Thulusdhoo Travel Guide (2026)

The industrial sector on the island is quite diverse, it includes factories for drying tuna and sea cucumber (looks like black sausage) and workshops for the construction of boats. But the main attraction of the island is built in the 80s the only plant in the world of the Coca-Cola company, which uses desalinated seawater. Because of this, the island is sometimes called Coke’s Island.

In addition, the name of soda migrated to the nearest surf spot, which is called Coke’s. Quite a lot of islands have been expanding in this way in recent years due to rising sea levels. In addition, breakwaters and barrier blocks are built near the coast. Not quite aesthetically pleasing, but prevents the erosion of the coastal zone.

Things to do in Thulusdhoo

House reef

Thulusdhoo's house reef is centered around a spot locally called Thingiri Point (also spelled Thingri Point), right off the bikini beach side of the island. The entry point is from the beach near the boat/jetty area, just outside where excursion boats moor, so you swim out from shore rather than needing a boat for the reef itself.

In terms of size and layout, it's a shore-accessible fringing reef, not a sprawling system. The shallow section close to the beach has a sandy lagoon with patchy coral, then the reef edge drops off into deeper terraces, crevices, and small caves where currents pick up, which is part of what makes the deeper sections more suited to confident snorkelers and divers rather than beginners staying right at the surface. There's also a coral restoration project on the island, locally called Muraka Bageechaa ("coral garden"), where threatened corals have been relocated onto the house reef to help it recover, so parts of the reef are a mix of natural and replanted coral.

On marine life, snorkelers can see: moray eels, small reef sharks, turtles, octopuses, and large schools of reef fish, with dolphins occasionally spotted further out, especially in the morning. Mornings are generally considered the best time to go, both for calmer water and better visibility.

Reef conditions are mixed depending on where you are. Close to shore, the entry can be shallow and rocky with coral debris, so reef shoes are recommended. Further out, the reef edge offers genuinely good coral and fish diversity, but currents are present near the drop-off, so fins are recommended and weaker swimmers should be cautious there. The reef is also fairly close to the harbor and a section of coastline being developed (artificial harbor extension work was ongoing as of 2023–2024), which affects water clarity and scenery in that particular stretch, though the wider reef beyond it remains in good condition.

Bikini beach

Bikini Beach is Thulusdhoo's original and main tourist beach, located on the east coast of the island. It stretches along a fairly long section of shoreline. It's not a small pocket of sand — there's enough length that private sunbeds set up by individual villas and guesthouses can sit alongside more open public stretches without feeling cramped. 

This is the beach where swimwear, including bikinis, is explicitly allowed, since Thulusdhoo is a Muslim-majority island where wearing something as revealing as a bikini isn't appropriate in public spaces outside this designated zone.

In terms of setup, the beach has a mix of free public space and guesthouse-managed sections. There are spots with shade, along with sun loungers available, and some property owners rent loungers directly, generally in the $10-15 range, while others provide them free for hotel guests. Hammocks, swings, and day beds are also part of the amenities along the shore, owned by the guesthouses that line the beach.

Water conditions are calm and shallow close to shore, good for relaxed swimming rather than deep-water activity, with the seabed staying fairly shallow for a long stretch out from the sand. 

Sunset beach

Thulusdhoo Sunset Beach is on the western tip of the island and is mainly known as a viewpoint for evening sunsets, not a swimming or sunbathing beach. It's classed as a local beach, so bikinis aren't allowed there — that's reserved for Bikini Beach (east coast) and Dream Beach (northwest), which are the island's two designated tourist beaches. I couldn't confirm sunbeds specifically at Sunset Beach; loungers are mentioned in reviews for the bikini beach area and guesthouse beachfronts, not this spot. Best approach: head to Bikini or Dream Beach for swimwear and lounging during the day, then walk over to Sunset Beach in the evening (with modest cover-up) for the views.

Dream beach

Dream Beach sits on the northwest side of Thulusdhoo, right next to Sunset Beach. It's one of the island's two official tourist/bikini beaches, the other being the main Bikini Beach on the east coast. Unlike Sunset Beach, swimwear and bikinis are explicitly allowed here since it's designated for tourist use.

It's located west of the harbor, and the easiest way to reach it on foot is via the northern coastline, passing near the harbor area; some guesthouses also arrange buggy transport out to this side of the island for guests. As with Thulusdhoo's other bikini beach, the swimwear allowance is confined to the beach itself — once you step off the sand and back into the town or street areas, you're expected to cover up again, so it's worth carrying a sarong or beach towel for the walk back. Because Dream Beach and Sunset Beach sit right beside each other on the western tip, it's a convenient pairing: you can spend the day at Dream Beach in swimwear and then stay in place (covering up) to watch the sunset rather than needing to relocate.

Local sports

The Maldivians are a very active nation; various sports events are often held there. Football and cricket are the most popular sports there. But I’d like to describe local games that are also in favor there. Bashi is an entertaining game only for women (that’s a Muslim country, but still). You’re expected to kick a tennis ball with a racquet as hard as you can to the other side of the pitch, while your opponent is to catch it. Limb injures and hitting on ahead with a ball are the most widespread injures in this game, which shows how fearless the Maldivian women are. When tournaments are held, such a dance is traditionally performed before a game. Baibalaa is men's sports, presupposing tough contact, when one team’s player is trying to get into a circle, to touch an opponent, and to leave the circle before he is caught and probably injured by his opponents. The tourists’ participation in evening sports events is always welcomed and it provides you with an opportunity to have a good time with the locals.

Surfing

When everyone thinks about the Maldives they usually imagine blue calm lagoons and sea – which in general is true – but the Maldives is also home to some coolest world-class surf too! Thulusdhoo Island is considered one of the best local island surfing spots in the Maldives. And it’s not for nothing. It was surfers who lay the foundations of local tourism on the island in the 70s.

Surfing spots nearby:

Chicken's Wave is located on Villingilimathi Huraa uninhabited island, next to Thulusdhoo Island (on the other side of the channel). This wave holds swell size from 3ft to well over 10ft and provides rides up to 500m long. This is a long left-hand wave with 2 sections where you can easily get barrels on the last section of the wave. There used to be a chicken farm. It doesn’t exist now, but the Chickens’ name got stuck to it forever.

Coke's Also close to the Island of Thulusdhoo, this is a right-handed wave recommended for intermediate surfers or experienced especially when the swell is big. The wave It is a hollow and tubular right-hander. breaks over a shallow reef and is known as one of the best waves in the Maldives. The wave’s name is due to the Coca-Cola factory nearby on the island of Thulusdhoo. Works best with winds from the south and northeast.

Ninja's Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Presumably named because it’s one of the favorite waves of Japanese surfers. Best conditions on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However, swells larger than 1m ruin it.

Sultan's For those who want something a bit bigger and more challenging, this is the spot and it’s certainly not one for beginners or low-end intermediates! Handling some solid sizes get prepared for some awesome tube rides. Breaking anywhere from 1.2 m up it really starts to come into its own at 3m+, however with this sizeable perfection often come the crowds and it’s a favorite with surf charter boats in the area too. Honky's Located near Thaburudhoo island (near the same island as Sultans), some consider it the best wave of the Maldives, but maybe not as popular as Cokes and Chickens. When the conditions are met, it is a true World Class, that’s for sure! It is a super long, left-hand wave that can double in the second section. It is a fast left at 1-2m and needs the right swell direction. Worth checking out if Sultans is crowded. It is an ideal spot for winter on North-East wind.

Sandbank visiting

You’ll experience different sandbanks with fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. They look so beautiful that they seem to be unreal.

Asdu Sand Bank.  The stretch of sand is 30 minutes from Thulusdhoo. It is also a kind of excursion that satisfies everyone as it allows you to stay on the white sand beach, bathe on a sandy bottom, and especially if you leave a few meters away you will find a coral reef that will take your breath.

Chikana Sand Bank. Another piece of sand to 20 minutes from the island. And a fleeting paradise because you can only find with the highest peak of low tide. Here there is plenty of reefs to explore.

Infinity Sand Bank. The last nearby sandbank to Thulusdhoo. With very striking colors and so-called because the low tide overlooking the impression of being endless for its long narrow shape.

Snorkeling safari

There are a lot of nearby spots for snorkeling to let you see amazing coral gardens, pristine underwater life with colorful fishes, sharks, turtles, and rays. Nearby snorkeling points

Coral Garden — about 20-30 minutes by boat. Open-water coral garden where the seafloor drops to roughly 2m, known for turtles and clownfish ("Nemo fish"), plus generally healthy coral that's reportedly avoided the worst of regional bleaching.

Shark Point — roughly 30 minutes by boat, usually combined with the Coral Garden trip on the same excursion. The main draw is close, safe encounters with reef sharks while snorkeling.

Muraka Bageechaa (Coral Garden restoration site) — part of a local coral relocation project on the house reef, relocating threatened coral so it can recover; home to turtles, moray eels, small sharks, and octopus, with occasional dolphin sightings. This may overlap with or be near the general house reef/Coral Garden area rather than being a separate boat destination.

Nurse Shark & Stingray Spot — about 30-45 minutes by boat. A designated area where nurse sharks (up to 3m but harmless) and stingrays gather, often paired with a coral garden stop on the same tour.

Manta Ray sightings (seasonal, June–November) — same general 30-45 minute boat trips can include manta ray encounters during their season, though sightings aren't guaranteed.

Night fishing

The fishing trip on a Dhoni (local fishing boat) with experienced local fishermen from the island is the most authentic way to join this experience. You will be fascinated by the colorful sunrise, the wide ocean, and the daily work of the fisherman and you will be enthusiastic to discover how they catch big sailfish. You can ask to cook catch fish as well. Strict rules against poaching helped these atolls to preserve the abundance of sea life. On Thulusdhoo there are boats, that are constructed for catching not only large marlines, sailfish, and yellowfin tuna, but also smaller species, such as crevalles, barracudas, and runners.

Other activities

Dolphin cruise. From the beach, you can watch the dolphins passing by in front of the island. But it is even more fascinating to see them closer.

Scuba diving. For beginners and for experienced divers, Thulusdhoo gives you the possibility to enjoy amazing diving. There is only one dive center in Thulusdhoo. R

Resort day visit. Wanna compare island resorts and local islands? Join a day trip to nearby Club Med Kaani or Cinnamon Dhonveli and feel true luxury. The cost of visiting the first one is $120 per person (8.00 – 17.00), the second one – $130. What is included? The tourists are offered a wide range of dishes, unlimited access to alcohol bars, shows, and cultural events.

Thulusdhoo Infrastructure

There are around 40 guest houses and hotels on the island, and each of them is eager to do everything possible to make your holiday unforgettable. There are several grocery and hardware stores, where you can buy not only fresh fruit or dried tuna but also beach gear. The island has several restaurants and cafes that offer a range of cuisines, including local Maldivian dishes, Indian, and international cuisine. The restaurants are located near the beach and offer a great view of the ocean. Thulusdhoo 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. Thulusdhoo has a ferry terminal that provides regular ferry services to Male, the capital city of the Maldives.

The ferry terminal is located on the western side of the island and is easily accessible by foot or bicycle. Thulusdhoo is known for its great surfing spots, and the island has several surf shops that rent out surfboards and other equipment. The shops also offer surfing lessons for beginners. There are several souvenir shops on the island that sell local handicrafts, such as woven baskets, wooden carvings, and handmade jewelry. These shops are great places to find unique and authentic souvenirs to bring back home. Thulusdhoo has several small convenience stores that sell basic groceries, snacks, and toiletries. These stores are convenient for visitors who want to stock up on supplies during their stay on the island. Check out the industry including fish drying factories, boat-building yards, sea cucumber processing, the Maldive's sole Coca-Cola factory, and the agricultural section. You can visit the school, and the powerhouse, and learn about the island's history.

Where to eat on Thulushoo

Blissview Cafe’. It's the in-house café and snack bar/deli attached to Blissview Maldives guesthouse, located on Mirihi Magu near the town center. The property offers a rooftop terrace with views, a garden, and breakfast service. Continental breakfast is served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. It functions primarily as a guesthouse restaurant rather than a standalone dining destination, so it's most relevant if you're staying there.

RG Restaurant. This café stood out as a trip highlight — it had a relaxed, chill atmosphere with a genuinely local crowd, something you don't see much elsewhere. The mixed Kottu Roshi was excellent.

Onda Thulusdhoo. Onda Thulusdhoo is currently the island's top-rated café on TripAdvisor with a perfect 5.0 score. It's a mid-range café/fast food spot known for good coffee, fresh food, and cakes with an island vibe. Still fairly new with only a handful of reviews, but early feedback has been very positive. Located near The Nexus Hub, in the bikini beach area.

Byyoni Cafe’. It is a local, budget-friendly spot serving traditional Maldivian food. It's described as a very local place with plenty of menu variety, good value for money, though the curry can be on the watery side. It's one of the more authentic options on the island for those wanting to eat the way locals do rather than at a tourist-oriented restaurant.

The Garden Outdoor Restaurant. It's a place offering authentic Maldivian flavors in a serene garden setting. Fresh seafood is its focus, with the outdoor, nature-integrated setting being the main draw. 

Aqua Beans. They are serving Indian and Asian cuisine at budget-friendly prices. It's located near the harbour and has a second floor with a sea view, where you can watch the sunset over the boatyard side of the island. The menu covers both local and Western options, it stays open late, and it's one of the only places on the island that accepts credit cards. They serve Lavazza coffee alongside meals. The tuna fried rice is a frequently mentioned dish. 

Fusion Feast Restaurant. Pleasant, comfortable atmosphere with kind, smiling, attentive staff throughout. Prices are reasonable, and the menu stands out for its variety — Indian, Sri Lankan (Ceylonese), and some Maldivian dishes. No alcohol served, but alcohol-free beer is available. Highly recommend for the food quality, variety, and fair pricing — the only letdown was the fish and chips, but everything else was very satisfying.

Kooks Café. A lovely spot with great food that quickly became a favorite for lunch. Good variety for everyone, including vegetarian options that can be made vegan, plus alternative milks available. The menu stands out from other restaurants with fresh salads, fish dishes, and bowls, all delicious. Nice atmosphere with limited seating, but food comes out quickly so waits aren't long. A great place to stop and eat.

Fusion by Canopus. A favorite spot in Thulusdhoo, right on the beach with attentive, helpful staff.A favorite spot in Thulusdhoo, right on the beach with attentive, helpful staff. Food quality is above the island average — chicken salad is delicious, tuna is perfect, fries are always cooked right, and the club sandwich is great for a quick bite (though the chicken batter can feel a bit heavy for the amount of chicken). Open all day, accepts cards, and flexible with orders.

Le Rosa Thulusdhoo. An ice cream shop, not a full restaurant, known for tropical, unique ice cream flavors. 

Santa Rosa Restaurant. A well-reviewed, popular spot serving intercontinental cuisine from breakfast to dinner, with buffet and à la carte options. Standout dishes include reef fish, grilled vegetables, masala tea, and gulab jamun. Relaxed atmosphere with garden views; good variety and reasonable prices, though service can be slow at times.

Juice Bench. Known for fresh, delicious food and consistently kind, attentive staff. A popular daily-lunch spot for repeat visitors.

The Nexus Hub. The island's top-rated restaurant. A beachfront restaurant and juice bar overlooking Cokes Surf Beach, known for fresh local flavors, fair prices, and friendly staff, though orders can take a little long during busy times.

Transfer to Thulusdhoo

Scheduled speedboat

Speedboat transfer from the airport to Thulusdhoo takes only 25 minutes.

Price is 35$ per way per person.

Runs daily except Friday Male-Thulusdhoo: 11:00, 17:00, 22:00 (on Friday 9:00, 17:00, 22:00)

Thulusdhoo-Male: 8:00, 14:30, 18:00 (on Friday 7:30, 14:30, 18:00)

Local ferry

Transfer by local ferry to Thulusdhoo From Vilingili terminal at 14:30 From Thulusdhoo at 7:30 Daily except for Friday

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