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Maldives · Kaafu

Maafushi and local islands travel guide

Guesthouse stays and the Maldives on a budget

11hflight from London
MLEnearest main airport
29° in Maywarmest month
27° in Jancoolest month

Maafushi was one of the first local islands to open guesthouses, and it's now the easiest way to see the Maldives on a budget. A public ferry or speedboat from Malé takes 30 to 90 minutes.

Guesthouses run snorkel trips, sandbank days and resort day passes, and there's a 'bikini beach' set aside for tourists.

Good forBudget travelSnorkellingExcursionsLocal life

What Maafushi is known for

  • Good value

    Far cheaper than resorts.

  • Bikini beach

    A beach for tourists.

  • Day trips

    Sandbanks and snorkelling.

  • Local life

    See everyday Maldives.

Top things to do in Maafushi and local islands

  1. 1

    A snorkel trip

    Turtles, rays and reefs.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    A resort day pass

    Enjoy a resort for a day.

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  3. 3

    A sandbank trip

    Swim and sunbathe on the sand.

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  4. 4

    Fishing at sunset

    Traditional line fishing.

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See all tours and tickets in Maafushi

Where to stay in Maafushi and local islands

Find a hotel in Maafushi

Best time to visit Maafushi and local islands

Best value: May, Sep–Nov. December to April: dry and calm.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
27.3 C27°J27.5 C28°F28.1 C28°M28.6 C29°A28.7 C29°M28.3 C28°J28 C28°J27.8 C28°A27.6 C28°S27.6 C28°O27.4 C27°N27.4 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Maafushi and local islands, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 11h from London to MLE, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Public ferries and speedboats from Malé.

Airport transfer to Maafushi

Find flights to Maafushi (MLE)

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Good to know

  • Alcohol isn't allowed on local islands; it is on resort day trips and some liveaboard boats.
  • Cover shoulders and knees away from the bikini beach.
  • Friday ferries are limited.
Maldives guidesPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Maafushi and local islands FAQ

Can you drink alcohol on local islands?

No, only at resorts and on some boats.

Is Maafushi worth it?

Yes, for a budget Maldives trip.

More places in Maldives

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