Fulidhoo Island (Updated 2026)

It is famous for Maldivian cultural events like Langiri, a traditional dance with drums and Thaara. The island has a large lagoon, which is used as a natural harbor. The island's north side is covered by lush trees and bushes and in the northwest overhanging trees form a natural tunnel.

What to do on Fulidhoo

Beaches on Fulidhoo

You can chill out at the dedicated bikini beach and swim in the clear waters of the lagoon. The high season is from December to April, so it's the best time to visit for swimming and doing excursions.

Fulidhoo Bikini Beach. This is the main beach on the island, and it's where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and relax. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and crystal-clear water, making it an idyllic spot to spend the day. Turtles Beach. This beach is located on the southern side of the island and is known for its calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and swimming. Visitors can often spot sea turtles swimming in the area. Alimas Beach. This beach is located on the eastern side of the island and is known for its pristine white sand and turquoise water. It's a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Susset Beach. This is a small and secluded beach located on the western side of the island, surrounded by coconut trees and mangroves. It's a perfect spot for those seeking privacy and tranquility.

Fulidhoo house reef.

House reef

The house reef in Fulidhoo is located on the north side of the island and is easily accessible from the beach. Visitors can simply walk into the water from the beach and start exploring the reef. The house reef in Fulidhoo is teeming with a variety of marine life, including colorful coral, reef fish, sea turtles, and even small sharks. The waters around Fulidhoo's house reef are teeming with a variety of reef fish, including angelfish, clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish.

Stingray Observation Points

Located on the southwestern side of the island, it's a shallow beach area where stingrays regularly come close to shore, often accompanied by nurse sharks and occasionally sea turtles. The animals are attracted by fish scraps from local fishermen, making sightings very reliable both during the day and after sunset. Nowadays, almost in each local island with guest houses, there are such spots.

Tips: Don't touch or chase the stingrays/nurse sharks. Night visits can be particularly impressive because even more rays are coming.

Scuba diving on Fulidhoo

Scuba diving is the main thing to do in Fulidhoo. Situated at the heart of channel diving territory, Vaavu atoll is well known for being home to many large pelagic creatures; tens of grey reef sharks, nurse sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and vast schools of big eye trevallies and barracuda, color-soft and hard corals. There is only one dive center Fulidhoo Dive. Top dive sites in Vaavu Atoll.

Alimathaa Night Dive

Depth: 20-40m

Current: Medium, but can be very strong

Visibility: 10-20m

What to see: nurse sharks, eagle rays, octopuses

Alimatha is an island resort in Vaavu Atoll. Night dive in Alimatha Jetty is a jewel of Vaavu Atoll. Here divers can meet hundreds of nurse sharks. It's one of the world's largest known schools of nurse sharks! The current is mostly moderate to extremely strong bringing in white tip reef sharks, giant trevally, tuna, huge schools of snappers, unicornfish and masses of fusiliers. But you have to go here to see tens of nurse sharks coming every night. This is a night dive that attracts divers not only from nearby local islands but liveaboards as well.

Miyaru Kandu

Depth: 10-40m

Current: Medium, but can be very strong

Visibility: 15-30m

What to see: sharks, eagle rays, tuna and Napoleon

Miyaru Kandu is a fascinating channel dive in the Maldives that features many small caves on both sides of the channel and numerous overhangs. The entire channel has been declared a protected marine area. A variety of marine life, including tuna, large schools of grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, and Napoleon wrasse can be seen here, as well as many colorful reef fish.

Faru Kolhu

Depth: 20m

Current: Medium, Strong

Visibility: 20-30m

What to see: big fish, abundant fish life

A channel dive, the possibility to see a lot of pelagic and schooling fish, shallow drit.

Kunaavashi Kandu

Depth: 10-40m

Current: Can be strong

Visibility: 30m

What to see: Rich diversity

It is known for its strong currents and diverse marine life, making it a favorite among experienced divers. Kunaavashi Kandu is home to a diverse range of marine life, including reef sharks, eagle rays, tuna, barracuda, and jacks. You may also see larger species such as manta rays and whale sharks during certain times of the year. Kunaavashi Kandu is a challenging and rewarding dive site that offers some of the best underwater experiences in the Maldives. If you're an experienced diver looking for a unique and exciting dive, this is a site worth checking out.

Fulidhoo Caves

Depth: 10-30m

Current: Can be strong

Visibility: 30m

What to see: macro

It is known for its unique underwater cave formations, swim-throughs, and caverns, which are home to a diverse range of marine life. The dive site is suitable for experienced divers, as there are strong currents in the area. Divers will typically enter the water near the island's eastern tip and descend to a depth of around 25 meters (82 feet) to explore the caves and caverns. The caves and caverns are formed by overhanging rocks and coral formations, and are inhabited by a variety of fish and other sea creatures, including lionfish, moray eels, and schools of colorful reef fish. The highlight of the dive site is the "Cathedral", a large cavern with an opening at the top that allows sunlight to filter down into the cave, illuminating the colorful marine life inside. Several smaller caves and swim-throughs can be explored during the dive. Another local island with diving opportunities in Thinadhoo.

Other activities on Fulidhoo

Fishing. The Maldives has long been dependent on the sea. As such, fishing is the heart of the economy. It's possible to arrange many types of fishing trips such as Big Game Fishing and night fishing. Snorkeling Trip. If you’re not scuba diving go for a snorkel trip instead and check out the stunning coral gardens, huge school of fish around the area.

Water sports. Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun and relaxing way to explore the calm waters around Fulidhoo. For those seeking a more exhilarating water sports experience, jet skiing is available on Fulidhoo. Visitors can rent jet skis and zoom around the island's turquoise waters. Fulidhoo's steady sea breeze makes it a great location for windsurfing as well. Kayaking is a peaceful and enjoyable way to explore the island's lagoon and nearby areas.

Sandbank visiting. Several beautiful sandbanks are located within a short boat ride (10–30 minutes) from Fulidhoo. The most commonly visited are Augustus Sandbank, which is quieter and less visited. And A local sandbank near Fulidhoo that many excursion boats use for swimming and picnics (its close to Cocogiri Island Resort Maldives).

Fulidhoo Infrastructure

Note, there is no ATM in Fulidhoo, so you need to withdraw cash in Male or bring cash in USD as it's widely accepted in Maldives. There are several small restaurants and cafes on the island that serve local and international cuisine. Most of these establishments are located along the island's main road and offer a range of dining options, including seafood, Indian, and Maldivian cuisine. Fulidhoo has a small health center that provides basic medical services to locals and tourists. The center is equipped with a small pharmacy and a trained medical staff who can provide medical assistance in case of emergencies.

There is a mosque located on the island where locals go to perform their daily prayers. Visitors are welcome to visit the mosque, but it is important to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. Fulidhoo has a small ferry terminal that provides regular ferry services to neighboring islands in the Vaavu Atoll. The ferry terminal is located on the northern side of the island and is easily accessible by foot or bicycle. In the local shops, you can buy ice creams, local fruit (bananas, papaya, watermelon, apples, oranges), biscuits, bottled water, crisps, soft drinks, nuts and nice chocolate.

Where to eat on Fulidhoo

Brine and breeze. Tucked away in a somewhat hidden location, this restaurant is well worth the effort to find. It appears to operate primarily for dinner and may not be open for lunch. The owner and chef, a warm and welcoming lady, prepares each dish with great care and attention. The food is entirely home-cooked, full of flavor, and offers a level of authenticity that is increasingly hard to find. The grilled fish is particularly outstanding—perfectly cooked, exceptionally fresh, and highly recommended.

CAFE THE MUREED. A great restaurant on Fulidhoo Island, offering a beautiful setting, friendly staff, and a varied menu. The quality of the food and service made it a popular choice throughout the stay, with multiple visits for both lunch and dinner. Standout dishes included the Katti Rolls, Butter Chicken (served with excellent paratha), and the Maldivian-style pasta. The nachos were somewhat different from the traditional version, resembling a Bolognese sauce served over tortilla chips. The fish burger and club sandwich were enjoyable, though less memorable than the restaurant's signature dishes. Prices are reasonable compared to other dining options on the island. Credit cards are accepted, with a 4% surcharge, which is common practice locally.

Dream Hut Fulidhoo. Dream Hut is a popular beachfront restaurant in Fulidhoo, offering a mix of Maldivian and international dishes at reasonable prices. The relaxed beachside setting, ocean views, and occasional sightings of sharks and stingrays near the shore make it a memorable dining spot. The food is tasty, the restaurant is clean and well maintained, and traditional Maldivian short eats are available in the evenings. Service can be a little slow during busy periods, but the excellent atmosphere, good food, and affordability make Dream Hut one of the island's top dining choices.

Kunaa cafe & bistro. For those seeking affordable dining alternatives around Fulidhoo without sacrificing flavor, this restaurant delivers exceptional value. The Maldivian tuna curry stands out as a highlight, so much so that it earns repeat orders and pairs perfectly with flaky paratha. Fresh juices, particularly the papaya and pineapple, are highly recommended. The owner also suggests trying the traditional Maldivian food package featured on the menu, which offers diners a memorable and authentic taste experience.

Cafe De Orzo. Local place with a very local food. Serving time can be longer than usual. Limit of beverage and food options.

The Luau Restaurant. This establishment is widely considered the top dining choice on the island, with frequent comparisons to other local eateries confirming its superior quality. The last two offerings on the fish menu—though their names escape recollection—alongside the crème brûlée, receive particular praise and come highly recommended to any visitor. The setting benefits from a lovely view, and the service staff consistently impress. Among the team, waiters Raj and Lashan stand out for their professionalism, while the broader crew—whose names may go unasked—are uniformly described as courteous and accommodating. A practical reminder: reservations are mandatory for non-hotel guests, and dish selection must be made in advance when booking.

Rose hut. A highly recommended spot with a relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff, and an excellent selection of beverages, smoothies, and fresh coconuts. The mango lassi is particularly outstanding, while the mango mojito is another customer favorite. Prices are reasonable, and the drinks are consistently fresh and flavorful, making this a great place to relax and cool down on Fulidhoo.

Royal sunrise Restaurant. This beachfront restaurant quickly became a favorite thanks to its friendly staff, delicious food, and beautiful oceanfront setting. The atmosphere is especially enjoyable in the evening, when sharks can often be seen swimming near the shore. The menu offers plenty of variety, and the dishes are consistently well prepared. Combined with the warm hospitality and scenic views, it is a must-visit dining spot on Fulidhoo.

Faru Cafe. The BBQ burger and fresh juices were enjoyable, but the curry was noticeably saltier than expected despite a request for reduced salt. Prices are on the higher side compared to other restaurants on the island. One drawback is the large number of mosquitoes, which can be an issue throughout the day and evening. Visitors may want to bring insect repellent or wear clothing that provides additional coverage.

Seaside Sizzle. This restaurant was a pleasant discovery, offering flavorful food, generous portions, and a relaxed atmosphere by the sea. A variety of dishes were sampled, including nasi goreng, noodle soup, kothu, chicken kebab with garlic rice, butter chicken, salad, and chicken rice, all of which were well prepared and nicely seasoned. The ocean views and occasional live guitar music from locals add to the charm, making it a great spot to enjoy a meal on Fulidhoo. 

Where to stay on Fulidhoo

There are 20+ guest houses to stay in, but I advise Thundi Guest House, and that’s why.

- Super friendly staff with experience working in resorts. So high-quality service is guaranteed;

- Amazing in-house restaurant with a great variety of local and continental cuisine;

- Unlimited coffee and tea;

- Seaview rooms;

- Affordable room price;

- No.1 place hotel on Fulidhoo based on Tripadvisor reviews;

- Free Airport meet and greet service;

Transfer to Fulidhoo

Scheduled speedboat

The price is 45 USD per way per person Male-Fulidhoo, daily except Friday at 11:00, 15:00 Fulidhoo-Male, daily including Friday at 8:45, 14:10 (on Friday at 16:00) Duration 1,5 hrs.

*Timetable is subject to change.

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