Maafushi
Maldives
Maafushi islandPhoto: Nattu from Male', Maldives · CC BY 2.0
Kaafu AtollPhoto: Buiobuione · CC BY-SA 4.0
Guraidhoo (neighbouring local island)Photo: Luka Peternel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dive and snorkel sitesPhoto: Jun V Lao · CC BY-SA 4.0
MaléPhoto: Shahee Ilyas · CC BY-SA 3.0
About Maafushi
Maafushi is a local inhabited island in Kaafu Atoll, about 16 miles south of the capital Malé. It is known as the local island with the most guesthouses and tourist beds in the country.
It offers a simpler Maldives experience than the resort islands: snorkelling and diving trips, water sports, sandbank outings and day trips to nearby resort or local islands are the main activities.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Monsoon rains (May–October) — May–October is monsoon season: short but heavy downpours, high humidity and occasional flooding. Keep your plans flexible for transport delays.
How many days do you need?
Three to five days is enough for boat trips and some rest.
From the airport to the city
The nearest airport is Velana International Airport (MLE) at Malé. Speedboats reach Maafushi from Malé in about 30 minutes. The slower, cheaper option is the public ferry from the Villingili ferry terminal in Malé, which takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and does not run on Fridays.
Good to know
- As this is a local island, dress modestly; swimwear is worn only on the designated "bikini beach".
- Alcohol is banned on the island; some boats moored offshore serve drinks.
- Ferry times can change; check the current timetable before travelling.
Useful links
- Visit Maldives (Maldives tourism authority) visitmaldives.com
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: January–February. The warmest month is May (average high 84 °F); the wettest is November (9.2 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 81.9 | 2.38 | Ideal |
| February | 82.2 | 1.48 | Ideal |
| March | 83.3 | 2.23 | Good |
| April | 84.2 | 3.70 | Good |
| May | 84.4 | 8.36 | Cool or rainy |
| June | 83.7 | 5.57 | Good |
| July | 83.3 | 6.61 | Good |
| August | 82.8 | 7.94 | Cool or rainy |
| September | 82.6 | 7.51 | Good |
| October | 82.6 | 7.71 | Good |
| November | 82.2 | 9.16 | Cool or rainy |
| December | 82.2 | 7.35 | Good |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- First Day of Ramadan *February 8
- Eid al-Fitr *March 9
- Eid al-Fitr Holiday *March 10 (2 days)
- International Worker's DayMay 1
- Day of Arafah *May 15
- Eid al-Adha *May 16
- Eid al-Adha Holiday *May 17 (3 days)
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Independence DayJuly 26
- National Day *August 3
- Prophet's Birthday *August 14
- The Day Maldives Embraced Islam *September 2
- Victory DayNovember 3
- Republic DayNovember 11
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (.ރ)
- Dialling code+960
- Plugs & voltageType C, D, G, J, K, L · 230 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 119 · Ambulance 102 · Fire 118
- DrivingOn the left
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.