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A breathtakingly beautiful archipelago, Maldives has drawn sun, sand, and sea lovers for decades. Once in the Maldives, most tourists make their way to the all-inclusive private island resorts. Offering more than standard modern comforts, these retreats are destinations in themselves, promising picturesque settings and indulgent activities.
One has to be a little adventurous to realize that this island nation is more than the sum of its luxury resorts. As you feel the soft white sand under your feet, having a slice of local life doesn’t have to break the bank. A stay at an inhabited island lets you quench your thirst for experiencing the authentic Maldivian lifestyle.
To truly understand the Maldivian way of living, head to one of the inhabited islands like Rasdhoo.
About Rasdhoo
Rasdhoo accommodates around 1000 locals. It covers an area of roughly o.5km in length and 0.4km in width. Although a small island located north of Malé, it is the administrative center of North Ari Atoll. The capital of Alif Alif Atoll, Rasdhoo’s main village, occupies the majority of the island. However, considerable vegetation also carpets the island, providing ample green cover for the tropical heat.
Being surrounded by spectacular marine life makes it a preferred spot for diving enthusiasts. Consequently, diving is a popular activity, and there are as many as eight diving schools in Rasdhoo. The island has a small and clean beach as well.
Given its role as an administrative center, all basic amenities are available on the island. There are grocery and hardware stores where one can pick daily essentials. A couple of souvenir shops sell local handicrafts and gift items. It also has a hospital and a post office.
Furthermore, the local bank provides an ATM facility. However, the ATM dispenses only Rufiyaa. Most stores and guesthouses accept USD but give change only in the local currency. It is thus a good idea to exchange some money in Malé. Credit cards are widely accepted on the island, though with a surcharge at some points of sale.
How to reach Rasdhoo
Located about 60kms from Malé, you can reach Rasdhoo via three transportation modes. One can take a public ferry, a public/private speed boat, or a seaplane.
However, the most economical of the three, the public ferry, is also the most leisurely way to travel to the island. The journey takes three hours, and the ferry leaves Villingili Terminal in Malé at 0900hrs every Monday and Thursday. The return ferry sails every Sunday and Wednesday, departing from Rasdhoo at 1100hrs. The trip each way costs approximately $4 per adult.
A comfortable and faster option to reach Rasdhoo is the public speed boat. Taking about 1 hour 20 minutes, they run every day except on Fridays. The speedboat leaves Malé at 1600hrs, whereas the return boat departs from Rasdhoo at 0730 hrs. You have to pre-book the tickets for this trip. The one-way cost for the journey is approximately $40. For larger groups, entire speedboats are available for hire. The local guesthouses can help with booking these.
The epitome of luxury transfer, a seaplane in the Maldives provides unmatched views of the archipelago. However, flights cost about $300 one way per person. The seaplane drops you at an island near Rasdhoo, from where your guesthouse can arrange a pick-up service. The seaplane covers the distance in 15 minutes but operates only during daylight hours.
Transportation around Rasdhoo
Like most inhabited islands in the Maldives, Rasdhoo is easy to navigate on foot. Guesthouses typically arrange a pick up at the ferry or seaplane terminal to help guests with their luggage.
Walking is a beautiful way to acquaint yourself with the island and explore its nooks. Wear sturdy footwear as some of the unpaved roads tend to be uneven. A sunscreen, a hat, and water help manage the heat and humidity of the tropics. Furthermore, most accommodations also offer bicycles for hire at a cheap rate.
Things to do in Rasdhoo
While diving in Rasdhoo is the island’s main attraction, numerous other activities keep tourists occupied. A simple walk through the island presents a wonderful opportunity to meet the inhabitants and familiarize oneself with local traditions.
Bikini Beach & House Reef
Although a mere 100m long, Bikini Beach in Rasdhoo offers a calm and clean space for beach bums. With the inviting waters on one side, a canopy of trees borders the sandy beach on the other. The conveniently placed beach beds provide a comfortable area to lounge.
The house reef, located a kilometer away, is easily accessible from the shore. It gives unmatched insight into the colorful sea life of the Maldives. The fluctuating current means one has to find the right opportunity to get into the water. An experienced guide will make the experience safe and more enjoyable.
Scuba diving
Diving is undoubtedly the topmost activity on Rasdhoo. Numerous dive centers on the island offer day trips and diving safaris across the atoll. Among the most popular diving sites near Rasdhoo are;
Madivaru – This site harbors enchantingly diverse underwater life and topography. Eventually, you’ll come across every type of marine life found in the Maldives here. One can discover guitar sharks, dolphins, schools of eagle rays, turtles, mantas, barracudas, and garden eels. With the top half of the reef starting at 15m, it is among the most famous dive spots in the Maldives.
Fan Reef – A favorite among underwater photographers, Fan Reef has coral overhangs and large bays. A perfect spot for beginners, it further gives access to wonderful aquatic life at shallow depths. There are serval bays in the reef where one can find sharks like the white-tip, leopard, and black-tip.
Hammerhead Point – Reserved for advanced divers; early morning dives are common at the famous Hammerhead Point. Visible at a depth of 30m, hammerheads are temperamental, so one does need a little luck to view them. Nevertheless, the site offers a plethora of marine life, including mantas and other shark species.
Dolphin safari
A dolphin safari is a popular boat trip in the Maldives for those who do not prefer diving. These gentle giants gather at a spot between Rasdhoo and Thoddoo every evening.
Most guesthouses and dive centers offer sunset safaris for dolphin watching. These playful marine creatures often swim alongside the boats, rising above the water and disappearing into its depths. While the dolphins swim very close to the boats, it is advisable not to touch them.
Resort day visit
A resort day in the Maldives is an opportunity to experience the luxurious side of life in the archipelago. A chance to pamper yourself, it provides a budget-friendly option to partake in various activities on a private retreat. There are two resorts near Rasdhoo ideal for a day trip. The resort day pass at Ellaydhoo by Cinnamon and Nika Island costs between $100 and $120. It includes the use of their facilities as well as food and drinks.
Water sports
The dive centers on Rasdhoo offer an array of watersports to customers looking for an adrenaline rush. Both motorized and non-motorized activities are part of the offerings. One can kayak, jet ski, ride a catamaran, wakeboard or take a banana boat ride into the vast open waters.
Places to eat in Rasdhoo
Many eateries have sprung up throughout this tiny island due to Rasdhoo’s rising popularity over the past few decades. Consequently, from mouth-watering international dishes to flavorful local delicacies, restaurants in Rasdhoo serve different cuisines to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Like all inhabited islands, alcohol in any form is not allowed on Rasdhoo.
Alimente
A perfect island setting, this beachside café in Rasdhoo serves the best coffee on the island. The location is apt for a refreshing drink after a day out in the sea. Moreover, a variety of snacks complement the drinks on offer here. The snacks range from pizzas and sandwiches to traditional Maldivian short bites. Their tuna-based snacks are a must-eat.
Café Ole
One of the most popular cafes in Rasdhoo, Café Ole, grants a cozy place to have a cup of coffee and grab a midday bite. Its central location sees frequent visits by locals and tourists alike. The ambiance is modern yet laidback. Though limited, the menu has a good mix of local and international dishes. Their refreshing coolers are pretty popular, and the cafe is usually busy during dinner time.
Lemon Drop
Another favorite restaurant in Rasdhoo, the wait times can be long at Lemon Drop. However, that’s because they like to prepare everything fresh. Open from breakfast until dinner, Lemon Drop mainly serves Maldivian and Indian dishes with a few international items on their menu. While famous for its food, the eatery has a warm and welcoming staff that makes any dining experience here all the more special. Furthermore, the tastefully done interiors add a unique charm to the ambiance of Lemon Drop.
Palm Shadow
Located close to the jetty, Palm Shadow offers delicious food, albeit a little more on the pricier side. Their menu tantalizes the taste buds with an array of fresh juices acting as the perfect accompaniment to the delectable preparations. The open-air seating further accentuates the island vibe of this restaurant in Rasdhoo. If not sure what to eat, the staff are forever eager to give suggestions.
Tranqui Ristorante
Attached to the boutique hotel Tranquila Beach, this restaurant in Rasdhoo serves authentic Italian preparations. It is the only place to do so on the island. The menu, though primarily Italian, also lists a few popular Maldivian dishes. Its location lets you enjoy a meal on a private beach gazing at the turquoise waters. Their desserts are as stunning as their setting.
Best hotels and guesthouses in Rasdhoo
Rasdhoo island has seen a surge in tourism, chiefly due to the marine life that populates its surrounding waters. As such, many diving enthusiasts flock to the island every year. Catering to this growth in tourism, many guesthouses and hotels have popped up across Rasdhoo. However, even after the increase in construction activity, the island thankfully maintains its tranquil vibe.
Quick Sand Rasdhoo
A mere 100m from Bikini Beach, Quick Sand, is waterfront living at its best. It comes with an onsite restaurant, a garden, and shared lounge facilities. Rooms with modern fittings have a safe deposit box and a flat-screen TV as well. The hotel has a terrace and a children’s play area. With a sandbank close by, guests have a unique picnic spot at their disposal.
Shallow Lagoon Guesthouse
A popular option for a budget-friendly stay, Shallow Lagoon is a stone’s throw from Rasdhoo’s sandy beach. The warm hospitality of its staff is a welcoming experience as they are ever ready to make each stay as comfortable as possible. Spaciously laid out, the rooms come with modern conveniences. The small garden and in-house restaurant make it a convenient place for a stay in Rasdhoo for a few days.
Acqua Blu Rasdhoo
Acqua Blue is a contemporary hotel that features eight elegantly furnished spacious rooms surrounded by a relaxing outdoor garden. The air-conditioned bedrooms spread over two floors and boast a warm setting. A few of the rooms have balconies and are usually in demand. Their in-house restaurant serves a wholesome breakfast and other meals on request. In addition, Acqua Blu offers complimentary WiFi and has 24-hour front desk service. The staff is always at hand to help with booking excursions for the guests.
White Coral Rasdhoo
For a resort-like feel, White Coral is the best place to stay in Rasdhoo. It features a 24-hours front desk, an in-house restaurant, and a terrace. The ten newly built rooms come fitted with a safe, HD television, a desk, and a private shower. With free WiFi throughout the property, you can always stay connected to the world. Upon request, they offer in-room dining and can arrange excursions around Rasdhoo.
Holiday Garden Rasdhoo
The six rooms at this guesthouse in Rasdhoo provide a balance of relaxation, local atmosphere, and value for money. The clean abodes have all basic amenities, including a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. Complimentary WiFi, tea, and coffee are freely available. True to its name, Holiday Garden boasts a quaint sit-out as a shared space for guests.
Club Gabbiano
The striking exterior of Club Gabbiano beautifully complements its inviting interiors. Adding to its appeal is the ever-smiling staff. The stylishly furnished rooms at one of the best hotels in Rasdhoo also have a seating area. However, the most revered rooms are the ones with balconies. Offering a filling continental breakfast, the in-house restaurant also serves lunch and dinner per request. Club Gabbiano provides free WiFi to its guests and a private beach area liberally sprinkled with sunbeds and beach umbrellas.
