Guraidhoo, South Malé
Islands / South Malé
Local inhabited island

Guraidhoo

Surf, reefs and a friendly village vibe

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Kaafu (K) 31 km from Malé Pop. 1,743 (2022)
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈40 min by speedboat
Population1,743
Bikini beachYes
ATMNo
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

A short hop from Maafushi, Guraidhoo is quieter but well connected, with good surf nearby, a calm lagoon and easy access to resort day trips.

Guraidhoo lies about 31 km south of Malé and had 1,743 residents in 2022.

Black-naped Tern, western Indian Ocean subspecies Sterna sumatrana mathewsi, Guraidhoo, Maldives
kiwishen · CC BY 4.0
Mohamed Muizzu visits Th. Guraidhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
Mohamed Muizzu visits Th. Guraidhoo
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
Clique College Graduation Ceremony 2023
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
Guraidhoo, Maldives
Ahmed Saffu saffu · CC0
Clique College Graduation Ceremony 2023
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Nearby reef breaks for surfers
  • A bikini beach on a calm lagoon
  • Easy resort day trips

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No listings of this type listed on Guraidhoo yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Guraidhoo
Resort day tripSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkelingSurfing
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

2 routesHow to get to Guraidhoo

Shared speedboat from the airport (≈40 min) or public ferry from Malé.

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

40 MIN
Several departures daily; times vary by operator
Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

Public ferry from Malé ferry terminal

LONGER THAN SPEEDBOAT
Usually Saturday–Thursday; no Friday service. Check the current timetable.
Cheapest option, but slow and not timed for flights.
Operator: Public ferry (MTCC / RTL)

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMNO
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationYES
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guraidhoo_(Kaafu_Atoll) · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf