Bodufolhudhoo is a small island in the Maldives. It’s part of Alif Alif Atoll (also known as North Ari Atoll) and about 85 km west of Malé. The island is next to the inhabited Mathiveri and Nika Island Resort. The island is even smaller than Mathiveri, only 0.5 km long and 0.3 km wide.
Around 500 people live there.
Shopping in Bodufolhudhoo offers a glimpse into local Maldivian life, with a selection of small shops catering to both residents and visitors. There is an ATM to withdraw local money. Credit cards aren’t widely accepted—only some guesthouses and restaurants take them. Card fee is 4%.
There are only 2 restaurants on the island. They offer Maldivian, Asian and Western dishes.
Things to do in Bodufolhudhoo
Bikini beach and house reef
There are 2 tiny beaches on the island: bikini beach (for tourists) on the west side and local beach on the south-east parts of the island.
The bikini beach is small and can be super crowded during high season. There is a natural shadow with various trees, hammocks, a lot of sunbeds, Maldivian swings, children’s playground. The beach is generally clean, but during off-season, some litter can be found. You can only enter the water from one side, especially if you are with children. Otherwise, you risk getting hurt by corals.
On the beach, you can find many lizards, funny hermit crabs (a living toy for children), and crabs. Storks, crows, and other small birds fly here, on the top of a tree near the pier is a favorite place of the flying fox. In the morning and evening, you can observe sharks, moray eels, and stingrays. Great place for а perfect holiday!
The house reef is a great place to start exploring the underwater world of the Maldives. A huge number of fish of different shapes and sizes, stingrays swim quite close, if you swim further, where the bottom is no longer visible, you can meet sharks. The corals are in good condition.
Outside the bikini beach, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees.
Manta ray snorkeling
Experience the magic of snorkeling with manta rays near Bodufolhudhoo. This area is renowned for its vibrant marine life and is home to several manta ray cleaning and feeding stations. Local dive centers or your hotel can organize guided excursions to these sites, ensuring a safe and memorable experience. The best time to encounter manta rays is January-May, when plankton-rich waters attract them in larger numbers.
During the trip, you’ll swim next to manta rays as they glide through the water, spinning and feeding on tiny plankton. It’s a beautiful and unforgettable sight—like watching a slow, graceful dance under the sea.
Sandbank visit
Take a short boat ride to a beautiful sandbank surrounded by clear, turquoise water. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, or snorkel in peaceful, shallow lagoons. Some trips include a lunch/dinner right on the sand, making it a simple but special way to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. Since sandbanks depend on the tides, the timing of the trip may vary.
Snorkeling safari
You can join a guided snorkeling safari outside Bodufolhudhoo house reef and explore some of the best reef spots in North Ari Atoll. You’ll visit a few different sites by boat, each full of colorful corals, schools of fish, sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks. It’s great for all experience levels, and all the gear is provided. Some trips also include drinks and snacks, and if you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins along the way.
Scuba diving
Bodufolhudhoo is a great base for diving in the North Ari Atoll, with access to over 20 dive sites—including famous spots like Maaya Thila, Hafza Thila, and Beiru Thila. You can try Discover Scuba Diving course (theory, practice and actual diving) or take the Open Water Diver courseto be able to dive by yourself in the future.
Diving conditions are generally excellent, with warm water year-round (27–30°C), visibility up to 30 meters, and a range of sites for all skill levels. Some dives have strong currents, perfect for drift diving, while others are calm and beginner-friendly.
You’ll have the chance to see an amazing variety of marine life, including reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, Napoleon wrasse, and schools of colorful reef fish.
Restaurants in Bodufolhudhoo
Lagoon Breeze Restaurant. Lagoon Breeze is the in-house restaurant at Lagoon View Guest House on Bodufolhudhoo, and it’s a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy a variety of flavors. Their menu brings together Maldivian, Asian, and Western dishes, so there’s something for everyone.
To start, you’ll find a mix of soups like Tom Yum with prawns, Cream of Chicken, and Cream of Mushroom. They also offer fresh salads, including Caprese, Caesar, and a tasty grilled vegetable salad.
For mains, there’s plenty to choose from—Spicy Green Fish Curry, Thai Green Chicken Curry, Indonesian-style Nasi Goreng and Bami Goreng, grilled fish, burgers, steaks, and chicken breast dishes.
As a bonus, if you’re there in the evening, you can catch the unique experience of watching lagoon sharks being fed—right from the beachfront. It’s a nice mix of good food and local flavor, both on the plate and in the atmosphere.
Pizza Lite. Another solid spot for lunch or dinner. Despite the name, Pizza Lite only offers about four types of pizza—but their grilled fish and prowns is excellent. They offer other Maldivian, Asian and Western food as well. Sit upstairs if you can; the view of the waterfront is worth it. They’ll bring you a small bottle of water before you order (not complimentary). Just be prepared to wait around an hour for your food.
Transfer to Bodufolhudhoo
Scheduled speedboat
Male Airport to Bodufolhudhoo
Daily at 11:00 am, 4:00 pm (on Fridays at 10:30 am, 4:30 pm)
Bodufolhudhoo to Male Airport
Daily at 6:30 am, 11:30 am (on Fridays at 6:00 am, 11:00 am)
Travel time is around 2 hr 20 mins.
The price is 65 USD per way per person.
Public ferry
There are no direct public ferries from Male to Bodufolhudhoo. You have to stop in Rasdhoo or Ukulhas and change ferry. Updated ferry schedule (2025).
Seaplane
You can fligh by a sharing seaplane from Male Airport to the nearby resort Nika Island Resort and take a private speedboat to Bodufolhudhoo. Price varies, but you should expect 320-390 USD per person.
Seaplane operates from 6:30 am to 3:30 pm only.
Private speedboat
Can be arranged by request. Normally, operating time is 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Most probably, captains will not navigate at night time. Price is around 850-1100 USD (it depends on speedboat operator).
