Fuvahmulah is a small island in the Maldives, but it has a lot to offer to travellers who are looking for something different. Unlike the other islands in the Maldives, which are part of coral atolls, Fuvahmulah is a single island that sits on its own submerged volcano. This gives it a distinctive landscape, with features such as freshwater lakes, pebble beaches, and lush vegetation.
Fuvahmulah is also home to a vibrant and friendly community, with a rich history and culture that reflects its diverse influences. Whether you are interested in nature, adventure, culture, or cuisine, Fuvahmulah has something for everyone. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Fuvahmulah and how to plan your trip.
How to Reach Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, about 494 km from the capital, Male. There are two ways to get to Fuvahmulah: by flight or by ferry.
By flight:
The easiest and fastest way to reach Fuvahmulah is by taking a domestic flight from Male International Airport. There are daily flights operated by Flyme and Maldivian airlines, which take about an hour and a half. The flight costs around $200 USD per person for a round trip. You can book your tickets online or through a travel agent. The flight offers a spectacular view of the Maldivian islands and the turquoise ocean. Once you land at Fuvahmulah Airport, you can take a taxi or a bike to your accommodation, which is usually within 10 minutes.
By ferry:
The cheaper but longer way to reach Fuvahmulah is by taking a ferry from Male. There are weekly ferries operated by MTCC, which take about 24 hours. The ferry costs around $40 USD per person for a round trip. You can buy your tickets at the MTCC counter at Male’s Villingili Ferry Terminal. The ferry is a great way to experience the local life and meet new people, but it can also be crowded, noisy, and uncomfortable. You should also be prepared for possible delays or cancellations due to weather conditions. Once you arrive at Fuvahmulah Harbour, you can take a taxi or a bike to your accommodation, which is usually within 15 minutes.
Where to Stay in Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from guesthouses, hotels, or resorts, depending on your needs and expectations.
Guesthouses:
Guesthouses are the most affordable and authentic way to stay in Fuvahmulah. They are usually run by local families, who offer warm hospitality and personal service. You can expect clean and comfortable rooms, with basic amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and hot water. Some guesthouses also provide meals, laundry, and airport transfers. You can also interact with the hosts and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. Some of the best guesthouses in Fuvahmulah are Fuvahmulah Inn, Huvan Beach, and Moodhu Bulhaa. The average price for a guesthouse is around $50 USD per night for a double room.
Hotels:
Hotels are a more luxurious and convenient way to stay in Fuvahmulah. They offer more facilities and services, such as restaurants, bars, spas, and pools. You can enjoy more privacy and comfort, with spacious and stylish rooms, equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. Some hotels also arrange activities and excursions for their guests, such as diving, fishing, and island hopping. Some of the best hotels in Fuvahmulah are Fuvahmulah City Hotel, Canareef Resort Maldives, and The Barefoot Eco Hotel. The average price for a hotel is around $150 USD per night for a double room.
Resorts:
Resorts are the most expensive and exclusive way to stay in Fuvahmulah. They offer the ultimate luxury and indulgence, with stunning locations, elegant design, and impeccable service. You can experience the best of the Maldives, with private villas, overwater bungalows, and infinity pools. You can also pamper yourself with world-class amenities, such as gourmet restaurants, spa treatments, and yoga classes. Some resorts also offer special packages and deals, such as honeymoon, all-inclusive, and family-friendly. Some of the best resorts in Fuvahmulah are Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, The Residence Maldives, and Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. The average price for a resort is around $500 USD per night for a double room.
What to Do in Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah has a variety of things to do, that cater to different interests and tastes. You can explore the natural beauty, enjoy the adventure, experience the culture, or savour the cuisine of Fuvahmulah. Here are some of the top 10 things to do in Fuvahmulah:
Scuba diving:
Fuvahmulah is a paradise for scuba divers, as it has a unique underwater landscape, with features such as drop-offs, caves, and channels. You can see a diverse and abundant marine life, including rare and endangered species such as tiger sharks, thresher sharks, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, and turtles. You can also explore some of the wrecks and reefs that lie around the island. There are several dive sites to choose from, such as Tiger Zoo, Nilandhoo Kandu, and Dhevana Kandu. You can also take diving courses and rent equipment from the local dive centres, such as Fuvahmulah Dive School, Dive Different, and Tiger Marine.
Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is another way to enjoy the underwater beauty of Fuvahmulah, without having to go too deep. You can snorkel along the shore, or take a boat to some of the nearby spots, where you can see colourful corals, fish, and other creatures. You can also snorkel with some of the larger animals, such as dolphins, sharks, and rays, if you are lucky and brave enough. You can also rent snorkeling gear from the local shops, or join a guided tour with the local operators, such as Fuvahmulah Tours, Maldives Diving Adventure, and Ocean Addicts.
Surfing:
Fuvahmulah is a hidden gem for surfers, as it has some of the best and most consistent waves in the Maldives. You can surf all year round, with different seasons offering different conditions and challenges. You can find waves for all levels, from beginners to experts, with breaks such as Beach Break, Cokes, and Riyadh. You can also take surfing lessons and rent boards from the local surf schools, such as Fuvahmulah Surf School, Surf Camp Maldives, and Surfing Maldives.
Fishing:
Fishing is a popular and traditional activity in Fuvahmulah, as it is a major source of income and food for the locals. You can join them and try your luck and skill, by fishing from the shore, or taking a boat to the deeper waters. You can catch a variety of fish, such as tuna, snapper, grouper, and barracuda. You can also try some of the more adventurous and exciting fishing methods, such as spearfishing, fly fishing, and big game fishing. You can also book a fishing trip with the local fishing charters, such as Fuvahmulah Fishing, Maldives Fishing Charters, and Big Fish Maldives.
Biking:
Biking is a fun and easy way to explore Fuvahmulah, as it is a small and flat island, with good roads and paths. You can bike around the island, and see the different sights and scenes, such as the beaches, lakes, farms, and villages. You can also stop and interact with the locals, and learn more about their culture and lifestyle. You can also bike to some of the more remote and hidden spots, such as the Bandaara Kilhi and the Dhadimagi Kilhi, which are two freshwater lakes that are home to various birds and plants. You can rent bikes from the local shops, or join a guided tour with the local operators, such as Fuvahmulah Bike Tour, Maldives Bike Tour, and Bike Maldives.
Hiking:
Hiking is another way to discover Fuvahmulah, as it has some of the most scenic and diverse trails in the Maldives. You can hike through the lush and green vegetation, and see the different flora and fauna, such as coconut palms, banana trees, orchids, and ferns. You can also hike to some of the higher points of the island, such as the Thundi and the Thoondu, which are two pebble beaches that offer stunning views of the ocean and the horizon. You can also hike to some of the historical and religious sites, such as the Buddhist Stupa, the Havitta, and the Mosques, which showcase the ancient and diverse heritage of Fuvahmulah. You can rent hiking gear from the local shops, or join a guided tour with the local operators, such as Fuvahmulah Hiking, Maldives Hiking, and Hike Maldives.
Wildlife watching:
Wildlife watching is a unique and rewarding activity in Fuvahmulah, as it has a rich and varied wildlife, both on land and in water. You can see a variety of birds, bats, and other animals, that are endemic or rare in the Maldives. You can also see some of the endangered and protected species, such as the Fuvahmulah Giant Trevally, the Fuvahmulah Flying Fox, and the Fuvahmulah Magpie. You can also visit some of the conservation and research centres, such as the Fuvahmulah Nature Park, the Fuvahmulah Turtle Watch, and the Fuvahmulah Shark Research Centre, where you can learn more about the wildlife and their conservation efforts. You can also book a wildlife tour with the local guides, such as Fuvahmulah Wildlife, Maldives Wildlife, and Wild Maldives.
Culture and cuisine:
Culture and cuisine are two of the most important and enjoyable aspects of Fuvahmulah, as they reflect the identity and diversity of the island. You can experience the culture and cuisine of Fuvahmulah, by visiting the local markets, museums, and festivals. You can also interact with the locals, and learn more about their traditions, customs, and beliefs. You can also taste the local cuisine, which is influenced by various cuisines, such as Indian, Sri Lankan, Arabic, and Chinese. You can try some of the specialties, such as Mas Huni (tuna salad with coconut and onion), Bis Keemiya (pastry with tuna and egg filling), Rihaakuru (fish paste), and Bondi (coconut candy). You can also visit some of the best restaurants and cafes in Fuvahmulah, such as Fuvahmulah Bistro, Cafe de Fuvahmulah, and Fuvahmulah Seafood.
When to Visit Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah has a tropical climate, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. The average temperature is around 28°C, and the average rainfall is around 200 mm per month. However, there are some variations in the weather, depending on the seasons and the monsoons. The best time to visit Fuvahmulah depends on your preferences and activities, but generally, the following months are considered the best:
November to April:
This is the dry season, with less rain and more sunshine. This is also the peak season, with more tourists and higher prices. This is the best time to visit Fuvahmulah, if you want to enjoy the beach, the water sports, and the festivals. Some of the festivals that take place during this time are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day, and Independence Day.
May to October:
This is the wet season, with more rain and less sunshine. This is also the low season, with fewer tourists and lower prices. This is the best time to visit Fuvahmulah, if you want to avoid the crowds, the heat, and the bugs. This is also the best time to visit Fuvahmulah, if you want to see the wildlife, especially the sharks and the rays, as they are more active and visible during this time.
Fuvahmulah is a hidden gem of the Maldives, that offers a unique and unforgettable experience to travellers who are looking for something different. Fuvahmulah has a stunning natural beauty, a rich culture, and a diverse range of activities, that cater to all kinds of interests and tastes. Fuvahmulah is a destination that you should not miss, if you want to discover the best of the Maldives.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Fuvahmulah today, and get ready to have the time of your life. And don’t forget to share your experience with us, by leaving a comment below, or by tagging us on social media. We would love to hear from you. Happy travels!