Huraa Island 2023
December 02, 2022
Huraa Island is situated between Himmafushi and Thulusdhoo islands. It is located just 21 km away from Male, the capital of Maldives. The population of the island is 750 people. Its size is 850 x 300 m. There are a few restaurants.
Huraa is well known in Maldivian history as the last royal dynasty to rule over the Maldives has its root in Huraa island. It was founded in 1757 by Sultan al-Ghazi Hasan ‘Izz ud-din. It is very important because it included Kings, Prime Ministers, and many people from important government posts. This Dynasty started from Dhonmarudhuru Fadiththakurufaanu (Fadikkaleyfaanu) of Male’ Atoll Huraa.
There is a mangrove swamp located to the north of the island, declared a protected nature reserve. Its environment with its unique vegetation provides a safe resting place for species of protected birds. In a study conducted by the IUCN, ten different varieties of trees were identified, some true mangrove and other mangrove associate plants.
Check: Budget packages to local islands
Things to do in Huraa
Bikini beach
Bikini Beach. This is the most popular beach on Huraa. It is a public beach where tourists can wear bikinis or swimwear without any restrictions. The beach has soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. There are also some restaurants and cafes nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.
Coconut Beach. This beach is located on the eastern side of the island and is less crowded than Bikini Beach. It has a serene atmosphere and is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the stunning views of the ocean. You can rent a sun lounger and umbrella or bring your own and enjoy the peace and quiet.
Lagoon Beach. This beach is located on the western side of the island and is ideal for snorkeling. The shallow waters of the lagoon are home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs. You can also rent snorkeling gear from nearby shops and explore the underwater world.
House reef
The house reef on Huraa is located on the eastern side of the island, and it is easily accessible from Bikini Beach. The shallow waters around the reef are perfect for snorkeling, and you can see a wide range of marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and clownfish.
The house reef on Huraa is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful corals, reef fish, sea turtles, and even reef sharks.
The house reef on Huraa is a protected area, and there are rules in place to protect the reef and its inhabitants. It is important to respect the marine environment and not touch or damage any of the coral or marine life.
Surfing on Huraa
The best surfing time is May-October, because of the South-West monsoon period and the offshore wind. There are total 15 breaks for intermediate surfers, the best wind is the southwest one. The typical Maldivian wave rolls up like most point breaks with workable corners, fun pockets, and long rides. Very rarely will the sets wall up or close out the channels.
Top surfing spots:
Chickens
Chickens in North Male Atoll is an exposed beach and reef break that has quite reliable surf offshore winds are from the south. Clean groundswells prevail and the best swell direction is from the southeast. A reef breaks left. Good surf at all stages of the tide.
Cokes
Cokes in North Male Atoll is an exposed reef break that has fairly consistent surf. It’s named after the Coca-Cola factory located nearby. The surf tends to be best in the spring. Offshore winds blow from the northwest. Ground swells are more frequent than wind swells and the ideal swell angle is from the southeast. A reef breaks right.
Lohi’s
Lohi’s is an exposed reef break that has inconsistent surf offshore winds blowing from the north northwest. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the optimum swell angle is from the south. A left-hand reef break. Be wary of rips – they make surfing here dangerous.
Ninjas
It’s an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. The surf tends to be optimum in the spring. Perfect winds are from the north northwest. Groundswells are more common than wind swells and the best swell direction is from the south. There is a right breaking reef. When the surf is up, surfers are likely to take care of dead coral.
Pasta Point
It’s an exposed point break that has very consistent surf. The surf tends to be optimum in the spring. Offshore winds are from the north northwest. Groundswells are more common than wind swells and the ideal swell angle is from the south. Surfers ride left-hand point. Surfable at all stages of the tide.
Honkeys
It’s an exposed reef break that has quite reliable surf. The surf tends to be optimum in the spring. Offshore winds are from the northeast. Clean groundswells prevail and the ideal swell angle is from the south. A left-hand reef break. Surfable at all stages of the tide.
Jailbreaks
It’s an exposed reef break that has reasonably consistent surf. The surf tends to be best in the spring. Offshore winds blow from the south-southwest. Groundswells more frequent than wind swells and the best swell direction is from the south. There is a right-hand reef break. Good surf at all stages of the tide.
Sultans
It’s an exposed reef break that has consistent surf. The surf tends to be favored in the spring. Ideal winds are from the north. Tends to receive distant groundswells and the ideal swell direction is from the south. There is a right-breaking reef. Good surf at all stages of the tide.
Snorkeling safari near Huraa
Around 700 different species of coral fishes, colorful coral reefs, stingrays, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. Many different places to go – amazing coral reefs full of life – deep or not deep – up to your skills and request.
Manta point. The best time to go is June-October when mantas come for feeding. They are absolutely harmless for humans. Must have experience in the Maldives.
Turtle snorkeling. A unique opportunity to swim with wild ocean turtles. They can be very friendly!
Shark safari. Join the shark expert on an expedition to track and swim with reef sharks.
Dolphin Cruise near Huraa
Spend an afternoon watching everyone’s favorite mammals jumping and playing near the island. Huraa Lagoons are known and famous to see 300 different Dolphins every season. From Bottle Nose Dolphins and Spinner Dolphins to Pilot Whales. Dolphins have a regular daily routine – feeding offshore at night, coming into atolls in the early morning, and leaving for the open ocean late afternoon – so it is easy to find them.
Fishing
There are two main types of fishing on Huraa – deep sea fishing and line fishing. Deep sea fishing involves going out into deeper waters and using specialized equipment to catch big game fish like tuna, wahoo, and marlin. Line fishing, on the other hand, is a more traditional form of fishing that involves using a simple fishing line and bait to catch smaller fish like reef fish and snappers.
If you’re interested in experiencing traditional Maldivian fishing, you can join a local fisherman on a line fishing trip. This is a great way to learn about the local fishing culture and techniques, and you may even get to keep some of the fish you catch.
Other activities on Huraa
Resort day visit. For those of you who want to add a little luxury to your stay, it’s possible to arrange a day visit to the neighboring Club Med Resort or Cinnamon Dhonveli for dinner and drinks.
Sandbank trip. If you want to be away and the island and spend time on a remote sandbank, it’s possible to arrange the trip with the local recreational guide.
If you decide to visit this island or Himmafushi, Thulusdhoo, or Diffushi, you may also consider the possibility to visit not one, but some of them, because every island has its own beauty. You’ll be able to try as many activities as you can and compare all these islands.
The route itself is as follows: Diffushi – Thulusdhoo – Huraa – Himmafushi – Male.
Hangover Cafe. This is a popular cafe located near Bikini Beach. The cafe serves a variety of breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, and drinks. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options.
Sunset Beach Restaurant. This is a beachfront restaurant that offers beautiful views of the sunset. They serve a range of international cuisine, including Italian, Indian, and Chinese.
Sea Salt Cafe. This is a cafe located near the harbor that serves a range of local Maldivian cuisine, including fish curry, grilled fish, and seafood. They also offer a range of international cuisine and vegetarian options.
Maldives Breakfast Cafe. This is a cozy cafe that specializes in traditional Maldivian breakfast items like roshi (unleavened bread), mas huni (tuna salad), and kulhi boakiba (fish balls). They also serve a range of snacks and drinks.
Sand Bank Restaurant. This is a beachfront restaurant that offers a range of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and prawns. They also serve a range of international cuisine and have a good selection of drinks.
Transfer to Huraa
Local ferry
The ferry departs from Male at 14:30 every day, except Friday. The ticket cost is $2 per person. The traveling time is 1,5 hours.
The ferry departs from Huraa at 8:00 every day, except Friday.
Speedboat transfer
Male-Huraa, daily, 11:45, 15:00, 16:45, 22:00. On Friday 9:00, 16:45, 22:00
Huraa-Male, daily, 8:00, 15:35, 12:30, 18:15. On Friday 8:00, 14:00, 18:15
Price is 35 USD per person.
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Read also:
Top 16 things to do in Maldives
Your travel guide to Guraidhoo