Maafushi - the real Maldives, by locals

Just 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Maafushi sits on the edge of South Malé Atoll with turquoise lagoons, sandbanks and coral reefs all around it. In 2010 it became one of the first local islands to open its doors to guesthouse travellers - and it has been welcoming the world ever since.

Unlike a resort, Maafushi is home to a real island community: a school, a mosque, family cafés and fishing boats in the harbour. Staying here means seeing everyday Maldivian life, eating where locals eat and paying fair local prices - with the same white sand and clear water the Maldives is famous for.

Maafushi Adventures is operated locally on the island. Our crew are from the community, and when you book with us your money stays here - supporting local jobs, boat owners and island businesses rather than leaving the island.