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12 Best Beaches in the Maldives for 2024
The Maldives, which is known for its luxurious and pristine beaches in the world, is the first preference for travelers who are planning a vacation trip to the Maldives in 2024. If you are still confused about choosing the best beach for 2024, then we have suggested the 12 best beaches in the Maldives for 2024 according to visitor’s reviews.
Also read: Where is the Maldives located?
1. Veligandu Island Beach
Veligandu Island Beach in the Maldives is a stunningly beautiful tropical paradise that offers an unforgettable beach experience. Located in the North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island is a secluded and intimate destination, accessible by a 20-minute seaplane ride from Male. The island is home to Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort that features air-conditioned rooms with sea views, private bathrooms, and modern amenities. The resort offers a range of facilities, including swimming pools, a fitness center, and a private beach area.
Veligandu Island Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and exuberant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island’s secluded location and small size create a tranquil and private atmosphere, making it perfect for couples and honeymooners seeking a romantic getaway. Guests can enjoy various water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply relax on the pristine beaches. Veligandu Island Beach in the Maldives is a luxurious and secluded tropical paradise that offers a serene and romantic beach experience. With its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and luxurious accommodations, Veligandu Island Beach is an ideal destination for couples and honeymooners looking for a memorable and exclusive beach vacation.
2. Maafushi Island Beach
Maafushi Island, located in the South Male Atoll of the Maldives, is known for its stunning beaches and vibrant local culture. The island is a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers, offering a range of accommodations from budget-friendly guest houses to luxury resorts.
Maafushi is home to three main beaches: Bikini Beach, a Public Beach, and a Coral Beach. Bikini Beach is the most popular among tourists, with clear blue waters and white sands. It is located at the north end of the island, near the Arena Beach Hotel. Visitors can rent sunbeds and parasols for a minimum cost or bring their own seating options. The beach is a great place to enjoy the tropical sun and relax in the crystal-clear waters.
The public beach is situated next to Bikini Beach and is primarily used by locals for family gatherings and recreation. While visitors are welcome to explore the area, wearing a bikini is not permitted out of respect for the local culture and religious beliefs. This beach offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with the local community. Coral Beach is located at the southern end of Maafushi Island. It features dried corals on the shore, providing a unique setting for photography and exploration. This beach is not as sandy as the other two, but it offers a different experience for those interested in seeing the natural beauty of the island.
Maafushi Island’s beaches cater to a variety of preferences, from sunbathing and water sports at Bikini Beach to experiencing local life at the Public Beach and exploring the natural beauty of Coral Beach. The island’s affordability and proximity to Male make it an attractive option for travelers seeking a budget-friendly Maldivian experience without compromising on natural beauty and cultural immersion.
3. Hulhumale Beach
Hulhumale Beach, situated on the artificial island of Hulhumale in the Maldives, offers a perfect blend of urban life and island charm. Connected to the airport by a causeway, Hulhumale spreads across 188 hectares and features the popular Hulhumale Beach on its sunrise side.
The beachfront road is ideal for leisurely walks and is lined with resorts, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can also explore attractions like Central Park, the Fruit & Vegetable Market, and local mosques on the island.The east side of Hulhumale Beach boasts an endless stretch of pristine white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters protected by a reef approximately 100 meters offshore. This beach is perfect for strolling, enjoying sunrise or sunset views, and engaging in water activities like snorkeling.
While bikinis are not allowed on Hulhumale Beach due to local customs, visitors can head south to the tourist beach or bikini beach for a more relaxed dress code .For those looking to stay close to Hulhumale Beach, there are various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels along the beach road. The island’s proximity to Male International Airport makes it a convenient stopover for travelers with layovers or late-evening arrivals in the Maldives. Hulhumale’s development aimed to alleviate congestion in Male, resulting in a green and aesthetically pleasing artificial island that seamlessly blends urban amenities with natural beauty.
Hulhumale Beach offers a serene escape with its tranquil surroundings, picturesque views, and opportunities for water sports like snorkeling and swimming. Whether you seek relaxation on the soft sands or wish to explore the vibrant local culture of the Maldives, Hulhumale Beach provides a unique experience that combines modern conveniences with island tranquility. For travelers seeking a diverse Maldivian experience that includes urban comforts and natural beauty, Hulhumale Beach stands out as a captivating destination worth exploring.
4. Fulhadhoo Beach
Fulhadhoo Beach, located on Fulhadhoo Island in Baa Atoll, is a pristine gem known for its untouched beauty and tranquility.
The island, part of the Maldives, is situated about 120km from the capital and offers a secluded escape from the main tourist hubs. With its 16-kilometer stretch of white sandy shores, Fulhadhoo Beach stands out for its natural allure, boasting powder-like sand and crystal-clear blue waters that create a picturesque horizon. Fulhadhoo Beach stands out as a hidden paradise in the Maldives, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, beach enthusiasts, and those seeking an authentic island experience away from the typical tourist crowds.
5. Bandos Beach
Bandos Beach is a picturesque destination located on Bandos Island in North Male’ Atoll, just a short 10-minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport. This beach is part of the Bandos Maldives resort, known for its luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities that cater to different preferences. The resort offers spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the garden or beach, providing guests with a comfortable and scenic stay.
Visitors can enjoy activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, tennis, windsurfing, and other water sports at Bandos Beach. The resort also features multiple dining venues, including options for Western and international cuisine, cocktails, and Japanese Teppanyaki dishes. With its blend of luxury, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities, Bandos Beach is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a relaxing and enjoyable beach vacation in the Maldives. For more information, Visit Maldives
6. Biyadhoo Island Beach
Biyadhoo Island Beach, located on Biyadhoo Island in the Maldives, is a serene beachfront destination surrounded by sparkling blue waters and lush tropical greenery. This beach is part of the Biyadhoo Island Resort, offering charming beachfront accommodations and a variety of water sports activities. The resort provides comfortable rooms with classic wood furnishings, air conditioning, and views of the greenery.
Guests can enjoy leisurely activities like windsurfing, snorkeling, and soothing massages. The Palm Restaurant at the resort serves fresh seafood and international dishes in a casual setting, while the Coconut Bar offers beverages for guests to enjoy. Biyadhoo Island Beach is a tranquil retreat where visitors can relax on pristine white beaches, explore the vibrant house reef, and engage in a range of activities for a memorable tropical vacation experience.
7. Bikini Beach, Rasdhoo
Bikini Beach in Rasdhoo, Maldives, is a public beach where bikini bathing is allowed, providing visitors with a relaxed environment for sunbathing and swimming. This beach allows guests to wear bikinis and swimsuits without the need to cover up, offering a laid-back atmosphere for beach enthusiasts. While some reviews mention that the beach is small and not very clean, others highlight its soft white sand, great snorkeling opportunities, and beautiful sunsets.
Rasdhoo Island, where Bikini Beach is located, also offers various excursions and activities like scuba diving, snorkeling with marine life like manta rays and dolphins, night fishing with BBQ, island picnics, and day trips to nearby islands such as Thoddoo and Ellaidhoo. Visitors can explore the local culture, enjoy Maldivian cuisine at restaurants like Bamboo Hut, and engage in exciting adventures during their stay on the island. Rasdhoo Island provides a tranquil setting for travelers seeking peace and relaxation in the Maldives.
8. Cocoa Island
Cocoa Island Beach, part of the esteemed COMO Cocoa Island Resort, offers a luxurious and private beachfront experience on Kaafu Island in South Male Atoll. The resort’s amenities include toilets, Wi-Fi, showers, loungers, parasols, and cabins for guests’ convenience. Visitors can enjoy refreshing drinks at beach bars and dine at restaurants while basking in the sun. Reviews highlight the beautiful location, private and luxurious experience, excellent service, stunning views, comfortable accommodations, varied and excellent food, and friendly staff at Como Cocoa Island.
However, some guests mention that the island is small with limited activities available. The resort provides an intimate and romantic setting with overwater villas above a turquoise lagoon, offering modern light nourishment with South Indian cuisine influences. Guests can engage in various activities like diving, fishing, and sunset cruises to explore the surrounding atoll. Cocoa Island Beach is a dreamy Maldives destination where visitors can unwind in a serene and picturesque environment while enjoying top-notch amenities and services.
9. Vaadhoo Island Beach
Vaadhoo Island, located in the Maldives’ Huvadhu Atoll, is known for its magical and romantic beaches. During special periods of the year, the island’s beach becomes a mesmerizing sight as it lights up with bright waves that seem to reflect the starry sky. This phenomenon is known as bioluminescence, produced by phytoplankton, a set of small marine life forms that synthesize organic and inorganic substances using solar radiation as a source of energy. The beach on Vaadhoo Island appears to be illuminated by blue-colored LEDs, creating a fairytale-like scenery that leaves visitors stunned.
The glowing waves are caused by various phytoplankton species, which can also be observed in other seas worldwide. However, the bioluminescence at Vaadhoo Island is said to be special, with the beach looking like a vast expanse of sand illuminated by blue dots. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the beach during the late summer months, when the phenomenon is most likely to occur, especially from June to October. The island’s clean waters offer high visibility and rich marine life, making it a popular destination for water sports like snorkeling, diving, swimming, and kayaking.
Vaadhoo Island is well-connected to the rest of the Maldives, with Male International Airport being the most prominent international airport in the archipelago. The island is located approximately 8 km (5 miles) from the airport and can be reached by speedboat within 15 minutes. In conclusion, Vaadhoo Island Beach is a unique and enchanting destination in the Maldives, offering a magical experience for visitors with its bioluminescent phenomenon. The island’s natural beauty, clear waters, and rich marine life make it an ideal spot for strolling, swimming, and enjoying various water sports.
10. Ukulhas Island Beach
Ukulhas Island Beach is a popular destination in the Maldives, known for its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich marine life. Located in the Northern Ari Atoll, the island is approximately 70 kilometers east of Male and is accessible by a scheduled speedboat ferry that operates twice a day. Ukulhas is a favorite among fishing enthusiasts, with yellowfin tuna and blue marlin being common catches. The island is also home to a coral reef, which is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and other water sports.
The eastern part of Ukulhas Island is particularly known for its snow-white beach and beautiful lagoon. The island’s population is around 1,000 people, and the locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality. Ukulhas is also recognized for its commitment to environmental responsibility, with daily beach cleaning, waste management, and biodiversity protection programs in place.Visitors to Ukulhas Island Beach can enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, diving, and Manta Ray safaris. The island has over a dozen hotels and guesthouses, making it a popular destination for both local and international tourists. The bikini beach on the island’s south side is a favorite spot for sunbathing and swimming.
11. Huraa Island Beach
Meeru Island Beach is part of the Meeru Maldives Resort Island, located in the North Male Atoll. This tropical paradise is renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lush vegetation. The island is approximately 1200 meters long and 350 meters wide, covering an area of about 32 hectares.
The resort offers a variety of luxurious villas, including beach villas, jacuzzi beach villas, waterfront villas, and overwater villas, providing guests with stunning views and modern comforts. Meeru Island Beach is known for its clear waters, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and the concept of “One Island, One Resort,” which is well-known in the Maldives. Visitors to Meeru Island Beach can enjoy various activities such as snorkeling, diving, Manta Ray safaris, and water sports to explore the surrounding atoll. The island’s pristine waters offer ideal conditions for these recreational pursuits.
Additionally, the resort features an award-winning Duniye Spa, where guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and escape from the world.Meeru Maldives Resort Island is the only resort on Meerufenfushi Island and is easily accessible via a scenic 55-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. The island’s rich culture, state-of-the-art museum, and variety of dining options make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a memorable beach holiday experience in the Maldives.
12. Huraa Island Beach
Huraa Island Beach is a popular destination in the Maldives, located in the North Male Atoll. It is known for its bikini beach on the north shore, which has a sandpit and is ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The island is also famous for its snorkeling and surfing opportunities, with a house reef on the eastern side that is easily accessible from Bikini Beach.
The shallow waters around the reef are perfect for snorkeling and exploring the diverse marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, turtles, and even reef sharks. The best surfing time is from May to October, during the south-west monsoon period, with 15 breaks suitable for intermediate surfers. Huraa Island is also known for its mangrove swamp on the northern side, which is a protected nature reserve and provides a safe resting place for various bird species.
