Getting there
30-minute public ferry from Malé (MVR 25) or 20-minute speedboat transfer. Ferries run twice daily; speedboats on demand.
Best time to visit
November to April (dry northeast monsoon). Whale sharks year-round; manta rays peak January–April.
Accommodation
40+ options · $40 – $180 / night
About Maafushi
Maafushi is the undisputed capital of budget and mid-range travel in the Maldives. Just 26 km south of Malé, this compact island packs in dozens of guesthouses, dive centres, water sports operators and restaurants into a short walk from end to end. It's the easiest island to reach independently and offers the widest choice of accommodation outside the resort atolls.
Why visit Maafushi?
- Widest choice of guesthouses in the Maldives
- Whale shark snorkelling at nearby Guraidhoo Channel
- Manta ray dives at South Malé cleaning stations
- Full water sports hub — jet ski, parasailing, wakeboard
- Bikini beach and local beach side by side
- 30-minute speedboat from Malé ferry terminal
Top activities
Prices are indicative — contact operators directly for current rates.
Whale Shark Snorkelling
Manta Ray Dive
Jet Ski & Parasailing
Sandbank Picnic
Night Fishing
See the full activities guide for all operators and dive sites across the Maldives.
Dive sites near Maafushi
Ready to visit Maafushi?
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