Local Island Tours in the Maldives: Top Inhabited Isles to Explore during a Trip to Paradise
Although it’s tempting to spend the duration of a getaway in the Maldives confined to your resort base, exploring the country’s local islands is an immersive experience every tourist should enjoy at least once during a stopover in the sun-kissed archipelago. Here are some of the top local islands you can visit for a glimpse of the day-to-day in the archipelago.
Ukulhas
As an eco-friendly paradise with its own bikini beach, Ukulhas Island is a popular stopover for tourists, particularly those hailing from Eastern Europe. Occupying the Alifu Alifu Atoll, this local island is not only renowned for its snorkelling and diving potential but also for the array of great local restaurants that call the island home.
Maafushi
Tourists occupying luxury villas in Maldives at strategically situated properties such as OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO will find that they are within close range of Maafushi Island. Ranked among the best fishing destinations among the country’s inhabited islands, Maafushi is also a prime location for dolphin safaris and high-octane water sports activities.
Kendhoo
Located in Baa Atoll, Kendhoo is an unassuming local island that has been largely ignored by tourists. Teeming with scenic sandbanks and cultural attractions, including the historic Kendhoo Mosque, the island’s proximity to Hanifaru Bay also makes it a hotspot for avid snorkellers.
Thoddoo
Home to the largest and longest bikini beach in all of the Maldives, Thoddoo is a local island where some of the country’s finest fruit and vegetable farms are situated. A 90-minute speedboat ride away from the nation’s capital, Thoddoo Island’s house reef is a great spot for encounters with sea turtles.
