Are you looking for a perfect getaway in the Maldives that offers you the best of both worlds: a stunning and serene beach and a vibrant and diverse reef? If yes, then Guraidhoo Island is the place for you. Guraidhoo Island is a small and charming island in the Kaafu Atoll, also known as the South Male Atoll, in the Maldives. It is a popular destination for travellers who want to experience the authentic and cultural side of the Maldives, as well as enjoy the amazing water activities and nature attractions.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Guraidhoo Island, including why you should visit it, what you can do there, how you can get there, where you can stay there, and when you should go there. Read on to discover why Guraidhoo Island is a stunning and serene paradise in the Maldives.
Why Visit Guraidhoo Island
Guraidhoo Island has many benefits and unique features that make it an ideal holiday destination for anyone who loves the sun, the sea, and the sand. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit Guraidhoo Island:
Guraidhoo Beach: A Picturesque and Pristine Beach with Crystal Clear Water and White Sand
Guraidhoo Beach is one of the main attractions of Guraidhoo Island. It is a long and wide beach that stretches along the eastern side of the island. It has crystal clear water and white sand that sparkle under the sun. It is a perfect place to relax, swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean and the sky. Guraidhoo Beach is also a great place to watch the sunrise and the sunset, as well as the stars at night. You can also find some local shops and cafes along the beach, where you can buy souvenirs, snacks, and drinks.
Picnic Island: A Private and Peaceful Island with Lush Greenery and Amazing Views
Picnic Island, also known as Biyadhoo Island, is a small and uninhabited island that is located just a few minutes away from Guraidhoo Island by boat. It is a private and peaceful island that is surrounded by lush greenery and turquoise water. It is a perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. You can rent the whole island for a day and have a picnic, a barbecue, or a party. You can also explore the island and discover its hidden gems, such as a lagoon, a cave, and a coconut plantation.
House Reef: A Vibrant and Diverse Reef with Colorful Fish and Corals
Guraidhoo Island has a house reef that is easily accessible from the beach. It is a vibrant and diverse reef that is home to many colorful fish and corals. You can snorkel or dive in the reef and marvel at the beauty and variety of the marine life. You can also spot some rare and exotic species, such as turtles, rays, sharks, and dolphins. The house reef is also a great place to learn and practice snorkeling and diving, as there are many instructors and guides available on the island.
Surf Beach: An Adventurous and Fun Beach with Challenging Waves and Surfing Opportunities
Guraidhoo Island has a surf beach that is located on the western side of the island. It is an adventurous and fun beach that has challenging waves and surfing opportunities. It is a popular spot for surfers who want to test their skills and have some thrill. The surf beach has a reef break that produces consistent and powerful waves, especially during the southwest monsoon season from May to October. You can rent or bring your own surfboard and enjoy the ride. You can also find some surf camps and schools on the island, where you can learn and improve your surfing techniques.
Local Experience: A Cultural and Authentic Experience with Friendly Locals and Delicious Cuisine
Guraidhoo Island is a cultural and authentic island that has a friendly and welcoming local community. You can experience the local life and culture of the Maldives by interacting with the locals, visiting the mosque, the school, and the market, and joining the local events and festivals. You can also taste the delicious and diverse cuisine of the Maldives by trying the local dishes, such as mas huni, bis keemiya, garudhiya, and hedhikaa. You can also learn how to cook some of the dishes by joining a cooking class or a workshop.
How to Get to Guraidhoo Island
Guraidhoo Island is easy and convenient to reach from the capital city of Male and the international airport of Velana. There are two main transportation options to get to Guraidhoo Island: ferry and speedboat. Here are the details of each option:
Ferry to Guraidhoo Island: A Cheap and Convenient Option with Daily Services
The ferry is a cheap and convenient option to get to Guraidhoo Island. It is a public boat that operates daily from Male to Guraidhoo and vice versa. The ferry departs from the Villingili Ferry Terminal in Male at 2:30 pm and arrives at Guraidhoo Island at 5:30 pm. The return ferry departs from Guraidhoo Island at 7:00 am and arrives at Male at 10:00 am. The ferry costs 22 MVR (about 1.4 USD) per person one way. The ferry can accommodate up to 50 passengers and has a luggage limit of 20 kg per person. The ferry is a comfortable and scenic way to travel to Guraidhoo Island, as you can enjoy the views of the ocean and the islands along the way.
Speedboat to Guraidhoo Island: A Fast and Flexible Option with Multiple Departures
The speedboat is a fast and flexible option to get to Guraidhoo Island. It is a private boat that operates multiple times a day from Male and the airport to Guraidhoo and vice versa. The speedboat departs from the Jetty No. 6 in Male or the Airport Jetty in Velana at 8:00 am, 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:00 pm. The return speedboat departs from Guraidhoo Island at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm. The speedboat costs 25 USD per person one way. The speedboat can accommodate up to 15 passengers and has no luggage limit. The speedboat is a quick and convenient way to travel to Guraidhoo Island, as it takes only 45 minutes to reach the island.
Where to Stay in Guraidhoo Island
Guraidhoo Island has many guest houses that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the guest house recommendations, prices, and facilities for Guraidhoo Island:
Guraidhoo Palm Inn: A Cozy and Comfortable Guest House with Free Wi-Fi and Breakfast
Guraidhoo Palm Inn is a cozy and comfortable guest house that is located near the beach and the market. It has 10 rooms that are equipped with air-conditioning, fan, TV, mini-fridge, and private bathroom. The guest house also has a restaurant, a garden, a terrace, and a shared lounge. The guest house offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, as well as airport transfers, laundry, and room service. The guest house costs 50 USD per night for a double room.
Guraidhoo Inn: A Modern and Spacious Guest House with Air-Conditioning and Balcony
Guraidhoo Inn is a modern and spacious guest house that is located near the mosque and the school. It has 12 rooms that are equipped with air-conditioning, fan, TV, mini-fridge, and private bathroom. The guest house also has a restaurant, a rooftop, a barbecue area, and a shared kitchen. The guest house offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, as well as airport transfers, bike rental, and tour booking. The guest house costs 60 USD per night for a double room.
Guraidhoo Retreat: A Luxury and Elegant Guest House with Swimming Pool and Spa
Guraidhoo Retreat is a luxury and elegant guest house that is located near the surf beach and the picnic island. It has 14 rooms that are equipped with air-conditioning, fan, TV, mini-fridge, and private bathroom. The guest house also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness center. The guest house offers free Wi-Fi and breakfast, as well as airport transfers, massage, and yoga. The guest house costs 80 USD per night for a double room.
Best Time to Visit Guraidhoo Island
Guraidhoo Island has a tropical climate that is warm and humid throughout the year. However, there are two main seasons that affect the weather and the activities of Guraidhoo Island: the dry season and the wet season. Here are the details of each season:
Dry Season: A Sunny and Pleasant Season with Low Rainfall and High Visibility
The dry season is a sunny and pleasant season that lasts from November to April. It is the best time to visit Guraidhoo Island, as the weather is dry, sunny, and mild, with an average temperature of 28°C and an average rainfall of 75 mm per month. The dry season is also the best time to enjoy the water activities and nature attractions of Guraidhoo Island, as the visibility is high, the water is calm, and the marine life is abundant. The dry season is also the peak season for tourism in Guraidhoo Island, as many visitors come to celebrate the holidays and festivals, such as Christmas, New Year, and Easter. However, the dry season is also the most expensive season to visit Guraidhoo Island, as the prices of flights, accommodation, and activities are higher than usual.
Wet Season: A Cloudy and Humid Season with High Rainfall and Low Visibility
The wet season is a cloudy and humid season that lasts from May to October. It is the least favorable time to visit Guraidhoo Island, as the weather is wet, cloudy, and hot, with an average temperature of 30°C and an average rainfall of 215 mm per month. The wet season is also the worst time to enjoy the water activities and nature attractions of Guraidhoo Island, as the visibility is low, the water is rough, and the marine life is scarce. The wet season is also the low season for tourism in Guraidhoo Island, as few visitors come to the island due to the unfavorable weather conditions. However, the wet season is also the cheapest season to visit Guraidhoo Island, as the prices of flights, accommodation, and activities are lower than usual.
Guraidhoo Island is a stunning and serene paradise in the Maldives that offers you the best of both worlds: a picturesque and pristine beach and a vibrant and diverse reef. It is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the authentic and cultural side of the Maldives, as well as enjoy the amazing water activities and nature attractions. Guraidhoo Island is easy and convenient to reach from Male and the airport, and has many guest houses that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. Guraidhoo Island is best visited during the dry season, when the weather is sunny and pleasant, and the water is calm and clear.
If you are looking for a perfect getaway in the Maldives, book your trip to Guraidhoo Island today and discover why it is a stunning and serene paradise in the Maldives. Thank you for reading and we hope you enjoyed this article.