Pick the right island first. The guesthouse is the easy part.
Every local island has a different feel — some have a house reef off the beach, some are ten minutes from Malé, some are a three-hour boat ride and worth it. Here's what each one is actually like.
Original footage by The Little Francis
Not sure where to go?
Take the 1-minute quiz and find the local island that fits your budget, pace and plans.
Explore the Maldives, island by island
Search, filter and compare local islands on the map — or switch to the list. Both use the same data.
Transport options will be confirmed during trip planning.
All islands shown on the map
Gaafu Alifu Atoll
Gemanafushi
Where our team lives. Quiet local island in the deep south, reached by domestic flight to Kooddoo and a boat transfer.
Travel time: approx. 1 h domestic flight Malé → Kooddoo + approx. 30 min speedboat
Price from: guesthouses from approx. USD 45 per night (May–Oct) / USD 60 (Nov–Apr), usually with breakfast
Indicative prices, transfers extra. Confirm current prices and boat times with each provider, or ask us for advice.
Explore Gemanafushi →South Ari Atoll
Whale sharks year-round, the biggest cluster of guesthouse islands outside Malé.
All of South Ari Atoll →Kaafu Atoll
Closest to the airport — Maafushi, Gulhi, Thulusdhoo and the surf breaks.
All of Kaafu Atoll →Baa Atoll
UNESCO biosphere reserve, manta season in Hanifaru Bay.
All of Baa Atoll →Weather right now
What's the sky doing over Malé
The five-day forecasts cover Malé and Kooddoo, the forecast point used for Gemanafushi. Weather varies between atolls: the forecast for Malé is not a reliable guide to conditions across the Maldives. Check the forecast for your destination before travelling.
When to go: seasons and monsoons →Seasons and monsoons in Malé
The Maldives swings between two monsoons rather than four seasons — one year at a glance:
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Live from the islands
- Kuredu Island beachLhaviyani Atoll
- Veligandu sunset beachNorth Ari Atoll
- Kandooma FushiSouth Malé Atoll
- Velaa island 24/7Noonu Atoll
Resort-run cameras, opened on the provider's site. Views change with weather and daylight.