Welcome to the Maldives and our

local island Maafushi

The Maldives

has over 1,190 beautiful islands formed by ancient underwater volcanoes. These include empty natural islands, sandbanks, and local islands where the friendly Maldivian people live. Most atolls are surrounded by a stunning circular coral reef. The country covers 99,000 square kilometers, but only 298 square kilometers is land; the rest is the Indian Ocean.

Interesting to note, the Maldives stretches 820 kilometers from north to south and 130 kilometers from east to west. A flight from the north to the south takes about 2.5 hours. It's close to India and Sri Lanka and is the lowest country in the world, just 1 to 3 meters above sea level, making it vulnerable to climate change. Many islands could disappear into the ocean due to rising sea levels. With no hills or mountains, 80% of the land is only 1 meter above sea level, and the longest island is 8 kilometers long, while most are just 1 to 2 square kilometers.

In tourism, 167 of the islands have luxury resorts mostly run by big hotel brands, while 60 local islands offer guesthouses and hotels for tourists.

Welcome to Maafushi — Your Island Home Base!

Just 25 km from Malé and the airport, Maafushi is one of the most vibrant and accessible local islands in the Maldives. It’s not about luxury resorts or picture-perfect beaches — it’s about real island life, adventure, and connection.

I chose Maafushi as our base, because of its friendly community, buzzing local vibe, and perfect location for exploring the best of the Maldives. It’s the ideal base for island hopping, water sports, and unforgettable trips — from swimming with dolphins to exploring hidden sandbanks.

If you're looking for a place where you can truly experience the Maldives like a local (and make some new friends along the way), Maafushi is where your journey begins.

Useful Information for Your Trip to the Maldives

🔌 Electricity
Voltage is 230V with Type D and G plugs (UK-style). Bring an adapter if needed!

💵 Currency
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted on local islands. Always carry small change, especially for local shops.

💳 ATMs & Payments
ATMs are available on larger local islands and in Malé, but not always on smaller islands. Card payments are accepted at most guesthouses and tour operators — but cash is still king in many local places.

📶 Internet & SIM Cards
Most guesthouses offer free Wi-Fi, but speeds may vary. For better coverage, buy a local SIM card (Dhiraagu or Ooredoo) at the airport. Affordable data packages are available.

🌞 Sun & Weather
The Maldives has a tropical climate — hot and humid all year round. Protect yourself with reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The sun is very strong, even on cloudy days!

🍽️ Food
Expect lots of fresh seafood, coconut, rice, and curry. Local dishes are flavorful and often spicy. Western options are available, but local eateries offer a more authentic (and affordable) taste.

👕 Clothing
Light, breathable clothing is best. Swimwear is allowed on designated tourist beaches only — cover up in public spaces and local villages out of respect for Maldivian culture.
Tip: Bring a sarong or light scarf for quick cover-ups.

🚭 Cigarettes & Alcohol

  • Cigarettes can be brought into the country (limit: 200 per person) and purchased on local islands. Vapes are prohibited.

  • Alcohol is prohibited on local islands (by law) but available in resorts and on certain “floating bars” near some local islands.
    You cannot bring alcohol into the Maldives — it will be confiscated at customs.

🕌 Religion & Culture
The Maldives is a 100% Muslim country. Respect local customs — especially during Ramadan — and dress modestly when walking through local communities.

📅 Friday Closures
Friday is a holy day in the Maldives. Expect limited services and altered ferry schedules. Most local businesses reopen after Friday prayers (around 2 PM).

🚤 Transportation
Public ferries, speedboats, and domestic flights connect the islands. Plan transfers in advance, especially if you're arriving late or on a Friday.

💧 Water & Health
Tap water is not drinkable. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Consider bringing electrolytes or rehydration salts if you’re out in the sun a lot.

🔐 Safety
The Maldives is generally very safe for travelers. Still, respect local norms, avoid walking alone late at night in unknown areas, and never touch or step on coral while snorkeling or diving.