The island of Maalhos is located in the heart of the Baa Atoll’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve which is one of the Maldives’ most bio-diverse regions. With a population of 600 people, the island occupies a central position in the atoll’s chain of 75 islands, placed within easy reach of key hotspots for snorkeling, diving, and manta ray encounters
Despite its central location, Maalhos remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Preserved is the raw charm of traditional Maldivian island life while also offering modern amenities like clean tap water, drinking water plants, electricity, restaurants, shops, and guest houses catering to all budgets.
Geographically, Maalhos sits close to key attractions. Dive sites like Dhonfanu Thila, Dhigali Haa, Angafaru Thila. While being close to neighboring islands, Maalhos is also located close to the world famous Hanifaru Bay which is the global hotspot for manta ray aggregations.
What more could you ask from an island? Maalhos provides a most perfect blend of authentic island life and modern convenience, to relax after a day of adventures.
Maldives on a Budget : Why Maalhos Shines
Contrary to the myth that the Maldives is only for luxury travelers, Maalhos offers an affordable gateway to paradise on earth. The island provides locally owned and budget-friendly alternatives to high end luxury hotels while also delivering the same stunning natural beauty and adventure.
Here’s how Maalhos keeps costs low:
- Affordable Accommodation: The island has over 8 guest houses ranging from basic to mid-range. Our packages are inclusive of the room rates which are far less than luxury hotels. Many offer beachfront views, free Wi-Fi, and all meal-plan options.
- Budget-Friendly Transport: Getting to Maalhos is accessible via domestic flights ($100–150 one-way) or speedboats ($60), both cheaper than private charters.
- Local Eats: Skip expensive restaurants and embrace local. Maalhos’ cafes serve a range of local and continental dishes often under $10 per meal.
- Free Activities: Enjoy white-sand beaches, snorkeling off the shore, and exploring the island’s charming Thickets and ‘mini’ forest all at no cost.
By choosing Maalhos, you don’t have to compromise on experiences: you’ll still dive with mantas, get your daily dose of sun and beach, and immerse in culture—all while keeping your wallet happy.
How to get from Male to Maalhos
Getting to Maalhos by air: Fast and Convenient
The quickest way to reach Maalhos from Malé (Velana International Airport) is via a domestic flight. Operated by all major domestic airlines such as Maldivian, Flyme and Manta Air, there are multiple 20-minute flights departing frequently throughout the day.
- Cost: When booking through local operators on the island, flights typically range from $120 to $150 one-way, depending on the season.
- Pros: Saves time (ideal for short trips), avoids rough seas, and offers aerial views of the atoll.
- Cons: More expensive and limited baggage allowance compared to speedboats.
Book in advance with our Dive and Manta packages for the best rates. Especially during peak season (May–November).
Getting to Maalhos by sea: A direct yet affordable journey
For a more immersive experience, take a speedboat from Malé City to Maalhos. The 2-hour journey goes through the crystal-clear waters of Baa Atoll, often with Maalhos Island as the first ferry stop.
- Cost: Speedboats cost $60 one-way, making them the cheapest option.
- Pros: Affordable, yet comfortable seating arrangements for a direct path to the island.
- Cons: Longer travel time while also being dependent on sea conditions (may be bumpy during particular months).
Our packages are inclusive of the transport arrangements. Just ask ahead! And we can arrange your speedboat transfer.
Stays in Maalhos
Maalhos’ 8+ guest houses cater to all budgets. Choose from beachfront guesthouses with beach views, or any other property that best caters to your taste. All offer basics like Wi-Fi, AC, and breakfast. For luxury, some guest houses come with high quality rooms, Jaccuzi clad bathrooms and also their very own mini spas. See more guesthouse details in our Accomodations page.
Our Manta and Dive packages are inclusive of transport, room rates and hotel fees. Book early especially during the Manta season (May–November) to secure the best deals.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Around Maalhos – Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is a diver’s paradise, and Maalhos is the gateway to its best sites, while also giving you a home away from home to wind-up after a day of adventures. Maalhos is a perfect base to dive with manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, dolphins and vibrant coral reefs. While also visiting nearby snorkeling spots for Mantas, Whalesharks, Turtles, Reef Sharks and other marine life.
The island also boasts a beautiful house-reef just across the bikini beach where guests snorkel during their free time. The island house-reef is also ideal for night-dives, shore dives, and training dives.
- Best Sites: Dhigali Haa, Angafaru Thila, Dhonfanu Thila (swim-throughs).
- Season: May–November (manta season); September–November (whale sharks).
- Operators: We (Manta Nomad Divers) offer courses, snorkeling and dive trips for all skill levels.
Baa Atoll is also very beginner friendly for both divers and snorkelers as most reefs are shallow, easily accessible with small to moderate currents.
Hanifaru Bay
Hanifaru Bay is the crown jewel of Baa Atoll, a funnel-shaped sanctuary where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed on plankton between May and November. Snorkeling is allowed and you can witness “manta soup” (cyclone feeding) up close.
Remember to respect the rules and no touching or obstructing the Manta feeding cyclone.
The Beach
Maalhos is known for its soft, powdery white sand beach. While not vast, the beach provides a perfect place to relax and bask out in the sun when you are not on a Manta or Whaleshark adventure. The house reef is also in front of the beach to snorkel whenever you are bored and need more activity, or more things to see.
As with any local island in the Maldives, there is a designated beach area for bikini wearers known as the ‘bikini beach’. Always respect local customs and always brief yourself of the island rules with our guides.
Fun fact: did you know that Maalhos has a moving beach? Yes! The sand particularly on the northern most side shifts back and forth between the north western side with the change in monsoon. So don’t be surprised when you visit during the South Western Monsoon and the scenery looks completely different from what your friend sent you back in December xD. This constant moving is what gives the sand on these beaches its unique and powdery texture.
Restaurants in Maalhos
Baa Atoll Maalhos has 4 popular cafes and restaurants. These cafes are also comlemented with many in-house dining facilities of guest houses. There are plenty of options to eat according to your dietary preferences. You can find a variety of menus ranging from your continental dishe you find everywhere in the world. You can also indulge in the most authentic Maldivian dishes often with fresh fish caught during that day.
Roshi and Mas huni (tuna salad with coconut), grilled fish, club sandwiches, submarine burgers, rice dishes, Pasta, fruit smoothies are staple menu items. Prices are reasonable with most meals at around $10.
Restaurants on the island include:
- Moonshell Rooftop & Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/usDfrgiaHUHAFCda7
- Vaataru Cafe: https://maps.app.goo.gl/efNYQkvrX8gcv8ZS8
- Cafe Pink Rose: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzXprfv593XEZJiJ7
- Dhonfulhafi Restaurant: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SW4VLAH33iwB4sUBA
Stores on the Island of Maalhos
Maalhos has a number of smaller stores The multiple stores on the island will have you covered with all basic amenities covering towels, clothes, toiletries, mosquito repellent (yes sometimes you need this), bottled water, packaged cans, drinks, and everything you need to focus on the slow life.
Stores on the island include:
- Dayas Store: https://maps.app.goo.gl/N6Zqz4Am95zkezVdA
- Velaa mart: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aaCiDgzvb11Repzt8
Souvenir Shops:
- Island Souveniers: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7cbhoo1Vf9VeonsE6
Culture & History
People mostly know the Maldives as a luxury tourist destination with turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Little do people know that these islands have been inhabited for thousands of years by its people with their own culture, language, and lifestyle.
Maalhos has been inhabited for centuries and is steeped in Maldivian culture. Adherence to the Islamic faith can be seen around the peaceful setting of the island, where crime is virtually non-existent. The island has one local mosque, enough for its resident population. The island also hosts numerous sites that have artifacts and tombstones that are centuries old. Very little of it remains, but you are sure to be put in awe of the intricate design and artistry of our forefathers.
The island has also been inhabited possibly for thousands of years. Over time, there are occasional discoveries of artifacts from the pre-Islamic era. A huge number of artifacts were recently dug from sites said to be ancient temples, now displayed in our national museums.
Engaging with the friendly locals is easy, and they are often happy to show their work or crafts. Women on the island are often eager to show visitors how they prepare coconut oil the traditional way and how to weave palm leaves for a variety of purposes.
