Fulidhoo Island beach
Fulidhoo Island is a small resort island located about 3.5 hours by ferry from Male Airport. It is part of the Vaavu Atoll (Felidhe) and is one of the five of its inhabited islands (the local population is about 300 people). Fulidu is an atypical Maldivian paradise, because there is no bungalow over the water, no landscape swimming pools, no restaurants overlooking the lagoon. But it is considered one of the most convenient and at the same time budget places in the Maldives with excellent opportunities for diving and fishing.
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Beach description
Fulidu is a beautiful, sparsely populated resort with a relaxed atmosphere, which is an ideal place for those who want to relax on a paradise island with a rather modest vacation budget. It is very small: only 700 by 200 m, so you can even walk around the whole island by foot, without the need for bicycles. In addition to the proximity to the capital and affordable budget relaxation, Fulidu also attracts vacationers by:
- long sandy beach with golden sand, which prevails on the seabed;
- azure-turquoise waters of a picturesque lagoon surrounded by emerald-cut palm trees on the beach;
- night diving in the vicinity of a hundred sharks-nannies and huge mantas;
- the opportunity to plunge into the colorful cultural traditions of local residents with evening dances under the sound of drums.
Since the locals visit the beach, it is forbidden to be on it in a bikini - this offends the feelings of local residents of the island who practice Islam. However, there is a small area called Bikini Beach, dedicated specifically for tourists and located on the outskirts of the island. Here, the beach is also covered with beautiful powdery sand, and you can swim in swimsuits.
Deep sea fishing is also very popular on Fulidhoo, including marlin and sailing fish. Wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts can watch the huge fruit bats and herons found abundantly in the lagoon.
When is the best time to go?
Maldives – is an equatorial country with a tropical climate, where the weather is always warm at + 27-30ºС. But the islands have some seasonal features. From mid-April to the end of October it often rains here. The dry season lasts from November till April. At this time, the initially clear sea becomes completely transparent, and the sun illuminates in the sky 12 hours a day.
Important: A large amount of plankton is collected in October and November off the coast, which is why the ocean takes on a slightly unclear hue. On the other side – plankton illuminates the sea at night, creating an indescribable picture. At this time, coastal waters are filled with stingrays – fabulously fascinating creatures that are in no way inferior to the dolphins.
Video: Beach Fulidhoo Island
Infrastructure
Kinan Retreat is the best accommodation option for Fulidhoo for those who want to go diving, as the hotel works closely with the local diving center and is located very close to the coast. Budget accommodation not on the beach is Seena Inn or Thundi Guesthouse. There are 6 guest houses in Fulidhoo to accommodate guests.
- There are 2 cafes on the island, but it is worth considering that in Ramadan they will be closed during the day.
- When settling in guest houses, meals can be ordered directly on site. Any of them also has a barbecue area.
- There are no bars or restaurants on the beach, only 1 tea house.
On the island there is a mosque, a medical center, several supermarkets. There are souvenir shops on the main street, which runs through the center of the island, but they are only open 2 days a week when vacationers from neighboring islands come here for excursions.
On Fulidhoo is a center for water leisure and diving, where you can rent catamarans and jet skis, as well as rent equipment for scuba diving. On the main beach you can relax in hammocks in the shade of banyan trees.
Weather in Fulidhoo Island
Best hotels of Fulidhoo Island
All hotels of Fulidhoo IslandUseful information
- You can get to Fulida by public ferry, which runs only 3 times a week. Otherwise, you have to use a private motor boat, what is much more expensive. It is also possible to book a transfer by boat, but this should be agreed in advance with the guest house where accommodation on the island is supposed.
- In order to avoid confusion with the local population, women vacationers should dress modestly: legs and shoulders must certainly be covered. Men are forbidden to walk with a naked torso. An exception is only when you are on the beach of Bikini Beach.
- Alcohol is not available on the island. It should be borne in mind that there are no ATMs here, and many accommodations do not accept card payments.
- The high period is from December to March-April. At this time, the island has calm weather without rains, and when diving, excellent visibility. At other times, vacationers are much less, what allows to enjoy relative solitude. Out of season diving can be good on the western edge of the atoll.
- Near the island there are many excellent dive sites where you can admire rare black corals and swim in the neighborhood with nanny sharks, stingrays, huge Napoleon fish and gray reef sharks. The most interesting place for diving are Fulidhoo Caves.
- You can also go kayaking on the island or book a boat trip to Maafushi, a more popular and expensive resort.