Dhiffushi Island in the Maldives: Things to Do and Where to Stay

Dhiffushi, the easternmost inhabited island of the Maldives, is the first to greet the sunrise in the archipelago. Discover the true Maldives: vibrant coral reefs, a relaxed pace of life, and unforgettable experiences.

This beautiful island lies approximately 37 km east of Malé and is part of the Kaafu Atoll. With only 1,200 residents, Dhiffushi offers guaranteed seclusion and authentic Maldivian charm.

Facts about the Island:

• Area: 900 x 200 meters.
• Reefs and lagoons around the island span 10 kilometers.
• You can reach Dhiffushi from Malé by public ferry 5 times a week for just $2.
• Residents are engaged in fishing and the tourism industry.
• The nearest inhabited island, Thulusdhoo, is just 8 km south of Dhiffushi.

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Dhiffushi Infrastructure

The island is small but has everything needed for a comfortable stay if you're not seeking luxury or elite services. You'll find a mosque, school, medical center, stadium, souvenir shops, water sports centers, and several cafes and hotels. Maldivian hammocks ("joali" in Dhivehi) are also scattered across the island.

Medical Services. Dhiffushi has a medical center. For advanced medical care, you'll need to return to Malé, about a 40-minute boat ride. Don’t forget travel insurance!

Hotels and Shops. Even budget hotels offer top-notch service. Several shops sell various goods, including masks, snorkels, sunscreen, and repellents. You can find nearly everything you need, from coffee to bottled water and snacks.

Money. There’s an ATM on the island, but it’s wise to withdraw cash in Malé beforehand, as local ATMs aren’t always restocked regularly. Most establishments accept cards, though a 3.5% fee may apply in the Maldives. Dollars are also widely accepted.

Entertainment. The island has three dive centers and two water sports centers, with prices relatively high compared to other islands.

Most residents speak English fluently.

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Island Beaches

On local Maldivian islands like Dhiffushi, swimsuits are permitted only on designated bikini beaches. Elsewhere, avoid revealing clothing due to the island’s Islamic traditions—opt for light pants, long shorts, or shirts with sleeves.
Dhiffushi has two bikini beaches: a small one on the northern side and another on the opposite side.

• The northern beach offers plenty of sun loungers, umbrellas, and views of the private Meeru Resort. It has a good water entry and pleasant sand, but the harbor channel is just 10 meters away, so watch for passing boats. The beach spans only 50-70 meters.
• The larger southern beach is less clean, with ocean debris often washing ashore. Its shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. The southwest beach is nearly deserted, featuring bamboo huts for shade, hammocks over the water, and sun loungers. The southern part of this beach has an excellent reef for snorkeling.

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Things to Do on Dhiffushi

This authentic island lacks vibrant nightlife but excels in active leisure and exploring Maldivian nature.

Diving on Dhiffushi

Three PADI dive centers offer trips to 12 nearby dive sites, including Lankan Beyru and Banan Reef. The Dhiffushi area teems with sharks, reef fish, turtles, and rays. No certification is needed to dive here. A highlight is the West Rock Wreck, a ship intentionally sunk to foster marine life, where divers can spot white-tip reef sharks, manta rays, and clownfish.

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Water Sports

Two water sports centers provide water skiing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, and more. The island’s deep lagoon is perfect for exploring in a transparent canoe. Surfing, however, is less popular here than on Thulusdhoo or Himmafushi—you’ll need to rent a boat to reach the nearest surf spot.

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Night Fishing

No expertise is required to fish in the Maldives. Reef fishing on a traditional dhoni boat is a unique experience. Dhiffushi’s shallow reefs are ideal, and several guesthouses offer fishing tours with instructors and gear (hook, bait, line, and sinker). Upon request, they can arrange a barbecue to cook your catch. Boats typically depart in the evening, letting you enjoy the Maldivian sunset’s vibrant colors.

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Snorkeling on Dhiffushi

Snorkeling is possible right from the beach, except near the harbor. The island’s reef, spanning over 10 square kilometers, is accessible from shore, though you’ll need to walk far to reach deeper waters. Avoid the channel between Dhiffushi and Meeru Resort due to strong currents and frequent boat traffic.

Prime snorkeling spots are farther offshore, requiring a boat rental. There, you’ll see corals, reef fish, turtles, sharks, and rays. A top spot is near the beach of Malahini Kuda Bandos. Turtle Point, a popular snorkeling site near Dhiffushi, offers sightings of turtles and possibly sharks.

Night snorkeling is available, revealing reefs that come alive after dark, with corals opening like flower gardens. Always snorkel with a guide at night. Book excursions through guesthouses, hotels, or online.

Malahini Kuda Bandos

Sandbank Picnics

No Maldives trip is complete without a visit to a sandbank. Dhiffushi’s vast lagoon, one of the largest in the Maldives, features expansive sandbanks (tide-dependent). Enjoy the crystal-clear lagoon, swim, or snorkel. Guesthouses and hotels provide beach towels and umbrellas, and restaurants can prepare picnic supplies.

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Resort Visits

Nearby Meeru Maldives Resort, visible from the bikini beach, offers a chance to blend local island life with resort perks like restaurants, alcohol, and pools. Other nearby resorts include Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi and Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives.

Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Day Trip to Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo, a surfer’s haven, also hosts the Maldivian Coca-Cola factory and stunning sunsets. Take the 06:30 public ferry, arriving at 07:05. Spend the day exploring (Thulusdhoo is larger than Dhiffushi) and return on the 16:05 ferry, available any day except Friday.

Aviv Ben Or

Where to Stay on Dhiffushi

In 2009, the Maldivian government permitted local hotels and guesthouses on inhabited islands, allowing travelers to experience authentic Maldives beyond luxury resorts.

Dhiffushi offers several cozy hotels, including:

• Crown Beach Hotel Maldives
• Stone Hotels Dhiffushi
• ISLA DHIFFUSHI

Stone Hotels Dhiffushi

How to Get to Dhiffushi

• Ferry. Dhiffushi is the final stop on the Malé-Dhiffushi public ferry line. The MTCC ferry is the cheapest option at $2, departing from Villingili Terminal. It stops at Thulusdhoo, Himmafushi, and Huraa, taking about 3 hours 15 minutes from Malé. Ferries run at 14:30 five days a week, except Mondays and Fridays.
• Speedboat. Mee Altec Express operates regular speedboats, cutting the one-way trip to 45 minutes with no stops. They depart from Pier 7 in Malé at 11:30, 16:30, and 22:30 (08:30 and 10:30 on Fridays). Cost: $35 per person.
• Private Speedboat. For privacy and comfort, rent a private speedboat for $300 one-way (up to 6 passengers).

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Where to Eat on Dhiffushi

Hotel restaurants offer a wide range of local and continental dishes. Dhiffushi Inn Restaurant is a favorite, known for Maldivian and international cuisine, including seafood, pasta, rice, noodles, refreshing drinks, and desserts. Relax Inn Restaurant serves seafood, curries, sandwiches, and salads, with a rooftop lounge offering stunning island and ocean views.

For a more refined dining experience, Island Breeze Restaurant provides seafood and international dishes in a more formal setting than other island eateries.

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