Thoddoo Island in the Maldives: all about vacation, prices, locations, hotels

Thoddoo is a green and hospitable island located 67 kilometers from the Maldivian capital. This is a local island, meaning that the local population lives here, unlike private hotels, where there are only tourists and hotel staff.

The island has an oval shape, and its size is about 2 kilometers in length - this is quite a lot by Maldivian standards. You may even get tired riding your bike around the island. In general, Thoddoo is one of the most developed among local islands of the Maldives. There is a lot of lush vegetation, several bikini beaches, beach and water entertainment, cafes, and small hotels and guesthouses. Compared to the Thulusdhoo island, Thoddoo offers more opportunities for relaxation.

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Characteristics of Thoddoo Island

• Population - about 1,500 people
• Island length - 2 km
• Island width - 1 km
• Atoll - North Ari or Alif-Alif
• Other names of the island: Thoddoo, Thoddu, Todduu, Todu
• Distance from Malé - 67 km

Thoddoo is known for its fertile soil and is the largest producer of watermelons in the country. In addition to watermelons, chili peppers, pumpkins, papayas, melons, mangoes, bananas, and passion fruit are cultivated here. In addition, betel is popular on the island, the leaves of which have medicinal properties and can be used as spices.

Agriculture and fishing have long been the main activities of the local population. But the actively developing tourism industry in recent years has confidently taken one of the leading places in the island's economy.

Today on the island there are several dozen hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and cafes, speedboats, a school, a medical institution, and shops where you can buy both products and familiar household items.

Since the island is quite large by Maldivian standards, the best way to get around it is a bicycle, which can be rented in most guesthouses.

A few words about infrastructure: It is indeed more developed than, say, Thulusdhoo or other similar islands. But even considering this fact, the island is quite simple: the locals live in ordinary houses, there are no fashionable shops, landscape designs, or other such things. It evokes more associations with a modest Maldivian village surrounded by palm trees and coral sand.

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How to Get to Thoddoo Island

Most airlines working with the Maldives fly to the country's capital, Malé. There is a very high probability that you will also fly to Malé, where the main airport of the country - Velana is located, and from there you will need to arrange a transfer to the selected island.

To reach Thoddoo Island from Malé, tourists can take advantage of:

• Public ferry No. 303 (via Rasdhoo Island) - departs from Malé on Monday and Thursday at 9:00.
• Public speedboat (except Friday) - departure from Malé at 16:00, in the opposite direction at 7:00.
• Private speedboat.

MTCC ferry leaves Malé on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 AM and arrives at Thoddoo at 4:20 PM. The cost of such a trip will be about $5 per person one way. Tickets can be purchased immediately before departure at the ticket office.

Speedboat departs from Malé every day (except Friday). Travel time will not exceed one and a half hours, and the price will depend on where you book the service. For example, on the website of the company Atoll Transfer, which brings together all providers of transfer services in the Maldives, the price for such a trip is set at $55 per person one way. At the same time, the Relax Residence hotel offers a similar trip for $35.

Some hotels can arrange, on request, an individual transfer by speedboat or seaplane, but such a trip will cost much more than the previous options. To clarify the conditions and prices, inform the manager in advance of your intention.

Important! Due to weather conditions, there may be changes in the transport schedule, so check the relevance of the data immediately before the trip. Contact the online chat on WIOTTO: our managers will help you plan your trip.

Hotels and guesthouses on Thoddoo Island

Thoddoo is known for numerous guesthouses where travelers can relax comfortably without spending huge amounts. Accommodation costs range from $50 to $180 per night, with breakfasts usually included in this price. Here is a list of some hotels and guesthouses with their main advantages and approximate prices:

• Sands Garden Thoddoo - Guesthouse on the second coastline, near the beach, with breakfasts, an indoor pool, and views of the city or garden. Diving, swimming with sharks, and manta rays can also be organized. Cost: $112 for one with a lovely breakfast.
• SHAMS THODDOO - Guesthouse in the center of the island, surrounded by palm trees and other trees. Available for booking are apartments with a kitchen, bungalows, multi-bedroom rooms, rooms with a balcony, and even a swimming pool. Diving and other activities are organized. Cost: $44 with breakfast included for one, $112 all-inclusive for one.
• Thoddoo Beach Holiday Inn - Guesthouse with a restaurant, common lounge, and garden. Amenities include a shared kitchen, room service, dry cleaning, and fast free Wi-Fi throughout the grounds. The beach is within walking distance. Cost: $75 for one without meals.
• Relax Residence Thoddoo Maldives - Cozy hotel with 14 rooms. Services include a restaurant with the option to order special dietary dishes, bicycle rental, water sports equipment, and airport transfers. Cost: $105 with a good breakfast for one.
• Summer Inn Thoddoo - Comfortable guesthouse near the beach. Offers delicious cuisine and a variety of excursions. Cost: $150 with a good breakfast for one.
• Resten Inn - Inexpensive guesthouse a kilometer from the beach, operating on a bed and breakfast system. Responsive staff, free bike rental, and snorkeling equipment. Nearby are cafes and shops. Cost: $60 with breakfast.
• Thoddoo White Sand Inn - Small guesthouse with a very welcoming atmosphere for those who want to relax at a moderate price. Free bike rentals and barbecue supplies are available. Cost: $75 with breakfast and dinner.
• Coco Villa - Well-kept guesthouse with friendly service. Bicycle rental is available. Cost: $85 with breakfast.
• Lagoon Villa Thoddoo - Good hotel with a restaurant, bicycle rental, free snorkeling equipment, and many excursions. Near the beach, shops, and restaurants. Cost: $180 with a good breakfast.
• Dive Villa Thoddoo - Pleasant guesthouse surrounded by tropical greenery. There is an excellent restaurant serving delicious coffee. Guests can enjoy darts and billiards, free snorkeling equipment, and paid bicycle rental. Occasionally, performances of bodu beru artists are held. Cost: $100 with breakfast.
• Palm Garden - Clean and cozy guesthouse near the beach. Lots of greenery and flowers, barbecue accessories, and nearby shops and cafes. Cost: $85 for one, no meals.
• Evila Inn - Popular guesthouse on Thoddoo. Affordable meals and free bicycles. A shop where you can buy necessities is nearby. The beach is less than 500 meters away. Cost: $110 with a good breakfast.

Sands Garden Thoddoo

Restaurants and Meals on Thoddoo

Since Thoddoo is one of the largest agricultural producers in the Maldives, freshly harvested vegetables and fruits are used in local cafes and restaurants.

Here, as on many local islands, the kitchen of some hotels and guesthouses operates as a separate restaurant open to everyone. This means guests of the island can visit these restaurants at hotels even without being their guests. Therefore, many tourists choose only breakfast or two meals at their accommodation and happily explore island establishments.

Among the most famous places is the Black Anchor restaurant, located at the Dive Villa Thoddoo guesthouse. The menu is based on Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.

Indicative prices:

• Salads: $6-10
• Soups: $5-10
• Pasta: $9-13
• Main dishes: from $5 (vegetable curry with rice) to $60 (lobster with potatoes and salad)
• Snacks: $4-10
• Desserts: $5-10
• Drinks: from $1 (black tea) to $7 (branded Anchor drink)

A service fee (10%) may be charged separately, as well as a 3.5% fee when paying by bank card.

Important: Cafes and restaurants located on the shore will cost slightly more than those in the center of the island. Often, this does not affect the quality of dishes.

Connoisseurs of European cuisine and seafood should pay attention to the Lagoon Restaurant, where a pleasant atmosphere and a wide variety of dishes await, including pasta, pizza, sandwiches, grilled shrimp, tuna steaks, and vegetarian dishes.

Delicious meals at reasonable prices or good coffee with fresh pastries can also be found at Food Land Restaurant & Bakery. In addition to desserts, you will find:

• Salads: about $5
• Soups: $4-5
• Pizza: $9-10
• Burgers and sandwiches: $4-7
• Spaghetti, rice dishes: $5-10
• Tuna steak: $7-8

About alcohol: Alcohol is not sold on any local islands, including Thoddoo. The Maldives is a Muslim country, and on islands where the local population lives, you will not find alcohol anywhere. Customs will not allow you to bring it with you. If you cannot imagine a holiday without alcohol, book a villa on the Maldives resort islands.

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What to Do on Thoddoo

There is a good choice of entertainment on the island. You can:

• Fish during the day or night on the home reef.
• Enjoy magnificent scenery while walking through the sandbanks.
• Go to a deserted island for a small picnic – you will need to rent a boat.
• Get acquainted with Maldivian traditions and life while walking around the local islands.
• Appreciate the beauty of the underwater world at one of the dive spots near the island - most guesthouses and hotels organize diving and snorkeling trips. The reef around Thoddoo is not very impressive, although it may be sufficient for beginners.
• Meet manta rays, sea turtles, and many other underwater fauna during snorkeling on the reef - Thoddoo is especially popular due to its numerous sea turtles.
• Watch dolphins frolic in the water during a fascinating trip on a small speedboat.
• Spend a romantic evening at a candlelit dinner on a coral beach.
• Admire the beauty of Maldivian sunsets during an ocean cruise.
• Explore fruit plantations and learn the secrets of local farmers during an agricultural tour of the island.

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Bikini Beach on Thoddoo

There are two beaches on the island designated for tourists. Since the country is Muslim, you cannot relax in a swimsuit everywhere. One beach is located in the southwestern part, and the other in the northeastern part of the island. Both beaches are relatively clean and well-maintained. However, they do not have the pristine cleanliness of resorts, and you may encounter algae or palm leaves.

1. Western Beach is equipped with free sun loungers, which are in high demand, so there may not be enough space for everyone. However, you can always comfortably sit on white sand with a towel. Thanks to the beach’s favorable location, it offers views of colorful Maldivian sunsets. Near the beach, there is a reef where, in addition to tropical fish, you can find moray eels and turtles.
2. Northeastern Beach has fewer tourists. Like the western beach, it offers plenty of natural shade and a home reef where you can snorkel with a mask and tube.

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Water Sports

Since the ocean is one of the main attractions of the Maldives, great importance is given to water activities on both resorts and local islands. Thoddoo is no exception. Here, you can ride water skis or a banana boat, try wakeboarding, or go sailing.

Diving

Thoddoo does not have a large selection of diving centers or dive sites, so if diving is the main purpose of your trip to the Maldives, we recommend considering other islands for your vacation.

However, trips are organized to nearby spots (near the islands of Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, and Ukulhas), which can be reached in 15-60 minutes by boat, as well as to more remote locations such as the Baa Atoll. Most of the Baa Atoll is under UNESCO protection, including the Hanifaru Nature Reserve, where diving is prohibited, and only snorkeling is allowed. However, nearby are some of the best dive sites in the world. Instructors will help select dive spots. If you are visiting primarily for snorkeling, it is better to choose a local island on the Baa or Raa Atoll, for example, Dharavandhoo.

Among the most popular dive spots near the islands of Thoddoo, Rasdhoo, and Ukulhas:

• Manta Point
• Miyaru Faru (or Shark Reef)
• Hammerhead Point
• Madivaru Corner
• Kuramathi Wreck

In addition, the Pro Dive Hydrotech island diving center offers a wide range of courses for both beginner divers (including children aged 8 and up) and professionals.

Indicative prices:

• First introductory dive for beginners: $80
• One-time dive near Thoddoo: $70
• SSI Scuba Diver course: $350
• SSI Open Water Diver course: $600

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Excursions

A beach holiday on Thoddoo is well complemented by exciting excursions and entertainment, including:

• Day snorkeling: $20-30 per person
• Snorkeling with mantas: $50 per person
• Barbecue: $15 per person
• Agricultural tour of the island: $25 per person
• Romantic candlelit dinner: $80 per couple
• Bodu Beru show: $200 per show
• Sunset cruise: $25 per person
• Fishing: $25 per person
• Night fishing: $90 per trip
• Day fishing with barbecue: $120 per trip
• Fishing for large fish: $150-170 per trip
• Full-day trip to a sandbank: $250 per trip
• Dolphin observation: $100 per trip

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Island Trips

Tourists looking to expand their travel geography can travel from Thoddoo Island to the islands of Rasdhoo and Ukulhas, which are 20 and 27 kilometers away, respectively.

Such trips can be organized by guesthouses or independently. You can reach these islands by public ferry. Check the up-to-date schedule at your guesthouse.

A great solution would be to split your vacation between a local island and a few days at a resort. You can get acquainted with the life of the local population and then enjoy the rest described in advertising brochures.

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