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Maafushi has been at the forefront of budget tourism in the Maldives for the past decade. It is the most popular choice among travelers wanting to experience local culture by staying on a public island. Maafushi’s proximity to Malé further helps reduce travel time and transfer costs, adding to its ever-growing charm.
Due to its continuous fame among tourists, the island boasts some of the best infrastructures in the archipelago. You can choose from several options, whether looking for places to eat in Maafushi, going shopping, enjoying thrilling excursions, or booking top places to stay in Maafushi.
It’s interesting to note that Maafushi is where the first registered guesthouse opened its doors to international travelers way back in 2010. Nowadays, there are nearly 70 guesthouses and hotels in Maafushi catering to different budgets.
About Maafushi
Measuring 1275 X 265 meters, Maafushi isn’t one of the bigger islands in the Maldives. Having a population of under 3000, it lies in Kaafu Atoll, about 26 Km from Malé. However, Maafushi is the most famous public island that sees plenty of tourist activity every year.
Maafushi’s elongated form has helped divide the island into different sections per local requirements. The north side is the central tourist hub, where you’ll find all the hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches. The south of the island has a prison. At the same time, the middle section is where you’ll come across administrative offices, a mosque, a playground, a school, and local residences.
Maafushi island
Maafushi has three beaches divided by breakers. Their Bikini Beach, reserved for tourists, is small and thus ideal for sunbathing. It is also the one place on the entire island where you can dress down to a bikini. Hotels usually have free loungers here for all to use.
The other sandy strip is where you can indulge in water sports. The third is the island’s public beach. The Maldives being a Muslim country, everyone must dress conservatively all over the island, including on the public beach.
Now, unfortunately, the one thing Maafushi does not promise is a vibrant house reef. Still, there are plenty of diving and snorkeling opportunities a short boat ride away. No wonder then that the island is home to several dive centers. Additionally, your hotel’s reception can usually arrange all types of ocean excursions.
On land, Maafushi is busy and well-structured. Keeping in tune with its budget-friendly persona, there are plenty of shops here, from supermarkets to souvenir stalls.
How to reach Maafushi
As with most public islands close to Malé, there are three main ways to reach Maafushi.
Ferry – Public ferries take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover the journey between Malé and Maafushi. They sail from Saturday to Thursday at 15:00. On some days, there is an additional earlier ferry that leaves at 10:00. From Maafushi, the boats leave at 12:45. On Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, you also have the option to take a 7:30 boat. A one-way ticket for the ferry costs only $3.
Speedboat – Shared speedboats travel from Malé to the island daily. There are usually four departures during the day. The time for the journey is about 30 minutes, with tickets per adult costing $25 one way.
Private speedboat – If you do not want to wait for a transfer or are traveling in a larger group, hiring a private speedboat is a good option. You can get one from the airport, which will cost between $150 to $170 depending on its size.
Transportation around Maafushi
Maafushi is a small enough island that you can cover on foot within an hour. Moreover, there are no cars on the island. You will, however, find motorbikes used primarily by the locals.
The other option is to cycle around. Many guesthouses and hotels in Maafushi offer free bicycles to their guests. Even if they do not, a full-day rental does not cost too much.
Best places to stay in Maafushi
When choosing between places to stay in Maafushi, it doesn’t matter which part of the island you select. Some hotels in Maafushi grant you scenic ocean vistas. In contrast, others are in quiet corners, away from the loud liveliness of tourist crowds.
Arena Beach Maafushi
Situated in the north of the island, Arena Beach is a modern construction with rooms that grant guests some of the most stunning sea views in the region. Among the best places to stay in Maafushi, it presents visitors with an array of amenities.
Coco Grill is the hotel’s restaurant that serves both a buffet and a la carte menu. At the same time, Arena Beach’s rooftop pool is a spectacular spot to lounge at any time during the day.
Furthermore, the hotel staff can arrange various excursions in and around Maafushi per your preferences. Whether on land or at sea, you can indulge in activities like dolphin tours, diving, and beach barbeques. Snorkel gear is complimentary during your stay.
Arena Beach has a good selection between standard and more spacious rooms with balconies. En-suite bathrooms, parquet flooring, flatscreen TVs, free WiFi, and air-conditioners are standard features across all abodes.
Click here to learn more about Arena Beach Maafushi.
Aquzz Inn Maafushi
There are moments during the high season when Maafushi gets crowded. However, choosing an accommodation away from the tourist-heavy north side allows you to enjoy the island yet stay away from its bustle.
Aquzz Inn is one of the best three-star places to stay in Maafushi, located in the south-central part of the island. About five minutes away from the harbor, it has a welcoming and relaxed aura accentuated further by a classic nautical theme.
The 20-room property allows visitors to enjoy both the indoors and the outside. The outdoor pool is ideal for a refreshing swim in the afternoon, followed by snacks at the adjoining restaurant. Moreover, the staff is forever happy to arrange any excursion for you, from fishing and diving to sandbank picnics and full-day sailing trips.
The rooms at Aquzz Inn Maafushi offer both city and pool views. The interiors are wood-heavy with ocean-inspired decor. While simple in appearance, they have all modern-day amenities like TVs, coffee makers, and air-conditioners. The suites even have extra lounging space and a jacuzzi.
Click here to learn more about Aquzz Inn Maafushi.
Triton Prestige SeaView & Spa
One of the newer builds, Triton Prestige SeaView & Spa, takes up space on the island’s northeast coast. One of the top hotels in Maafushi, it offers a range of services to guests, be it rooms, food, or activities.
Situated close to Bikini Beach, the hotel has a rooftop pool and a spa where you can indulge in various massages and treatments. The on-site restaurant promises a casual ambiance and serves a range of international dishes. Those looking to simply lounge will find ample common seating space inside and outside.
As with most hotels and guesthouses in Maafushi, the staff can help organize excursions for you. Triton’s sandbank bonfire picnic is one of their main unmissable events. Furthermore, the hotel provides complimentary snorkel gear to their guests daily.
Rooms at Triton are big and come with either city or ocean views. Stylish design, parquet flooring, and plush bathrooms are standard across all room types. The King suite, though, has a jacuzzi.
Kaani Palm Beach Maafushi
Kaani Palm Beach is one of the most iconic hotels in Maafushi. The property’s location next to Bikini Beach, and only a few minutes from the marina, is ideal. Moreover, it was the first accommodation on the island to have a rooftop infinity pool.
Other facilities in the hotel include a rooftop café, an in-house restaurant, and beach BBQ possibilities. As with most Kaani properties, Palm Beach also has Sampa Spa. The chain’s trademark spa center comes with a fitness center and offers treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.
One of the highlights of staying at Kaani Palm Beach is their large rooms. Inspired by the blues and whites of the ocean, the décor is soothing to the eyes yet interspersed with bright colors.
Room categories at the hotel include standard and city views abodes. However, the most in-demand are the ocean view rooms with balconies. Irrespective of your choice, the abodes are brimming with plenty of amenities. From en-suite baths with rain showers and air-conditioners to TVs, writing desks, and mini-fridges, you’ll find it all here.
Click here to learn more about Kaani Palm Beach Maafushi.
Kaani Grand Seaview Maafushi
Kaani Grand Seaview is quite an enormous property for the island with its 56 contemporary rooms. Among the best four-star places to stay in Maafushi, Grand Seaview has the most preferred location on the island, right next to Bikini Beach.
Providing all necessary facilities to new-age travelers, the hotel comes with an on-site restaurant and gym. Furthermore, if you are looking for a revitalizing massage, there’s a spa on the premises.
While the rooms are already spacious, if you pick one with a balcony, there’s even more area to move around. The décor is modern with earthy color tones that keep you close to nature. Creature comforts in the rooms consist of TVs, air-conditioners, free WiFi, wooden flooring, and en-suite baths. Travelers wanting more luxury can opt for the King suite on the top floor with a jacuzzi and an oversized balcony.
Complimentary breakfast is standard with all rooms. Additionally, the staff can help plan watersport activities as well as a resort day at nearby private island retreats.
Click here to learn more about Kaani Grand Seaview Maafushi.
N.B.: All information is correct as of the post-publication date, and prices are subject to change.
