Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives: 2024 Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives?!

Rated as one of the most beautiful and best-kept secrets in the Maldives, this island boasts white sand beaches, diverse marine life, and world-class surf spots!

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Thulusdhoo Island Maldives – from what to do in Thulusdhoo, where to stay during your visit, and much more.

QUICK ANSWERS: THULUSDHOO ISLAND MALDIVES

Before I dive into all the best things to do in Thulusdhoo, here are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions.

WHERE IS THULUSDHOO ISLAND?

Thulusdhoo Island is the capital of the Kaafu Atoll, just a short boat ride from the capital city, Malé.

In fact, Malé is only 28km away, so you can get here easily, and I recommend spending a few days here during your Maldives vacation.

IS THULUSDHOO WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely – Thulusdhoo Island Maldives is a must-visit destination!

The island promises crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches, and ticks all the boxes for a great time.

The friendly locals will greet you with open arms, the marine life around the island is stunning, and the adventurous activities like surfing and snorkeling will blow your mind.

Although it’s relatively small, Thulusdhoo packs a hefty punch, and once you arrive you won’t want to leave!

HOW LONG TO STAY ON THULUSDHOO ISLAND?

If you’re coming over just relax on the beach and soak up the sun, 2 to 3 days might be enough.

But if you’re eager to explore the island and all it has to offer, you’ll probably want to stick around for at least a week. Plus, you’ll have more time to make friends and take day tours!

HOW TO GET TO THULUSDHOO?

There are two ways to get to Thulusdhoo Island from Malé, with the local Thulusdhoo ferry and the speedboat, let me elaborate here below.

MALÉ TO THULUSDHOO SPEEDBOAT

The Male airport to Thulusdhoo speedboat is called River Speed and it departs from right outside the arrival gate.

There are 4 departures per day, 7 days a week, and the cost is $30 per person.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach Thulusdhoo from Male, and these are the transfer times:

Male – Thulusdhoo

• 11 am
• 4 pm
• 5 pm
• 10 pm

On the other hand, when traveling back to Malé, the cost and duration are the same, but these are the transfer times for the Male to Thulusdhoo speedboat:

Thulusdhoo – Male

• 7:30 am
• 8:00 am
• 2:30 pm
• 8:30 pm

MALÉ TO THULUSDHOO FERRY

If you’re traveling on a budget and/or have more time available, then the local ferry is a good option.

In terms of cost, the Thulusdhoo ferry price is $3 per person per way from the fish market in Male.

To get to the fish market, you’ll have to take a boat from the airport (which costs $1 per person) and then take a taxi to the ferry pier.

This ferry only departs once a day from each end – at 7:30 am from Thulusdhoo and at 3:00 pm from Male.

The local ferry does not run on Fridays, so you’ll have to take the speedboat.

Note that the local Thulusdhoo ferry isn’t direct and, instead, stops at Himmafushi and Huraa Islands on the way.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND?

You can easily get around the island on foot or by bike, and many hotels and guest houses offer free bicycle rentals which makes things easier.

Walking around will give you a chance to take in the island at a slow pace, but if you’re feeling adventurous or simply want to cover more ground, renting a bike is a great option.

Not only is it a cool way to cross the island, but you’ll also get to feel the cool breeze in your hair as you pedal along.

SURFING ON THULUSDHOO ISLAND

If you’re coming over to Thulusdhoo, chances are, you’re into surfing, as it’s the main activity on the island.

Below you’ll find all the information you need on where to rent a board and the best Thulusdhoo surf spots.

RENTING A SURFBOARD ON THULUSDHOO ISLAND

There are countless surf shops and surf schools on the island, and I personally recommend Randhaa Surf Shop.

It costs around $20 per day to rent a surfboard and the owners Shimmy and Hisham were super friendly.

Apart from that, Randhaa Break is always a cool place to rent your surfboard and other accessories.

BEST THULUSDHOO SURF SPOTS

You’ll find several cool surfing spots on the island which I have highlighted below:

• Cokes
• Honkys
• Sultans
• Chickens
• Jailbreaks
• Ninjas

Cokes

Cokes is not only a famous surf spot in Thulusdhoo but also in the Maldives and is popular among locals.

It’s an easy paddle to get to, which is convenient, however, it’s best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.

Don’t forget to take your reef boots due to the shallow reef.

Honkys

If you’re looking for a sick left-hand wave to catch, head on over to Honkys.

It’s just past the peak of Sultans and offers a longer ride with fewer crowds. This spot is a hidden gem that surfers love to ride.

Sultans

Sultans is next to Pasta Point and Himmafushi, breaking off an unpopulated island that you can see from afar.

It’s a world-class right-hander that offers punchy walls, gnarly current, and tube rides. Compared to Cokes, it’s friendlier since it breaks over a deeper reef.

Chickens

Chickens is an epic left-handed surf spot in the Maldives, just a quick boat ride from Thulusdhoo.

It’s relatively nicer for starters, which means it can often get crowded. However, it’s a top pick for longboarders and less experienced surfers.

Jailbreaks

Jailbreaks is a must-visit surf spot in the Maldives. It’s easier to surf here than Cokes, which can get a bit overcrowded.

The long right-handers are the highlight, starting from the shallow reef and running all the way to the deeper channel.

Ninjas

Lastly, for a cool spot with awesome waves, don’t miss out on Ninjas, which is about 10 minutes by boat from Thulusdhoo and offers really fun right-handers.

When Cokes and Sultans are too crowded, Ninjas is a great spot for all levels of surfers.

20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THULUSDHOO ISLAND

Daydreaming of picturesque island life and tropical beaches in one of the most beautiful places in the world?

Well, Thulusdhoo Maldives is your place. And while it’s a small island, there are so many activities for all sorts of travelers.

Here are the 20 best things to do in Thulusdhoo!

GO SURFING AT COKES SURF BREAK

As mentioned previously, Cokes is the most popular surfing spot in Thulusdhoo, with consistent and powerful waves for intermediate and advanced levels.

It only takes a minute to walk and paddle out to Cokes and the atmosphere at Cokes is exactly what brings happiness here!

All guests share the bond of surfing one of the most reliable right-handers in the Maldives.

I personally stayed at Akiri Surf Retreat & Guesthouse, and they have surf excursions available for visitors.

Even if you don’t stay there, you can always send them a message on Instagram and they’ll be happy to help.

JOIN A SANDBANK TOUR

Other than surfing, if there’s one thing you must do, it’s to go on a sandbank trip with Hyrda Excursions where you’ll be able to snorkel, work on your tan, and swim in turquoise waters.

It’s the kind of experience that will stay with you long after you leave the Maldives!

There are several sandbanks around the island, which are:

• Gasfinolhu: Closest sand bank to Thulusdhoo
• ChikAna: 20 minutes away and it only appears at the lowest tide
• Asdu: 30 minutes from Thulusdhoo Island, boasting a beautiful reef around it.
• Infinity: 15 minutes away with a stretch of sand only appearing at the low tide.

All in all, joining a sandbank tour on the island is the perfect answer to what to do in Thulusdhoo!

TAKE STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD CLASSES

Stand-up paddleboarding is another great activity to try during your visit.

Not only do you get to navigate around in style, but you also get to work on your balance and core strength while taking in stunning views.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a pro to enjoy the fun as there are a variety of classes, ranging from beginner to advanced, with knowledgeable instructors to guide you along the way.

There are many surf shops on the island that also offer SUP lessons, so make sure to give it a try!

The paddle boards cost $20 for a couple of hours or $35 for the entire day, which is reasonable.

Isn’t that one of the best things to do in Thulusdhoo?

ENJOY THE SUNSET

Picture yourself standing on the pristine shoreline of Thulusdhoo beach, with your toes buried deep in the warm sand.

Maldives is one of the best places in the world for sunsets and my three favorite spots on the island to see the sunset is Sunset Beach, located on the western tip of the island, North Beach, and the pier.

Be sure to head over to one of these few spots for unbeatable views to top off an awesome day.

HAVE A DRINK ON THE BAR BOAT

Alcohol isn’t available for purchase on the local islands in the Maldives as it’s a Muslim country and it’s against the law.

However, you can drink on certain resort islands, like Mercure Kooddoo and Pullman Maamutaa, or out at sea on a floating bar boat.

So, if you want to enjoy a sundowner after a surf or a big day of exploring, there is a bar boat located just offshore from the island.

You can get a taxi boat from Thulusdhoo Bikini Beach to the bar boat and a round trip will cost $10 USD.

Once you get to the big boat with a bar, you can purchase beers for $5 and cocktails or spirits for $7.50, and enjoy a stunning sunset while you’re at it!

It’s definitely what you can’t miss and an excellent option when seeking what to do in Thulusdhoo!

JOIN A DAY TRIP TO DHIFFUSHI ISLAND

During your stay, why not spice things up with a day trip to Dhiffushi Island?!

Located only 30 minutes by speedboat, Dhiffushi is an epic destination for the day, and you’ll be able to swing on the beach, snorkel with turtles, go kayaking and paddleboarding, and much more.

While these activities are similar to the things to do in Thulusdhoo, the seascape is different, and it’ll give you a different perspective of the Maldives!

With so many Instagram-worthy spots on the island, don’t forget to take out your camera and GoPro to snap away!

Once again, you can book this trip with Hydra Excursions for a reasonable price.

FLY YOUR DRONE FOR EPIC VIEWS

I’m a passionate photographer, so I always enjoy different angles and views when capturing photos.

The best photos you’ll take on the island are aerial ones, so make sure to get a drone before coming.

Apart from the island itself, you can fly the drone on the day trips you’ll take, and if you’re a couple or a family, take awesome shots of your loved ones!

This will easily become one of the best things to do in Thulusdhoo when coming!

SWIM AT BIKINI BEACH

Out of all the beaches in Thulusdhoo, Bikini Beach is the only one where you can wear a bikini, as the name suggests.

Thulusdhoo Bikini Beach is more than just a place to show off your summer body, it’s the ideal place to soak up some sun or take a dip in the warm ocean.

Here, you can spend an entire day lounging on the beach and enjoying this tropical paradise.

GET BREAKFAST AT THE SANDBAR RESTAURANT

There aren’t many restaurants on the island that are as excellent as The Sandbar, located on the southern tip of the island and open from 9 am.

As you sip on your fresh cup of coffee, you can order one of the many delicious meals from their breakfast menu.

Plus, I can’t think of a better place to plan your day and what to do in Thulusdhoo!

SWIM WITH MANTA RAYS & NURSE SHARKS

Looking for a unique activity to add to your list of things to do? Book an excursion to swim with the majestic manta rays and humble nurse sharks that frequent the atoll.

From Thulusdhoo, it’s a short 30 – 45 minute boat trip to the snorkeling location.

You’re not guaranteed to spot manta rays, but chances are pretty high, so make sure to grab your snorkeling set!

Whether you’re an experienced snorkeler or a first-time explorer, you’re sure to be blown away by the incredible wildlife that is there waiting for you.

HAVE LUNCH OR DINNER AT INDULGE THULUSDHOO

Another great place for a meal is Indulge Thulusdhoo, with a selection of refreshing smoothie bowls, juicy burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and more, all made with fresh, local ingredients.

With its cool and hip vibe, Indulge offers a variety of options to satisfy all taste buds.

On top of that, it’s a clean and sleek place where you can take Instagrammable photos to add to your grid!

Indulge Thulusdhoo is not only known for its mouthwatering food but also for its refreshing juices that will complement the dishes.

All in all, I couldn’t recommend a meal here enough!

RIDE A JET SKI

On the hunt for some adrenaline-fuelled fun to add to your Maldives vacation? Then make sure to rent a jet ski and cruise around the island.

I promise a jetski experience will have your adrenaline skyrocketing as you speed along.

Grab your friend or other half and don’t forget to take your GoPro because this is a moment you’ll want to capture!

GO SCUBA DIVING OR SNORKELING

If there’s something that the Maldives is known for, it’s the water, and with such an amazing seascape, snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Thulusdhoo Island.

And if it wasn’t enough, why not combine it with scuba diving? That’s an epic combo!

Grab your gear, plunge into the vibrant coral gardens, and explore the nooks and crannies of the reefs.

As you explore the clear waters, be prepared to be amazed by the stunning displays of marine fish, inquisitive turtles, and the occasional passing ray or shark.

EXPLORE THE ISLAND BY BICYCLE

Thulusdhoo is a small island, and there’s no better way to explore it than on two wheels. Cue the bike rental business!

Indulge in peaceful solitude as you navigate down the small alleyways and immerse yourself in the local culture at your own pace.

Whether you’re a seasoned cycling enthusiast or just looking for a new way to explore the island, renting a bike is an absolute must-do.

TAKE PHOTOS AT DREAM BEACH

If you’re looking for the ultimate photo-op while in Thulusdhoo, head over to Dream Beach.

This slice of paradise is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed, with crystal clear turquoise waters and soft white sand.

But it’s not just about snapping a few pictures, be sure to take in the breathtaking views while you’re at it. Needless to say, you can also go catch some rays and splash in the ocean.

Trust me, you’ll want to frame these photos when you get back home!

GO ON A FISHING TRIP

While exploring Thulusdhoo by bike is a cool activity, taking a day trip to go fishing is another cool activity to consider during your trip.

You’ll get to experience the thrill of catching your own fish and witnessing the stunning beauty of the Maldives at the same time.

And the best part? You can enjoy your fresh catch for dinner afterward!

TREAT YOURSELF TO A CANDLELIGHT BEACH DINNER

Traveling to the Maldives as a couple? Then a candlelight beach dinner is the ultimate experience!

Have a stunning dinner with the sound of waves as you bask in the warm glow of candles on a beautiful beach.

If that’s something that you’ll like, then Season Paradise is the place on the island to book it, and their rates are pretty reasonable too!

Spoil yourself and your loved ones with some delicious food and fantastic views at one of the most romantic settings on the island.

VISIT THE COCA-COLA FACTORY

You read that right, one of the best things to do in Thulusdhoo is to visit the Coca-Cola factory, which is super popular here, and for a good reason.

In fact, Thulusdhoo Island is home to the only Coca-Cola factory in the world that uses desalinated water, but the great taste doesn’t change a bit!

Whether you’re a die-hard Coke fan or just looking for something different to do, coming here is a good place to visit.

Plus, it’s close to the pier, so you won’t have to go far to find it. There are two factory visits per day, at 9 am and 2 pm.

BANANA RIDE & FUN TUBE

Another activity you can’t miss is banana riding and fun tubing, which is a super cool way to spend time with your family and friends.

In case you haven’t heard about it, this thrilling adventure is all about riding an inflatable banana-shaped boat or a fun tube dragged by a speedboat.

You can enjoy the crystal-clear waters while feeling the wind in your hair and the rush of the waves below – how cool!

TAKE A DOLPHIN-WATCHING TOUR

Last but not least on this list is taking a dolphin-watching tour, one of the best activities in Thulusdhoo!

Hop aboard a speedboat and venture out into the crystal-clear turquoise waters to see these playful creatures in their natural habitat.

As you sail along, keep an eye out for pods of spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins leaping and flipping through the waves.

I can assure you that, the moment you spot them, you’ll be amazed by their grace and beauty, so don’t forget your camera!

THULUSDHOO MALDIVES – THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Now that we’ve covered all the activities on Thulusdhoo, here’s everything else you should know before coming, from visas to restaurants and what to pack.

MALDIVES VISA & CURRENCY

Before packing your bags, you’ll want to know about the visa and currency requirements. Fortunately, getting a visa to the Maldives is a hassle-free process.

All nationalities can get a visa on arrival for 30 days, including the US and the UK, and the requirements are as follows:

• A passport with at least 1 month of validity
• A complete travel itinerary with a prepaid hotel booking and bank statements
• Your onward or return flight ticket
• A Traveler Declaration that you’ll have to fill within 96 hours of your flight

On the currency front, the Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official local currency. However, US Dollars, Euros, and Pounds are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

ATM ON THULUSDHOO

The ATM situation in Thulusdhoo is interesting as there’s only one available on the island.

For this reason, you’ll want to withdraw some cash in Malé before going in case it doesn’t work during your visit.

SIM CARDS & INTERNET ON THULUSDHOO

The WiFi at Akiri Surf Retreat & Guesthouse was overall pretty good and it will be enough if you plan to read emails, post on social media, or watch some videos.

However, just as a backup, I recommend getting an eSIM which is pretty affordable and will enable you to stay connected during your stay on the island.

RESTAURANTS IN THULUSDHOO MALDIVES

When it comes to food, you’ll find a few Thulusdhoo restaurants with many different options.

I highly recommend Indulge Thulusdhoo and The Sandbar which were my favorites.

However, some other places are also worth the hype, like Bandaha Cafe and Byyoni Cafe which serve up Maldivian and Indian dishes!

Lastly, if you’re very hungry after a day trip, then you might want to check out Aveli Restaurant, which offers a buffet for $25, and they have live music in the evening!

It’s safe to say that the Thulusdhoo restaurants are some of the best in the Maldives!

WHAT TO PACK FOR THULUSDHOO MALDIVES

When visiting Thulusdhoo Maldives, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

FINAL THOUGHTS

As you can see, this is one of the most laid-back places to visit in the Maldives, with everything you need from awesome snorkeling opportunities to friendly locals and delicious food.

And if you’re coming here to get your fix of waves, there are various surf spots in Thulusdhoo to keep you entertained.

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

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