Local islands
Staying on a local island
Local islands are where Maldivians live. You stay in a guesthouse, eat in local cafés and travel by ferry or speedboat. A few simple rules make it easy.
Ministry of Tourism register, checked every morning
Dress code and bikini beaches
Swimwear is fine at resorts. On local islands it is for the bikini beach only: a stretch of sand set aside for visitors, which most guesthouse islands have.
In the village, cover shoulders and knees. Light cotton clothes are the most comfortable in the heat.
No alcohol
Alcohol and pork aren't sold on local islands, and visitors can't bring alcohol into the Maldives. Resorts and liveaboard boats serve both.
Fridays and prayer times
Friday is the day of prayer and, with Saturday, the weekend. Shops and cafés close around the midday Friday prayer, and ferry timetables are different, so check before you plan a transfer.
On other days, shops close briefly at each prayer time.
Guesthouses
Places to stay on local islands are mostly guesthouses: small, often family-run and close to the village. Every one we list is on the Ministry of Tourism register.
Book ahead in the busy months, as rooms on arrival aren't guaranteed.
Ferries and speedboats
Islands near Malé are reached by public ferry or speedboat; farther atolls by speedboat, or a domestic flight and a boat. Your guesthouse will tell you which to take.
Public ferries are the cheapest way but run less often; speedboats are quicker.
From the airport
To Malé or Hulhumalé: the taxi rank outside arrivals, or the Avas ride app (works in Malé and Hulhumalé).
Respect and etiquette
Keep public affection to a minimum. Ask before you photograph people, especially women and children.
If you visit a mosque, dress modestly and take your shoes off. Islanders are known for their hospitality, and a smile and a hello go a long way.
Popular local islands
The local islands with the most registered places to stay.
- Hulhumalé79 places to stay · Kaafu (Malé Atoll)
- Thoddoo75 places to stay · Alif Alif (North Ari)
- Dhigurah48 places to stay · Alif Dhaal (South Ari)
- Maafushi40 places to stay · Kaafu (Malé Atoll)
- Thulusdhoo33 places to stay · Kaafu (Malé Atoll)
- Fuvahmulah27 places to stay · Gnaviyani (Fuvahmulah)
- Ukulhas26 places to stay · Alif Alif (North Ari)
- Dhiffushi25 places to stay · Kaafu (Malé Atoll)
- Fulidhoo24 places to stay · Vaavu
- Himmafushi24 places to stay · Kaafu (Malé Atoll)
- Fulhadhoo23 places to stay · Baa
- Dharavandhoo22 places to stay · Baa
Questions
Can I wear a bikini on a local island?
Only on the bikini beach, a stretch of sand set aside for visitors. In the village, cover shoulders and knees. At resorts, swimwear is fine.
Can I drink alcohol on a local island?
No. Alcohol isn't sold on local islands, and visitors can't bring their own into the Maldives. Resorts and liveaboard boats serve it.
How do I get from the airport to Malé or Hulhumalé?
Take a taxi from the rank outside arrivals, or use the Avas ride app, which works in Malé and Hulhumalé.
What changes on Fridays?
Friday is the day of prayer and part of the weekend. Shops and cafés close around the midday prayer, and ferry timetables are different, so check before you travel.
How do I get to a local island?
Islands near Malé are reached by public ferry or speedboat; farther atolls by speedboat, or a domestic flight and a boat. Your guesthouse will tell you which to take.
Plan your trip
Tell Aurora which islands you're thinking of and what you love. She finds guesthouses that fit.
* Sources: Visit Maldives (bikini beaches, alcohol, etiquette), Visit Maldives (dress, alcohol), Visit Maldives (guesthouses), Ministry of Tourism register (places to stay), MTCC (ferries).