Are you looking for a secluded and scenic destination for your next vacation? Do you want to experience the authentic and unspoiled beauty of the Maldives? If yes, then Fulhadhoo Island is the perfect place for you. Fulhadhoo Island is a small and peaceful island in the Maalhosmadulhu Atoll, where you can enjoy the pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and local culture.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Fulhadhoo Island, including how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and when to visit. Read on and discover why Fulhadhoo Island is a hidden paradise in the Maldives.
Why Visit Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island is one of the most beautiful and untouched islands in the Maldives. Unlike the popular and crowded resorts, Fulhadhoo Island offers a tranquil and natural environment, where you can relax and reconnect with nature. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fulhadhoo Island:
Pristine beaches:
Fulhadhoo Island has some of the most stunning and clean beaches in the Maldives, with soft white sand and turquoise water. You can sunbathe, swim, or walk along the shore, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the ocean and the sky.
Crystal clear waters:
Fulhadhoo Island is surrounded by a coral reef, which creates a lagoon of clear and calm water. The water is so clear that you can see the colorful fish and corals without even snorkeling. The water is also warm and inviting, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Rich marine life:
Fulhadhoo Island is home to a diverse and abundant marine life, including dolphins, turtles, rays, sharks, and hundreds of species of fish and corals. You can snorkel or dive in the reef, and witness the amazing underwater world. You can also join a fishing or dolphin watching trip, and have a memorable experience.
Peaceful atmosphere:
Fulhadhoo Island is a quiet and serene island, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The island has only about 250 inhabitants, who live in a small village on the north side of the island. The rest of the island is uninhabited and covered by lush green vegetation. You can hear the sound of the waves, the birds, and the wind, and feel the harmony of nature.
Authentic culture:
Fulhadhoo Island is a place where you can experience the genuine and traditional culture of the Maldives. You can visit the local village, and interact with the friendly and hospitable people. You can learn about their history, religion, customs, and lifestyle. You can also taste the delicious and fresh local food, such as fish, coconut, and fruits.
How to Reach Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island is located about 120 km northwest of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. There are two main ways to reach Fulhadhoo Island from Malé:
Speedboat:
This is the fastest and most convenient option, as it takes only about 2 hours to reach Fulhadhoo Island. The speedboat operates daily, except on Fridays, and departs from Malé at 11:00 am and from Fulhadhoo Island at 2:00 pm. The speedboat can accommodate up to 20 passengers, and costs $50 per person one way. You can book your seat online or through your accommodation provider.
Ferry:
This is the cheapest and most scenic option, as it costs only $5 per person one way. However, it takes about 6 hours to reach Fulhadhoo Island, and the ferry operates only three times a week, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The ferry departs from Malé at 9:00 am and from Fulhadhoo Island at 8:30 am. The ferry can carry up to 100 passengers, and you can buy your ticket on board.
Where to Stay in Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island has a limited number of accommodation options, ranging from guesthouses to resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Fulhadhoo Island, with their prices, facilities, and ratings:
Azoush Tourist Guesthouse:
This is a cozy and comfortable guesthouse, located near the beach and the village. It has 5 rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse also has a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace. The price is $60 per night, including breakfast, taxes, and service charge.
Fulhadhoo Inn:
This is a modern and spacious guesthouse, located on the south side of the island. It has 6 rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse also has a restaurant, a lounge, and a barbecue area. The price is $80 per night, including breakfast, taxes, and service charge.
Fulhadhoo View Beach Resort:
This is a luxurious and elegant resort, located on the west side of the island. It has 10 rooms, each with a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and Wi-Fi. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, and a pool. The price is $150 per night, including breakfast, taxes, and service charge.
What to Do in Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island has a lot of activities and attractions to offer, both on land and in water. Here are some of the best things to do in Fulhadhoo Island:
Snorkeling and diving:
Fulhadhoo Island has one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Maldives, with a rich and diverse coral reef and marine life. You can rent snorkeling or diving equipment from your accommodation provider, or join a guided tour. You can see dolphins, turtles, rays, sharks, and hundreds of species of fish and corals. You can also explore some of the nearby islands, such as Goidhoo and Fehendhoo, which have their own reefs and lagoons.
Fishing and dolphin watching:
Fulhadhoo Island is a great place for fishing and dolphin watching, as the waters around the island are abundant with fish and dolphins. You can join a fishing or dolphin watching trip, and have a fun and exciting experience. You can catch different types of fish, such as tuna, barracuda, snapper, and grouper, and cook them on the beach. You can also see different types of dolphins, such as spinner, bottlenose, and spotted, and watch them play and jump in the water.
Kayaking and biking:
Fulhadhoo Island is a perfect place for kayaking and biking, as it has a calm and clear lagoon and a flat and green terrain. You can rent a kayak or a bike from your accommodation provider, and explore the island at your own pace. You can paddle around the lagoon, and enjoy the views of the ocean and the sky. You can also bike around the island, and visit the local village, the mosque, the school, and the cemetery.
Hiking and birdwatching:
Fulhadhoo Island is a wonderful place for hiking and birdwatching, as it has a lush and diverse vegetation and wildlife. You can hike around the island, and discover the different plants and trees, such as coconut, banana, mango, and breadfruit. You can also spot different birds, such as herons, egrets, kingfishers, and parrots. You can also visit the mangrove forest, which is a unique and rare ecosystem in the Maldives.
Best Time to Visit Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island has a tropical climate, with warm and sunny weather throughout the year. However, there are two main seasons in the Maldives, which affect the weather and the activities on the island:
Dry season:
This is the best time to visit Fulhadhoo Island, as it has the least rainfall and the most sunshine. The dry season lasts from November to April, and the average temperature is 28°C. The water is clear and calm, making it ideal for snorkeling and diving. The visibility is also high, allowing you to see the marine life better. The dry season is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more visitors and higher prices.
Wet season:
This is the least favorable time to visit Fulhadhoo Island, as it has the most rainfall and the least sunshine. The wet season lasts from May to October, and the average temperature is 27°C. The water is cloudy and choppy, making it less suitable for snorkeling and diving. The visibility is also low, making it harder to see the marine life. The wet season is also the low season for tourism, so you can expect fewer visitors and lower prices.
Tips for Visiting Fulhadhoo Island
Fulhadhoo Island is a safe and friendly island, where you can have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. However, there are some tips and information that you should know before visiting Fulhadhoo Island, such as:
Visa requirements: The Maldives offers a free 30-day visa on arrival for all visitors, regardless of their nationality. You just need to have a valid passport, a confirmed return ticket, and a proof of accommodation. You can extend your visa for up to 90 days by paying a fee of $50 at the immigration office in Malé.
Currency and exchange: The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), which is divided into 100 laari. The exchange rate is about 15 MVR for 1 USD. However, most places in Fulhadhoo Island accept US dollars, euros, and credit cards. You can also find ATMs and currency exchange counters in Malé and some of the nearby islands.
Language and communication: The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is a Indo-Aryan language with its own script. However, most people in Fulhadhoo Island speak English, as it is widely taught in schools and used in tourism. You can also use your smartphone or a translator app to communicate with the locals. You can also learn some basic Dhivehi phrases, such as hello (assalaam alaikum), thank you (shukuriyaa), and goodbye (dhanee).
Culture and religion: The Maldives is a Muslim country, and Islam is the official and only religion. Therefore, you should respect the local culture and religion, and follow some rules and etiquette, such as:
Dress modestly, especially when visiting the village, the mosque, or the school. Avoid wearing revealing or tight clothes, such as shorts, skirts, bikinis, or tank tops. Cover your shoulders, knees, and chest. You can wear swimsuits on the beach, but not in the water.
Do not consume alcohol, pork, or drugs, as they are prohibited and illegal. You can only find alcohol in some of the resorts, but not in Fulhadhoo Island. You can also face severe penalties if you are caught with drugs.
Do not engage in public displays of affection, such as kissing, hugging, or holding hands. You can only do that in your private room or in some of the resorts. You can also face legal consequences if you are unmarried and share a room with someone of the opposite sex.
Do not take pictures or videos of the locals without their permission, especially of women and children. You can ask them politely, and respect their decision. You can also offer to share or delete the pictures or videos with them.
Food and water: Fulhadhoo Island has a variety of food options, ranging from local to international cuisine. You can find restaurants, cafes, and shops in the village, or in your accommodation provider. You can also order food from nearby islands, such as Goidhoo or Fehendhoo, which have more options. You should avoid drinking tap water, as it may not be safe or clean. You should drink bottled water, which you can buy from the shops or your accommodation provider. You can also boil or filter the tap water before drinking.
Fulhadhoo Island is a hidden paradise in the Maldives, where you can have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation. You can experience the pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and authentic culture of the island. You can also enjoy various activities and attractions, such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Book your trip to Fulhadhoo Island today, and discover why it is a hidden paradise in the Maldives.