Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives: everything about rest, prices, locations

The mysterious island, near which 7 species of sharks live, is a tourist mecca for all divers in the world. The only place in the world where you can see tiger and whale sharks all year round. The island is known for incredible diving, fishing and magical beaches. What you need to know about holidays on Fuvahmulah Island?

Fuvahmulah island characteristics:

• Population - about 13,000 people
• Length - 4.5 km
• Width - 1.2 km
• Atoll - Gnaviyani
• Distance from Male - 500 km

Jailam Rashad

Island features

Fuvahmulah or Fuvahmulah is one of the most beautiful and picturesque islands in the Maldives. It is the third largest atoll island in the Maldives. Nature has generously endowed him with beauties: tropical forests, swamps, snow-white sandy beaches. In addition, the fantastic white pebble beach is included in the top ten unique beaches in the world. Moreover, this is the only island in the Maldives where you can meet freshwater lakes.

Almost all the islands of the Maldivian archipelago are coral reefs. But Fuvahmulah is an island of volcanic origin. It looks more like the neighboring islands of Bali. It features lush tropical vegetation, mango gardens, papaya plantations and incredible flowers.

• The Mysterious Island is one of the best shark diving spots on earth. Living reefs and corals did not die from the warm currents, because the island is in the open ocean. The reef remained alive and untouched.
• This is a budget holiday option in the Maldives, because Fuvahmulah is a local island, not a fashionable one. It only opened for tourism in 2016.
• The biosphere reserve covers an area of ​​about 1,300 hectares. It is the only administrative atoll and island in the country. It boasts a variety of coral ecosystems and sandy beaches. It is unique for its only island with a bowl shape. Has a huge variety of corals, mangroves, wetlands, and the reef system is home to a large population of sharks, mainly tiger, whale and hammerhead sharks.
• The reef is home to over 1200 species of fish. Birds also love the island: there are about 200 species of them!
• Fresh lakes are surrounded by swamps, which are covered with thick layers of peat and mud. Coconut palms, trees and shrubs grow around.
• There are no lagoons on the island, so it is subject to strong waves. Because of this, the famous pebble beach appeared, which extends from the northern point of the island. Unique white glittering pebbles are not found in any other corner of the Maldives.

Ibrahim Asad

Island location

Fuvahmulah is located 500 km from the capital of the Maldives, Male. The island is quite small: 4.5 km long and 1.2 km wide, although this is very much for the Maldives. There is a reef around it, which stretches for 3 km towards the southeast. The unique and most beautiful volcanic atoll island in the Maldives is located almost on the equator between the two southern atolls of Addu and Huvadhu. It is flush with other equatorial islands such as the Galapagos. 

Jailam Rashad

The history of the island

It was once a small coral atoll, and inside the island was a salt lagoon that formed a natural harbor. But over time, the inner lagoon ceased to be salty. Only 2 small lakes, a swamp and swampy fields are left from it. Such landscapes are very unusual in the Maldives.

The name of the island translates as "areca palm nut island". There are other places in the world named after this palm tree, for example, in India. Previously, the island was often inaccessible to sailors. The harbor was built in the southeastern part of the island only in the 2000s, because the ocean wave did not always allow boats to land. The domestic airport was built in 2011. This event pushed the development of tourism: before the island was practically inaccessible.

Asad Photo Maldives

Transfer to Fuvahmulah island

The island has its own airport, where flights from Velana International Airport to the FVM domestic airport are operated twice a day. The flight to the tropical island from the airport in Male by domestic airlines will take 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The flights are operated by the local airline, which has the same name Fuvahmulah. In Male, tourists are greeted by a hotel representative who accompanies them to the domestic terminal. Next, a transplant is carried out.

Ibrahim Mohamed

Diving

It is for diving to the distant island of Fuvahmulah those tourists from all over the world flock. The underwater world around the island is rich: 7 species of rare sharks.

• This is a place where you can see the rarest underwater inhabitants together in their natural environment. 7 sharks in one dive: hammerhead shark, fox shark, tiger shark, gray-white shark, reef shark and long-winged shark. In addition, tiger sharks can be seen every day. Humpback whales and many exotic fish come to the island.
• This is the only place on the planet where you can see all the majestic marine predators all year round. When diving, you never know whom you will meet in the underwater world: it is always a surprise. Nevertheless, to see as much as possible, you have to get lucky with the tide. Moreover, in the rainy season, waves come.
• The main attraction for diving enthusiasts is the Tiger's Zoo dive site. This is a whole tiger shark nursery! Fuvahmulah Island is the best way to swim with tiger sharks. Their population is estimated at up to 500 specimens. They are found all year round. The meeting point depends on the season. There is a diving center on the island that studies tiger sharks. You can not only are acquainted with the underwater beauty, but also give the shark your name. On the island, you can feed tiger sharks under the protection of local and guides.
• Divers also go to see a rare phenomenon: a huge pregnant whale shark. These are often found in the waters here.
• One of the largest oceanic manta ray populations on Earth is located just off the island. They almost always live in the open ocean. But using the unique landscape of the island, they swim up to it for reproduction. And in April they spend a whole month near the coast. At this time, many diving enthusiasts come here.
• You can see sunken ships and turtles.

Naushad Mohamed

Flying fish season

In December, an important event happens on the island: the flying fish season begins. It is always celebrated and eagerly awaited. Local residents go ashore and peer into the horizon. But they don't even have fishing rods with you! Fish are caught by hand. You just have to wait ashore to return with your catch. Unlike other islands in the Maldives, Fuvahmulah does not have a lagoon, so the waves beat right off the coast. And the house reef is close to the beach. This island is a great place to catch flying fish. You just need to wait on the shore, and she will fly into your hands. This is a seasonal event, which is explained by the fact that the sea becomes more violent, the fish get lost in schools. Large predators swim up and drive it to the shore. To escape certain death, the fish literally takes off and jumps out of the water, hitting the shore. This is a good time for the inhabitants of the island, especially for fishermen who cannot go to sea due to bad weather.

Fishing

The most popular entertainment among tourists is fishing in the coastal waters. The reef is near the coast and is full of life. Fishing is the main source of income for the inhabitants of the island. Who is not found here: yellowfin tuna, barracuda, a special type of bonito tuna that cannot be exported from the Maldives. Local residents offer tourists to go fishing with them on special fishing boats. There is always excellent fishing on Fuvahmulah!

Depositphotos

Leisure on the island

• Gorgeous beaches, surfing, snorkeling, Thai massage, football, volleyball are popular with tourists on the island. If you wish, you can take an excursion to other atolls.
• The place is suitable for those who want to touch an untouched, effective corner. At low tide, it is very pleasant to walk along the reef, observing the different inhabitants.
• The island has a large selection of water activities on the beaches, including kayaking, windsurfing, water scooters. It is worth taking a ride on the traditional Maldivian dhoni boat.
• Fuvahmulah is a fertile island with a variety of fruits and vegetables like nowhere else in the Maldives. Fruit orchards and green fields invite for a leisurely stroll.
• Bicycle rental is developed. You can rent a bike and go exploring the island. Ancient buildings, ancient monuments are local religions. The traditional harbor is a place worth visiting. One of the oldest buildings in the city adorns the island since pre-Islamic times. And lovers of antiquities will find a Buddhist stupa.
• It is also worth going to the pebble beach, which attracts many visitors.

Vilu Photos

Hotels and guesthouses in Fuvahmulah

The choice of accommodation by Maldivian standards is rather modest: guesthouses and small hotels. The housing stock on the island is young and new guesthouses and economy hotels are still opening. Fuvahmulah is an island for budget tourism. He will not give luxury rest. Rather, a trip for those who appreciate nature and naturalness. But all rooms are comfortable, clean, equipped with air conditioning, flat screen TV, DVD players, safes. Some hotels have an iPod docking station in their rooms. You can find a kettle, free Wi-Fi. New guesthouses have been erected right on the beach. They are made of natural materials and are comfortable for life. The rooms have spacious baths, cozy little things such as a coffee machine, mini-bar, snacks.

No need to worry about food: the hotel can arrange breakfast, lunch and dinner. Hotels usually have cafes where you can sample local cuisine, fresh seafood and Asian cuisine. The food is varied and inexpensive compared to resorts. And in the village itself you can always buy all the necessary products.

Ibrahim Asad

Moving around the island

Previously, people used to travel on the island by scooters and bicycles, but now there is an asphalt road that leads from the airport to all parts of the island. But still the most popular form of transport on the island is a motorbike. To be able to explore the island, it is best to rent a car or scooter. In this matter, you should contact the guesthouse or hotel for help.

Depositphotos

Beaches

Remember that this is a local island, so it is worth looking for a "bikini beach" to be in your usual swimsuit. Local residents practice Islam and bathe in clothes.

Jailam Rashad

Mobile communications, Internet

There is a good signal on the island, there will be no problems with communication. Hotels and guesthouses often provide free Wi-Fi both in the rooms and throughout the entire territory. You can also purchase a SIM card from a local operator. There are two of them in the Maldives. You can find out more about the cost of mobile communications in our article.

JIYAAD OFFICIAL

Currency exchange, ATMs

It is better to exchange money immediately upon arrival in Male. However, there is an ATM on the island where you can withdraw the required amount. There will also be no problems with the exchange of dollars, although the rate may be somewhat overestimated.

Cafes and restaurants

There are local cafes on the island where you can get acquainted with the local cuisine. It is rich in rice, seafood, curry. The cost of lunch is approximately $ 10.

Sea cruises

You can get to the island as part of a cruise. To do this, tourists arrive at Gan Airport, after which they go on a yacht trip to several atolls, including Fuvahmulah. Such a trip takes 8 days on a yacht and costs about $ 1500 per person.

Features of local culture

The island is home to 14 thousand people. The inhabitants have their own dialect, which is not similar to the Maldivian language. Even the structure of the houses is different: large spacious private yards that are surrounded by tropical gardens with fruit trees and bright flowers. Local residents are mainly engaged in fishing or agriculture. They are hospitable and will gladly share their own culture. But it is worth remembering that the Maldives is an Islamic country, and Fuvahmulah is a local island. And it is worth observing traditions, refusing too revealing outfits. It is preferable not to go in short tops and shorts, choosing clothes with a closed neckline, covered with shoulders and below the knee.

Fuvahmulah is a fabulous island that will give you an amazing experience. It is worth going here for the most unusual diving. And the rest on the local island is budgetary, cheaper than on the resort islands.

Hoodh Ahmed