A local island on the sunrise side.
Dhiffushi lies on the eastern rim of North Malé Atoll, about 37 km from Malé. It is small, friendly and surrounded by some of the best reefs in the atoll.
Small enough to walk in an hour.
About 900 metres long and 250 metres wide, Dhiffushi is home to around 1,200 people. Mornings belong to the fishing boats and the bakeries; afternoons to the football pitch and the beaches.
Because the island faces the open ocean to the east, it is one of the first places in the Maldives to see the sunrise. On the lagoon side the water is shallow and calm, with sandbanks a short boat ride away.
Sketch map, not to scale.
40–45 minutes by speedboat.
Everything is a short walk away.
A living Maldivian community.
From the airport to the beach.
We book your boat once we have your flight details and meet you at Dhiffushi jetty. Schedules change, so we confirm times with every booking.
| Option | From | Journey | Departures | Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat | Velana Airport & Malé | 40–45 min | Sat–Thu, late morning & late afternoon | USD 00 pp one way |
| Private speedboat | Velana Airport | ≈ 35 min | Any time, day or night | USD 000 per boat one way |
| Public ferry | Villimalé ferry terminal | ≈ 3 hrs 15 min | Selected days, afternoon | MVR fare, paid on board |
Shared speedboats do not usually run on Fridays. If your flight lands late or on a Friday, we will arrange a private boat or an overnight stop in Hulhumalé.
Living alongside our neighbours.
Bikini beaches
Swimwear is welcome on Dhiffushi's designated tourist beaches. We will show you the way on arrival.
In the village
Cover shoulders and knees when walking through the village, the harbour and the shops.
Alcohol-free island
Alcohol is not permitted on local islands. Resort day trips offer a bar if you want one.
Friday
Friday is the day of prayer. Shops close around midday and most boats do not run.
Money
US dollars are widely accepted. The island has an ATM for Maldivian rufiyaa.
Weather
Dry season runs roughly November to April. May to October brings short showers and greener seas.