In the heart of the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Maalhos in the Maldives is one of those local islands that you leave with regret. Small, peaceful, and full of charm, it offers privileged access to one of the most beautiful spectacles in the Maldives: the dance of the manta rays.
I spent four nights there, and it's undoubtedly the island that made the biggest impression on me during my entire trip. In this article, I'll share everything you need to know to stay there: how to get there, where to sleep, what to do, and when to go 👇
Why choose Maalhos in the Maldives?
Maalhos is a small inhabited island of about 600 people, surrounded by a coral reef and a turquoise lagoon. Here, there are no crowds or hustle and bustle: people come for tranquility, nature, and authenticity.
What I liked the most:
- Absolute calm : a perfect island to disconnect and slow down.
- Conviviality : you feel good there from the very first hours, and the locals are very welcoming.
- The proximity of Hanifaru Bay : this bay, one of the most famous sites in the world for observing manta rays, is about 15 minutes away by boat.
- The excursions : well organized, and cheaper than on other islands.
This is the island for you if you're looking for peace and quiet and underwater encounters. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of restaurants, a larger island like Dhigurah Or Maafushi might suit you better.
How to get to Maalhos?
From Malé airport, you have three options:
| Means of transport | Duration | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | approximately 2 hours | $55 per trip and per person (price I paid) |
| Domestic flight to Dharavandhoo + boat | 30 to 40 minutes flight, then 10 to 15 minutes by boat | much more expensive, expect to pay over $150 |
| public ferry | several hours, just a few days a week | a few dollars |
The speedboat remains the most practical solution. You can book it through your hotel or directly with a company: always compare the two, as the price differences can be significant.
Where to stay in Maalhos: my review of the Thundi Ocean View
For my stay, I settled into Thundi Ocean View, and I highly recommend it.
- The rooms : they were very clean and offered a change of scenery, with an absolutely magnificent ocean view. That was definitely my favorite part.
- The reception : our hosts personally welcomed us upon our arrival on the island, and we were able to take the time to chat. They lent us fins and masks free of charge, took care of our laundry, and even accompanied us during activities to ensure everything went smoothly.
- The food : good and varied.
The hotel offers two packages, the prices of which vary depending on the season:
| Formula | Price per night for 2 |
|---|---|
| Breakfast included | from $90 (≈ €78) |
| Breakfast and lunch included | from $110 (≈ €96) |
Don't forget the green tax, to be added to the price: $6 per person per night.
What to do in Maalhos, Maldives?
Book your excursions locally: in Maalhos, they are well-organized and less expensive than elsewhere. If you're combining several islands, book them all here. Unless otherwise stated, prices are per person, with a minimum of two people. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and each outing begins with a safety briefing with the guide.
Quick tip: be ready to go at any moment! Trips depend on the weather, currents, and animals, so sometimes everything is decided at the last minute. And frankly, that's what makes the experience so fun. On our very first night, our host came to us and said, "Get dressed, we're going to see a whale shark, quick!" 😂 Keep your swimsuit, mask, and GoPro handy; you never know when the adventure will begin.
Swimming with manta rays
This is THE reason to come to Maalhos. Thanks to the proximity of Hanifaru Bay and other sites in the Baa Atoll, you can swim alongside these majestic yet surprisingly peaceful giants of the sea. They glide around you and sometimes perform real acrobatics in the water: get your waterproof camera ready! $70 per person for a 2-hour speedboat trip, from May to November.
Our trip lasted about 2 hours, at two different spots. A magnificent time… even though I ended up throwing up and feeding the fish, between the blazing sun and the rocking boat 😅 Bring anti-nausea medication, a hat, and sunscreen, even if you never get seasick.
Going to meet the whale shark
The world's largest fish is also one of the gentlest. Watching it glide past you is an emotion difficult to describe. Same spot, same season: Hanifaru Bay, from May to November, with guides who know the area like the back of their hand. Also worth noting. $70 per person for 2 hours.
For us, it was the very evening of our arrival, and our hosts insisted we go. I was scared; I had no idea what to expect… and I absolutely don't regret it! The water was warm, very pleasant, and seeing him swim next to us was impressive without being frightening at all. I'm so glad they insisted.
The dolphin cruise
A half-day boat trip along the Dhonfanu reef, encountering dolphins, which often swim in groups around the boat. A wonderful activity, accessible to all. $50 per person.
Do you want to get in the water with them? There's also a "swim with dolphins" version, for $100 per person (half day). Warning: these are wild animals, an encounter is never guaranteed.
Swimming with the turtles
Head towards waters known for their turtles. You watch them swim peacefully, and take the opportunity to explore the corals and colorful fish. Count $50 per person for half a day.
Enjoying the beach: local beach or bikini beach
In Maalhos, you choose your beach based on your swimwear. Do you prefer a burkini or a more modest swimsuit? Enjoy the locals' beach, where you can swim without any worries. Prefer a swimsuit? Head to Bikini Beach in the north of the island: it's the beach reserved for tourists, the only one where swimsuits are allowed.
As Muslims, we found it fantastic: on the local beach, everyone swims modestly, and we felt completely at ease. We also loved observing local life: residents playing volleyball on the sand, families relaxing together at the end of the day… We felt like we were sharing a real part of their daily lives.
Good to know: During the week, the beaches are almost deserted. It's on weekends, Friday and Saturday, that young people and families from the island come to enjoy them. The rest of the week is much quieter, especially since children aren't allowed on the beach without their parents on those days. Looking for peace and quiet? Aim for midweek. Want to see the island come alive? Spend a Friday late afternoon here!
On the bikini beach side, the reef starts a few meters from the shore: perfect for snorkeling in complete freedom.
The beach is incredible: white sand, crystal-clear water, and hardly anyone there. In the evening, don't miss the sunset; it's breathtaking. The sky turns orange and pink over the lagoon—one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.
Night snorkeling on the reef
No need for a boat: the reef is just steps from the beach. After sunset, you explore it by torchlight with your guide. Bioluminescent plankton shimmers in the water, and you encounter lobsters, crabs, hunting moray eels, sleeping turtles, and even squid. $25 per person for 1 to 2 hours.
Taking a walk in the jungle
The interior of Maalhos is covered in lush vegetation, and walking around is truly wonderful. In just a few minutes, you can go from coconut palms and shaded paths to the turquoise lagoon. It's that little touch of adventure you don't necessarily expect to find in the Maldives.
Sandbanks, deserted islands and island hopping
- Snorkeling at two spots · $50 · 2 h : two of the most beautiful spots in the Baa atoll in the same trip, at the time you want. Preserved reefs, tropical fish and sometimes rays.
- Sandbar · $55 · half-day or full day : a strip of white sand in the middle of turquoise water. Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing and picnicking on site.
- Deserted Island · $55 · half-day or full day : an uninhabited island to explore, with its secluded beaches and wild vegetation. Picnic included, and you really feel like a castaway.
- Island hopping in Dhonfanu and Kihaadhoo · $65 · 3 to 4 hours First, Dhonfanu, a fishing village where you can stroll along sandy streets, then Kihaadhoo, a very green island with beautiful beaches, perfect for snorkeling. A coconut juice awaits you on the beach.
- Romantic dinner on a sandbar or private island · $80 per couple : a table set just for the two of you, at sunset or under the stars, with a multi-course meal prepared by a chef.
- Day at a resort · $127.60 per adult ($63.80 for children under 12, free for children under 4) + $130 round-trip transfer : welcome drink, lunch at the Maakana restaurant (from 12:30 to 14:00), sun loungers by the pool subject to availability, beach access and Wi-Fi.
Fishing and local culture
- Traditional night fishing · $50 : you go out in the evening on a fishing boat, under the stars, with fishermen who show you their techniques. Equipment is provided.
- Big game fishing · $270 per trip · 3 hours · 3 people max : for thrill-seekers, offshore on a fully equipped boat.
- Octopus Hunt · $30 : with experienced divers, you'll explore the nooks and crannies of the reef in search of well-camouflaged octopuses. It's a unique experience, but it requires patience!
- Maldivian Cooking Class · $20 : with local chefs, you learn about garudhiya (fish broth), mas riha (spicy fish curry), mashuni (tuna and coconut salad) and hedhika (traditional snacks).
My most cherished memory of the entire trip remains the encounter with the manta rays and the whale shark here in Maalhos. An incredible moment. And the excursions here are both better organized and less expensive than on other islands.
Reservations via WhatsApp: +960 736 7232
When to go to Maalhos in the Maldives?
It all depends on what you want to see:
- For manta rays : the wet season, from May to November, with a peak from June to August. It is during this period that manta rays gather in large numbers in the Baa atoll.
- For the whale shark : observations are frequent from September to November.
- For the sun : the dry season, from December to April, is the sunniest, but also the most expensive.
For my part, I was there in October, at the very beginning of the season: a good compromise between wildlife, weather and price.
My tips for a successful stay in Maalhos
- Book your excursions on site : in Maalhos, they are well organized and more affordable than elsewhere. If you're combining several islands, visit them all here.
- Remember your mask and fins : at the Thundi Ocean View, they lent them to us for free. If your hotel doesn't, bring your own: you'll avoid renting them every time you go out, and you can explore the reef whenever you want.
- Bring cash : there are no ATMs on the island. Exchange your euros for dollars before you leave.
- Respect local customs : Cover-up clothing in the village, swimsuits only on the bikini beach, and no alcohol on the island.
- Take your time Maalhos is best enjoyed slowly. Four nights were enough for me to enjoy the island and its excursions without rushing.
And if you're planning your trip, check out my detailed budget for 10 days on the local islands and my guide Maldives local islands: everything you need to know before you go.
FAQ: Staying in Maalhos
How to get to Maalhos from Malé airport?
The most convenient option is the speedboat: about a 2-hour journey, costing 55 $ per person, each way (the price I paid). You can also take a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and then a 10-15 minute boat ride, but expect to pay over 150 $. The public ferry costs only a few dollars, but it takes several hours and only runs on certain days.
When can you see manta rays in Hanifaru Bay?
From May to November, with a peak from June to August, when manta rays gather in large numbers in the Baa Atoll. Hanifaru Bay is only a 15-minute boat ride from Maalhos. I was there in October, at the very beginning of the season, and I saw them.
How much does a manta ray or whale shark excursion cost in Maalhos?
Expect to pay 70 $ per person for a 2-hour speedboat trip, with snorkeling equipment provided. Whale shark sightings are most frequent from September to November. Bring anti-nausea medication: the boat rocks quite a bit!
Is it permissible to swim in a burkini or bikini in Maalhos?
Both, but not in the same place. In a burkini or full-coverage clothing, you can enjoy the locals' beach without any worries. In a swimsuit, head to Bikini Beach in the north of the island: it's the only beach where it's allowed.
Is it possible to go snorkeling from the beach in Maalhos?
Yes, the reef starts just a few meters from the shore of Bikini Beach: you can go there whenever you want with your mask and fins. And for night snorkeling on the reef with a guide, expect to pay 25 $ per person.
How much does a night in Maalhos cost?
At Thundi Ocean View, prices start from 90 $ per night for two people including breakfast, or 110 $ including breakfast and lunch, depending on the season. A green tax of 6 $ per person per night is added.
Is there an ATM in Maalhos?
No, there are no ATMs on the island. Bring enough cash, preferably in dollars: exchange your euros before you leave.
How many days should I stay in Maalhos?
Four nights were enough for me to enjoy the island and do the excursions without rushing. And since they depend on the weather and the animals, having a few days to spare increases your chances of doing everything.
Maalhos offered me exactly what I was looking for in the Maldives: tranquility, authenticity, and underwater encounters I won't soon forget. Have a question about Maalhos? Leave it in the comments, and I'll answer.
Transparency: There were four of us, and my stay at the Thundi Ocean View was offered to me for two people as part of a collaboration. We paid for the other two. My opinion remains 100% sincere.
As a photographer and content creator based near Paris, I share my Muslim-friendly travels, detailed budgets, and tried-and-tested addresses here to help you plan your own trips with peace of mind.
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