Summary
Fulidhoo is a compact, budget-friendly local island recently explored in the Maldives, alongside Dhigurah island, renowned for its stunning beaches and sandbar.
In addition to scuba diving, the primary attraction in Fulidhoo is the shark and stingray beach, where visitors can observe nurse sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays in the shallow waters and capture photographs with these marine creatures.
Furthermore, Fulidhoo offers the signature white sandy beaches and clear azure waters typical of the Maldives. Family-operated accommodations are available for as low as $60 USD per night, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a tropical getaway on a budget.
This travel guide will outline how to reach Fulidhoo island, activities available, accommodation options, and all pertinent information you need prior to your visit!
Table of Contents show
Where To Stay In Fulidhoo
How To Get To Fulidhoo Island
Since Fulidhoo lacks an airport, the initial step is to fly into the capital of the Maldives at Male International Airport (MLE), located approximately 55 kilometers (35 miles) from Fulidhoo.
Subsequently, you can travel by speedboat or ferry directly to Fulidhoo.
Swimming with a stingray in Fulidhoo!
• By Public Speedboat
The primary mode of transportation to Fulidhoo is through public speedboats, which is the option we chose. Daily departures occur in the morning and afternoon from Male airport and the city.
The speedboat journey to Fulidhoo takes just under 1.5 hours and costs approximately $40 USD per person one way. Although the ride can be bumpy, it tends to vary according to weather conditions.
On a positive note, the vessels are new with comfortable seating. Additionally, they provide toilet facilities, ample storage for luggage, and complimentary bottled water during the journey.
The boats from Male to Fulidhoo depart at 10 AM and 4 PM (Fridays at 9:30 AM only). Return trips from Fulidhoo to Male occur at 7:30 AM and 1:30 PM (Fridays at 7 AM only).
However, it is essential to note that multiple speedboat companies operate this route, and the schedule can occasionally change. Therefore, it is advisable to verify the timetable with your hotel prior to departure.
Additionally, you may request your hotel in Fulidhoo to arrange the speedboat service, settling the payment with your room bill upon arrival. This arrangement, as we did, facilitates convenience by allowing payment via credit card, alleviating the need to carry substantial cash.
• By Private Speedboat
Chartering a private speedboat is considerably more expensive than public options; however, it may offer greater convenience particularly for groups of four or five looking for a direct connection to Fulidhoo island.
This can typically be arranged through your hotel in Fulidhoo.
• By Public Ferry
You may also opt for the public ferry from Male to Fulidhoo. While this option is slower than the speedboats, it is much more economical. The ferry journey to Fulidhoo takes around 4 hours and costs $5 USD for a one-way ticket.
Ferry departures occur from Male to Fulidhoo on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 10 AM, returning from Fulidhoo to Male on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:30 AM.
The ferry schedule may vary, so it is prudent to confirm the current timetable with your hotel. Advance ticket purchases are not available; hence, it is wise to arrive early to secure a seat.
The ferry operates from the Hulhumale ferry terminal in Male city (map here). Note that this terminal is not located in Hulhumale, despite sharing the same name. A 10-minute taxi ride from the airport will take you there.
Side note: If traveling from Maafushi island, you can take the ferry directly to Fulidhoo, avoiding the need to transit through Male.
How To Get Around The Island
Due to its small size, Fulidhoo is easily navigated on foot.
No vehicles operate on the island; transportation consists mainly of small electric buggies designated for transporting luggage from the pier to hotels.
The island measures only about 700 meters in length and 250 meters in width, allowing guests to walk to any hotel from the beach or pier within 5 minutes, or to circumnavigate the island on foot in less than 30 minutes.
Shark & Stingray Beach
The primary attraction in Fulidhoo is the shark and stingray beach. This expansive beach extends along the southwestern side of the island, identified on Google Maps as ‘stingray observation point.’
Stingrays congregate at this beach daily and nightly, drawn by the scraps discarded by fishermen, while nurse sharks or sea turtles often accompany them.
While sightings cannot be guaranteed, during our two-day stay, we consistently observed stingrays at the beach, as corroborated by others who reported similar experiences.
We observed more than a dozen rays simultaneously—a delightful encounter. Visitors can either observe from the shore or take pictures with them in the shallow waters. It is advisable to refrain from touching them, although contact initiated by the stingrays is permissible.
Shark & stingray beach
Is It Safe?
This concern was prevalent prior to our visit. Is proximity to sharks and stingrays safe? This is a valid inquiry. It is important to note that the sharks found around Fulidhoo are nurse sharks, which generally pose little threat to humans.
As for the stingrays, although many recall the unfortunate incident involving Steve Irwin, it is essential to view that situation as an anomaly. Steve’s actions in pursuing the ray in the water likely triggered a defensive response.
Stingrays are typically docile creatures; as long as one avoids stepping on them, chasing, or otherwise endangering them, they are unlikely to cause harm. Additionally, the waters here are quite shallow.
While it is impossible to claim absolute safety, many tourists visit Fulidhoo daily to observe and photograph stingrays without incident.
Drone photo featuring the stingrays
More Things To Do In Fulidhoo
- East Beach / Bikini Beach: The eastern beach, characterized by soft white sand and turquoise waters, is the main beach in Fulidhoo. This beach welcomes tourists to wear swimsuits and sunbathe. The calm waves facilitate a safe swimming environment for children, despite the limited shade available.
- Sunset View Point: For those inclined to stroll, the western edge of the island offers spectacular views of the sunset.
- Banyan Tree: Positioned centrally on the island is a grand banyan tree with expansive roots, providing shade over a volleyball court. For those staying at the Huvan Inn, this tree is conveniently located just outside.
- Scuba Diving: The Fulidhoo area is famous for scuba diving, where one can encounter reef sharks, manta rays, octopuses, and various marine species. Reputable dive shops include Fulidhoo Dive and Divers Lodge.
- Resort Excursions: Local hotels can organize half-day excursions to nearby luxury resorts, allowing guests to experience the opulence of the Maldives without incurring the full costs. These packages generally encompass transportation, access to the resort’s facilities, including pool and spa, as well as allowances for dining and beverages.
- Additional Activities: Fulidhoo offers snorkeling tours to shipwreck sites and the option for picnicking on sandbars. Excursions to observe whale sharks and dolphins are also available.
How Long To Stay
Given Fulidhoo’s diminutive size, the majority of visitors find that a stay of 2 to 3 days suffices, although extending one’s visit is also beneficial. Our 2-day stay was adequate, yet spending less than a day may be insufficient.
A considerable number of tourists arrive on excursions from other islands to witness the sharks and stingrays; however, we observed these groups seeming to rush through their experience.
Most tour groups departed after merely 30 minutes on the island, a timeframe too brief to explore or take quality photographs. We were relieved to avoid this hurried approach, and I believe it is preferable to remain on the island for at least one or two days.
Nurse shark in the shallows
Other Tips For Visiting Fulidhoo
- Permits: A travel permit is no longer necessary to visit non-resort islands in the Maldives, including Fulidhoo.
- ATM: Currently, there is no ATM on Fulidhoo island, so it is advisable to bring sufficient cash for your stay or utilize the ATM at the airport in Male.
- Currency: The US Dollar is widely accepted throughout the island; however, exchanging for Maldivian Rufiyaa may yield marginally improved rates. Nonetheless, Rufiyaa cannot be utilized outside the Maldives, making it prudent to avoid surplus currency at the journey’s end. A currency exchange is not available in Fulidhoo, so it is best to do this at Male airport.
- Credit Cards: It is wise to confirm, but many hotels in Fulidhoo allow full payment by credit card, including speedboat transfers. Our accommodation offered this option. A transaction fee may apply (ranging from 3 to 5 percent), but many find it worthwhile to avoid the burden of carrying ample cash. Nevertheless, please note that restaurants and minimarkets in Fulidhoo typically do not accept cards, necessitating cash transactions for such venues.
- Alcohol: As the Maldives is a Muslim nation, alcohol is prohibited on local islands such as Fulidhoo; however, it is obtainable during excursions to nearby resort islands.
- Dress Code: Fulidhoo enforces a conservative dress code since the majority of residents are local. Swimsuits and revealing attire are only permissible at the designated ‘bikini beach.’ Although some visitors flout this regulation, compliance is advisable to avoid potential issues, and covering up is recommended when away from the beach.
- Mosque: An operational mosque exists on the island but is generally quiet and unobtrusive.
- Electricity: During our stay at a budget hotel in Fulidhoo, we enjoyed continuous electricity in our accommodation.
- Cell Service: Decent 4G reception was available throughout Fulidhoo island via Ooredoo (through T-Mobile).
- WiFi: Fulidhoo provides rapid and dependable WiFi, even in budget accommodations.
- Drones: While many upscale resorts in the Maldives prohibit drone usage, the local environment of Fulidhoo allowed for seamless operation without any complications.
- Mosquitoes: While we encountered some mosquitoes at outdoor dining establishments, they were largely absent from the beach and hotels. We utilized insect repellent while dining outside, but overall, it was unnecessary.
- Malaria: The Maldives has been malaria-free since 1984, alleviating concerns over that illness, though some vigilance regarding dengue fever is advisable.
- Safety: The Maldives generally affords a high level of safety, boasting one of the lowest murder rates globally. We personally felt secure throughout our visit and have not encountered any adverse incidents on the island.
- Hospital: Fulidhoo has a small health center; however, in case of a serious emergency, treatment would necessitate a trip to the hospital in Malé.
- Where To Eat: Several commendable restaurants on Fulidhoo offer a mix of local and western dishes at reasonable prices. Consider visiting Cafe De Orzo, Faru Cafe, and Bougainvillea Beach Restaurant.
Fulidhoo Hotels
Best Time To Visit The Maldives
The dry season in the Maldives spans from January to April, representing the optimal period to visit Fulidhoo, as the climate is characterized by reduced rainfall and increased sunshine.
Although the influx of tourists is greater during this season, our visit in January did not feel overcrowded.
The wettest months occur from September to December; while visiting Fulidhoo during this timeframe is feasible, the likelihood of rain increases.
Our experiences on Fulidhoo island were quite enjoyable.
Thank you for reviewing this travel guide for Fulidhoo island in the Maldives. Observing the amiable sharks and stingrays at the beach was indeed a delightful experience.
Please also refer to my guide for Dhigurah island, another local island explored during our Maldives trip, which we personally found to be even more captivating than Fulidhoo!
