The top 10 excursions in Maldives
Imagine this- calm beaches, gentle cool winds, and tall green palm trees, crystal clean blue water on a bright sunny day and only calm and good vibes around you. This is the experience you will get at the Maafushi beaches. With most of its economy driven by tourism, this island is one of the many unexplored tourist places in the Maldives. Situated toward the south of Male’ lies the heavenly island of Maafushi. Maafushi was hit by a huge tsunami in 2004 which affected almost one third of the entire population of Maldives. Maafushi soon recovered after 8 years and went on to become one of the most beautiful places in the Maldives. The island is more popular for its water sporting activities between the fascinating sea world. One of these water activities is Scuba Diving.
If you’ve ever thought of doing scuba diving, you must definitely do it at Maafushi. There is something about the waters of Maafushi that attracts you to have this experience here. It is a thrilling and exciting yet a totally secure and safe experience. It is here, you will find some of the most incomparable marine wildlife while witnessing the dark beauty of wrecked ships and caves inside the ocean.
The island city of Maafushi has a wide variety of Marine life to offer varying from small unseen fishes to bulbous headed octopus to playful dolphins to cute turtles to the gigantic blue whale. One can also find many colourful corals, making this experience unforgettable. The sight that you will see underwater will make you want to visit the ocean again.
Excursion Packages
When you arrive at Maafushi island, I would suggest the first thing you do is check out the packages and their availability. There are many companies that offer varied packages from scuba to snorkeling to sand bank to island hopping and so much more.
Dedicate some time in looking out for the best company that would offer you the right price and various activities. If you would want my recommendation I would strongly suggest Maafushi Scuba.
They have good variety of activities to offer and an amazing diving experience. Infact we opted for their scuba diving twice in two different reefs. Read below for more details and prices.
Check out the map location, as it can be a little tricky to find their place in first go. Check out their Instagram page here- https://www.instagram.com/maafushiscuba/
List of Excursion in Maafushi Scuba and Prices:
- Discover Suba Diving
- Fish Tank & Shipwreck Tour
- Sharkbay Tour
- Whale Shark & Manta
- Halfday Tour
- Sunset Fishing
- Full Day Island Hopping
- Private Island Tour
Top 10 Excursions in Maafushi Island
1. Scuba Diving
While every season is a perfect for scuba diving in Maafushi, the best time is between January to May. One experiences a very present and humid climate during these months. The water current during this time is moderate and the weather is balanced, permitting you to have the best of scuba diving. The temperature hardly exceeds 28 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for scuba diving. From June to November, the island faces rainfall through the months from June to November, which may hamper your scuba diving activity. There exists many scuba diving sports in the entirety of Maafuashi. Following is the list of some of the best spots which will give you the best services and experiences of scuba diving.
- Miyaru Faru
- Kandooma Thila
- Kuda Giri
- Embudhoo Kandu
- Guraidhoo Corner
- Cocoa Corner
2. Snorkeling
Most of the guest houses offer their assistance in Snorkeling. There also exists 3 diving companies to provide this service. Maafushi has a huge variety to offer in terms of marine life and the best about snorkeling. While snorkeling in Maafushi, one witnesses attractive corals blend with the fascinating marine life.
One may need a snorkelig course that is PADI certified if you are a beginner. You may need to learn a few tips and tricks before snorkrling. These tips and tricks will be provided to you by an experienced instructor who will guide you through out your experience. You must carry your own fins, masks, and snorkel as renting it here might be expensive. Maavelaathu, Vilivaru Corner, Banana Reef, and Maafushi Corner are some of the best sites for snorkeling in Maafushi.
3. Sandbank Tours
You cannot return from Maafushi without completing a sandbank excursion. The vibrant colours of the area will bewitch you. The clear water meets the blue sky and the tall green palm trees and various colourful flowers to create the mesmerizing masterpiece you will ever see. A sandbank trip usually lasts an entire day. You can snorkel here or even just dive into the lagoon. You can enjoy the entire ocean all by yourself because this is a semiprivate tour. The best time to visit sandbanks are the months of January and February.
We had opted for a Sharkbay tour from Maafushi Scuba which included Sandbank tour, and indeed it was an amazing experience. Majorly this pitstop would be the last on the agenda, as you sit and relax and enjoy your soft lunch box provided by them.
Loved the fact how Maafushi Scuba took care of the food arrangement, firstly they had packed food in stainless steel box which kept the food warm and zero wastage of packaging papers.
4. Fishing
You can go on fishing tours with the assistance of your respective guest house. While fishing is mostly done in daytime, some might even organize night-time fishing for you. The feeling of fishing below the stars is an unforgettable experience in itself. If your gust house doesnt offer this service you can easily walk to any dive center and book a package for the same. You can even eat the fish that you caught, your hotel may charge you a bit for that. Or better, you can set up a BBQ (if the hotel you’re staying in offers one) and cook the fish yourself, however you like. One can find many different species of many unknown fishes like Dolphin-fish, Squirrel fish, Barracuda, Emperors, etc, or even basic fishes like tuna.
5. Island Hopping
If you aren’t adventurous and are on a calming vacation, island hopping is the choice for you. Maafushi is surrounded by many islands in all directions. Upon request you might get a guide and a private vehicle from the hotel you reside. There are also other touring companies who will provide you with some affordable hopping packages. Male island is the best place for hopping around Maafushi. But if you want to know about the locals and culture of the island, you can customize your package according to that. Breakfast and lunch will be included in most of the packages but you can also add other luxuries for some extra cost. You will be taken to and back from the island in a boat.
6. Ship Wreck Tour
Ship Wreck dive, for many, is the ultimate experience. That being said, Maldives is the best destination for diving and snorkeling on the shipwrecks. Some of the most scenic shipwrecks lie on the ocean floor of this tropical paradise. You can get to witness amazing marine life growing and living over these sunken ships. Make sure to explore the sunken treasures beneath the deep blue sea by opting for this package. Majorly this package will cost you around 70-75$ pp which will include Coral Gardens, Fish Tank, Ship Wreck and Sand Bank. Snorkeling gears, lunch, towel and underwater shots are included in this price.
Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll has a wreck that is thought to be an Indonesian vessel that drifted empty into the atoll a few years ago. This is one of the most popular and most “Instagram worthy” sports to visit.
7. Dolphin Safari
Who wouldn’t like to spend their evening with these cutest creatures called the Dolphins. If you aren’t a fan of deep diving, something that you will definitely enjoy is Dolphin Safari. There are many touring companies that will arrange such safaris for you. Go into the middle of the ocean to witness these cute and intelligent creatures play, on a motorboat. Keep your cameras ready, you might never know when some of these dolphins randomly decide to show you their tricks!
We were quite lucky to see the Dolphins dance on the seashore. Most of the time it is visible by crossing atoll or a bay, you can also opt for a Swim with Dolphin package. This package is suitable for good swimmers.
8. Whale Shark & Manta Tour
Swim with the largest fish in the world. Yes, you heard it right. Find them in their own habitat and snorkel around to see this rare beauty. Another thing that must me on your bucket list is witnessing the Manta Rays. Make sure you are a fast swimmer to see them groove underwater.
On the day, they will take you to where you may be encountering these marine giants in South male atoll. Snorkeling and swimming with them (with the guided assistance) will be an interesting experience.
The actual site falls in the south atoll of Maldives, so ideally it take around 2 hours to reach this spot. The cost for this package excursion would be 100$pp which will include gears, shots, lunch, towel.
9. Private Island Tour
Wishing to stay on a private island resort? But do not have a budget for it? Nevertheless you can still enjoy the private island without staying and paying for expensive stays.
One of the best full day, resort trips are best suited for budget tourists who wish to get a closer look at the luxurious life, but are restricted because of limited budget. Maldives Private Resort day tours offer facilities for their guest to enjoy at the finest resorts in the Maldives.
Walk around the beautiful corridors and common spaces of the hotel such as the poolside, and the beachfronts. Depending on the package you choose, you can also avail extra frills and activities to do.
10. Coral Garden & Turtle Reef
Coral garden reef in Maafushi are an exclusive Snorkeling point, and untouched by the tourist crowd. You will find these reef abundant with colorful corals, reef sharks and manta rays. This is one of the “must explore” in your list.
Other indulgence in Maafushi
Local Culture
Maafushi is a small yet self-sufficient island. the life here is low and everyone is calm. This place has many attractions that you might want to visit to know more about the place. The best attraction of the place remains the sun-kissed beaches. You will find many small stores, football grounds, hair salons, bistros, and many other things along your stroll in the city. But do remember to read the restrictions while walking because the island has some pretty strict clothing rules. Be sure to visit the magnificent Maafushi jail.
Bikini Beach
Get that sun kissed tan you always wanted on the sunny beach of Maafushi. Bikini beach is one of the three beaches in Maafushi. It is also one of the liberal beaches. Because the Maldives is an Islamic country, wearing a bikini to any other beach might seem like a bad idea. But Bikini beach allows you to wear your favourite swimwear and enjoy the ocean. You can even enjoy supper at the various restaurants on and near the beach.
Floating Bar
Being an Islamic country, alcohol is banned throughout all islands. But you might enjoy some at the Floating Cruise & Safari. Enjoy your favourite cocktail with the most beautiful view of the ocean. Food is also served here. You can also book a luxurious room if you wish to stay the night.
Pamper Yourself
You have rightly earned a massage on the scenic island of Maafushi. Staying in one of the luxurious hotels on the island gives you all the relaxation that you need. Treat yourself with the amazing view of the clear sea every morning by staying in one of the luxurious hotels. Rahaa Resort and Six Senses Laamu are some of the best resorts on the island.
Maafushi island has so much to offer in terms of adventurous as well as relaxing trips. The island is one of the best for water sports. The island is literally nature mixed with luxury. Even if you’re not a fan of adventure, Maafushi will not disappoint you. There is so much that a person can experience on this island, be is a child or an adult. Visiting Maafushi should definitely be on your list and it will be worth all your penny.
