Omadhoo Island
8 January 2025
Omadhoo is located in South Ari Atoll and that is about 70 km far from the capital Male . About 800 people live on Omadhoo but this shouldn’t bother you at all like on many other islands in Maldives it’s not busy here.
Omadhoo is located in South Ari Atoll and that is about 70 km far from the capital Male. About 800 people live on Omadhoo but this shouldn’t bother you at all like on many other islands in Maldives it’s not busy here. Not so long time ago the island has started to develop. The new guest houses are popping up, the litter is being thrown away and the size of the bikini beach is increasing. What is more, the transport communication is being rapidly developed too.
The village takes up 2/3 of the island that is measured 1000m in length and 300m in wide. Life in Omadhoo is simple and has changed very little over the past few hundred years. Sometimes shy, women are dressed in black from top to toe, unlikely in Male, where traditions are not so strict.
Check: Budget packages to local islands
The eastern and western parts of the island are covered with tropical vegetation such as breadfruit and coconut trees. The island's western part could be described as a real island jungle due to a rich abundance of huge banyan trees and tropical palms. Omadhoo is home to birds and flying foxes and also curious herons.
The most exciting thing awaits you at the very edges of the house reef as well as on most other islands. The reef is 60-70% alive so you can see a lot: schools of fish, lots of actinia with Nemo fish, and beautiful coral gardens. It is even possible to see turtles, rays, sharks as well.
It's possible to organize a night of Maldivian camping under the stars! And with an onsite bathroom, and electricity, you’ll still have everything you need to be comfortable! Tent renting, beach BBQ dinner, and transfer are included. Alcohol is by request for an additional charge.
The eastern and western parts of the island are covered with tropical vegetation such as breadfruit and coconut trees. The island's western part could be described as a real island jungle due to a rich abundance of huge banyan trees and tropical palms. Omadhoo is home to birds and flying foxes and also curious herons.
Things to do in Omadhoo
Beach and snorkeling
At this moment bikini beach area is officially rather small, but guests can go outside and locals won’t say anything. The beach is clean and nice with a long sandbank with a water “entrance” to a house reef. The house reef is very long and has 2 entrances. Its length is about 1km, so every day you can see something new. The current can be very strong, so I recommend using fins. Although you can swim without them – it’s up to you. The Eastern part is full of sharks and a school of fish. The central part is a great place to see a group of eagle rays and turtles. The Western part is home to huge schools of fish, like snappers, unicorns, barracudas.
The most exciting thing awaits you at the very edges of the house reef as well as on most other islands. The reef is 60-70% alive so you can see a lot: schools of fish, lots of actinia with Nemo fish, and beautiful coral gardens. It is even possible to see turtles, rays, sharks as well.
Manta ray snorkeling
The best time to go Manta Ray snorkeling near Omadhoo is from May to November when the visibility is excellent, and the Manta Rays are abundant in the area. Manta Rays are gentle and harmless creatures that feed on plankton, and they are known for their graceful movements underwater. During snorkeling tours, you can observe them gliding and performing acrobatic moves in the water. The reef manta ray is a large animal but feeds on tiny creatures - plankton. Specifically, zooplankton. Its teeth are useless when feeding as this species filters food through plates called gill rakers that are found in their ventral gills.Turtle snorkeling
Turtles were of such a size that the shell of one would suffice to roof a little hut or cot and to cover ten or more persons sitting. There were vast numbers of them at the Maldives and some little islands you may see inhabited by no other animals than these great turtles, but covered with them.Whale shark snorkeling
If you’re visiting Omadhoo, you should not leave without having joined one of the whale shark safari excursions. These gentle giants are filter feeders, meaning that although they are the largest fish on the planet, they are completely harmless to humans. Swimming alongside one of these colossal creatures is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In fact, snorkeling is one of the best ways to encounter whale sharks as they often swim very close to the surface. The excursion takes the whole day and includes not only whale shark point but manta point and sandbank visiting.
Robinson Crusoe
One of the guest houses has exclusive access to a nearby uninhabited picnic island (they manage it), where guests can enjoy the same freedom as Robinson Crusoe! The entire island can be booked at your request. With sun loungers, snorkeling equipment, barbecue facilities, and an onsite bathroom, this island has everything you might need to enjoy a day away from the world! The island is very beautiful with a white beach that surrounds the whole island! There is a house reef where you can see a lot of fish, rays and sometimes turtles. The reef is badly damaged due to global warming and it takes time to re-enter us with this color diversity.
Sandbank
There are several sandbanks near Omadhoo, the largest one is located near the island of Hangnaameedhoo. Its length is about 150-200 m. There are very few tourists coming here, so it’s cleaned not regularly. The other sandbank appears only in certain months of the year once the current changes. Another sandbank is on the way to Dhigura (a place where you can see whale sharks). On the way back you'll visit it as well.
Overnight on an uninhabited island
Have you wanted to spend the night under a million stars, by the water’s edge, at one with nature? Omadhoo Inn - the only guest house on Omadhoo that can make this a reality! They permit other guest houses, resorts, and safari boats to visit this island. Therefore, they are always aware of how many people are on the island. And it’s very convenient because you can know for sure that today the island will be only for you. Sometimes safari boats have parties, so you can join them.
It's possible to organize a night of Maldivian camping under the stars! And with an onsite bathroom, and electricity, you’ll still have everything you need to be comfortable! Tent renting, beach BBQ dinner, and transfer are included. Alcohol is by request for an additional charge.
Scuba diving near Omadhoo
There are 3 dive centers on the island. Certified divers offer morning, afternoon, and night fun dive boat trips every day. For first-timers, the dive center offers intro dives with professional instructors or a base PADI Open Water Diver course. Omadhoo Dive Center can offer to free divers the best dive sites of the Ari atoll with the innocent and beautiful underwater nature. And on top of this – incredible free diving with manta rays and whale sharks. Omadhoo Island is located in the South Ari Atoll, which is home to several world-class dive sites. Some of the popular dive sites include Maamigili Beyru, Kuda Rah Thila, and Broken Rock. The waters surrounding Omadhoo Island are teeming with marine life, including Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Turtles, and a variety of colorful fish species. You may also encounter Moray Eels, Octopuses, and other fascinating creatures during your dives. The best time to go scuba diving near Omadhoo is from December to May when the waters are calm and clear, and visibility is excellent. However, diving is available year-round, and each season offers a unique experience. Dive sites Maamigili Beyru. This site is located near the nearby island of Maamigili and is known for its Manta Ray and Whale Shark sightings. The site features a shallow reef with vibrant coral formations and a sandy bottom. Kuda Rah Thila. This dive site is a popular spot for advanced divers due to the strong currents. The site features a pinnacle that rises from a depth of 30 meters and is covered in colorful soft coral and sea fans. You may spot sharks, rays, and schools of fish during your dive. Broken Rock. This site features a rock formation that has split in two, creating an interesting underwater landscape. The site is known for its large schools of fish and colorful coral formations. You may also spot Moray Eels, Lobsters, and other fascinating creatures during your dive. Himandhoo Thila. This dive site is located near the nearby island of Himandhoo and is known for its steep walls and strong currents. The site features a pinnacle that rises from a depth of 35 meters and is covered in colorful soft coral and sea fans. You may spot sharks, rays, and schools of fish during your dive. Hukrueli Faru. This site is located near the nearby island of Dhangethi and is known for its abundance of marine life, including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and schools of fish. The site features a shallow reef with vibrant coral formations and a sandy bottom. Map of dive sites.
Resort visiting
There are a lot of resorts that are open for day visits: Centara Grand Resort, Lily Beach, Conrad Maldives, and others. You can also dine in the underwater restaurant of the Conrad Maldives Resort.Omadhoo infrastructure
There are no ATMs on the island, so prepare some cash. In hotels and dive centers bank cards are widely accepted. There are several grocery shops, but the choice of products is very poor compared to other nearby inhabited islands. Omadhoo has a small health center that provides basic medical care and services. However, for serious medical conditions, patients are usually transferred to the main hospital in Malé. There are several local restaurants and cafes on Omadhoo that offer a variety of cuisines, including traditional Maldivian dishes and international cuisine. You can also find small shops and markets that sell snacks and drinks. A school, a playground, and a mosque are located on Omadhoo as well.Where to eat on Omadhoo
In Omadhoo the majority of guests are used to eat in in-house restaurants. Athiri Restaurant. This is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, offering a variety of Maldivian and international cuisine. The restaurant is located near the beach, providing a beautiful view of the sea while you dine. Mazaaraa Restaurant. This restaurant is known for its seafood dishes, especially its grilled fish and prawns. The restaurant is located in a small guesthouse, providing a cozy and intimate dining experience. Yonder Retreat. This is another guesthouse that offers a small restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant has a small outdoor seating area and offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. Omadhoo Inn. This is a small hotel on the island that has a restaurant serving a variety of Maldivian and international dishes. The restaurant is located near the beach, providing a beautiful view of the sea. Kahanbu Ocean Front Restaurant. This is a new restaurant on the island that offers a variety of dishes, including seafood and traditional Maldivian cuisine. The restaurant is located near the beach and provides a beautiful view of the ocean.