11 Best things to do in Maafushi, Maldives, in 3 days

Introduction

At the end of March 2024, we travelled to the Maldives in Asia on a last-minute trip. With little time to plan, we didn’t organise much in advance or dive deep into research, which actually turned out to be a great way to discover the islands more freely.

We visited two public islands: Dhigurah and Maafushi. We chose public islands over private luxury resorts because we simply weren’t ready to spend €1000 or more per night. And honestly, we don’t regret it one bit.

Maafushi was our second and final stop, but if we could do it again, we’d recommend starting your trip there instead. It’s the most popular and developed of the public islands—easy to access, close to Male’s international airport, and packed with accommodation options, restaurants, and tours at the most affordable prices you’ll find in the Maldives.

In this article, we’re sharing the best things to do in Maafushi based on our time there. So if you’re planning a trip to the Maldives and considering Maafushi, let’s dive into everything this vibrant island has to offer.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget

Getting there

Getting to Maafushi is quite easy and straightforward. From Malé’s international airport, you can hop on a speedboat that will take you directly to the island.

Speedboat transfers cost around USD 25 per person, and advance booking is required. The easiest and most reliable way to arrange it is through your accommodation—they’ll handle the booking for you, charge the correct fare, and you’ll pay them directly.

The ride from the airport to Maafushi takes about 30 to 35 minutes, although it can take a bit longer if the boat is full or boarding takes extra time.

Here’s the typical daily schedule:

• From Maafushi to Malé/Airport: 08:00, 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 20:00
• From Malé/Airport to Maafushi: 09:15, 10:45, 13:30, 15:40, 18:30, 22:00

Keep in mind that some routes might include quick stops at nearby islands—whether other resorts, local communities, or tiny uninhabited islands. So, keep your eyes peeled—you might just spot dolphins, flying fish, manta rays, or even a whale shark along the way.

Moving Around

Maafushi is a small island, and in fact, the entire island functions like a compact city. With a population of around 2,700 people and dimensions of just 1.275 km in length by 0.26 km in width, everything is within walking distance.

Getting around is incredibly easy—no taxis, no scooters—just your own two feet. You can walk across the island in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed and car-free stay.

If you’re hoping to explore beyond Maafushi, you’re in luck. From here, you can easily join day trips or speedboat transfers to other well-known islands in the Maldives, including private resorts, sandbanks, and even snorkeling stops near Dhigurah or Fulidhoo. Maafushi is a great base for island-hopping on a budget.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

When to Visit

The Maldives is a year-round destination, blessed with hot and sunny weather throughout the year. Temperatures stay fairly consistent, with highs between 28°C and 32°C and lows rarely dipping below 24°C.

The country experiences two main seasons:

• Dry Season (November to April): This is the peak travel season, especially from January to April, which is also the driest time of the year. Conditions are ideal for a perfect Maldives getaway—clear skies, calm seas, and sunshine almost every day.
• Wet Season (May to October): During this time, there’s a higher chance of rain, especially in June. However, downpours are often short and followed by sunshine. The islands are lush and green, and it’s also a quieter, more affordable time to visit.

Overall, the best time to visit the Maldives is between January and April, when the weather is at its most reliable. We traveled at the end of March and had mostly beautiful weather—just one cloudy day and a few light showers during the early morning or at night.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for something a bit more comfortable, Maafushi offers excellent value for money—especially compared to private resort islands. Here are two great accommodation options we recommend:

• (€) Island Ambience – A charming and affordable guesthouse with clean rooms, friendly staff, and a great location just a short walk from the beach. Perfect for travelers who want comfort without the high price tag.
• (€€) Island Ambience – A more upscale option with modern rooms, sea views, and a relaxing spa. Ideal for couples or anyone looking to treat themselves while still staying on a public island.

Both options offer easy access to local restaurants, the beach, and tour operators for day trips and water activities.

Here are all your accommodation options in Maafushi

What to Eat

Food in the Maldives is full of flavor and often a fusion of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences. On local islands like Maafushi, you’ll find delicious and affordable meals—especially if you’re a fan of fresh seafood, curries, and tropical ingredients.

Here are some of the best local dishes to try:

• Vegetable noodles – A simple but tasty choice often stir-fried with island spices.
• Vegetable curry – Rich in coconut milk and perfectly spiced, served with rice or roshi (flatbread).
• Vegetable Kottu – A Maldivian version of the Sri Lankan favorite, made from chopped roti, vegetables, and spices.
• Mas Huni – A traditional Maldivian breakfast dish made from shredded smoked tuna, coconut, onion, and lime. There’s also a vegan version made with pumpkin, and we have to say—both are delicious!

A Note About Alcohol in the Maldives: Alcohol is strictly prohibited on local islands like Maafushi. You won’t find it in restaurants, supermarkets, or hotels. Alcohol is only available at resort islands or safari cruise boats. However, some restaurants serve non-alcoholic beer as an alternative.

Here are a few spots we tried or heard good things about:

• Mr. Octopus – Your Holiday Chef: Great seafood, generous portions, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Moonlight – Food, Drinks, Shisha: A fun spot with nice outdoor seating and good options for vegetarians.
• Melon Restaurant by Maladiwa: Unfortunately, we were disappointed with the experience—average food and slow service.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

Best things to do in Maafushi

Snorkel with Nurse Sharks and Stingrays

This is the main reason many travelers come to Maafushi—and trust us, it’s absolutely worth it. The most popular tour is the Nurse Shark & Stingray Excursion, but there are several variations available.

We chose a version that also included a shipwreck snorkel, which added even more excitement to the day. No matter which version you pick, all tours include lunch on a stunning sandbank, where you’ll relax with your toes in the sand and turquoise waters all around.

Cost-wise:

• The standard tour (nurse sharks + stingrays + sandbank lunch) costs $60 USD per person.
• The extended tour (with added shipwreck snorkel) is around $75 USD per person.

Whether you’re here for the marine life, the sandbank lunch, or just the adventure, this tour is the signature experience in Maafushi.

Here are all your accommodation options in Maafushi

Snorkel with Whale Sharks & Manta

The Maldives are world-famous for whale sharks, and Maafushi is one of the most affordable places to book a tour to see them. This full-day excursion typically starts with snorkeling with manta rays, followed by the highlight: swimming alongside majestic whale sharks, and ends with lunch on the beautiful island of Dhigurah.

If your itinerary allows, we highly recommend staying on Dhigurah after the tour. For us, it felt like a true paradise and was hands down our favorite island in the Maldives. Not only will you get more time to enjoy this dreamy destination, but staying there also saves you the long 3-hour transfer back to Maafushi—a win-win for your time and budget.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Enjoy a Bikini Beach

The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs, especially when it comes to clothing. Bikinis and swimwear are only allowed on designated bikini beaches, which are clearly marked and easy to find.

That said, these beaches are absolutely worth it. The warm, shallow Maldivian waters are incredibly inviting—perfect for swimming, relaxing, or simply soaking in the island vibes.

At the Bikini Beach in Maafushi, you might even be lucky enough to spot blacktip reef sharks swimming close to shore. We saw a baby shark during our visit—such a cool and completely safe experience!

Watch the Sunset on Maafushi Island

Catching the sunset on Maafushi is a must. Just next to Bikini Beach, you’ll find a rocky path stretching out toward the ocean—the perfect spot to soak in the golden hour. The view is truly breathtaking, and while you wait for the sun to dip below the horizon, you can watch tiny crabs scurrying across the rocks. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to end your day on the island.

Tip: We never travel without our DJI Mini 3 PRO drone anymore — it’s totally worth having to capture places from a whole new perspective.

Dine out

As the most touristic island in the Maldives, Maafushi offers a wide range of restaurants to choose from. One place we particularly enjoyed was Mr. Octopus—a laid-back spot with a lovely setting. It’s the perfect place to unwind with an alcohol-free beer and sample some delicious local dishes after a day of exploring or relaxing at the beach.

Here are all your accommodation options in Maafushi

Explore Maafushi on Foot

Maafushi is a small island, which makes it perfect for exploring on foot. One of the things we enjoyed was simply walking around—taking in the local life, passing by cafés, souvenir shops, and small alleyways. While it was cool to see the island up close, be aware that there are quite a few construction sites around, which can take away a bit from the charm. Still, it’s a great way to get a feel for the island beyond the beach.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

More things to do in Maafushi

If you want even more things to do in Maafushi, you can also consider:

• Parasailing – Soar above the island and enjoy stunning aerial views of Maafushi and its turquoise lagoon.
• Scuba diving – Dive into some of the Maldives’ best reefs with certified dive centers offering beginner to advanced dives.
• Jet Ski tour – A thrilling way to explore the nearby waters and cover more ground quickly.
• Sunset fishing tour – A relaxing evening activity where you’ll fish the traditional Maldivian way—plus most places cook your catch!
• Dolphin watching cruise – Head out just before sunset for a chance to see dolphins jumping and playing around the boat.
• Glass-bottom boat ride – A great alternative for non-swimmers who still want to see coral reefs and marine life.
• Visit a private island – Book a half-day or full-day tour to a luxury resort island for a taste of five-star Maldives life. Many include lunch, pool access, and beach time.
• Visit another public island – Take a ferry or organize a tour to nearby islands like Gulhi or Guraidhoo. These offer a quieter and more local experience than Maafushi.
• Spa or massage treatments – Perfect for winding down after a day in the sun.
• Local cultural tour – Discover Maldivian life beyond the beaches through guided village walks or storytelling tours.

Read: The perfect 6-day Maldives Itinerary on a budget