Fulidhoo Island in Maldives - Snorkeling and other activities

A picturesque island where people go to meet manta rays and whale sharks: what interesting things await you on Fulidhoo? This tiny but beautiful local island is located in the pristine Vaavu Atoll. Despite its small size and a population of 300, it has become popular among tourists thanks to its main treasure: the shark and ray beach.

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Where is Fulidhoo and how to get there

Fulidhoo, a local island of the Maldives, is the northernmost inhabited island of the Vaavu Atoll. Just 1 hour 10 minutes by speedboat or 3.5 hours by local ferry from the international airport in Male, Fulidhoo is convenient and economical to get to.

By Speedboat : For a quick and convenient journey, take the speedboat from Male International Airport to Fulidhoo. The journey takes just 1 hour and 10 minutes and costs $40 per person for a one-way ticket. Speedboats operate twice daily, except on Fridays, when there is one morning transfer.

Schedule:

• Male - Fulidhoo: twice daily (except Friday) at 11:00 and 15:00. $40 one way. Children under 10 - $20.
• Fulidhoo - Male: twice daily (except Friday) at 07:30 and 14:10. $40 one way. Children under 10 - $20.
• Friday, morning boat only in each direction.

By ferry . If you're not in a rush, take the government-run ferry from Hulhumale Ferry Terminal to Male every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00. The trip takes 3.5 hours, but the ferry fare is just $4 per person. Return trips from Fulidhoo to Male depart at 10:45 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, stopping at Maafushi in South Male Atoll, another local island worth visiting.

• Male - Fulidhoo: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 11:30.
• Fulidhoo - Male: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 and 16:00.
• Times may change, especially due to bad weather. Check locally for exact ferry schedule.

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Where to Stay in Fulidhoo Island

A holiday on a local Maldivian island is certainly much more budget-friendly than a stay at an exquisite luxury Maldivian resort. But the two types of holidays cannot be compared: the infrastructure, quality of accommodation and amenities are different.

The cost of staying in a room on the island for two is 50-250 dollars per night for two. You can find both rooms and villas.

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Things to do in Fulidhoo Island

Snorkeling . One of the reasons why everyone comes to the Maldives is the opportunity to snorkel or dive and discover the vibrant underwater world of the Indian Ocean. If you want to meet manta rays and whale sharks, then consider June and July. These months offer the chance to see these majestic creatures. However, be prepared for high humidity and reduced water clarity. Despite occasional showers, the water temperature remains comfortable: +28 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

House reef . An important consideration when choosing the perfect Maldives island is the ability to easily access the house reef from the beach. On some islands, you will have to find a boat to take you to the snorkeling spot. But the Fulidhoo house reef is easily accessible from the east side of the island. It is a marine wonderland! Admire the vibrant corals, meet sea turtles, stingrays and maybe even be lucky enough to spot a shark.

Shark and Ray Beach . The main attraction of Fulidhoo is the shark and ray beach. It is a long beach that covers the southwest side of the island. It is marked on Google Maps as a "ray spot". They come to this beach in search of food. Usually a nurse shark or sea turtle will come here too! You can watch these creatures from the shore or take a photo with them.

Island Pier . The shallow waters of Fulidhoo near the pier offer a mesmerizing view of graceful stingrays and nurse sharks. The pier becomes a gathering place not only for curious locals, but also for visitors from nearby Maldives and day trippers from Male. You can even step into the water and feel the gentle touch of sea creatures on your feet: a unique and unforgettable experience.

Diving . If the house reef isn’t enough for you, take a diving excursion. Options include a visit to the Robinson Crusoe Island sandbank, a shipwreck, and a turtle reef. Fulidhoo has a 5-star PADI dive center that can help you choose an excursion and teach you all the intricacies of underwater diving. And since early 2023, Fulidhoo has opened another dive center. Notable dive sites in Vaavu Atoll include Fotteyo Kandu and Fotteyo Falhu, (Boda) Miyaru Kandu, Alimathaa, Dehekunu Kandu, and Devana Kandu.

Beaches : The resort islands boast pristine beaches where wearing bikinis is the norm. But Fulidhoo, like other local islands, has stricter rules. It is a Muslim island where you can sunbathe in bikinis on special beaches.

There is also a beach on the island where you can swim, sunbathe and relax without worrying about covering your body. This is the eastern beach with beautiful white sand and turquoise water, marked "bikini beach". The waves are quite calm. Take an umbrella: there is not much shade on this beach. Other beaches on the island offer much more shade, but follow the local rules. It is best to wear shorts and T-shirts for swimming. This way you can enjoy swimming anywhere on the island.

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Tips for visiting the island

Despite its small size, Fulidhoo has everything you need for life and recreation. There is a school, a hospital, a pharmacy on the island. Local shops are small, but have everything you need: seasonal fruits, ice cream, cookies, bottled water, various snacks and drinks.

• There are no ATMs on the island, so bring USD cash with you. You can also withdraw cash at Male Airport, as there is no currency exchange office on Fulidhoo.
• Credit Cards: Many hotels in Fulidhoo allow you to pay your entire bill by credit card, including the boat transfer. There may be a surcharge (around 3-5%). But keep in mind that restaurants and markets in Fulidhoo generally do not accept cards, so you cannot go cashless.
• Bring repellents. Unlike the resort islands, where they provide insect disinfection, there is no such service on Fulidhoo. Be sure to bring repellent with you.
• Seasonality: Plan your visit to Vaavu Atoll between December and April. These months offer the best conditions for snorkeling and excursions. The calm, clear waters make this period a dream for underwater enthusiasts. Dive into the crystal-clear depths and explore the vibrant marine life of the Maldives.
• The Maldives is a Muslim country, so alcohol is prohibited on local islands such as Fulidhoo. It can be purchased if you take a day trip to one of the nearby resort islands.
• Dress code: Fulidhoo has a conservative dress code as it is mostly populated by locals. You should not wear swimsuits or revealing clothing except at the designated bikini beach.
• Cellular: Buy a card in advance in Male to stay connected. Fulidhoo has fast and reliable Wi-Fi, even in budget hotels.
• Where to eat. Fulidhoo has several good restaurants with local and Western food at relatively low prices. Cafes and shops are scattered throughout the island.

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Entertainment on Fulidhoo Island

• Sunset Viewing Deck: If you're up for a stroll, the western end of the island offers great sunset views.
• Banyan Tree: In the center of the island there is an old and impressive banyan tree with giant roots.
• Hotels will arrange a half-day excursion to one of the nearby luxury resorts. These packages usually include roundtrip transportation, as well as access to the resort's amenities: swimming pool, spa, food, drinks. Snorkeling trips and picnic trips to the sandbank are also available at Fulidhoo.

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