Eidafushi Island in the Maldives: infrastructure, what to do, where to stay

Forgotten by guidebooks and in love with everyday life. Islands like Eidafushi seem to tell their unhurried, authentic story of life in the Maldives. This is not a resort with luxurious villas, but a living island with real houses, boats, a fish market, and evening conversations on verandas. Here, in the heart of Baa Atoll, lies an amazing space for those who want to see the Maldives not as a beach tourist, but as a true traveler.

Adam Juman

History of the island

The story of Eidafushi is a chronicle of unification. In the 17th and 19th centuries, residents of the small neighboring islands of Maaddoo, Funadhoo and Undoodhoo gradually moved here. But the real impetus to development was given in 1968, when the state organized a centralized resettlement to the island. Then Eidafushi became the administrative capital of Baa Atoll, and later became the most important regional center.

Ahmed Yaaniu

Island infrastructure

Today, Eidafushi is one of the largest inhabited islands of Baa, with a total area of almost 58 hectares, part of which was created thanks to land development.

About 2,600 people live on the island, including fishermen, tourism workers, artisans and teachers. Eidafushi has a variety of shops and markets, a school, medical facilities, sports grounds, mosques and a municipality. There is also a branch of Bank of Maldives with ATMs on the island, allowing visitors to withdraw cash from Maldivian Rufias. Some guest houses and shops may also accept major credit cards, although cash will be preferred.

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What to do and what to see Eidafushi

The choice of activities on the island is not as extensive as on some popular resorts, but the options presented can provide interesting leisure.

Walking around the island

Start the day with a walk to the Al Yusuf Mosque, built in the 1970s, as well as the newly erected Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The latter is easily recognized by the snow-white facade and blue domes. The two-storey mosque is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Maldives. Walking around the island, you will notice workshops where dhoni boats are made, festive dresses are weaved and traditional "libaas" are embroidered, as well as mini-hotels and fish traders. Inside the residential neighborhoods are tiny shops where you can buy fresh pastries, coconut bread and homemade sweets.

Beaches and cycling

The island borders several beach areas. Especially pleasant impressions give the eastern beach, known for its white sand and clear water. On Eidafushi there is also "bikini beach" - a specially designated beach for tourists.

And here you can rent a bicycle and arrange a leisurely trip through the sandy streets.

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Culinary dive

Try traditional Maldivian dishes, in particular mas huni (tuna with coconut and onions), roshi cakes, fried fish with lime and a refreshing drink made of rose water. Ask the local chef to conduct a master class - most often agree.

Visit to Hanifaru Bay

The nearest sign point on the map is Hanifaru Bay, UNESCO site. From May to November, when the ocean is saturated with plankton, the manta-ray come here. There are also whale and gray reef sharks. Organized snorkeling tours start directly from Eidafushi: all the necessary equipment will be provided to you, and experienced guides will tell you how to safely behave near the sea giants. The estimated cost of such a trip is $60-80 per person.

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Diving

Nelivaru Thila, Dharavandhoo Thila, Dhigali Haa and Horubadhoo Reef. Important names in diving circles. There are corals, barracudas, turtles and the impressive silence of the ocean. Visibility is better in the dry season (November to April), but mantas are more common in summer.

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Visit the luxury resort

Local Maldives islands are often offered travel to the resorts near the day-use format. That is, resort islands provide a day pass that allows visitors to spend a whole day on the territory, enjoying the infrastructure and service. Luxury resorts Soneva Fushi. Dusit Thani. Royal Island Resort & Spa Other luxury resorts are only a few kilometers away.

In addition, guests can go fishing with local fishermen or on an evening cruise in search of dolphins, have a picnic on a secluded sandbank or explore nearby islands such as Dhonfanu, Thulhaadhoo and Fulhadhoo to learn more about the culture of local communities.

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Where to Stay on Eidafushi

For guests of the island are available such accommodation options:

• Family homestays Where guests live with local families, taste homemade cuisine and feel the real Maldivian atmosphere, ideal for cultural immersion.
• Modern guesthouses Provide a combination of convenience and accessibility. They offer air conditioning, personal bathroom, Wi-Fi. Breakfast and tour and transfer services are often included. The estimated price is $50-80 per night.
• Small, atmospheric boutique hotels Suitable for those who want a little more comfort without resort scale. Here, as a rule, there are restaurants, full board and transfers can be provided. The approximate price range is $ 80-120 per night.

How to get to Eidafushi Island

Getting to Eidafushi Island is easiest from the domestic airport on Dharavandu Island. This is the most convenient type of transfer. From Daravanda, the boat will take you to Eidafushi in 15-20 minutes by ocean. A speedboat from Male and a private transfer are also available. Charter boats and boats can be ordered through guest houses or travel agencies.

Eydhafushi offers excellent budget-friendly vacation options in Baa, the Maldives' most picturesque atoll, home to premium private resorts. Learn more about budget-friendly Maldives - this information may be helpful when planning independent travel on a fiscal

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