The best beaches in the Maldives: where to go for bounty landscapes

The beaches of the Maldives have become synonymous with paradise. Snow-white fine sand, turquoise lagoons framed by tropical coconut palms are the calling card of this exotic country. The archipelago has thousands of islands with many fantastic beaches. Which of them are especially loved by travelers? We have compiled a selection of the most special beaches of the Maldives that you will definitely remember.

Beach Holidays in the Maldives: What You Need to Know Before You Go

The Maldives is a Muslim country and this leaves its mark on your holiday if you leave the resort island.

• On local islands, it is forbidden to swim in the usual European swimsuits. The exception is special bikini beaches, specially designated for tourists. This requirement does not apply to resorts.
• You can't bring alcohol to the Maldives. You can only drink it at private resorts. But there are "floating" bars on duty near some local islands.
• You can't fish on your own, but the Maldives offers a wide range of excursions for anglers.
• Do not damage the corals. Remember that not all marine souvenirs can be taken out of the country. It is better to have a receipt of purchase with you at customs.
• Do not swim after sunset: this is the time when predatory fish are active. Night snorkeling or diving is recommended only with an instructor.
• The best time for a beach holiday is January-April. That's when there is less rainfall and visibility in the water is at its best.

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Facts about Maldives beaches

• The Maldives have absolutely amazing white coral sand. It is found on only 5% of the beaches in the world. But even in the Maldives, the sand can vary from island to island. On some beaches, the sand is really fine, white and soft as flour, without large corals that could hurt your feet.
• The beaches of the Maldives are never hot. Unlike regular quartz sand, coral sand does not heat up.
• The beaches of the Maldives are made by parrotfish. Most of the coral grains that form the beaches are undigested corals left behind by the colorful parrotfish.
• The beaches of the Maldives are cleaned by crabs of all shapes and sizes. They come out to the coast at night. This army of crustaceans feeds on small particles of food and waste and helps keep the beaches clean.
• The Maldives is one of the best diving destinations in the world. Baa Atoll is world famous for its fine white sand and abundance of marine life, including the largest fish in the world, the whale shark.
• The islands are shaped by the rings of coral that surround the atolls. Some resorts have excellent house reefs where you can explore the coral kingdom right off the coast.

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Glowing Beach, Vaadhoo Island, Raa Atoll

One of the most magical and unique beaches in the Maldives is the glowing beach on Vaadhoo Island . Known as the "Sea of Stars", this beach is famous for its tiny plankton that has natural bioluminescence. The microscopic creatures, driven by the waves, emit light comparable to billions of stars. Scoop up some water in your palm: it seems to be on fire! The glowing beach in the Maldives is a must-see!

How to get there : Domestic flight from Male to Ifuru Airport in Raa Atoll, about 45 minutes. Then 20-30 minutes by speedboat to the island.

Rainbow Beach Tundi on Fuvahmulah Island

The unique beach, unlike the usual Maldivian beaches with snow-white coral sand, is covered with unusual pebbles. For many years, ocean waves have polished it to a perfectly round shape and glossy shine. The shades of the pebbles vary from pure white to soft cream and purple, creating a unique natural pattern.

Peculiarities:

• Only here can you see a unique natural phenomenon known as Bisaaveli. Twice a year, under the influence of seasonal monsoons, part of the sand moves from the shore to the edge of the reef, forming an amazing natural lagoon surrounded by a sand spit. It creates the impression of a "beach inside the ocean" - a spectacle that attracts photographers and lovers of natural phenomena from all over the world.
• Removing pebbles from the beach is prohibited by law - it is part of a unique ecosystem protected by the state.
• Be sure to wear shoes for walking on pebbles.
• Fuvahmulah Island itself is one of the best places to see tiger sharks.

How to get there : by domestic flight from Male, which takes about an hour. From the local airport to the beach is a 15-minute drive.

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Dhigurah Island, South Ari Atoll

Dhigurah is popular among travelers due to its lively atmosphere and stunning beauty. The island is famous for its long strip of white sand, and the beach covers most of it. It got its name from its elongated shape, because in Maldivian, "dhigurah" means "long island".

Peculiarities:

• The island is more developed than other local islands, but it still offers a peaceful atmosphere.
• Ideal for snorkeling and diving, the surrounding reefs are rich in marine life, including colorful fish and manta rays. If you're lucky, you might even spot whale sharks and rare turtles.
• The shallow waters near the shore are great for swimming, while the deeper areas offer excellent diving opportunities.
• A shell lover's paradise, you'll find cowrie shells, cones and various types of bivalves. The best time to look for them is early morning or after high tide.

How to get there : From the main airport of the Maldives by speedboat or seaplane. It is also possible to use ferry No. 308.

Hoodh Ahmed

Fulhadhoo Beach, Baa Atoll

On the Baa Atoll, away from the popular tourist routes, lies the island of Fulhadhoo - a real pearl of the Maldives. It is included in the list of the 50 best beaches in the world according to Forbes. This secluded corner of paradise combines the pristine beauty of nature and an authentic atmosphere. On the quiet and secluded island there is a small village with a population of about 250 people.

Peculiarities:

• The beaches of Fulhadhoo stretch for 16 kilometers: endless expanses of white sand!
• The crystal clear lagoons with turquoise water give the place a special appeal.
• The depth here increases gradually, and the water is so clear that you can see every grain of sand on the bottom.
• The richness of the underwater world is amazing: colorful tropical fish, graceful rays, curious turtles and even dolphins, which can often be seen near the shore.
• The reef is in excellent condition due to the island's remoteness from mass tourism.
• The beach is not overloaded with infrastructure, there are no sun loungers or umbrellas, but natural shade is created by dense palm trees.
• The western part of the island is designated for bikini swimming.
• The best time to visit Fulhadhoo is the dry season from December to April, when the weather is most stable and the sea is calm.

How to get there : the road from Male takes more than two hours. First, you need to sail to Goidhoo Island by boat, and then transfer to a boat that will take you to the island in 10 minutes.

Ittemaldiviano

Bikini Beach, Maafushi Island

Bikini Beach on Maafushi Island is one of the few beaches on the local islands where visitors can relax in traditional European swimsuits. The untouched beach with soft white sand and clear blue water is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Peculiarities:

• Situated on the most popular local island of the Maldives, with a wide range of entertainment options.
• Rich house reef.
• Professional diving centers.
• Affordable prices for diving tours.
• Opportunity to see sharks and rays.
• Maafushi Beach is easily accessible. The island is small, so the entire coastline can be explored on foot.

How to get there : You can get there in an hour and a half by public ferry from Male.

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Baros Island Beach, North Male

The beaches of this Maldives island offer breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon. Gentle waves and soft sand create the perfect setting for beach picnics, swimming, and simply sunbathing. Stay at the only resort on this private island - Baros Maldives .

Peculiarities:

• Shallow safe lagoons.
• Children's pools and water slides.
• Proximity to the airport.
• Developed infrastructure.
• Coastline protected from waves.
• The hotel organizes romantic candlelit dinners on the beach.
• The beaches of Baros are calm and quiet, a favourite among couples and honeymooners looking for a secluded getaway.

How to get there : A speedboat will take you from Male in 25 minutes.

Baros Maldives

COMO Cocoa Island, South Male Atoll

Cocoa Island is home to the stunning Como Cocoa Island Resort. Also known as Makunufushi, the island is known for its sugar sand beaches and crystal clear waters.

Vibrant coral reefs offer the opportunity to snorkel and meet turtles, sharks and other inhabitants of the underwater kingdom. All non-motorized water sports equipment is provided free of charge. The resort has 34 overwater suites with interiors inspired by traditional Maldivian dhoni boats. You can snorkel next to curious turtles, sharks and watch dolphins.

How to get there : by speedboat in 40 minutes from Male.

COMO Cocoa Island

Veligandu Island, North Ari Atoll

Veligandu Island Beach is a stunning place in the Maldives. It has been voted as one of the best beaches in the world. The coastline boasts soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. Veligandu offers excellent snorkeling opportunities. The nearby coral reefs are home to colorful fish and marine life. Soft sand, overwater villas and a sandbank that stretches to the horizon. Adults only hotel.

How to get there : 20 minutes by seaplane from Male.

Veligandu Island Resort

Landaa Giraavaru, Baa Atoll

Landaa Giraavaru, home to Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru , is one of the most beautiful private islands in the Maldives. The beaches here are part of the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Marvel at the stunning waters of the sparkling turquoise ocean. Dive underwater to explore the vibrant reef, meet manta rays and sea turtles!

Peculiarities:

• Turtle protection programs.
• Coral nurseries.
• Marine research centers.

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Omadhoo, South Ari Atoll

A quiet island with a small, authentic village. Western customs are less common here, so Omadhoo has not yet become a mecca for mass tourism. Perhaps this has played a role: the beaches are clean, quiet, and the highlight of the island is a long sandbank stretching out into crystal clear water. The reef surrounding the beaches is home to a variety of fish, such as barracuda and snapper, turtles and even whale sharks.

How to get there : 4-5 hours by public ferry from Male or 2 hours by speedboat.

Hadahaa, Gaafu Alif Atoll

The island on which the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is located is surrounded by a 360-degree reef. The picturesque beaches with dazzling white sand and inviting turquoise waters are protected by Park Hyatt's commitment to sustainability. This ensures that the reef remains healthy, the water and beaches are clean, and the overall environmental impact is kept to a minimum.

How to get there : Domestic flight from Male to Kooddoo Airport, about an hour. Then about 30 minutes by speedboat.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa