Dhiffushi Island (Updated 2026)
June 17, 2026
Dhiffushi is a part of Kaafu Atoll. It is located 36,6 km northeast of Male, the capital of Maldives. Another inhabited island of Thulusdhoo is situated just 8 km south of Dhiffushi. The island itself is small (just like the majority of inhabited islands); its size is 950 m x 200 m. Approximately 1200 people live in this little paradise. More and more locals are getting engaged in travel industry, but fishing still remains one of their major activities.
Things to do in Dhiffushi
Beach and house reef
There are two bikini beaches on the island - one on the northern part of the island, a small one, and the other on the opposite side of the island. The first beach has rather a good entry to the water and the sand is nice. But the channel leading to the deck is at about 10 m so you should be careful with the running boats. Each guest house owns its lounge chairs and umbrellas. The length of this beach is around 50-70 m only.
However, they don’t surround it with a fence and the locals can also come to the beach. You may sunbathe in a bikini on this beach (but there are still signs prohibiting that). The locals who use the beach are very tolerant of this rule. The second beach is bigger, but not very clean - quite a lot of garbage. Most of it is garbage that brings the ocean to the island. During the low season, this problem is particularly relevant because of the western monsoon, which brings all the garbage to this part of the island. Near the beach a lot of algae. Therefore, you need to go a little to the left to swim in clear water. There is shallow water, so the beach is suitable for families with children. On the beach, many sunbeds and built artificial shadows. Despite this, the southern tip of the beach has a great reef for snorkeling, at the edges of which there are several living reefs. Also, there is something like a sandbank, which is a bit hidden under the water at high tide. Small white crabs are running everywhere on the beach, they don't bite, but it's very difficult to catch them! After sunset, the light turns on, which attracts stingrays, small sharks, and fish. One of the few entertainments on the island in the evening.
Sandbank Trip
No visit to the Maldives is complete without a memorable sandbank trip. Dhiffushi has one of the largest lagoons in Maldives, it has a huge space for sandbanks (tide dependent), you can go sandbank trip to enjoy the crystal clear lagoon great for swimming and snorkeling. Head over to a secluded strip of pure white sand, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and enjoy the beauty and intimacy with your partner or family. A picnic breakfast or lunch can be provided upon request. We will also provide life vests, umbrellas, chairs, and beach towels. Head to an isolated sandbank where you can snorkel, have a swim, or simply relax on the pure white sand.
Night Fishing
Fishing is one of the best things to experience in Maldives. You don't have to be a professional to fish in the Maldives. Reef Fishing on a traditional boat called 'Dhoni' is totally a unique and fulfilling experience. Using hand lines and bait, catch a red snapper for your lunch or dinner under the magical starlit sky. You can also enjoy your catch cooked or barbecued for you the way you like.
Snorkeling safari
Snorkeling is a wonderful activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. Most people who have snorkeled have done so only on group charters while on vacation, but snorkeling is an activity that can be done almost anytime, anywhere. Dhiffushi Island has many beautiful snorkeling points, one of the famous spots is called 'Turtle Point' - where you will see turtles among different fishes and sea creatures. Baby Shark is a somewhat rare scene that is easy to be seen at the snorkeling point around this island. Night snorkeling. Night snorkeling is a great opportunity to discover the nightlife of the ocean! The evening is when the reefs come alive and when you will see the colors of the reefs in their full splendor with corals opening up like flower gardens.
Sunset Dolphin Cruise
Experience a relaxing cruise in search of wild dolphins while enjoying once-in-a-lifetime Maldivian sunset, they are never the same yet always amazing. Enjoy a spectacular show of Dolphins playing around. Dolphins are one of the most social creatures, which enjoy the time they spend together with their playful behavior. Some of the dolphins are called Spinners, Jumpers, Rotators, and even back flippers.
Island Hopping
Each island has unique features and culture. Island hopping is the best way to explore the Maldives culture. You have a chance to travel to from one island to the other and check out their beautiful beaches, and tranquil waters of the sea. Nearby local islands: Thuluashoo, Huraa Nearby island resorts: Meeru Island Resort, Adaaran Hudhuranfushi, Club Med Kaani
Scuba diving
Diving is also one of the most famous activities among travelers visiting Maldives. The Maldives is also ideal for Diving due to its high visibility, positive weather, featured creature,s and qualified training. Coral reefs are an excellent avenue to view the underwater natural habitat of many animals. Sharks, Turtles, Reef Fish and small organisms live together in one ecosystem. There are 12 dive sites nearby, like Banana Reef, Lankan Beyru, Prisca corner, etc. There are 3 PADI dive centers in Dhiffushi. So you have a choice.
Resort Day Visit
A day visit to a nearby resort is the perfect opportunity to experience resort life. Depending on the package, guests will be able to enjoy meals, alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages, the beach & the pool. Indulge yourself in a drink at Resort Bar or use Swimming Pool to try something different. Available resorts: Meeru Island Resort, Adaaran Hudhuranfushi, Cinnamon Dhonveli As of Feb 2024, resort day visits are not allowed.
Other activities on Dhiffushi
Beach Dinner. Spend the night of your lifetime at an exclusive table specially set up for you, with your toes in the sand, listening to the waves lapping the shore, while staring into the twinkling lights of Dhiffushi beach. Surfing. Surfing in Dhiffushi is not so popular compared to Thulusdhoo or Himmafushi. It's because of the remote location of surf spots. So, in any case, you have to hire a boat to go nearby. Canoe. Indulge yourself with some adventure of exploring the lagoon and beauty beneath - all from just above the sea sitting in a canoe. You can't ride to Meeru as it's a private island resort, so you can't anchor there.
Dhiffushi infrastructure
You will find on the island a school, a mosque, a health center, a stadium, a couple of shops and cafés, several hotels, and plenty of Maldivian hammocks ("joali" in Dhivehi). There is no ATM in Dhiffushi. In the case of an emergency, you’ll have to go to Male. That’s why make sure that you have taken everything you need with you in advance. In most places, you can pay in US dollars, though you’ll receive change in either dollars or Maldivian Rufiyaas and won’t always have the choice to choose between the two.
The island has three dive centers, the prices are quite high compared to other islands. The island itself is not for diving, so for this it is better to choose another place. But there are 2 water sports centers: water ski, surfing, windsurfing, kayaks, etc. Good location for this, because there is no coral, the deep part is very close. In general, despite some annoying, and unusual to us, it is very pleasant and friendly people. They love to talk about their island, what, where and how, were happened, they are interested in you and want to show themselves and their country from the best side. Most of them speak English very well.
Disadvantages - sometimes it is very difficult to get rid of such an interlocutor. Perhaps this feature is inherent in the entire population of the region (Maldives, India, Sri Lanka). Advantages - the service they have even in cheap hotels just at the highest level. We are ready to do everything for the sake of the client, always with a smile, always helpful, everyone will tell, show, there is not even talk about any rudeness. Almost no garbage on the streets. There is an unspoken rule, according to which every resident is obliged to clean up the area around his house every day.
Where to eat on Dhiffushi
Hotels' restaurants provide a great variety of local and continental cousins. One of the most popular restaurants on Dhiffushi is the Dhiffushi Inn Restaurant, which is known for its delicious Maldivian and international dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as pasta, rice, and noodle dishes, along with refreshing drinks and desserts. The restaurant has a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a day of activities. Another popular restaurant on the island is the Relax Inn Restaurant, which serves a variety of Maldivian and international cuisine. The restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes, as well as curries, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also has a rooftop seating area, providing beautiful views of the island and the ocean. For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, the Island Breeze Restaurant is a great option. The restaurant serves a variety of seafood and international dishes, and has a more formal setting compared to other restaurants on the island. Other restaurants and cafes on Dhiffushi include the Seashore Grill, which serves grilled seafood and meat dishes, and the Coconut Garden Restaurant, which offers Maldivian and international cuisine.
Where to stay on Dhiffushi
There are a lot of places to stay, but I advise Araamu Holidays & Spa, and that’s why.
- Sea view rooms;
- Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed;
- Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine;
- Unlimited coffee and tea;
- SPA facilities;
- In-house Water Sport Center;
- Play Hall (Pool, air hockey, table football and many other indoor games)
- Own 8 pax capacity speedboat for cruising and activities on nearby islands;
- Affordable room prices - Free Airport meet and greet service;
Transfer to Dhiffushi
Ferry
Male-Dhiffushi Daily except Fridays at 14:30 from Vilingili terminal. Duration about 2 hrs 45 mins. Dhiffushi – Male Daily except for Fridays at 6:30.
Scheduled speedboat
Male to Dhiffushi
Sat-Wed: 11:30, 16:30, 22:15
Thu: 11:30, 16:30, 20:00, 22:15
Fri: 8:30, 9:30, 16:30, 22:15
Dhiffushi to Male
Sat-Wed: 7:30, 13;30, 17:45
Thu: 7:30, 13;30, 17:45, 20:30
Fri: 6:00, 7:00, 15:00, 17:45
*Subject to change
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