Fehendhoo Island (Updated 2026)
June 18, 2026
Fehendhoo is a local island in the Baa atoll or Goifulhafehendhoo atoll with a population of 100 people only. The size is 2,3km x 200m. The distance to Male is around 100 km. The majority of island territory is occupated by jungles.
There are two other local islands located nearby: Goidhoo and Fulhadhoo.
Bikini beach and house reef
You’ll find the bikini beach at the far end of the island. It’s a bit tricky to walk along the beach because bushes pop up here and there, breaking up the shoreline. Despite this, the secluded feel adds a special touch to your beach time! Sunbeds, hammocks, and umbrellas can be found on a beach. Fehendhoo is a perfect island for those who are looking for a high level of privacy.
The house reef is on the opposite side of the bikini beach. But the current can be strong out there, so need to be careful. You can find colorful fish and corals, maybe even some rays and sharks. The island's house reef spans 3 different spots and is home to turtles, rays, sharks, and colorful reef fish.
The house reef can be explored directly from shore or via boat excursions to nearby reef systems. The healthy coral formations and diverse marine life provide snorkeling experiences suitable for all levels.
Activities on Fehendhoo
Kayaking The lagoon is perfect for a kayak as you can visit nearby sandbanks, picnic islands, and inhabited islands. Sometimes, in the lagoon, you can see turtles and manta rays!
Snorkeling safari There are a lot of spots for snorkeling inside and outside the lagoon. During the trip, you will able to visit turtle spots, manta ray spots, and others. Due to the low number of tourists in this area, you will be the only one in many places.
Night fishing You can experience the most spectacular views in the morning and evening by the sunset while fishing Red Snapper and other types of fish. Your catch will be cooked at the hotel.
Scuba Diving. There is no dive center on Fehendhoo.
Hanifaru Bay Excursion. During the southeast monsoon, the most popular activity is swimming with whale sharks and manta rays in Hanifaru Bay, the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives.
From May to November, unique oceanographic conditions create massive plankton blooms that attract up to 200+ manta rays in spectacular feeding aggregations, including spectacular behaviors like cyclone feeding, barrel rolling, and chain feeding.
The manta season runs May to November, with the best days typically around the full and new moons. A $20 park conservation ticket is required for all visitors, purchased through the guide. Snorkeling time in the bay is limited to 45 minutes maximum, with rangers always on site to enforce the rules. Fehi Velaa Dive
Pricing: Hanifaru Bay full-day tours from Fehendhoo-area operators range from $75–$95 per person, significantly less than the $150–$300+ charged by luxury resorts.
During peak months, success rates for manta encounters exceed 85%, with some days producing sightings of over 100 individual rays in a single excursion.
Sandbank & Uninhabited Island Excursions. A 2-hour visit without lunch costs $50/pax; a 7-hour day with lunch costs $125/pax. Fresh water is always included, and it's just 10 minutes from Fehendhoo. Half day with sandwiches and water: $80/pax. Full day with buffet lunch: $150/pax. Turtles are often spotted in the lagoon.
Fehendhoo Infrastructure
The village is very small, but they have their own harbour. Meanwhile, there are 5 guest houses, a football ground, some local shops, a pharmacy store, a mosque, and theree local restaurants. In these restaurants, the food is mainly for locals, including traditional snacks, so outside the hotel, it is difficult to find a place to eat.
Maaka Garden Cafe. Good location right in the center of the village, a short distance to the harbor. Beautiful restaurant with lots of tables and seating. Great food, friendly staff, and owner.
Zoilya Cafe Shop. A lovely local café with a great selection of drinks! It’s always excellent and served with a smile from the friendly lady behind the counter. Definitely worth a visit to support this local gem.
Transfer to Fehendhoo
Scheduled speedboat
Airport-Fehendhoo
Sat-Thu: 12:00, 15:30 (on Sun extra one 9:00 am)
Fri: 9:00, 15:00
Fehendhoo-Airport
Sat-Thu: 7:10, 12:40 (on Sat and Thu extra one at 16:10 am)
Fri: 7:10
*Schedule subject to change and depends on the season
Price is 75 USD per way per person
Domestic flight + private speedboat
30-minute Domestic flight from Velana International Airport (MLE) to Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) and connect to a 40-minute speedboat transfer to Fehendhoo. The domestic flight operates 5-7 times per day, price is $US 120 per person per way + private speedboat from $US 100 per person, min 2 pax is required.
Private speedboat
Private speedboat transfers directly from the Velana International Airport to Fehendhoo Rate – One Way Transfer USD 1000.00 per trip – 2 Hrs.