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The Maldives is an archipelago with nearly 1,192 islands and 3.14% of the planet’s coral reefs. Home to white sand beaches, crystalline blue waters, and swaying palms, the country offers tourists an unmatched opportunity to explore nature and marine life. Divided into public and private islands, Maldives is now an ideal destination for both luxurious and budget trips.
In 2009, the authorities opened public islands for international guests. Tourists can now easily plan cheaper stays on inhabited islands where they can immerse themselves in the Maldivian lifestyle.
Gaafaru is one such destination. A true hidden gem of an inhabited island, in Gaafaru, you’ll get to connect with locals and learn about regional customs while enjoying a secluded holiday.
About Gaafaru
Gaafaru is a Maldivian public island still under the radar of most tourists. Situated 62.03 Km north of the Malé, the island is relatively easier to reach and thus favors budget-friendly travelers.
Gaafaru’s area spans 0.163 Km², and the island has about 1400 inhabitants. Most locals earn from fishing; however, tourism is gaining prominence lately.
Surrounded by a reef and 30 meters deep lagoon, Gaafaru lies on the eastern side of the Kaafu Atoll. The island’s “Burulu Falhu” lagoon is the second largest in the Maldives, famous for its turtle population.
Embedded in a tiny atoll of the same name, Gaafaru is famously known as the ‘jewel of the Kaafu atoll.’ That’s because Gaafaru’s position in the group of islands resembles a pendant in a necklace.
Regarded as one of the cleanest islands, Gaafaru is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to enjoy quality beach time as well as marine flora and fauna. Given the island’s scarce population, it is a suitable option for visitors looking to experience authentic Maldivian culture.
Gaafaru island
Painted in bold, quirky shades like lilac, orange, and blue, most homes on this island are vibrant in appearance. Moreover, Gaafaru is in close proximity to two sandbanks, where you can go during the day for a private lunch and a swim.
Unlike some of the more isolated inhabited islands, Gaafaru has all the necessary facilities. For tourists, Blue Haven Boutique and 4S Art are shops from where you can pick up locally made souvenirs. The island also has a couple of general stores selling daily household items.
Additionally, the is a school, health center, pharmacy, youth club, playground, futsal field, and a children’s park in Gaafaru.
You won’t find an ATM at present on the island. Some places accept credit cards, but it is best to carry cash, either USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa. A few guesthouses in Gaafaru offer money-changing services. However, you’ll get a better conversion rate at Velana International Airport upon arrival.
How to reach Gaafaru
As with most islands near Malé, there are two main transport options to visit Gaafaru. Whether you choose public or private transportation depends primarily on your budget and how much time you have on hand.
Shared speedboat
Vella Express and Dream Speed are the speedboat options currently, charging $35 per passenger. The journey from Malé to Gaafaru takes roughly 60 to 75 minutes. Usually, the boat leaves from jetty six around 3:30 every day except Fridays. The speedboat from Gaafaru to Malé leaves the island at 7:30 AM.
Private speedboat
Private speed boats are available for guests wishing to travel on their schedule. The fare is around $200 ($100 per person for two people and $50 per person for four people) for the 75-minute journey. If you must travel during rough weather conditions, the price can go up to $500 one way.
Public ferry
The cheapest option to reach Gaafaru is by MTCC ferry. One side trip cost only $5. However, the duration of the journey increases to over three hours. While ferries are larger and thus travel slower, it is not the best option if you get seasick quickly. The ferries leave Malé ferry port on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 11:00 AM. The return ferry is available only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, sailing from Gaafaru at 9:00 AM.
Transportation around Gaafaru
Gaafaru is a tiny island best spanned on foot. Tourists don’t need to look for rental bikes or motorcycles and can easily cover the local area by walking. Moreover, entirely covered in sand, the place does not have motorable roads.
Distance from one side to the other is less than a kilometer-long walk and will take about 15-20 minutes.
Things to do in Gaafaru
Gaafaru is suitable for people looking to stray away from crowds while enjoying the best of island life. Things to do in Gaafaru include classic Maldivian excursions with some truly exclusive options.
Snorkel with turtles
For beginners, snorkeling is an excellent way to swim on the water’s surface and observe aquatic life. When snorkeling in Gaafaru, you’re more than likely to come across sea turtles near the house reef, located a short boat ride from the shore. When in the water, do remember to maintain a safe distance from any turtle or fish families spotted nearby.
Go fish
Gaafaru is predominantly a fishing island and offers multiple opportunities for guests to partake in the local heritage and tradition. In fact, you’ll find that many locals set up a barbeque on the road outside their homes after a good day’s catch.
The best part about visiting a public island is the chance to mingle with locals. Gaafaru residents are welcoming and happy to share information about their island. They are forthcoming when disclosing techniques for cooking fish the island way. Furthermore, tourists can book a fishing tour with a beach barbeque of their own through most guesthouses in Gaafaru.
Take a dolphin cruise
Among the fun things to do in Gaafaru with family is taking a dolphin cruise. Tourists can go on a boat ride for a laidback cruise and watch dolphins perform an exciting show. For a more romantic visual experience, opt for the hour-long sunset cruise.
Enjoy wreck diving
Gaafaru has several shipwrecks in its vicinity, making it one of the best places to go scuba diving in the Maldives. If coming to the island solely for diving, the best time is from January to May, when the current is weak, and there is good underwater visibility.
Must-visit wreck dives near Gaafaru are;
The SS Seagull is the most famous wreck near the island, located on the atoll’s eastern edge. The 1000-ton steamship was apparently on its way to India in 1879 when it went down. Today you can see the anchor at about 6 meters on the top of the reef. The rest of the ship is lying at about 30 meters.
Lady Christine and Erlangen are two more wrecks you can visit comfortably while staying in Gaafaru. The former is a wreck of a survey vessel from 1974. At the same time, Erlangen gets its name from the city of the ship’s origin in Germany. The vessel was sailing from Colombo when it met its fate. Divers will find its parts scattered from 5 meters down to 40 meters.
Relax on the Bikini Beach
The island has two beaches; South Beach and Gaafaru Beach. Being a Muslim country, the public guidelines direct tourists to keep themselves covered while enjoying Gaafaru Beach.
Guests looking to don swimwear can head towards South Beach, also known as Bikini Beach. Solely meant for tourists, you can indulge in water sports like canoeing, riding a banana boat, and jet skiing here.
Unlike Maafushi, the beach in Gaafaru is a secluded paradise with next to no tourists. Additionally, a few loungers and thatched umbrellas on the sand help save you from the sun.
Places to eat in Gaafaru
Even though it is a tiny island, Gaafaru has several places where tourists can grab full-course meals or snacks. There are both standalone and guesthouse restaurants in Gaafaru.
AMICO The Island Kitchen
Located towards the center of the island, AMICO is at a 300m distance from Gaafaru Beach. The establishment serves continental and Maldivian food, from burgers and fried fish to mas huni and roshi, a combination of tuna and grated coconut served with plain flour flatbread. The restaurant has indoor seating. However, dotted with several plants, the alfresco courtyard has a charming rustic cottage feel.
Island Deck
The cafe happens to be one of the highest buildings in Gaafaru. Guests can enter the seating area by climbing up the metal staircase and enjoying scenic views of the entire island. Furthermore, guests can enjoy regular BBQ nights, and access paid wi-fi. Island Deck accepts credit cards, thus making it easier for tourists facing a cash shortage.
Panama Cafe
Highlighted with bright red brick decor, Panama Cafe offers a restful ambiance for tourists. Operating from 6 to 12 AM, the place serves an assortment of snacks, soft drinks, and beverages like tea and coffee. Guests can sit back, watch television in the main seating area, and even charge their electronic devices.
The Slice Gaafaru
Located close to Gaafaru Beach, The Slice is an air-conditioned dine-in restaurant serving starters, beverages, and wholesome meals. Their Indian menu includes gravy dishes like Chicken Masala and Fish Masala with rice entrees like Chicken Biryani and Jeera Rice. Moreover, guests can order various pizzas, mocktails, shakes, and desserts.
Reef Café
Near Gaafaru’s futsal field, Reef Cafe is a small establishment operating from 5:30 to 12:30 AM. The restaurant’s décor is all wooden, from the ceiling to the walls and furniture. Reef Cafe has both ground-level and first-floor seating. The latter offers lovely views of the surroundings. Reef Cafe is best known for its Maldivian short eats and continental fares like club sandwiches and French fries.
Best hotels and guesthouses in Gaafaru
To gain an on-arrival visa in the Maldives, travelers must show proof of stay made in advance. When visiting a public island, you can book a room in one of the guesthouses.
Although guesthouses started opening on islands more than a decade ago, Gaafaru joined the tourism bandwagon much later. Now, there are a few guesthouses and pocket-friendly hotels in Gaafaru, promising relaxed and convenient accommodations.
Gaafaru View Inn
A stay at Gaafaru View Inn is one of the best options for budget travelers in the Maldives. The guesthouse is only two minutes from Bikini Beach, near one of the most impressive lagoons in the country. Offering complimentary breakfast and wi-fi services to all guests, Gaafaru View Inn is a well-known establishment and a top choice for travelers visiting the island. The Inn has several room choices, ranging from family to double and triple bedrooms. The place further provides free cots for kids below three years and an extra bed for kids between 4 to 11 years. Additionally, tourists can avail benefits of toiletries, currency exchange services, and ironing amenities.
Mariana Inn
Located within a minute’s distance from Gaafaru Beach, Mariana Inn is a 3-star guesthouse with basic amenities like daily housekeeping, 24-hour room service, and free wi-fi. Here, guests can book a cozy air-conditioned deluxe double, deluxe triple, honeymoon double, or quadruple family room. Mariana Inn also provides airport transfers from 3:30 PM to 7 AM at an additional cost. Marina Inn is especially known for its generous breakfast.
Old Town Inn
Old Town Inn is a wheelchair-accessible property with clean family rooms, a shared lounge, and a garden. Designed with minimalist wooden decor, rooms include facilities like a safety deposit box, linens, air-conditioner, flatscreen TVs, refrigerator, and tea/ coffee maker. This guesthouse in Gaafaru also has an in-house restaurant that accepts outside guests. The friendly staff at Old Town Inn helps tourists plan outdoor recreation activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, snorkeling, and diving.
Landmark Inn
Located in the center of Gaafaru, Landmark Inn is a 4-star property, close to all major attractions and a 2-minute walk from both beaches. Even though the check-in time is noon, guests can request a different time based on their arrival at the island. The rooms are simple, with only the necessary furniture. Some have a small sitting area outside. Breakfast at Landmark Inn is special, with several options, including continental and Asian halal meals.
Mirian Sky Hotel
Established in 2016, Mirian Sky includes a restaurant, eight cozy rooms, and two balconies with a beach view. The rooms come with flatscreen TVs, air-conditioners, beds with side tables, and en-suite bathrooms. The island’s Bikini Beach is a couple of minutes away from here. Tourists can further contact the owners for services like travel, proposal dinners, wedding celebrations, and birthday parties. Since the hotel has an on-site restaurant, guests can indulge in Maldivian and intercontinental meals or have a BBQ dinner on the beach.
N.B.: All information is correct as of the post-publication date, and prices are subject to change.
