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The 7 Best Maldives Beaches 2024
The Maldives is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in the Indian Ocean that offer a wide range of things to do at beach. These beaches represent a mix of both public and private options, ensuring visitors can enjoy the Maldives’ renowned beauty regardless of their budget or preference for luxury experiences.
It is important for every visitor to spend their crucial time to visit the best Maldives beaches in 2024. Here are the 7 most prestige beaches in the Maldives.
1. Veligandu Island Beach
Veligandu Island Beach is located within the context of Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, which is known as a luxurious retreat set amidst swaying palms, powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life. The resort is situated in the Maldives archipelago, offering privacy, tranquility, and exceptional services. Visitors praise the beauty of the beaches, the quality of the accommodation, and the overall experience at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa.
The resort boasts a private beach area, two swimming pools, a spa, and various dining options, such as international cuisine and dietary choices like halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free dishes. Accommodations include beach villas, jacuzzi beach villas, water villas, and sundown jacuzzi water villas. The resort caters to families but requires children aged 12 and over for certain types of villas. Access to the resort is exclusively through seaplane transfers, and it is approximately 25 minutes away from Male International Airport.
Also read: Where is Maldives located on World Map?
2. Biyadhoo Island Beach
Biyadhoo Island Beach is associated with Biyadhoo Island Resort, a three-star beach resort located in the South Male Atoll of the Maldives. The resort offers charming beachfront accommodations, a variety of water sports, and a semi-open-air restaurant called The Palm Restaurant, which serves international dishes and fresh seafood. The resort is renowned for its house reef, which features abundant marine life, and has been praised for its hospitality and natural beauty.
Guests can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, and relaxation at the spa during their stay. The resort provides round-trip speedboat transportation from Malé International Airport, which is approximately 40 minutes away. Biyadhoo Island itself is considered a scuba-diving hotspot because of its proximity to several popular dive sites.
3. Maafushi Island Beach
Maafushi Island features multiple beaches catering to different experiences. The most notable beach is Bikini Beach, which is specifically designed for tourists who wish to wear swimwear, unlike the rest of the Maldives, where modest dress is required due to cultural norms. Other beaches on the island include a public beach frequented mainly by locals and a coral beach.
For those seeking water sports and adventure, there is also a water sports beach adjacent to Bikini Beach. Guests can expect to find clear blue waters, white sands, and opportunities for snorkeling and jet skiing. While Maafushi does not feature luxury resorts, it offers budget-friendly accommodations and access to the stunning beaches and turquoise waters of the Maldives. For more information, Visit Maldives
4. Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach in the Maldives is a designated area where tourists are allowed to wear swimwear, while this practice is generally prohibited elsewhere on the island due to cultural sensitivities. Bikini Beach is located on Maafushi Island, and it is part of a public beach that is restricted to locals.
However, locals are not permitted into the Bikini Beach area, so visitors are bound to run into only tourists here. Bikini Beach on Maafushi Island is located at the northern end of the island, near the Kaani Sea View Hotel. Visitors can expect to find clear blue waters, white sands, and the opportunity to engage in water sports such as parasailing, diving, snorkeling, speed boating, driving water scooters, and canoeing. Sun loungers and parasols can be rented for a minimal fee.
5. Hulhumale Beach
Hulhumale Beach is located on Hulhumale Island, which is an artificial island in the Maldives connected to the airport by a causeway. The beach is situated on the sunrise side of the island and is protected by a reef that lies about 70 meters from the shore. Visitors can enjoy water sports such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving and can also interact with locals. The beach is a beautiful strip of sand, ideal for spending time in the evening after 4 pm.
Hulhumale Beach is part of a public beach that is restricted to locals, but tourists are allowed to enter the Bikini Beach area, which is located at the northern end of the island near the Kaani Sea View Hotel. Bikini Beach is a designated area where tourists are allowed to wear swimwear, while this practice is generally prohibited elsewhere on the island due to cultural sensitivities.
6. Rangali Island Beach
Rangali Island Beach is located on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, which is an idyllic island paradise in the Maldives. The island features lush tropical greenery and unparalleled views of and access to the Indian Ocean. The resort offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, including beach villas, overwater villas, and water villas with private pools.
Guests can enjoy a range of water sports, including snorkeling, diving, and parasailing, and can also relax at the resort’s spa or take part in yoga and meditation classes. The resort features several restaurants, including Ithaa Undersea Restaurant, which is located 16 feet below sea level and offers a unique dining experience. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is accessible via seaplane transfer from Male International Airport, and the resort offers a range of packages and promotions for guests. The minimum age allowed to stay at the water villas on Rangali Island is 16 years old and above.
7. Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island is famous for its bioluminescent phenomenon known as the Sea of Stars. The island is located in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives and is renowned for its pristine white sandy beaches and clear lagoons. The Sea of Stars is caused by the presence of phytoplankton, specifically dinoflagellates, which emit a brilliant blue glow in the water, creating an otherworldly, starry effect. The best time to witness this enchanting display is during the months of June and October.
Visitors can access Vaadhoo Island via speedboats and ferries from Male, the capital of the Maldives. While Vaadhoo Island is not typically listed among the top beaches in the Maldives, it is known for its unique and mesmerizing natural phenomenon. The island is home to some of the most exotic resorts in the Maldives, providing luxury amenities and villas. Additionally, Vaadhoo Island presents an opportunity to experience the local Maldivian culture and lifestyle, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unforgettable experience on the Maldives best beaches in the world.
What are the best activities to do on Maldives beaches?
Some of the best activities to engage in during your time on the Maldives beaches include:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling—Explore the rich marine life and colorful coral formations.
- Stand-up paddling (SUP)—Practice balance and explore the shallower areas of the lagoons.
- Surfing—Experience the famous breaks like Dhonveli, especially during the peak season.
- Fishing—Try your luck catching tuna or participate in local spearfishing expeditions.
- Parasailing—Take to the air for breathtaking views of the atolls.
- Sunset cruises—Watch the sun dip beneath the horizon from a boat or an overwater villa.
- Sandbank visits—Relax on uninhabited sandbars surrounded by crystal-clear waters.
- Local island excursions—Visit nearby inhabited islands to immerse yourself in Maldivian culture.
- Watersports—Engage in various water activities such as jet skiing, wakeboarding, and flyboarding.
- Wellness and spa treatments—Indulge in luxurious massages and holistic therapies.
These activities cater to a diverse array of interests, ensuring that every traveler finds something enjoyable during their time in the Maldives. Keep in mind that certain activities may require booking ahead of time, particularly during peak seasons. Always check with your accommodation provider about available services and reservation policies.
FAQ’s
- Best maldives beaches for families
Some of the best Maldives beaches for families include Villingili Public Beach, Hulhumalé Beach, and Maadu Beach, which offer calm and shallow waters, kid-friendly amenities, and nearby attractions such as parks and markets
- Best maldives beaches for couples
Some of the best Maldives beaches for couples include Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Hulhumalé Beach, Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Vaadhoo Island, and Artificial Beach, offering romantic settings, luxurious accommodations, and intimate experiences for couples.
- best beach in maldives for honeymoon
Some of the best Maldives beaches for honeymooners include Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa, Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, and Dhawa Ihuru, offering romantic settings, luxurious accommodations, and intimate experiences for couples.