is a reason why diving is among the most famous things to do in Maldives.

If you are a beginner you can find diving baptisms for about $75. This includes an hour-long theory class in the diving school followed by a 60 minute dive. And, of course, all the required equipment. There is usually a master diver for every two divers.  

For those who are already experienced divers and hold a PADI open water diver or an advanced open water diver certificate, dives cost around $40. You can also book a four dive package for about $120. 

Water temperatures are around 30 degrees all year round, even at great depths. So don’t forget to ask for a wetsuit if you are not comfortable with facing sharks on a swimsuit because locals are definitely not using one.

3. Go snorkelling

Snorkelling can be done independently from any beach in Maafushi or in a snorkelling trip. You can bring your own gear or rent it at any hotel. The water is so clear that you will easily see plenty of colourful fish, small nurse sharks, mantas, etc. 

However, I highly recommend taking a snorkelling trip. The best snorkelling sites are Maavelaathu, Vilivaru Corner, Banana Reef, and the Maafushi Corner. You can book these trips on-site through your hotel or online with.

4. Relax on a sand bank

Sand banks make one of the must see places in the Maldives. These are deposits of soft snow-white sand forming a shallow area with no more than a couple palm trees on them.

They look like an infinite beach surrounded by the azure sea. The sea around Maafushi is full of them so the island is a perfect getaway to the best sandbanks.

It you have a drone and love photography it might be worth booking a private tour to a sand bank. In these you will be left alone for a couple hours with only some food, beverages and a beach umbrella.

It’s also possible to visit sandbanks as part of a safari or snorkelling trip, as these trips would usually stop for lunch in a nearby sandbank. However, you won’t have them all to yourself as several tours will simultaneously stop there.

5. Spot the dolphins

There are plenty of dolphins in the Maldives, so many that seeing them is just unavoidable. Therefore, dolphins are included in every single snorkelling trip instead of being an activity on their own. 

If you are not into snorkelling, don’t worry. You can still enjoy the tours and watch the dolphins from the boat.

Dolphins will swim really close by, play with the boat, jump out of the water and show off their skills untiringly. Seeing a school of dolphins, swimming with them and trying to understand their sounds will always stay in my mind as one of the best memories from my trip to the Maldives. Surely a must do in Maafushi. 

6. Swim with nurse sharks

My favourite snorkelling trip was the one that took us swimming with nurse sharks. These creatures have no teeth and only eat plankton, small fish, and crustaceans so they are of (almost) no danger. Nurse sharks live in groups in tropical waters so the Maldives are among the best places in the world to find them.

You’ll be taken on a speed boat to one of the places they use to swim. There, guides will throw some small pieces of fish to the water and they will come out of nowhere to eat these. Snorkelling gear is provided and so are towels. You’ll only need to find the courage to jump into the water and share some time with them.

No touching is allowed but sharks will most likely rub your legs when swimming in search of fish to eat. Staring at their gills, looking them into the eye and diving to see them from below are some of the highlights of the trip.

One doesn’t swim with sharks every day so this surely has to be one of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island. And in the whole of the country, even when traveling to the Maldives on a budget.

7. Find some turtles & Nemo fish

My second favourite snorkelling trip in Maafushi involved plenty of Nemo fish and turtles. This tours are called half-day tours but they are long enough, starting at 9am and bringing you back to shore after 2pm. They tour uses a speed boat and includes snorkelling gear, towels, and packed lunch which will be eaten on a beautiful sand bank. You will also see dolphins and probably even stingrays on the way and will be allowed to join both. 

Nemo fish live very close to surface so this snorkelling trip is also ideal for those who don’t feel comfortable swimming in the open seas. Turtles also tend to come up to surface very often so you will not miss them.

Observing turtles eat and clean themselves, seeing turtles play with fish trying to jump on their shell or hide below them, and sprinting in an attempt to swim as fast as an adult turtle where my favourite parts of the trip. 

Truth be said taking selfies with a turtle and videos finding Nemo was also great fun. Although it didn’t end well as you can see on my Instagram. Anyways, I’m sure this tour will also rank high on your own list of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island. 

8. Swim with a whale shark

The whale shark is the biggest fish on the planet and the Maldives are one of the best places in the world to see it. Despite its huge size it’s completely safe for humans as it only eats plankton, shellfish and small fish. So, if you are lucky and brave enough, you will be able to swim with a whale-shark near Maafushi Island.   

The downside is that whale-sharks are lonely creatures which move a lot and might hide at great depths for long periods of time. Consequently, finding them is actually quite hard. Moreover, whale sharks usually live far away from the islands and outside the atolls so only getting to there are will take a couple of hours on the speed boat, which makes the trip expensive.

Prices start around $100 per person and they don’t depart everyday as operators need a few people to join in order to make the excursion profitable. Most hotels and tour operators would collaborate to fill the tours and share the costs so shop around for the best option. 

Your will depart from Maafushi at around 7am and not be back until 5pm, at the earliest. You’ll see plenty of dolphins on the way, enjoy lunch on a sand bank and pass by many luxury resorts.

If things turn out well, you will have an unforgettable experience swimming along the biggest living fish, observing it closely and even taking some underwater pictures. Worst case scenario you will have a lovely snorkelling day searching for the whale-shark and end up on a rescue boat like we did. More details on my Instagram, yet I still 100% recommend joining such tours.

9. Admire the glowing beach

Glowing beaches are a Maldives must see. They can be better found elsewhere in the Maldives but this doesn’t mean they don’t exist in Maafushi Island. 

Go to the public local beach at around midnight and look for the darkest spot. No lights nor lanterns allowed, the darkest it is the easiest it will be to see the bioluminescent plankton. Get your feet or hand down to the end of the tide and move the humid sand trying to dig something up.

You will hopefully see some shiny pieces that will fade in no-time. That is the world famous Maldivian luminescent plankton. And spot it is a memorable worth including among the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island.

10. Try some water sports

One of the reasons that make Maafushi stand out among other local islands is the amount of activities it has to offer, including all sorts of amazing water sports. Book them in advance here or ask at your local hotel or walk by the kiosks at the beach to check out the options. 

Jet ski, windsurf, water-ski, fly board, kayak, paddle board, banana boat, kite surf, parasailing, etc. Over the beautiful waters of the island and at reasonable prices, water sports definitely rank high among the 20 best things to do in Maafushi island.

11. Fish your dinner

Fish is delicious in the Maldives and catching your own makes it even tastier. You can walk around the harbour and try to meet some fisherman who would take you on board. Fish can then be cocked for free back at your hotel or any local restaurant as long as you pay for some sides and drinks.

If you’d rather secure a space in a nice fishing boat and be accompanied by expert fishermen that will help you fish your own dinner, book this fishing trip with bbq dinner.

Sunset fishing trips depart at around 5pm and return a couple hours later just in time for dinner. The crew takes you on their fishing boat, provides fishing lines, sliced fish to use as bait and instructions on how to proceed.

Don’t worry if you are unlucky. The crew are expert fishermen and will catch enough fish themselves to feed you all if need be. The most common fish spices are tuna, emperor, barracuda, dolphinfish and squirrelfish. 

Back on land your hotel will arrange a barbecue and prepare the fresh fish in Maldivian style using species and curry, which will make it delicious. It was my favourite meal of the trip and I highly recommend it among the 20 best things to do in Maafushi island.

12. Visit the public beach

The public beach is as beautiful as the bikini beach though much quitter. Bikinis are not allowed here so if you don’t fancy swimming fully dressed I would recommend going there just to enjoy the views, read a book under a palm tree, practise some yoga, chat with locals, or take nice pictures. 

This beach is also the best spot to watch the sunrise in Maafushi Island, look for the luminescent plankton, or admire the corals. Don’t miss out on it as it is one of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi island. 

13. Take a day-trip to a resort

Luxury resorts are the living image of the Maldives. Sure, not everyone wants to spend a full week in one as they might be far away from local culture and very expensive. Yet, taking a day trip to a resort in the Maldives won’t hurt anyone and could well make your trip. 

Day trips start with a pick-up on your local hotel in Maafushi. Then, a speed boat will take you to the resort of your choice where you will spend around 6-8 hours. The tours usually include lunch in one of the buffet restaurants and unlimited drinks including alcohol.

You can walk by the water villas, swim in the ocean, enjoy the private beaches, and relax by the pool. Don’t forget to bring your cameras and snorkelling gear. 

14. Do some island hoping

Maafushi is a great hub from where to explore smaller local islands. My favourite is Gulhi Island, a must-see tiny local island which you can walk in 5 minutes but will need a couple hours to explore. You can see most of it on my Instagram.

You can go to Gulhi on a day trip on your own using the public ferry. Once on the island, you will find some local restaurants where to eat lunch. You will also be able to enjoy a bikini beach which is even more beautiful and definitely lees crowded than the one in Maafushi.

Walking by the port at sunset will also be a great experience. That is when fishermen return with all their catch of the day and split them among their fellow islanders. Consider spending a night in the island, I loved it.  

Best in-land things to do in Maafushi Island

15. Experience the local culture

Maafushi Island, despite being one of the biggest in the country, is a small island and can be explored within the hour. Nevertheless, taking evening walks around the island and observing how locals keep their slow pace of life is one of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi.

Walking through the main street and its surroundings you will see a number of convenience stores. There are also lots of bistros, hair-salons, a police station, a clinic, a school, and even a bank with an ATM. There are also souvenir shops, mosques, football pitches, a prison, and even a gym. This is definitely a self-sufficient island. 

Local homes are very different from one another and the standard of living in them varies hugely. Some are really basic and others look very cute but we didn’t see poverty anywhere on the island. You can see them on my Instagram.

My favourite part of the stroll was engaging in conversations with locals hanging around on a joali, local swing chairs made out of coconut and fishing nets.

16. Sample local cuisine

One of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island is sampling Maldivian cuisine. The island is full of restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bistros. Don’t be afraid to visit them and expand your culinary culture. 

The most typical dishes in the Maldives are rice, noodles, and fish, especially tuna. This is a Muslim country so you won’t find pork. The influence from India and Britain is still palpable and you’ll find lots of curries and fish and chips dishes. Most of the local restaurants will also serve sandwiches, pizza, and burgers to please tourists. 

Local meals cost around $5 while international dishes are priced at $8-10. Every hotel will also have its own restaurant where you can enjoy a freshly cooked meal by the sea. 

17. Go shopping

Along the main street of Maafushi Island stand plenty of local souvenir shops. These sell hand painted pictures, hand-cut figures made of out coconut, coral pieces, jewellery, local dresses, etc. Checking them out will well occupy your evening after a long day out at sea.

Engaging with the owners and admiring the how they make their crafts is a great way to get to know the Maldivian culture. Also, don’t forget to visit some local bakeries and try their delicious cakes and snacks.

18. Admire the sunset

Sunset in Maafushi is scheduled at around 6pm all year round. It allows for the perfect time to relax, dress up and enjoy a walk along the bikini beach breakwater. You’ll be surrounded by fellow tourists and curious locals.

Recap your favourite moments of the day, enjoy a cold coconut, get to know the locals, or start making dinner plans. Sunset is an unmissable time in the Maldives and it ranks very high amount the top things to do in Maafushi Island. 

19. Get up for sunrise

Sunrise happens at around 6am all year round. The local beach is the best place to admire the beginning of the day in Maafushi. There you’ll find plenty of quiet places to take a sit and admire the sky. Your only companion will be locals going for a run and cleaning the streets.

Also, sunrise is the only time of the day you’ll have the bikini beach in Maafushi only to yourself. It might not provide the best view of the sunrise but if you are into photography, yoga, or would love to have a wonderful Maldivian beach all for yourself, sunrise is your new favourite time.

20. Have fun at the floating bar

The Maldives bans the consumption of alcohol along all of its local islands. But this does not include the sea, so if you want to enjoy a drink during your holiday you just need to get on to the Floating Bar anchored in front of the Maafushi harbour. 

It serves Italian and fusion food at around $10 the dish as well as $6 beers, bottles of wine, and cocktails. There is also a karaoke and a net lounge. 

To get to the floating bar you can arrange a free ride with your hotel or ask around at the harbour, where there will always be a representative promoting it among tourists. I personally didn’t try it but it still made it to the list of 20 best things to do in Maafushi island as it’s definitely a unique experience. 

Recap on the best things to do in Maafushi Island

I hope you enjoyed my list of the 20 best things to do in Maafushi Island. Traveling to the Maldives on a budged, just like traveling to Zanzibar in a budget, is possible if you know where to go. And that is Maafushi Island. There is plenty to do in Maafushi Island so you will not miss a luxury resort for a second. 

Sunbathing, swimming, diving, and snorkelling. Along with sampling local food, enjoying sunset, and admiring the luminescent beaches. As well as chatting with locals, learning from their way of life, and having a blast in a resort for a day. Maafushi Island offers all this and much more at affordable prices, so make sure to include this to your next trip to the Maldives. And don’t forget to book your favourite day trips in advance here to secure your spot.

Feel free to leave a comment below with any questions. And to reach out via my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages for additional information and insights on my travels. Have a wonderful holiday in Maafushi.