Maafushi, South Malé
Islands / South Malé
Local inhabited island

Maafushi

Where Maldives guest-house tourism began

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Kaafu (K) 26 km from Malé Pop. 4,471 (2022) 0.42 km²
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈30–45 min by speedboat
Population4,471
Bikini beachYes
ATMYes
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Maafushi opened the country's first guest houses in 2010 and is now the most developed local island for independent travellers, with dozens of guest houses, a bikini beach and every kind of excursion on offer.

With 4,471 residents in the 2022 census, Maafushi is one of the most densely built local islands, about 26 km south of Malé.

Maafushi (Dhivehi: ??????) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll. It was heavily damaged in the 2004 tsunami which impacted on over 100,000 of the Maldives 300,000 population. The Internation
Nattu from Male', Maldives · CC BY 2.0
Maafushi (Dhivehi: މާފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll and the proposed capital for the Medhu Uthuru province of the Maldives. It is known for the Maafushi prison. Unlike the resort
Buiobuione · CC BY-SA 4.0
In 2014 the impact of tourism on the island was evident. More generally, it is impossible to imagine that the impact of mass tourism could be sustainable for the ocean and atolls. However, from the cu
Buiobuione · CC BY-SA 4.0
Maafushi, Maldives
Ahmed Saffu saffu · CC0
Maafushi ( Dhivehi : މާފުށި) è una delle isole abitate dell'atollo di Kaafu e la capitale proposta per la provincia di Medhu Uthuru delle Maldive . È nota per la prigione di Maafushi. A differenza del
Buiobuione · CC BY-SA 4.0
Maafushi (Dhivehi: މާފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll and the proposed capital for the Medhu Uthuru province of the Maldives. It is known for the Maafushi prison. Unlike the resort
Buiobuione · CC BY-SA 4.0

Known for

  • The first local island to welcome guest-house tourism (2010)
  • Bikini beach with turquoise water
  • Huge choice of excursions: sandbanks, dolphins, resort day trips
  • Floating bars on boats moored offshore

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 Maafushi yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Maafushi
Dolphin cruiseIsland hoppingNurse sharks & stingraysResort day tripSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkelingSunset & night fishingTurtle snorkelingWater sports
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 Maafushi

Shared speedboats from Malé/airport several times a day (≈30–45 min), or the cheaper public ferry from Malé (≈1.5 hrs, not on Fridays).

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

30–45 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

ATMYES
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/Maafushi_(Kaafu_Atoll) · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf