Maafushi Island Holiday

5 days from £665 pp, excl. international flights

Experience the best of Maafushi on this island escape holiday

This Muslim-friendly 5 day itinerary is ideal for those looking to experience the Maldives on a budget or a split-stay with a resort. As with all of our trips, everything is customisable down to the last detail to suit your needs.

Spend 5 magical days on Maafushi, a popular Maldivian local island in Kaafu Atoll. Since the introduction of local tourism in the Maldives, the island of Maafushi has gone from a typical island to the heart of the Maldives local travel scene. Maafushi holidays is ideal for any traveller looking to experience the Maldives on an affordable budget.

What we love about Maafushi is that although it’s a small island, it doesn’t get boring there. The island houses over 70 guesthouses and hotels, several local café’s and restaurants, and plenty of activities on offer.

Since Maafushi is a local island in the Maldives, the whole island is alcohol-free. Bikini wear is also banned except for Bikini Beach, which is located on the north of the island. Additionally, there’s also a mosque on the island. So, you’ll be able to hear the soothing sounds of the call to prayer 5 times a day.

This Maafushi island holiday includes a mixture of activities such as snorkelling, as well as opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Included in this trip

Maafushi island holiday in detail

Day 1: Arrival & transfers to Maafushi

Once you step out of arrival gates at Velana International Airport (Malé) you will be met by a Rooh representative, holding a board with your names. You will then be transferred to the nearby island of Hulhumale, for a night’s stay at your first guesthouse.

The island of Hulhumale is an ideal resting point for those transiting to visit the other local inhabited islands in the Maldives. This tropical urban jungle is home to a large mosque with a striking golden dome, shopping malls, restaurants and cafés.

Depending on your arrival time, there will be an optional walking tour around Vilimalé, known as the quieter side of the island.

View of Maafushi beach
Local fish lunch Maldives

Day 2: Snorkel tour & local family dinner

Following your breakfast at the guesthouse, you will embark on a 90-minute guided snorkelling trip to nearby reefs. Your guide will first provide you with safety protocols as well as responsible snorkelling tips.

In the afternoon, explore the island as you please and interact with the locals and other tourists. There are numerous activities on offer in Maafushi such as kayaking and diving.

During the evening, a unique experience awaits you. Visit a local Maldivian family for a sumptuous dinner and be exposed behind-the-scenes of the local Maldivian life.

Day 3: Sandbank picnic & dolphin cruise

On the morning of your third day, you’ll have a headout on a spectacular trip to visit an isolated sandbank near Maafushi. Feel free to spend time swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters that surround the sandbank. There’s also a high chance you’ll get to spot turtles. To top off the experience, lunch will be served right on the sandbank too.

On your boat ride back, you’ll cruise through the Indian Ocean with the hopes of spotting dolphins. The lucky few will be able to see these magnificent sea animals jump out of the water in a playful manner.

This evening, weather permitting, dinner will take place on a private stretch of beach under the stars.

Turtle in Maldives
Gulhi island

Day 4-5: Gulhi island visit, Malé walking tour & departure

On your last full day of this trip, you’ll head out to Gulhi island, a small, quiet island 20 minutes away. It’s a great opportunity to see life here in comparison to Maafushi. Your private guide will accompany you on a tour around the island. If you’re up to it, there’s a house reef on the island with amazing opportunities to spot marine life.

Early on your 5th and final day, you will transfer back to Malé on the public ferry. This will give you time to join a Malé walking tour that visits the Grand Friday Mosque and Sultan Park of the capital city. Dependent on your flight time, the rest of the time is yours to sightsee or visit a local restaurant or café before your transfer back to Velana International Airport.

Hotels featured in this itinerary

Stingray Beach Inn

Stingray Beach Inn is a boutique guesthouse in Maafushi island with Muslim-friendly amenities. The guesthouse is a perfect alternative to the high-end resorts in the Maldives.

The property features 10 deluxe rooms all equipped with modern features such as AC. The rooms are designed in a modern, tropical decor and are available in twin or double bed options. Other facilities at Stingray include an outdoor swimming pool and hammocks dotted around the property.

As with all local islands in the Maldives, Stingray Beach Inn does not offer alcohol and instead serves fresh juices and coconuts. Their restaurant is open all day and night serving halal Maldivian traditional dishes and other Asian meals.

Restaurant at Stingray beach inn

FAQs

Where does this Maafushi Island Holiday begin and end?

This tour begins and ends in Malé. 

How much is this Maafushi Island Holiday?

The cost for this tour starts at £665 pp, based on low season travel and a double/twin occupancy room. Infants between 0 – 5 years old go free.

Can I customise this trip?

Sure! This trip is fully customisable to suite you.

What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

This tour offers free cancellation up to 14 days prior to your arrival date.

Can I amend the dates of my booking?

Yes, you can certainly amend the dates after you’ve booked by contacting our team.

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