TRENDING DESTINATIONS
Last updated on: 15 Dec, 2025
The Maldives is a paradise for every type of traveller. With the turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and luxury resorts, you can enjoy a perfect vacation at this place and it will be pure magic. But what makes it even more special is the islands in Maldives where each one gives you a unique experience. Some islands are properly luxurious with overwater villas and the others are more affordable with guesthouses and you get to see the local culture. You can dive into the ocean and enjoy waves by booking your Maldives tour package with FlipTrip Holidays.
In this blog, we will be covering 15 best islands in Maldives that should be on your must visit list and are made for every type of traveler. You can choose which one is ideal for you and make you feel like it was made just for you.
When you think of the Maldives, you can picture the overwater villas and quiet serene beaches of far-off islands but Malé Island is a little different. This is an energetic and colorful island that is impossible to ignore.
Malé is surrounded by bright turquoise waters and is more than just a stopover. It is a compact island but still full of life where you can get actual glimpses into the real Maldivian culture. This place is not secluded and it's mostly about having a connection with the people, the food and the ocean around you.
You can go on walks at the harbor and watch the fishing boats come in, but keep in mind that alcohol is strictly prohibited here except at a few licensed resorts and safari boats. You sure can pop into a local café for fresh coconut juice, walk through the markets, and get sea views along the way.
This is a place where you can take a short boat ride to visit the nearby islands. Malé Island might seem busy, yes but it’s also beautiful in a really grounded way.
Simply fly to Malé International Airport and you’re already on the island
You can try high-end seafood restaurants to cozy local eateries. You surely don’t wanna miss out on rooftop restaurants with panoramic sunset views.
Baros Island is rated as one of the most romantic islands in the Maldives and is famously known for its luxurious resorts and stunning coral reefs. The island is small, quiet, and made for ultimate relaxation which makes it one of the most exclusive spots in the country.
Baros has a house reef, so you don’t need to travel far which is perfect for snorkelling and here you can literally step into the water and be surrounded by marine life instantly. This place combines the natural beauty of turquoise lagoons with the elegant luxury of overwater villas that comes with direct access to the sea, private decks, and even infinity pools.
It’s the kind of place where every detail is taken care of, but you need to make sure that you do not carry single-use plastic which can harm marine life.
If you want a stress free vacation and a peaceful escape, then this is the island for you.
A 20-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport.
Baros has fine-dining restaurants offering seafood, grills, and romantic dinners set on overwater decks.
Kaafu Atoll is one of the most versatile destinations and it is also thegateway to the Maldives. It is located near the capital city, Malé, which is easily accessible and will offer you a mix of luxury resorts, local islands, and affordable guesthouses. This place is a great option for every type of traveller.
The Kaafu atoll is mostly famous for having a vibrant underwater world with rich coral reefs and diverse marine life. This place is truly a dream for divers and going snorkeling. In fact, this is one of the most popular spots for scuba diving available.
You get so much variety and can even choose to stay in a luxurious private villa. Just make sure that you avoid PDA which is disrespectful here.
If you’re short on time but want the full Maldivian experience of the relaxing turquoise waters, great food and fun water activities then Kaafu Atoll is the perfect pick.
Speedboats or short domestic flights from Malé Airport
You get a wide variety of local Maldivian food in guesthouses, street cafés, and fine dining at resorts.
Veligandu Island is one of the most famous islands in the Maldives and is especially popular among honeymooners. This place is surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons and a soft stretch of white sand.
The island is best known for its luxury resorts, particularly the iconic Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, where you’ll find overwater villas with breathtaking views. Here, you will be waking up to the sound of gentle waves, and when you step outside, you will be diving right into the turquoise sea and for a beach vacation, it doesn’t get better than that.
If you wanna go into water activities then this island offers you snorkelling, deep-sea diving, and fishing options. The surrounding reefs are where you will see the manta rays, reef sharks, and colorful fishes which will make your underwater exploration truly unforgettable. But you should know that collecting sea shells is illegal in many parts of Maldives, so you should avoid doing so.
For couples or honeymooners, the sunset cruises and candlelit beach dinners will be the most perfect time you will experience here. It’s no wonder that this island is one of the most recommended spots in the Maldives.
A 20-minute seaplane ride from Malé International Airport.
Resorts here will offer you international buffets, seafood grills, and beachside private dining.
If you’re the kind of traveller who wants eco-friendly luxury with a rustic vibe, then Gili Lankanfushi is for you. This island should be at the top of your list because the island resort here is rated as one of the best in the world, and that for a good reason.
The overwater villas at Gili Lankanfushi are some of the largest in the Maldives with private decks, open-air living spaces, and direct ocean access. The resort even has Robinson Crusoe-style villas that are only accessible by boat which gives you full privacy. Drones are not allowed here for privacy reasons.
Here you can go snorkelling in the house reef, for scuba diving, on dolphin cruises, and get spa treatments by the sea. If you're a foodie then you will enjoy the island’s incredible dining that has fresh seafood prepared for you under the stars.
The eco-conscious approach of this resort is great as they avoid plastic, use sustainable materials, and are deeply committed to protecting the marine life here.
A speedboat ride from Malé International Airport.
You get organic, farm-to-table cuisine here with seafood BBQs on the beach and overwater fine dining restaurants.
Soneva Fushi is one of the most iconic luxury islands in the Maldives which is located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This place is highly focused on wellness and sustainability and stays unmatched if you want to have a perfect holiday. They encourage you to go barefoot here as a part of reconnecting with nature.
The island is fully covered with the lush greenery of this place and has pristine white beaches. The villas here are hidden within the jungle or perched over the water, giving you complete privacy. Each villa comes with personal butler service, private pools, and spacious designs that feel like a home away from home.
Soneva Fushi has many unique experiences like an open-air cinema under the stars, a glass-blowing studio, and they even have an observatory for stargazing at night. For the foodies, it is sure that they will enjoy multiple fine-dining restaurants that serve you organic and fresh cuisine. If you are adventurous then, snorkelling with manta rays in the Hanifaru Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
A 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé or a domestic flight plus a speedboat transfer.
This place has world-class fine dining, organic gardens, and unique treetop restaurants. You can get fresh seafood and gourmet international dishes.
Maadhoo Island is where the famous OZEN Reserve Bolifushi Resort is located, which gives you a luxury family-friendly vibe. If you’re looking for an island that gives you equal level relaxation, adventure, and luxury then Maadhoo will be a fantastic choice.
This island is surrounded by a vibrant reef, which makes snorkelling and diving the top water activities here. You can also enjoy water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. If you’re coming here with your family, then you will love the island’s child-friendly facilities.
This place also has an incredible dining scene. The resort offers you an all-inclusive luxury stay, which means you get to enjoy gourmet meals, unlimited drinks, and even fine dining at underwater restaurants.
With the overwater villas and beachfront villas, this place gives the guests plenty of options based on their preference. Honeymooners can indulge in private pools and romantic dinners, while families can stay in spacious villas with direct beach access.
Maadhoo is perfect for travellerswho do not want any stress and want to enjoy an all-inclusive holiday in the Maldives, with everything to be taken care of from start to finish.
A 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé airport
This place has an all-inclusive luxury dining with international buffets, underwater fine dining, and unlimited cocktails.
Dhangethi Island is where you will see the true Maldivian culture in its natural beauty unlike the other luxury resort islands there. This local island shows you the real everyday Maldivian life but it still has the stunning beaches and clear waters. Here you get the best options if you are on a budget and want to enjoy paradise without spending much.
This island is surrounded by coral reefs, where your snorkelling and diving experience is gonna be great. You can expect to see manta rays, whale sharks, and colorful schools of fish. The local dive centers on the island can even take you out on excursions to nearby reefs if you want a guided underwater adventure.
This place has some narrow sandy streets, friendly locals, small guesthouses, and family-run cafés that will serve you authentic Maldivian food. You can even sit down with some locals and learn about their traditions.
It’s great for island-hopping trips to your nearby luxury resorts, where you can enjoy both worlds with the authentic Maldivian culture and luxurious experiences.
A domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili and then a speedboat ride to the island
Maafushi Island is one of the most famous and budget-friendly islands in the Maldives. It’s perfect for solo travellers or a group of friends who want the Maldives experience without paying too much for a private resort. The island is filled with so many guesthouses, boutique hotels, and local restaurants, which makes it an affordable yet lively choice.
Water activities are a big thing here and you can go on snorkelling trips, diving with sharks, jet skiing, parasailing, and even dolphin-watching tours. The island is also famous for sandbank picnics and day trips to nearby luxury resorts, which let you experience five-star service for a day without staying overnight.
Here you can see the fishermen at work, the children playing by the beach and the vibrant street markets. And in the evening, this island has a fun social vibe with many travellers sitting at the cafés, lounges, and enjoying live-music.
A speedboat ride from Malé International Airport.
The restaurants are affordable here and offer Maldivian seafood, international cuisine, and beachside dining. Fresh tuna curries are a must-try.
Thulusdhoo Island is the surfing capital of the Maldives and is known for its world-class surf breaks like Cokes and Chickens. This island attracts surfers from all across the globe. If you’re into surfing or you want to learn, then Thulusdhoo is hands down the best place to do that.
This island also has a very laid-back local vibe, they are super friendly which make it feel warm and welcoming. You can also enjoy snorkelling, diving, and fishing trips from the island, as the waters are full of marine life.
Thulusdhoo is also famous for its local industries, particularly the Coca-Cola factory here and the boat-building workshops, which is an interesting cultural twist if you see.
But, this place is less touristy than Maafushi but still lively enough that you will enjoy your time here. Even if you don’t surf, the stunning beaches and the laid back vibe here will help you relax throughout your stay.
A speedboat or 90-minute ferry ride from Male.
The beachside cafés offer you fresh seafood, local curries, and tropical juices. Several guesthouses also serve international dishes.
Fulhadhoo Island is located in Baa Atoll and is truly the definition of peace. This island is far less commercialized than the others in the Maldives. It has wide, powdery beaches and turquoise lagoons that stretch for miles.
Fulhadhoo island is perfect for you if you want to immerse yourself in serenity. The guesthouses here are simple but still comfortable, and they blend well with the natural surroundings. Don’t expect any flashy luxury here because this island is all about the raw, untouched nature.
You can go snorkeling in the lagoon surrounding this island that has plenty of colourful coral gardens and marine life that is waiting to be explored. This island is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so you might even spot some dolphins, sea turtles, or manta rays while exploring.
A 2-hour speedboat ride from Malé or a domestic flight to Dharavandhoo and then by boat.
The small local guesthouses here provide Maldivian-style meals so you can expect freshly caught fish, coconuts, and authentic island flavors.
Dhiffushi Island is a small yet vibrant local island in Kaafu Atoll which is known for its friendly atmosphere and pristine beaches. You can reach here with just a short speedboat ride from Malé and it's close so you don’t have to spend hours traveling between islands.
This island has so many affordable guesthouses and boutique hotel stay options which is popular among the people who travel on a budget, with families and as couples. The beaches here are calm and perfect for swimming.
On this island you’ll find colourful houses, lively cafés, and welcoming locals which is great for travellers who are short on time but eager to experience real Maldivian island life.
This island is just 36 km from Malé so you can reach here via a speedboat in about 45 minutes or by public ferry in 2–3 hours.
You’ll find local Maldives cafés serving fresh seafood, tuna curry, and coconut-based dishes. Some guesthouses also prepare BBQ nights on the beach.
Biyadhoo Island is famously known for its rich house reef and incredible underwater visibility. This island is a great spot in the Maldives for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can explore coral reefs and marine life here. This island is also lush with greenery and surrounded by a lagoon where you can swim and enjoy water sports.
This island has the Biyadhoo Island Resort, which is a more affordable option as compared to the luxury hotels and not only is it cheaper, but you can see the true natural beauty of this place here.
Here you can get diving lessons for beginners and professionals both and see the reef sharks, turtles, and even rays. The beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, and the relaxed vibe makes it great for couples and solo travellers.
Biyadhoo is about 30 km from maldives so the travel is via speedboat that takes just 45 minutes.
The resorts here have buffet spreads with international and Maldivian cuisines. You can also enjoy a romantic beachside dining here.
Thoddoo Island is a unique island which is known as the agricultural capital of the Maldives. This place is famous for having fruit farms, especially watermelons and papayas. The natural beauty of this island nicely mixes with the authentic Maldivian life.
The island has long stretched beaches which are a favourite among tourists who want to see the local culture. The waters are crystal clear and perfect for swimming and snorkelling and you can even go cycling around the island to see the farmlands. The guesthouses here are budget-friendly, and for dining, you’ll find fresh fruits, seafood, and local Maldivian dishes.
This is a peaceful escape and is less crowded, safe, quiet, and welcoming.
This island is located about 67 km from Malé and you can reach it by speedboat in 90 minutes or by ferry in about 4–5 hours.
The local cafés here have Maldivian cuisine along with fresh fruit platters and seafood grills. And you can’t miss the island’s watermelon juice.
Ukulhas Island is the perfect eco-friendly tourist spot in the Maldives and is known for its clean environment and strong waste management practices. This local island has won awards for sustainability and also asks the same from tourists to help maintain that. The beaches of Ukulhas are some of the most beautiful in the country of soft sand and shallow turquoise waters. You can go on exploring the island’s house reef, spot manta rays, turtles, and even whale sharks.
Ukulhas has affordable guesthouses and boutique hotels, and it also has a lively dining scene, with local cafés and restaurants that will serve you fresh seafood and Maldivian curries.
This place is perfect for couples who want romantic sunsets and peaceful surroundings.
This island is 72 km away from Malé and you can reach it by speedboat in about 90 minutes or by public ferry in 4 hours.
This island has a mix of local dishes, seafood platters, and continental options.
Peak Season:
The best time to visit in maldives islands is November to April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for any beach activities. In this season, the calm seas are ideal for snorkelling, diving, and island-hopping.
Off-Season:
May to October brings the southwest monsoon which may have the occasional rain and rougher seas, but it’s also a quieter and more affordable time to travel. Surfers would love this season because of the excellent waves.
Maldives is a year-round destination so you just need to choose the right season for your travel.
You can take direct flights from Delhi to Maldives that take about 5 hours. Many airlines, like SriLankan Airlines and Air India, operate this route.
Mumbai to Maldives is the shortest route from India, and the flights take only 3 hours. It’s the most convenient option for Western India travellers.
Flights from Bangalore to Maldives take around 2.5 to 3 hours, which is the fastest connection from South India.
Once you land at Velana International Airport (Maldives), you can directly transfer to your respective island by either speedboat, domestic flight, or seaplane, whatever the distance is and usually the resorts arrange these transfers for you.
Picking the right island for your Maldives trip is difficult because every island has a different vibe. Here’s how you can choose the right island for your trip:
If you want luxury and privacy
For affordable but beautiful stay
Adventurers and those who love water sports
The Honeymooners for a romantic atmosphere
People traveling with families
Choosing one island for your Maldives trip can be quite difficult if you look at all the beautiful beaches. This place has over 1100+ islands and we have listed the top 15 for you to choose from. You don't have to look at the distance of each island from the airport, but focus more on what you really want. If you want a luxurious vacation or a more affordable stay, you can choose the island based on that. If you're coming solo, family, friends or on a honeymoon, you have many options.
If you can travel to more than one beach, it will also be great because they are not located far from each other. You can enjoy all sorts of water activities and just have a great, relaxing time. So, just pack your bags and let the Maldives crystal clear water surround you.
No, Indian tourists get a 30-day free visa on arrival.
It depends on what you choose, the usual affordable trips start from ₹50,000 per person and the luxury packages can cost ₹2-3 lakhs or more.
Yes, Maafushi, Thoddoo, Dhiffushi, and Ukulhas are the popular islands that have affordable guesthouses.
Yes, but you can only wear it on designated bikini beaches. In other areas, modest clothing is required.
Yes, this place is safe, welcoming, and perfect for any solo traveller.
Veligandu, Baros, and Soneva Fushi are top picks by the honeymooners for their romantic and luxurious vibe.
The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is used there, but cards are also widely accepted on resorts and local islands.
About the Author Anushka
Anushka is an SEO writer and with her in-depth research, she follows a strategic approach to content creation and specializes in travel content. At Media Upshift, she shares insights from her experience developing high-performing, search-optimized content that reaches audiences and drives organic growth for businesses.
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