Maafushi is a part of the Kaafu Atoll, in the Maldives and is one of its most popular and progressive islands. The island had a complete makeover after the 2004 tsunami and turned into a complete tourist destination with numerous guesthouses and hotels, from a lowly fishing village.
Kaafu Atoll comprises over one hundred islands, out of which only a dozen of them are inhabited, over 50 of them are resorts and the rest are uninhabited. The country’s capital Male is a part of the Kaafu Atoll, but has a separate administration of its own. The atoll houses some of the best resorts in the country, beautiful villas, scenic white sand beaches and an impressive marine life, making it a tourist hotspot.
Note that, the Maldives, being an Islamic country does not allow bikinis or nudism in its beaches, except a few designated beaches. Consumption of alcohol is banned and allowed only in licensed hotels and resorts.
However, there are licensed floating bars on boats, where you can head to after a long hot day and chill with a beer. You can also visit the nearby resort islands which have plenty of dining and drinking options.
Maafushi is a great place for souvenir shopping and Mirihi Magu road is the place to go. The road is lined with shops selling authentic Maldivian handmade products out of shells and corals, clothes and others. There are also a few good restaurants where you get excellent seafood.
Beaches
The bikini beach is quite small and can get crowded during the peak season. If you wish for a more peaceful or secluded atmosphere, you can head out to the nearby sandbanks.
Water Activities
Like every typical Maldivian island, you will find mind-blowing snorkelling and scuba diving experiences. Among the incredible reefs around Maafushi, the most popular snorkelling points are Banana Reef, Maafushi Corner, Villivaru Corner and Maavelaathu. Turtle snorkelling, especially, is quite popular here and you will be stunned at the number of turtles that reside on these reefs. It also has great diving points with a good concentration of sharks, mainly thresher sharks and shortfin mako sharks.
Along with these usual activities, Maafushi also offers dolphin watching safaris, night fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing and kayaking.
Why should you visit?
Maafushi can be easily accessed from Male by a 30-minute ferry ride. It offers all of the Maldives’ signature experiences at a very affordable cost, thus making it a popular choice for backpackers and budget travellers. And what’s more, the island has a simply stunning marine life.
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