10 Best Island to Visit in the Maldives for Beaches
Why Beaches in the Maldives are famous around the world?
The Maldives beaches are famous worldwide due to their breathtaking natural beauty. The islands feature pristine white-sand beaches, lush palm trees, and vibrant coral reefs.
The striking contrast between the turquoise waters and the white sand is mesmerizing, making them a perfect romantic getaway for honeymooners and couples. The beaches in the Maldives are also known for their luxurious resorts, offering world-class amenities and activities like snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
The Maldives is considered one of the most exhilarating destinations for adventure junkies, with a variety of water sports and leisure activities available.
Additionally, the country’s vibrant markets and authentic local cuisines make it a treat for every food lover. Overall, the Maldives beaches are renowned for their stunning natural beauty, luxurious resorts, and diverse range of activities, making them a popular destination for travelers from around the world.
Also read: Where is the Maldives?
Here are the Best Island beaches in the Maldives to Visit in 2024:
1. Meeru Island
Meeru Island, located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. The island is formed above peaks emerging from the depths of the ocean, covered in layers of coral, and surrounded by dense shrubs and hardy plants.
The resort, Meeru Maldives Resort Island, has been operating since 1976 and offers a range of luxurious villas, including beachfront villas with private jacuzzis and overwater bungalows. The island is accessible by a 55-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
The resort is renowned for its exceptional service, delicious food, and beautiful surroundings, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners and those seeking a luxurious getaway.
How Can I get to Meeru Island from Male?
To get to Meeru Island from Male Airport, you can take a ferry to Himmafushi and then travel to Meeru Island. Here are the steps:
- Ferry from Male Airport to Himmafushi:
- Travel from Himmafushi to Meeru Island:
This combination of ferry and walking provides the best way to get from Male Airport to Meeru Island without a car.
2. Veligandu Island
Veligandu Island beach is a stunning tropical paradise in the Maldives. The island is surrounded by a picturesque reef, teeming with diverse marine life such as turtles and manta rays. The beach is known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, creating a serene and idyllic setting.
The Veligandu Maldives Resort Island, located on the island, offers luxurious overwater villas and a range of amenities and activities for guests to enjoy, including snorkeling and diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs. With its natural beauty, privacy, and tranquility, Veligandu Island is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway or a relaxing vacation in the Maldives.
How Can I get to Veligandu Island from Male?
To get to Veligandu Island from Male, you can follow these steps:
- Clear Immigration and Customs:
- Seaplane from Velana International Airport:
- Check-in and Transfer:
3. Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island is famous for its stunning beaches, which are a major draw for tourists. The island is relatively small, and you can easily walk around it in about 30 minutes.
The most popular beaches include Bikini Beach, Sunrise Beach, Thundi Beach, Maafushi Plankton Beach, and Maafushi Sunset Point.
These beaches offer a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports. The beaches are known for their vibrant coral reefs, and you can see bioluminescent plankton at night if you are lucky. The island also has a variety of restaurants, from budget-friendly options to luxury dining experiences, offering a range of cuisines from seafood to Italian and Asian dishes.
How Can I Get to Maafushi Island?
To get to Maafushi Island, you can follow these steps:
- Reach Velana International Airport:
- Choose Your Transportation:
- Speedboat:
- Ferry:
- Book Your Ferry or Speedboat:
- Reach Maafushi Island:
- Once you reach Maafushi Island, you can check-in at your resort and enjoy your stay
4. Nalaguraidhoo Island
Nalaguraidhoo Island is a private island in the South Ari atoll, Maldives, known for its stunning natural beauty. The island is big and beautiful, with palms, white sand, and a long sandspit. It is a popular destination for tourists, offering a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports.
The island is home to the Sun Island Resort & Spa, a four-star hotel with luxurious rooms and amenities. The resort offers a variety of dining options, including the Maaniyaa Restaurant, Guraamuli Grill, Ristorante Al Pontile, and Southern Star Restaurant.
Visitors can enjoy the beach, lagoon, and pool, as well as participate in activities like stingray feeding, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. The island is accessible by a 10-minute boat ride from Maamigili airport, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a tropical paradise.
How Can I get to Nalaguraidhoo Island from Male?
To get to Nalaguraidhoo Island from Male, you can follow these steps:
- Fly from Male International Airport to Maamigili Airport:
- Transfer from Maamigili Airport to Nalaguraidhoo Island:
- Check-in and Enjoy Your Stay:
5. Dhigurah Island
Dhigurah Island is a hidden gem in the Maldives, known for its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and budget-friendly options. Located on the Alif Dhaal Atoll, it is one of the least populated islands in the Maldives, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere for tourists.
The island is famous for its whale shark tours, which can be spotted throughout the year, and snorkeling trips that explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life. The western part of the island features a beach ideal for swimming, while the eastern part is known for its sandbanks, perfect for picnics and romantic dinners.
Additionally, night fishing tours and shark safaris are popular activities on the island, providing a unique experience for visitors. With its white sandy beaches, lavish resorts, and diverse activities, Dhigurah Island is an ideal destination for those seeking a tropical paradise without breaking the bank.
How do I get to Dhigurah Island from Male?
To get from Male to Dhigurah Island in the Maldives:
- Reach Velana International Airport (Male Airport):
- Arrive at the main airport in the Maldives, Velana International Airport (also known as Male Airport).
- Take a Public Speedboat:
- The most convenient and affordable option is to take a public speedboat from the airport or Male city to Dhigurah Island.
- The speedboat journey takes around 2 hours and costs approximately $65 per person one-way.
- The speedboats depart from the airport or Male city twice daily, at 11:00 and 16:30 (subject to change).
- Take a Domestic Flight:
- An alternative option is to take a domestic flight from Male Airport to Maamigili Airport, which is near Dhigurah Island.
- The domestic flight takes around 20 minutes, and then you’ll need to take a 20-minute speedboat ride from Maamigili to reach Dhigurah.
- The domestic flight costs around $140 per person one-way.
- Take a Seaplane:
- As a more scenic but expensive option, you can take a seaplane from Male Airport to the nearby LUX Resort, followed by a 10-minute speedboat ride to Dhigurah.
- The seaplane flight costs around $250 per person.
- Take the Public Ferry (Slowest Option):
- The slowest but cheapest option is to take the public ferry from Male to Dhigurah, which takes around 6-7 hours and costs $8 per person one-way.
- The public ferry operates a few days per week.
The most convenient and recommended option is to take the public speedboat from Male Airport or Male city directly to Dhigurah Island, which takes around 2 hours.
6. Villingili Resort Island
The beaches at Villingili Resort Island are known for their pristine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, providing a serene and picturesque setting for relaxation. The resort offers a private beach where guests can enjoy free cabanas and beach activities.
The beachfront villas with private pools offer a unique experience, allowing guests to relax in a bath with essential oils before stretching out on the king-sized bed with a view of the Maldivian sea.
What Water Sports are available at Kuda Villingili Resort
| Water Sport | Description |
|---|---|
| Kitesurfing | High-speed action, experienced kitesurfers can push their limits with high kite jumps. |
| Lifting Electronic Board | Glide over the water on an innovative electronic board, combining surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. |
| Surfing | Catch waves at Chicken’s Break, one of the world’s top ten surf spots. |
| Diving | Explore stunning dive sites like Manta Habitat, Coliseum, Aquarium, Nassimo Tila, and HP Reef. |
| Snorkeling | Discover vibrant marine life and coral reefs. |
| Water Skiing | Enjoy high-speed water skiing. |
| Wakeboarding | Perform thrilling stunts on the water. |
| Kayaking | Paddle through the calm waters. |
| Stand-up Paddleboarding | Explore the ocean from a unique perspective. |
| Big Game Fishing | Catch a variety of fish species. |
These water sports provide a range of activities for guests to enjoy the beautiful Maldivian waters.
7. Baros
Baros beach is a picturesque destination in the Maldives known for its stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is lined with palm trees, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation.
The beachside villas offer private sun loungers and a thatched parasol, allowing guests to enjoy the sun and sea in comfort. The beach is also a popular spot for water sports and activities such as snorkeling and diving, which provide a glimpse into the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.
How to get to Baros from Male
To get to Baros Island from Male International Airport, you can take a speedboat transfer. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. The resort provides speedboat transfers via express boats for its guests at an additional transfer cost. The round trip transfer charges for the express boat are:
- USD 259 for adults
- USD 129 for children (Age 8 years – 11 years)
Please note that this cost is subject to change. Additionally, booking on half board rates for at least 3 nights stay can provide a free of cost return transfer from Male International Airport.
8. Thulusdhoo Island
Thulusdhoo Island is a picturesque destination in the Maldives known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The island is encircled by sugary sand and offers a perfect little island getaway.
The beaches are lined with palm trees, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. The island is also a popular spot for water sports and activities such as snorkeling and diving, which provide a glimpse into the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.
Thulusdhoo has several surf spots, including Chicken’s, Coke’s, Ninja’s, Sultan’s, and Honky’s, which are considered some of the best local island surfing spots in the Maldives. The island is also home to several restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including local Maldivian dishes, Indian, and international cuisine.
The island has a small health center that provides basic medical services to locals and tourists. There is a mosque on the island where locals go to perform their daily prayers, and visitors are welcome to visit but must dress modestly and remove shoes before entering.
How Can I get to Thulusdhoo Island from Male
To get to Thulusdhoo Island from Male in a table format:
| Transportation | Duration | Cost | Frequency | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Ferry | 85 minutes | $3USD | Daily | 3:30 PM (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday) |
| Slow Ferry | 120 minutes | $3USD | Daily | 2:30 PM (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) |
| Speedboat | 25 minutes | $30USD | Multiple times daily | Varies |
Please note that the speedboat frequency and departure times may vary depending on the provider.
9. Milaidhoo
Milaidhoo Maldives is a boutique luxury resort situated on a tiny island in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, approximately 126km northwest of Male.
The island is fringed by a soft, deep white sand beach, which is perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the turquoise waters. The beach is lined with palm trees and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for relaxation. The resort’s beachside villas are designed for comfort and feature private freshwater pools, hanging Maldivian swings, and day beds.
Guests can indulge in a range of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports, and enjoy the resort’s “barefoot informality” service. The beach is also a great spot for romantic dinners and sunset views, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a luxurious and peaceful getaway.
What makes Milaidhoo’s Beach Experience Unique?
Milaidhoo’s beach experience is unique due to its serene and peaceful atmosphere, which is enhanced by the resort’s focus on “barefoot informality.” The beach is lined with palm trees, and the soft, deep white sand is perfect for soaking up the sun.
The resort offers a range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports, which can be enjoyed from the beach. Additionally, the resort’s villas are designed for comfort and feature private freshwater pools, hanging Maldivian swings, and day beds, allowing guests to relax and unwind in style.
10. Dhidhdhoo Island
Dhidhdhoo Island is a local island in the Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives. It is known for its beautiful beaches and is a popular destination for tourists. The island is home to several resorts and hotels, including the 5-star JA Manafaru Maldives and the 5-star Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa.
These resorts offer luxurious villas with private pools and stunning views of the ocean. The island also has a variety of activities and experiences, such as snorkeling, diving, and fishing, which can be enjoyed by visitors. Additionally, the island has a rich culture and history, with many historical sites and landmarks to explore.
How Can I get to Dhidhdhoo Island from the Capital
To get to Dhidhdhoo Island from the capital, Male, you can take a flight from Malé International Airport (VIA) to Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ), which is the nearest airport to Dhidhdhoo. The flight takes approximately 20 minutes. From Hanimaadhoo Airport, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Dhidhdhoo Island. The ferry ride takes around 4 hours, while the speedboat ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Also Read: When is the Best Time to Visit the Maldives?
