Feridhoo (Updated 2026)

In centuries past, two male African slaves who had been bought by the kings on their Hajj trips to Mecca were formally released from slavery and were settled on this island. One of them was called Sangoru. He had been working for years at the palace in Malé before the ailing king released him in order to gain merit in the afterlife.

The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was traditionally a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Now there are many families on Feridhoo and in neighboring Maalhos who can trace their descendency to those two African ancestors. The island is still very wild with an almost untouched beach and vegetation that occupies 2/3 of the island.

Things to do on Feridhoo

Bikini beach

The white sandy beaches with their crystal clear waters are one of the features that make Feridhoo a unique island. Feridhoo has beautiful beaches, with a total length of around 1km! Here you can experience serenity at its best. There are umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach. Not many tourists are coming to Feridhoo, so you'll have enough space for privacy. Feridhoo has one of the best bikini beaches among inhabited islands.

House reef

The reefs all over the Maldives are inhabited by various kinds of aquatic flora and fauna and are great for a relaxing day watching fish on the reef. Looking for the BEST alive coral reef? Welcome to Feridhoo. This is the only inhabited island (at least in Central Atolls) with 80% living corals.

Feridhoo's house reef is one of the most accessible in the Maldives, starting just a short walk from the beach and wrapping around the entire island. With entry points at multiple spots along the perimeter, snorkelers and divers of all skill levels can slip into the water whenever they like — no boat required.

Underwater, the reef delivers. Reef sharks cruise the outer edges, while Napoleon wrasse, fusiliers, and parrotfish fill the shallower coral gardens. Turtles and rays make regular appearances too. The most rewarding snorkeling tends to be along the southern and southwestern sides of the island, where coral coverage and fish life are at their densest.

The reef is also well-zoned for different abilities. Beginners will feel comfortable in the calm, shallow waters of the eastern lagoon, while more confident snorkelers can head to the northern drop-off for deeper terrain and frequent shark encounters. The southwestern corner holds some of the prettiest coral formations on the reef, though expect stronger currents there — especially around the monsoon transition months.

That said, the outer reef is not to be underestimated. Currents can run strong, and it's worth arranging a boat escort before venturing beyond the protected inner sections.

As for timing, December through April brings the calmest conditions — glassy morning seas and visibility pushing past 25 meters. If marine life density is your priority, aim for the shoulder periods in **March–May or September–November**, when shifting currents stir up nutrients and draw larger fish aggregations to the reef. The reef is snorkeable year-round, but these windows tend to offer the most rewarding encounters.

Scuba diving

There is only one dive center on the island - Noohiri. Their service includes not only diving but snorkeling and even sailing. The location of the island allows us to offer you the most beautiful and famous diving spots; Most dives will be in "thila" and "kandu". There is the famous "Maalhos Thila" near Feridhoo, considered by many one of the most beautiful diving spots in the area. Many Manta Points are reachable in a short time (including for snorkeling as well. From the beach of Feridhoo, you can do a discover scuba dive along the island's house reef; a depth of 8-12 meters. This dive site is perfect for those who want to try a first-time underwater experience. There are 16 dive points nearby that are reachable by dhoni for experienced divers.

Night fishing

Fishing is another great activity if you want to experience traditional fishing on local Dhoni Boats, game fishing, and spend time with the locals exploring uninhabited Islands. You can even bring your catch back and ask the hotel's chef to cook it for you as a barbeque dinner.

Other activities

Sandbank visiting. Enjoy the beauty of the white sands, let the sun kiss your skin, BBQ some, snorkel through the reef, and have a barbecue lunch. Octopus hunting. Octopus hunting is a very popular pastime among Maldivians for it's an adventure as well as the octopus meat which is a highly valued delicacy. Dolphin safari. Set out in an afternoon out to the sea on this activity to watch a group of dolphins cruising through the ocean.

Feridhoo Infrastructure

There is a school, a mosque, a local medical center, and a football field. You can walk around local grocery shops, cafes, and souvenir shops in the island. The whole tour to explore the island will take no more than 40 minutes. In Maldives inhabited islands, alcohol is prohibited and women's clothing should cover shoulders and legs in areas not dedicated to tourism. It's not a very strict rule, but it's better to respect local laws. On tourists, a beach bikini is allowed.

Where to eat on Feridhoo

Each guesthouse provides Maldivian/Continental breakfast, lunch, and dinner on-demand and unlimited bottled drinking water free of charge. Tea and coffee are available the whole day and for free as well. As for drinks expect fresh juices made of e.g. mango, papaya, or passion fruit (surcharge)

N6 Beach Cafe. A great cafe, the food is delicious, the portions are large, and there's plenty of meat. The milkshakes with ice cream are delicious, and the local snacks are varied and tasty. The complimentary fruit, local snacks, or grilled fish were always a pleasure. The best thing about this place is the waiter, Suraj, who is very attentive and pleasant to talk to; he makes you want to come back every day.

AMBAA Cafe’ & Bistro. Charming restaurant, nice views during the day upstairs, very nice vibe and atmosphere downstairs in the evening. Food was very good.

Transfer to Feridhoo

Shared speedboat

Male-Feridhoo (direct), daily except Friday, 16:00, US$ 75 per person

Feridhoo-Male (direct), daily except Friday, 7:00, US$ 75 per person

Male-Feridhoo (Rasdhoo-Ukulhas-Mathiveri + private speedboat to Feridhoo), daily, 10:30 (on Friday 9:30) and 16:00, US$ 75 per person

Feridhoo-Male (Rasdhoo-Ukulhas-Mathiveri + private speedboat to Feridhoo), daily, 6:30 (on Friday only one) and 12:00, US$ 75 per person Speedboat below 2 years free of charge, below 8 years $25/kid above 8 years adult price

Private speedboat

From 600 USD per way, 10 pax max

Slow ferry

Traveling Time: 7 hrs one way Male' Harbor: Villingili Ferry Terminal Male to Feridhoo: Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday (depart at 7:30 am) Feridhoo to Male: Monday, Thursday (depart at 09:00 am) Price is 4 USD per way per person

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