Vashafaru Island in the Maldives - Infrastructure and Entertainment

Vashafaru is a small island in the Haa Alif Atoll , in the north of the Maldives. A pearl of pristine beauty with stunning sandy beaches, it is ideal for a peaceful holiday and an introduction to the authentic culture of the islands.

Facts about the island:

• The island is located 300 km from the airport on the Haa Atoll Alif .
• It is quite small: 2 km long and 220 m wide.
• It occupies 33 hectares.
• Vashafaru is a unique island in the shape of a smile.
• There are no paved roads or cars on the island, only a few scooters and a few small electric cars.

Shaafi Ali

Infrastructure of Vashafaru

The island has no more than 400 inhabitants. It is a very calm and peaceful place. Tourists should not expect luxury. The infrastructure is quite modest. There is a primary care hospital, a school that is very well taken care of by the residents, 3 grocery stores, a market, two mosques (one of which is 115 years old), a cafe overlooking the harbor and beautiful houses built of coral.

For a long time, Vashafaru was an exclusively fishing village, where traditional customs were centered around this craft. But over time, these customs gradually disappeared, giving way to tourism.

Now tourism has become the new mainstay of Vashafaru . There are several guest houses on the island. During the peak season, Vashafaru attracts about 200 tourists. The most significant tourism-related project of Vashafaru is the construction of a hotel with 100 rooms.

Locals take pride in cleanliness and regularly clean the roads. The island council also ensures that the port area and public spaces are maintained, making Vasafara more attractive.

Vashafaru Inn

Vashafaru Island

The island is surrounded by a beautiful lagoon and is famous for its long white sand spit Vashafaru -thund, which moves depending on the season. Vashafaru is located in the south of its own mini-atoll. Therefore, the northern beaches are always perfectly calm and have azure water. For tourists who want to relax in swimsuits familiar to Europeans, there is a bikini beach with umbrellas, sun loungers and hammocks. You can quickly walk to it from any point on the island.

Where to stay in Vashafaru

You won't find resort luxury on the island. There are only a few guest houses with everything you need - a private bathroom, air conditioning, clean apartments. Some guest houses have restaurants. The cost varies depending on the season. On average, a room costs about $70 per night.

Where to eat on the island

Since Vashafaru is more of an island for locals than for tourists, you won't find many cafes and restaurants here. When booking a guest house, it's better to choose full board - this way you'll solve the food issue and try traditional Maldivian flavors. You can buy fruits and sweets in the local shops. Fruit salads are convenient to take to the beach. And instead of a cocktail - a fresh coconut to quench your thirst in the heat.

Vashafaru Inn

Entertainment on Vashafaru Island

On the local island, the main entertainment is contemplating the beauty of the ocean and immersing yourself in relaxation .

• Diving and snorkeling . The region has many beautiful diving and snorkeling spots , where manta rays and dolphins live. There are two diving centers on Vashafaru that can take you to beautiful coral reefs and organize shipwreck diving. Another option is to snorkel with sea turtles!
• Excursions . In particular, to nearby islands: banana island, abandoned residential islands, lake island and others. If desired, you can go on a day excursion to a resort island . Near Vashafaru there is an uninhabited island where you can go on an excursion with a picnic.

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How to get to Vashafaru Island

You will have to make one transfer. First, you fly domestically from Male and then take a speedboat. The flight from Male to Hanimaadhoo International Airport ( HAQ ), the closest airport to the island, takes about 45 minutes.

The flight guarantees unforgettable views of the Maldives from a bird's eye view. This is a great bonus to the trip. The cost is about $250 per person roundtrip.

Check with your hotel for speedboat transfers. A hotel representative will pick you up from the airport in Hanimaadhoo and transfer you to your destination island by speedboat. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

When planning a trip to a remote island, consider possible transport connections. For example, if your return flight from Male departs early in the morning, you may have to fly to Male a day earlier and spend the night in the capital.

Depositphotos

Tips for visiting the island

• The best time to visit Vashafaru is the dry season, from January to April.
• Exchange your currency and go to the island with cash. You won't always be able to pay by card.
• Don't come to the island if you like nightlife. There are no bars or beach clubs. But there is a sea of peace and relaxation.
• There is nowhere to get alcohol on the island. It is prohibited, because the Maldives is a Muslim country. If you cannot live without wine, beer or alcoholic cocktails, then Vashafaru is not your option.
• If you suffer from seasickness, you should choose another destination located closer to the Maldives airports.

Oceano Beach Vashafaru