Local Island Maldives Thulusdhoo

Thulusdhoo is one of the most beautiful islands in the Maldives. It is one of the best places to visit if you are on a budget, as it is a local Maldives  island with a lot of cheap hotels. It also has a mid-range hotel with one of the best infinity pools on a local island in the Maldives. I loved visiting here while I was working in the Maldives for a year and a half.

I also have to say it’s one of my favourite islands so far, along with the best scuba diving island Fuvamulah.

What to Do

Thulusdhoo island has lots of activities like surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving and all are cheap activities for the Maldives makings this the perfect island for an affordable Maldives holiday! I really enjoyed strolling around the island as many islands are too small to have an enjoyable walk. Other activities can include a tour of the Coca Cola factory that is here.

Surfing

Thulusdhoo has some great surf spots and is one of the top local islands in the Maldives for surfing. Lots of visitors to this island come for the surfing. The surf are big waves and recommended for intermediate and advanced surfers. As a beginner, it was a little intimidating.

Snorkelling

Thulusdhoo is not known as one of the best local islands for its snorkelling, probbaly due to the swell of the waves. For snorkelling, take a snorkelling excursion to visit other spots around Male atoll and closer to other local islands in the Maldives.

Scuba Diving

I really enjoyed the scuba diving in Thulusdhoo. We saw some fairly decent coral, white tip reef sharks, two huge schools of bumphead parrotfish and a huge eagle ray. There is also a chance of seeing manta rays on a deep cleaning station. Though for the best place for manta rays in the Maldives, head to Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, read more about that here. There are package deals for multiple dives and work permit/ Maldivian national discount is $45 per dive.

Where to Stay

Thulusdhoo has some of the most amazing looking guesthouses on local islands in the Maldives.  Consider staying at the Seasons Paradise (Agoda prices) in Thulusdhoo. It has the best infinity pool in the Maldives, on a local island, perhaps including resorts as the swimming pool is on the top floor with amazing ocean views. While I was swimming in the pool, I saw spinner dolphins cruising past.

The double beds were huge, with TVs in the room and a small balcony outside. The hotel also has a rooftop spa and a gym although I didn’t use either as I was busy enjoying the best rooftop pool on a local island in Maldives. The price is approximately $100 per night with breakfast included on a work permit/ Maldivian National discount so expect to pay a bit more for tourist price.

There was also no issue with a foreigner and Maldivian sharing a room. The hotel will also offer Full Board and all inclusive package. I also loved the hotel design of Digama Guesthouse and it is a directly across from bikini beach.

Bikini Beach

You can wear a bikini on bikini beach in Thulusdhoo. As it is a popular surf spot in the Maldives. many locals seemed relaxed about tourists needing to be covered up and I felt that I could wear shorter dresses around the island that showed my shoulders as some Maldivian women were doing the same. You can wear a bikini while on the beach, however it is not considered respectful to walk around in a bikini or bikini top so take a cover up.

Drinking alcohol

Thulusdhoo is a local island in the Maldives and therefore under Maldivian law you cannot drink or buy alcohol on this island. However, nearby there are some floating bars, liveaboard boats with licenses to sell alcohol so for a small fee ($5) you can take a short speedboat to these safari boats to have a drink or enjoy a party boat evening. Drinks are not expensive, a rum and coke was approximately $5.

Where to Eat

Food on local islands in the Maldives can be hit or miss. I really enjoyed eating at Santa Rosa restaurant which also looks like a cute guesthouse. Here, we had some of the best kottu roshi in the Maldives and all for very cheap prices. Food costs approximately $5-10 a meal. I also recommend the pizza at Thulusdhoo Surf Camp and the views at Canopus Retreat where we stopped for a coconut on their beds with views of the surfers.

Getting There

You can take the speedboat from Male or from the airport to Thulusdhoo. The journey takes around 30 minutes and costs 150 rufiya for work permit holders. There is also an island ferry which takes approximately 45 minutes.

Thulusdhoo Location

Thulusdhoo is one of the best Maldives local islands to visit as it is close to Male and therefore close to the main international airport in the Maldives. It is very easy to travel between local Maldives islands in Kaafu Atoll because Male has such good speedboat and ferry transport options.

More Maldives Travel Resources

• Everything you need to know about the Maldives & FAQs
• Kihaa Resort Review
• Best Scuba Diving spots in the Maldives
• Where to swim with manta rays
• Where to stay to see mantas in Hanifaru Bay
• Maldives packing list
• What to expect on local islands in the Maldives
• Best Island for Scuba Diving
• One Week Maldives Itinerary
• Thoddoo Island – beaches and turtles
• Tiny Dhiffushi Island
• Thulusdhoo – surfing & infinity pool
• Gulhi – best bikini beach
• Maafushi – island close to Male

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