Maafushi Island: A Budget-Friendly Maldivian Paradise
Discover the Maldives on a budget in Maafushi: local culture, pristine beaches, and thrilling water activities await!
Maafushi Island, located in the South Malé Atoll, offers a unique blend of local culture and stunning natural beauty, providing an affordable alternative to the Maldives' luxury resorts. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant community, Maafushi has become a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers seeking an authentic Maldivian experience.
A brief summary to Maafushi
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Local tips
- Respect local customs by dressing modestly when away from Bikini Beach.
- Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season (December to April).
- Try local cuisine at the island's restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
- Take advantage of the various water sports and excursions offered, such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, take the airport ferry to Malé. Ferries run every 15-30 minutes and cost approximately 15 MVR. From the Malé ferry terminal, transfer to the MTCC Airport Express Terminal to catch the public ferry to Maafushi. The public ferry to Maafushi costs around $2 USD and takes approximately 90 minutes. Ferries depart daily except for Fridays. Check the schedule in advance.
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Speedboat
From Velana International Airport (MLE), a speedboat transfer to Maafushi is the quickest option. Speedboats are available directly from the airport and take approximately 30-45 minutes to reach Maafushi. Several companies offer speedboat services, with multiple departures throughout the day. A one-way ticket costs approximately $25-$40 USD. Pre-booking is recommended.
Discover more about Maafushi
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kaani Tours
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Experience the beauty and adventure of the Maldives with Kaani Tours, your trusted travel partner in Maafushi.
Maafushi View
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Experience Maldivian hospitality at Maafushi View: comfortable rooms, lush gardens, and a true taste of island life on beautiful Maafushi.
Maafushi Journey
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Explore the breathtaking Maldives with Maafushi Journey, your ultimate tour operator for boat tours, aerial photography, and unforgettable adventures.
Ocean Vista
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Experience comfort and convenience at Ocean Vista in Maafushi, Maldives, your gateway to island adventures and relaxation.
Fine Bake By Suzy
0.2 km
Indulge in delightful cakes and pastries at Maafushi's favorite bakery, Fine Bake By Suzy, where sweet treats meet affordability.
Maafushi Tours
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Your gateway to Maafushi Island: Experience the Maldives affordably with convenient ferry services.
Moonlight - FOOD . DRINKS . SHISHA
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Experience Moroccan flavors and island vibes at Moonlight, Maafushi. Enjoy diverse cuisine, refreshing drinks, and relaxing shisha by the beach.
Select Village, Maafushi Island
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Experience the Maldives on a budget at Select Village, Maafushi. Comfortable stay, stunning beaches, and authentic local culture await!
Alaika Maafushi
0.2 km
Experience the Maldives on a budget at this charming Maafushi guest house, steps from Bikini Beach and local island life.
iCom Tours
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives with iCom Tours - your gateway to unforgettable adventures and sustainable travel.
Palm Cafe
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Relax and refresh at Palm Cafe in Maafushi, offering beachfront views, cool drinks, and a laid-back island vibe.
Crystal Sands
0.3 km
Experience the beauty of Maafushi at Crystal Sands: cozy rooms, stunning sea views, and easy access to island adventures.
Eco Dive Club - Maafushi
0.3 km
Explore the underwater wonders of Maafushi with Eco Dive Club, offering safe and sustainable diving experiences for all levels.
Solunar Maldives
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Experience the Maldives on a budget at Solunar Maldives in Maafushi. Comfortable rooms, great location, and island adventures await!
Velaa Trips
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Discover the best of the Maldives with Velaa Trips, where unforgettable adventures await in the stunning island paradise of Maafushi.
Unmissable attractions to see
Folding Hands
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Discover the tranquil beauty of Folding Hands in Maafushi, a serene tourist attraction perfect for relaxation and reflection amidst nature's splendor.
Maafushi Beach
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Discover the serene beauty of Maafushi Beach, a tropical paradise in the Maldives, perfect for relaxation and water adventures.
Maafushi Maldives sunset view point
0.5 km
Discover the enchanting Sunset View Point in Maafushi, Maldives, where stunning sunsets and serene landscapes create unforgettable memories.
Bikini Beach
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Experience the serene beauty of Bikini Beach in Maafushi, a tropical paradise perfect for relaxation, swimming, and stunning sunsets.
شاه علم
0.6 km
Experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Shah Alam, a must-visit tourist attraction in the Maldives offering serene landscapes and vibrant heritage.
Sunrise Beach
0.6 km
Discover the pristine sands and crystal-clear waters of Sunrise Beach in Maafushi, a tropical paradise perfect for relaxation and adventure.
Renee’s Coral Garden
0.7 km
Experience the vibrant underwater world at Renee’s Coral Garden, a must-visit snorkeling paradise in the heart of Maafushi, Maldives.
Mantafushi Sunset Beach
1.0 km
Discover the serene beauty of Mantafushi Sunset Beach in the Maldives, where stunning sunsets and tranquil sands await your visit.
Maafushi Picnic Island
1.2 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty and adventure at Maafushi Picnic Island, a tropical paradise filled with sun, sea, and unforgettable experiences.
Mantafushi Beach
1.3 km
Discover the pristine beauty and tranquility of Mantafushi Beach in the Maldives, a perfect escape for relaxation and adventure amidst stunning landscapes.
Maafushi Corner Dive Site
2.1 km
Experience the underwater wonders of the Maldives at Maafushi Corner Dive Site, where adventure and marine beauty await every visitor.
Coral garden
2.1 km
Explore the vibrant underwater wonders of Coral Garden in Maafushi, a snorkeling and diving paradise in the Maldives rich with marine life.
Sand Bank
2.9 km
Discover the breathtaking Sand Bank in Guraidhoo, a tranquil paradise offering stunning views, pristine beaches, and unforgettable water adventures.
Kuda Giri wreck
3.6 km
Dive into the enchanting Kuda Giri wreck near Gulhi, a hidden treasure of marine life and history in the Maldives.
Kandooma thila
3.9 km
Discover the vibrant underwater world at Kandooma Thila, a nature preserve in the Maldives, perfect for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation amidst stunning scenery.
Essential places to dine
Ocean Vista Indian restaurant
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Experience authentic Indian flavors at Ocean Vista Indian Restaurant in Maafushi - where every dish tells a story.
Salt Vibes Restaurant
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Experience flavorful Maldivian cuisine amidst the vibrant atmosphere of Salt Vibes Restaurant on Maafushi Island.
Tandoori Flames Maafushi
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Experience authentic Indian cuisine at Tandoori Flames Maafushi - where every meal is a journey through flavor.
Navio restaurant
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Experience unforgettable dining at Navio Restaurant in Maafushi - savor fresh seafood with stunning ocean views.
Ocean Coffee Maldives
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Discover Ocean Coffee Maldives – where exquisite coffee meets stunning island beauty on Maafushi.
Blunch Restaurant
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Experience authentic Maldivian flavors at Blunch Restaurant in Maafushi – where culinary delights meet island charm.
The Keyolhu Maafushi
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Experience authentic Maldivian cuisine at The Keyolhu Maafushi, where fresh ingredients meet local flavors in an inviting atmosphere.
Summer Villa Sky View Restaurant
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Experience culinary excellence at Summer Villa Sky View Restaurant in Maafushi - where every meal is a feast for the senses amidst stunning ocean views.
China Garden Maafushi
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Discover exquisite Chinese cuisine at China Garden Maafushi - where tropical charm meets culinary delight.
Sapphire Cafe
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Discover delectable dishes at Sapphire Cafe in Maafushi – where local flavors meet international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
Cafe Lupper
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Experience authentic Maldivian flavors at Café Lupper in Maafushi - where every dish tells a story.
Hiyala Mariyaad Cafe'
0.4 km
Experience authentic Maldivian flavors at Hiyala Mariyaad Cafe', where fresh seafood meets island hospitality.
MELON RESTAURANT by Maladiwa
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Discover delectable flavors at Melon Restaurant in Maafushi - where local cuisine meets international flair in an inviting atmosphere.
Sky Restaurant
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Experience exquisite Maldivian cuisine at Sky Restaurant, where breathtaking ocean views meet culinary excellence on Maafushi.
Kaalamaa
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Discover authentic Maldivian cuisine at Kaalamaa in Maafushi – where every dish tells a story!
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Maafushi island
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Experience the beauty and culture of Maafushi Island, a vibrant gem in the Maldives perfect for every traveler.
monstera
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Explore Monstera in Maafushi for trendy women's fashion that blends local charm with contemporary style, perfect for any occasion.
Cool beach
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Experience the beauty of Cool Beach in Maafushi, where pristine sands and crystal-clear waters create the perfect tropical getaway.
A'dor Hardware
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Discover A'dor Hardware in Maafushi – Your friendly neighborhood store for all your hardware needs in paradise.
Maafushi Scuba & Freediving
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Explore the breathtaking underwater world of the Maldives at Maafushi Scuba & Freediving, the premier dive shop on Maafushi island.
Tea Rose
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Discover local treasures at Tea Rose in Maafushi, where unique Maldivian products and a warm atmosphere await every traveler.
Maafushi Mart
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Discover the vibrant offerings of Maafushi Mart, your essential stop for groceries and local delicacies in the heart of Maafushi.
Maldives Passions
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Explore the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs with Maldives Passions, your premier diving center in Maafushi, Maldives.
Arena Supermart
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Discover a wide range of local and international products at Arena Supermart, the premier grocery store on Maafushi Island, Maldives.
Bianco E Nero Souvenir Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique Maldivian souvenirs at Bianco E Nero Souvenir Shop in Maafushi, where culture meets craftsmanship.
Aachaa Shop
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Discover the charm of local shopping at Aachaa Shop in Maafushi, where authentic Maldivian crafts and souvenirs await every traveler.
Beach Club
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Experience the best ice cream in Maafushi at Beach Club, where delightful flavors and island vibes meet for a perfect treat.
Black Pearl
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Explore Black Pearl on Maafushi for unique souvenirs and handcrafted treasures that celebrate the rich culture of the Maldives.
Easy Souvenirs
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Discover unique Maldivian souvenirs at Easy Souvenirs in Maafushi, where quality meets affordability in a friendly atmosphere.
Arena Souvenirs - Tourist Gift Shop
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Explore the vibrant world of local crafts and unforgettable souvenirs at Arena Souvenirs in Maafushi, Maldives.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Epilipili
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Discover Epilipili in Maafushi, a vibrant juice bar offering fresh smoothies, delicious sandwiches, and a relaxing hookah experience in the Maldives.
Boat Bar
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting Boat Bar in Maafushi, where beautiful sunsets and refreshing drinks create unforgettable memories in the Maldives.
Party Boat
0.7 km
Discover the lively nightlife of Maafushi at Party Boat, where vibrant music and stunning views create unforgettable experiences.
Aqua Bar
3.8 km
Experience the tropical allure of Aqua Bar in the Maldives, where refreshing cocktails meet stunning ocean views in a vibrant atmosphere.
Sunset Deck
4.3 km
Discover the enchanting Sunset Deck, where breathtaking views and exquisite cocktails create the ultimate tropical retreat in the Maldives.
The Kitchen
4.3 km
Savor the flavors of the Maldives at The Kitchen in Guraidhoo, where every dish tells a story of local tradition and culinary excellence.
FLAT SEA GURAIDHOO
4.8 km
Experience the essence of Maldivian cuisine at Flat Sea Guraidhoo, where fresh flavors and stunning ocean views come together for an unforgettable dining experience.
Thun’di Cafe - The Island Restaurant
4.8 km
Experience the flavors of the Maldives at Thun’di Cafe, a culinary gem in Guraidhoo offering authentic dishes and breathtaking island views.
The Island Bite
4.9 km
Experience the best of Maldivian cuisine at The Island Bite in Guraidhoo, where every dish tells a flavorful story.
Ocean Retreat Restaurant
4.9 km
Experience exquisite Maldivian flavors and breathtaking ocean views at Ocean Retreat Restaurant in Guraidhoo.
Kamana Restaurent
5.0 km
Discover the authentic flavors of Maldivian cuisine at Kamana Restaurant in Guraidhoo, where fresh ingredients meet warm hospitality.
Good Bros Café & Bistro
5.1 km
Discover the flavors of Guraidhoo at Good Bros Café & Bistro, where local cuisine meets exceptional hospitality in a cozy atmosphere.
Sufuraa Restaurant
5.1 km
Discover the authentic tastes of the Maldives at Sufuraa Restaurant in Guraidhoo, where every dish tells a story of local culture and flavor.
Hiraeth Island Home
5.2 km
Experience the ultimate family getaway at Hiraeth Island Home, where comfort meets adventure in the stunning Guraidhoo, Maldives.
Tropic Platter
5.8 km
Discover the culinary delights of Tropic Platter in Gulhi, where local Maldivian flavors meet a welcoming island atmosphere.
