Choosing Your Islands
With so many islands to choose from, it’s essential to consider your interests and travel style. Remember, a number of islands can make up an atoll. These are coral reefs that often enclose a lagoon with multiple islands within. We’ve broken the islands and atolls down by category to help you decide what meshes with your vibe:
Luxury Resort Islands and Private Islands:
We’ve all seen the photos. The Maldives is home to some seriously ultimate luxury escapes, with private islands often home to one resort. These islands offer high-end experiences, loads of privacy, overwater bungalows, fine dining, and a wide range of activities – from water sports to spa days. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages with meals, drinks, and activities included.
- Ari Atoll: This atoll has a stellar collection of islands, each more luxurious than the last. Think private plunge pools overlooking turquoise lagoons, world-class diving and snorkeling right off your villa, and sunset cruises where dolphins escort your boat through the water.
- Thulhagiri Island: This intimate private island has got lush vegetation, unparalleled beaches, and a beautiful lagoon. Here is where you’ll find those private bungalows of your dreams, gourmet cuisine, and any number of privately bookable activities. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a super special celebration with friends.
- Landaa Giraavaru: Tucked away in the Baa Atoll, this island is home to the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. Imagine overwater bungalows with private infinity pools, Ayurvedic spa treatments amidst lush gardens, and marine discovery centers where you can swim with manta rays.
- Velaa Private Island: If exclusivity is your desire, this island designed by Czech architect Petr Kolar, is all about understated elegance. Villas blend seamlessly into the natural landscape, offering private pools, expansive decks, and personalized butler service. You’ve got Michelin-starred dining, an unreplicable golf course, and the ability to just get away from it all.
Local Inhabited Islands:
Get a sense of the Maldivian culture, take advantage of more budget-friendly options, spend the night in a cozy guesthouse, try the local cuisine, and have more genuine interactions with residents.
- Hulhumalé: This artificial island is an extension of the capital Malé, where locals have more room to spread out and housing is more affordable. This means visitors have the opportunity to experience more local flair alongside the country’s natural beauty. There are markets to wander through, no-frills restaurants to track down, and of course, beaches galore with great windsurfing and kiteboarding – all while being close to the airport.
- Maafushi: This island is a bit of a pioneer when it comes to local-oriented tourism. You can head to a market for colorful produce and local crafts, join a fishing trip and learn about fishermen’s ancient techniques, and dine on dishes like curry at a family-run guesthouse.
- Thoddoo Island: Known as the “agricultural island,” Thoddoo is all about its rural charm. Cycle through plantations laden with papaya, watermelon, and bananas, or try your hand at coconut harvesting. You can still hit the beach, snorkel in the crystal-clear lagoon, and even catch bioluminescent plankton illuminating the shore at night (it’s not exclusive to Vaadhoo Island!).
- Malé: Many often view the capital as just a transit point, but Malé deserves a closer look. There’s a lot to see here: the coral stone carvings at Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque), the minutes of a famous underwater cabinet meeting on display at the National Museum, a rambunctious fish market, and street food galore. We recommend mas huni (shredded smoked tuna with coconut) and bajiya (fried spicy fish pastry).
Islands for Diving and Snorkeling:
The Maldives is a diver’s paradise – its coral reefs are teeming with diverse marine life, and it is home to well-protected biospheres.
- Ari Atoll: Not just a luxury haven, Ari Atoll is also a world-renowned diving and snorkeling destination. There’s manta rays, schools of colorful reef fish, and even the occasional whale shark. Dive sites are accessible for all levels, from beginner to experienced.
- Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll takes the cake for marine biodiversity. Hanifaru Bay is also home to manta rays and whale sharks and is a protected feeding ground. Dolphins are par for the course, and sea turtles an adorable sighting.
- Ukulhas: This small island in the Alif Alif Atoll is a hidden gem for manta ray enthusiasts, where you can snorkel or dive with them year-round.
- Adu Atoll: The southernmost atoll in the Maldives has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country. The British Loyalty shipwreck, a WWII cargo vessel, is a highlight, as are the coral gardens of Maa Kandu. Adu Atoll also offers a bit of local life, with markets and traditional fishing villages.
Islands for Surfing:
Consistent waves, world-class surf breaks, surf schools, and a laid-back surf culture make the Maldives a good spot for beginner surfers, and even those more advanced can have a lot of fun.
- North Malé Atoll: Legendary breaks like Chickens, Cokes, and Sultans make this the surfers’ spot.
- Thulusdhoo Island: Located in the Kaafu Atoll, Thulusdhoo has got a variety of surf breaks for those of different skill levels.
Getting Around: Transportation
- Seaplanes: Imagine soaring above a string of pearl-like islands, the sun glinting off the turquoise water below. Seaplanes offer a breathtakingly scenic, albeit pricey, way to reach those far-flung luxury resorts. It’s not just a transfer; it’s an experience in itself.
- Speedboats: Cheaper than the seaplane, these sea chariots zip across lagoons faster than the ferry. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride if the seas are choppy.
- Ferries: These sturdy vessels are the local lifeline and the cheapest way to travel between inhabited islands. It’s a slower pace, but it offers a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of Maldivian life
- Domestic flights: If your island hopping dreams has you planning further afield, domestic flights are your best bet. These short flights connect the major atolls, making for a convenient way to cover longer distances. While not as scenic as a seaplane, they’re a practical option.
- Chartered dhoni: This traditional wooden sailing vessel is a stunning sight, and a unique and nostalgic way to explore the islands. Classically made from coconut wood, the boats are still used by fishermen.
- Island hopping packages: Resorts and guesthouses often have bookable island hopping excursions that include all the works: accommodation, activities, and transport. It’s a headache-free way to scratch the island hopping itch, and can even save on money as well as time.
When to Go Island Hopping
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season (November to April). However, the Maldives is a year-round hotspot, so the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) can be a bit cheaper and mean fewer crowds.
Island Hopping Tips
- Book in advance: We know it doesn’t mesh with the chill island vibes, but you’ve gotta plan ahead! Lodging and transfers, especially seaplanes, can fill up quickly, especially when it’s peak season.
- Pack light: If you set on hopping from atoll to atoll, it’s best to pack less. Definitely pay attention to luggage restrictions on seaplanes (typically 20-25kg per person).
- Respect the environment and local customs: Be mindful of your impact on the marine life, delicate ecosystems, and local culture in the Maldives. Support sustainable tourism practices as much as possible, and pay attention to dress codes on inhabited islands. (Read more about sustainable travel in the Maldives in our eco-tourism guide! LINK)
- Stay connected: A Red Bull MOBILE eSIM will give you convenient and affordable data access throughout your trip. This means you can stay connected, share your experiences, and access useful travel information on the go. (More details in our Maldives Travel Tips article [LINK].)
For more information on how to have data and avoid roaming charges while traveling in the Maldives, check out our piece on the benefits, FAQs, and installation process for the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM.
