Maldives local island comparison worksheet

How to use the worksheet

Filter the list by atoll, by transfer type (shared speedboat, public ferry, domestic flight, domestic flight plus boat, or seaplane), or tick "Bikini beach reported". Then tick up to three islands.

The table shows atoll, every transfer from Male with its time and price, bikini beach, what the island is known for, who it is good for, and considerations. Transfers with an unconfirmed time or price are shown in orange.

The page link updates as you pick, so "Copy link" shares the same comparison. You can also download a CSV or print the table. If you are still deciding between a guesthouse and a resort, the resort or local island quiz is the better first step.

The data behind it

The island file was researched on 11 October 2026 from government atoll listings, guesthouse and operator pages and booking listings. It covers 45 inhabited local islands, from Kaafu near Male to Addu in the far south.

Each island lists the fields we have not yet confirmed. The worksheet shows a plain value when confirmed, "Reported: ... Check with your guesthouse" when a secondary source gives a value, and "Check with your guesthouse" when the file has nothing yet.

A few rules apply to every local island and are worth keeping in mind as you compare:

• Small guesthouses (50 rooms or fewer) charge Green Tax of USD 6 per guest per night, half the resort rate.
• Public ferries are cheap but slow, and do not run on Fridays. Shared speedboats run less often on Fridays too.
• Dress modestly in public, with swimwear on the bikini beach only.

Worked example 1: a first trip near Male

Two friends with four nights tick Maafushi and Dhigurah. Maafushi is in Kaafu Atoll, about 30 to 45 minutes by shared speedboat at USD 20 to 30 per seat one way, with a bikini beach reported. It is known for the largest guesthouse scene and day trips to sandbanks.

Dhigurah is in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. The shared speedboat takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and is reported at USD 50 to 65 per person one way, or there is a domestic flight of about 20 minutes plus a short boat. It is known for whale shark trips in the South Ari Marine Protected Area.

For four nights, Maafushi keeps transfer time and cost low. Dhigurah is worth the longer trip if whale sharks are the main reason for going.

Worked example 2: spotting what to ask

A couple adds Thoddoo to the comparison. Its row shows shared speedboat and public ferry as options, but transfer time, fare and bikini beach all say "Check with your guesthouse".

That is useful in itself: before booking, ask the guesthouse for the speedboat time from Male, the fare per person and the days it runs, and whether there is a bikini beach. Thoddoo is known for farming, especially watermelons and papaya, and suits budget travellers.

Then run the island nights through the four-night holiday planner to see whether a longer boat ride still leaves enough time on the island.

Who it suits, and what to do next

The worksheet suits travellers comparing guesthouse islands, including Muslim families who want a relaxed, alcohol-free setting and budget travellers. Those who need a private villa or a kids club will be better served by the resort comparison worksheet.

Once you have a shortlist, confirm boat times for your arrival day with the flight arrival and transfer planner, and read more in the local island travel hub.