Fulhadhoo Island (Updated 2026)

The island of Fulhadhoo is administratively a part of Baa Atoll but geographically separated from it. The distance to Male is around 100 km. Next to it are 2 more inhabited islands: Fehendhoo and Goidho. The remoteness of this place from the main tourist islands makes these places truly wild. About 100-150 inhabitants live on the island. There is a newly built harbor for speedboats and big boats. Some local shops, football grounds, a mosque.

Things to do in Fulhadhoo

West Beach

West Beach is one of the few places on Fulhadhoo where you can wear a bikini, since it is a local island with modest dress rules elsewhere. The beach is easy to reach by foot or by bicycle, and it's big enough that even when other visitors are around, it still feels private. The beach is equipped with several places with sunbeds, where you can comfortably sunbathe. One of the best parts? At low tide, a little sandbank appears offshore (on the west) — great for photos or just standing in the middle of the sea, soaking in the view. Sunsets here are also amazing.

White Sandy Beach

White Sandy Beach was one of the most peaceful, stunning beaches in Maldives. It’s exactly what you imagine when you think of a quiet island escape — powdery white sand, swaying palms, and incredibly clear, turquoise water.

What stood out most was how quiet it was. No crowds, no noise — just the sound of the waves and the occasional breeze through the trees. You can spent hours just walking the shoreline, swimming in the calm lagoon, and snorkeling straight from the beach (but coral reef is kinda far). The water is shallow and crystal-clear.

If you're looking for somewhere to completely relax, disconnect, and enjoy nature without the resort scene, White Sandy Beach is absolutely worth it. Fulhadhoo felt like a hidden gem — and this beach is its crown jewel.

East Beach

East Beach is where the island truly feels local—mostly visited by residents, especially in the late afternoon. It’s quiet, peaceful, and a great place to soak up everyday island life. You can't wear bikinis on this beach. Just around 50-60 years ago, locals were walking to Goidhoo to get a transfer to another atoll or Male as it was the only way.

Coral beach

This beach is situated on the north part of the island. There is direct access to a shallow coral garden. This is mostly accessible during high tide. Be sure to wear coral shoes since the entrance is full of dead and sharp corals.

House reef

In the western part of the island, there is a rather beautiful , which is best explored during high tide. But do not forget about the current, which in this place can be quite strong. In the northern part, it's not strong. Perfect for children! The reef is known for its healthy coral formations and excellent visibility, especially during high tide. You can see colorful schools of reef fish, graceful sea turtles, reef sharks, and even rays gliding through the clear waters.

A second, smaller snorkeling area sits on the north-western side of the island, where a steady westerly current runs through. It's manageable with fins, but worth being aware of before entering the water.

The ocean around Fulhadhoo is rich with life. Coral reefs fringe the island, schools of tropical fish fill the water in large numbers, and dolphins and turtles move through with little concern for human presence. Snorkelers can expect to encounter a wide variety of species, among them threadfin butterflyfishes, queen rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, giant and Oriental sweetlips, peacock rock cod, longfin batfish, bluefin trevally, whitetail stingray, and blackspotted puffer.

Coral Restoration

The restoration effort has delivered striking results. Within just two years, more than 400m² of reef has been regrown, covering 32 coral species. Coral cover increased by over 40%, while fish abundance surged by more than 730%. Notably, the returning fish represent multiple trophic levels and ecological roles — a sign that the reef is recovering not just in size, but in function. The project stands as a strong example of what community-led, science-backed restoration can achieve, and is being watched as a potential model for reef recovery efforts elsewhere.

Sandbank and uninhabited island visits

Two of the most unforgettable experiences in Fulhadhoo are the Sandbank Picnic and Uninhabited Island Visits. The sandbank trip takes you to a stunning patch of pure white sand surrounded by crystal-clear water — perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and snapping dreamy photos. Most guesthouses offer half- or full-day packages that include snacks or a picnic lunch.

Moreover, there is a chain of around 5-9 sandbanks on the west side of the island you can reach by kayak.

For something even more remote, you can visit an uninhabited island like Innafushi. These trips usually include a beach BBQ or packed lunch, snorkeling, and hours of quiet time on a completely empty island. Access is arranged through local hosts, who handle the permits and logistics.

Innafushi sits roughly 4.5 km west of Fulhadhoo and is one of the most rewarding day trips from the island. Uninhabited and largely untouched, it's the kind of place where you're unlikely to share the beach with anyone else — a rare thing even by Maldivian standards.

The island is small, palm-fringed, and completely free of development. There's no signal, no facilities, and no noise beyond the wind and the water. Time here tends to be spent simply: walking the shoreline, dipping in and out of the sea, and snorkeling over the reef in the clear turquoise shallows. The marine life beneath the surface adds a strong draw for underwater enthusiasts, though the island itself is reason enough to make the trip.

Safari snorkeling

It is a half- or full-day boat trip that takes you to multiple reef sites around the island. You'll snorkel vibrant coral gardens, spot turtles, rays, reef sharks, and swim through schools of tropical fish.

Coral Garden. One of the top spots is Coral Garden. Located about 800m west of Fulhadhoo, this dense coral cluster is best reached by boat. The garden is home to massive coral plates and abundant fish species—definitely a highlight of marine safaris in the area. The garden is home to massive coral plates and abundant fish species—definitely a highlight of marine safaris in the area.

Fish point or Maamachukaa. Another famous spot is Fish Point. It is one of the top snorkeling spots near Fulhadhoo, located next to Innafushi Island. Known for its massive coral formations—some the size of small buildings—it offers an incredible underwater landscape teeming with marine life. You can encounter schools of tropical fish, reef sharks, and especially friendly batfish that may swim right alongside you (they like bubbles!).

Shark point. It's snorkeling point is located on the northwest side of Fulhadhoo, around 8.5 km. The area is famous with a lot of nurse sharks, black tip sharks.

Manta ray site. Seasonal outings to manta hotspots in the eastern lagoon, offering opportunities to swim alongside these majestic creatures. Manta season in Fulhadhoo runs from April to November, particularly around new and full moons due to the highest and  lowest tides which bring a lot of plankton.

Other activities

Water sports. Available water sports: canoe, water skiing, fun tube rides, wakeboarding, jet ski tour, banana boat, kayaking, glass bottom boat, stand-up paddle. Dolphin cruise. Get a chance to witness one of the most beautiful and intelligent creatures in the ocean

Where to eat on Fulhadhoo?

Village Grill. Village Grill offers a casual, family-friendly menu featuring fresh seafood, grilled dishes, pizza, and international fare for breakfast through dinner. The restaurant’s relaxed beachfront location and warm hospitality—especially from staff like Mr. Hazim—create a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere ideal for casual dinners or relaxed lunches by the sea. But meanwhile, a few guests have complained about food quality.

Kaage - Pool Club. A chic pool-side eatery at Island Luxury Dive Hotel, KAAGE Pool Club serves up a diverse menu of pizzas, seafood, and international dishes in a relaxed, scenic setting. Guests rave about the friendly, caring staff, good value, and laid-back ambiance—perfect for lunch or dinner by the pool.

Nayaa Cafe Fulhadhoo. Nayaa Café is a cozy, family-style spot on Fulhadhoo offering daily lunch and dinner sets at an affordable price, with an à la carte menu featuring seafood, chicken dishes, and Italian-influenced fare. The café situated at Three Hearts Guesthouse.

Alikko Cafe' by Tree House. Very tasty local food, quickly prepared, reasonable prices and friendly service. From the outside it does not look good, but in reality its one of the best places on the island and the only one who serve lobster.

Pinto thai restaurant Fulhadhoo. Located at Palms Retreat, Pinto Thai is known for serving authentic Thai dishes—think flavorful curries, stir-fries, and seafood prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Meals are priced around US$13 per dish.

Fulhadhoo blue cafe. Local-style cafe with tuna rice, tuna noodles and local snacks for an affordable price.

Transfer to Fulhadhoo

Scheduled Speedboat

Male-Fulhadhoo, departing Male 12:00 and 15:30 Saturday to Thursday and Friday 15:00 (Nov-Apr)

Male-Fulhadhoo, departing Male 13:00 Saturday to Thursday and Friday 15:00 (May-Oct)

Fulhadhoo-Male, departing Male 7:00 and 12:30 Saturday to Thursday and Friday 7:00 (Nov-Apr) Fulhadhoo-Male, departing Male 7:00 (May-Oct) Travel time is around 2 hrs

WARNING: speedboat schedule/time is subject to change. Check with your hotel the most up-to-date time. Price 65 USD per person per way.

Domestic flight + speedboat

For a scenic option, take a domestic flight from Velana International Airport to Dharavandhoo Island. The flight takes about 20 minutes, followed by a 45-minute speedboat ride to Fulhadhoo.