Every local island in the Maldives is unique.
We’ve chosen destinations that combine beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, friendly atmosphere, and the true spirit of island life.
Explore the islands we offer below.
My husband and I began exploring the local islands of the Maldives in Ari Atoll.
Located not far from Malé, most islands here can be reached by speedboat in 1–1.5 hours.
Many islands offer beautiful house reefs, and from these islands, you can join snorkelling trips with manta rays, turtles, and whale sharks, as well as many other excursions depending on your interests.
Our journey started with Thoddoo, followed by Ukulhas and Dhigurah.
Each island has its own character — and each offers something special.
Thoddoo is a large island known for its fruit plantations, especially watermelons and papayas. There are two bikini beaches located on the west and northeast sides of the island. The main bikini beach is wide and surrounded by tropical vegetation. It offers lovely sunset views.
You’ll find many cafés and restaurants in Thoddoo, along with a good selection of excursions.
Bicycles are very popular here and are a convenient way to explore the island.
Thoddoo — Excursions & Activities
Thoddoo offers plenty of ways to explore beyond the island itself. Snorkelling trips can take you in search of manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles and whale sharks, while sandbank visits and fishing trips offer a different way to spend time on the water. Traditional fishing followed by a freshly prepared dinner is also among the experiences available.
For a change of scenery, you can join a resort day visit or simply explore Thoddoo at your own pace by bicycle — one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to get around the island. Some excursions also include underwater photos or videos, adding another way to capture your time in the Maldives.
Distance from Malé
Approximately 65 km
Around 1–1.5 hours by speedboat
Transfer options
Scheduled speedboat
Private speedboat
Seaplane (twice a week)
Ukulhas offers a nice balance between local life and tourist comfort.
The island has a long bikini beach, many excursion centers, and a variety of restaurants.
In the evenings, you can often see nurse sharks and stingrays near the jetty when fishermen return with their catch.
Ukulhas — Excursions & Activities
Ukulhas has a particularly wide variety of excursions and activities. You can join snorkelling trips in search of manta rays, nurse sharks and other marine life, take a dolphin cruise or travel further across Ari Atoll on a whale shark excursion. Sandbank trips, picnic island visits, island hopping, fishing and sunset cruises offer plenty of other ways to experience the surrounding ocean.
Diving and watersports such as kayaking, SUP and jet skiing are also available, while those interested in local culture can discover experiences such as Maldivian cooking and traditional Bodu Beru. Romantic dinners by the sea, resort day visits and photography or drone services may also be available during your stay.
Distance from Malé
Approximately 70 km
Around 1–1.5 hours by speedboat
Transfer options
Scheduled speedboat
Private speedboat
Dhigurah is an exceptionally long island with a beautiful sandbank and a long bikini beach. It’s one of the best places in the Maldives to see whale sharks year-round.
The island is rich in vegetation and has several cafés, restaurants, and small plantations.
Dhigurah — Excursions & Activities
Dhigurah is especially known for its marine life, with whale shark excursions among the island’s signature experiences. Depending on conditions, you can also join trips in search of manta rays, turtles, nurse sharks and dolphins, explore the house reef or head out on a wider snorkelling safari.
Beyond snorkelling, Dhigurah offers scuba diving, sunrise and sunset fishing, sandbank picnics and boat trips, as well as quieter activities such as canoeing and SUP. Cooking classes, massages, photography and special dinners under the stars can add something different to your stay, while longer full-day excursions offer the chance to explore even more of the surrounding atolls.
Distance from Malé
Approximately 100 km
Around 1.5–2 hours by speedboat
Transfer options
Scheduled speedboat
Private speedboat
Domestic flight + short speedboat
Seaplane to the nearby resort + speed boat
Excursions and activities vary between islands, giving each destination its own possibilities for exploring the Maldives beyond the beach.
At Kandu Roots, we can help you combine your island stay with selected excursions and experiences based on your interests and travel style.
