Best excursions from Maafushi: 5 must-do tours in the Maldives
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Maafushi itself isn't very big, but despite its size, there's plenty to do both on the island and in the surrounding area. Thanks to its convenient location, Maafushi is the perfect base for booking some of the best excursions in the Maldives. You can arrange most tours through your hotel, at one of the many excursion desks on the island, or book them in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide.
Lunch on a sandbank
One of the most unique excursions from Maafushi is having lunch on a secluded sandbank. This experience can be booked on its own or combined with another tour, such as a snorkeling trip. You'll be taken by speedboat to a sandbank where you'll spend a few relaxing hours. A picnic blanket, beach umbrella and lounge chairs are already waiting for you. Most tours include a barbecue lunch, although you can usually choose a cold lunch instead. For a few hours, you'll have the sandbank almost entirely to yourself, making it the perfect place to enjoy lunch, relax and take some incredible photos.
Don't forget to bring plenty of sunscreen, as there's very little shade.
Snorkeling with Nurse Sharks
The Maldives is one of the best places in the world for both snorkeling and diving. From Maafushi, you can join several excursions that focus on spotting specific marine animals, such as whale sharks, nurse sharks or rays. If you prefer a bit of everything, you can also book a general snorkeling tour that stops at several reefs, giving you the chance to encounter a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life.
Visit a local uninhabited island
There are many small, uninhabited islands near Maafushi that are well worth visiting. These tiny islands are often covered in lush vegetation, and some even have mangrove forests that you can explore on foot. As you wander around, keep an eye out for small wildlife, including the adorable hermit crabs that can be found all over the island. You can also take a day trip from Maafushi to another inhabited local island to experience everyday life in the Maldives.
Resort island day trip or evening visit
Don't want to spend a fortune on a luxury resort stay but still want to see the famous overwater villas up close? A resort island day trip is the perfect solution. There are usually several luxury resorts within easy reach of Maafushi that offer day passes. You'll be picked up in the morning and returned to Maafushi before dinner.
During the day, you can enjoy almost all of the resort's facilities, take a look inside an overwater villa, relax by the pool with an alcoholic cocktail (something you won't find on local islands!), and often use complimentary paddleboards or kayaks. If you prefer, you can also visit a resort in the evening instead. Enjoy dinner at one of the resort's restaurants before ending the night with a drink while listening to live music.
Dolphin cruise or sunset cruise
Besides snorkeling trips, you can also book one of the many boat cruises from Maafushi. Some cruises focus on spotting dolphins, while others take you to beautiful viewpoints or combine the trip with a visit to a sandbank or local island.
Another popular option is a sunset cruise, where you'll head out onto the ocean just before sunset. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the stunning colors of the Maldivian sky and capture some beautiful photos.
Some sunset cruises are combined with a traditional fishing trip, giving you the chance to catch your own fish straight from the boat. It's a fun way to spend a few hours off the island.
