Thulusdhoo Maldives – hidden Gem to know about 2024
Thulusdhoo Maldives
This is one of my favourite islands in the Maldives. It is way more laid back than Maafushi and is way less touristy. I found there to be more locals than tourists (which is what I prefer) but it still had enough things to do and a beautiful beach to relax on. If you love surfing, I highly recommend Thulusdhoo as I have never seen waves so high!
I managed to do Maldives on a budget and you can too, here is everything you need to know if it is your first time travelling to the Maldives.
Thulusdhoo Transfer
Male to Thulusdhoo
To get to Thulusdhoo Maldives you will need to get either the public ferry or a direct speedboat. You can get either from Velena International Airport in Male or in Male City. If you opt for the public ferry you will need to take two separate ferries one from the airport to Male City and then from Male City to Thulusdhoo.
Thulusdhoo Ferry Schedule
You can find the ferry schedule here. You will need to take the 308 ferry from Male to Thulusdhoo. It leaves from Male City at 14:30 and arrives at Thulusdhoo at 16:45. If you are coming from the Airport you will need to take the public ferry from the airport to Male City. There is only one ferry a day and the public ferry doesn’t run on Fridays. This is super affordable between $2-5 for all journeys.
male to Thulusdhoo Speedboat
A more direct option but still affordable is to get the Male to Thulusdhoo Speedboat. You can get this from the Airport and it is a direct 30-minute journey straight to Thulusdhoo. The speedboat does only come 3 times a day so you may have to wait around a bit. It doesn’t however run on Fridays however it isn’t as frequent. This will cost you $25pp for a one-way journey.
To book a speedboat I got in contact with my guesthouse who organised it for me. They also arranges free transfers from the harbour to the hotel.
Thulusdhoo Map
Thulusdhoo Hotels
Eden Blue Thulusdhoo Maldives
I stayed at Eden Blue Thulusdhoo for my time in Thulusdhoo Maldives. This guesthouse was clean, offered breakfast at that rate and even had free bikes to use. My room was spacious with AC (a must when visiting the Maldives) and plenty of plug sockets. Eden Blue Thulusdhoo has an exceptional rating on booking.com.
The walk to Bikini Beach was around 5 minutes (in the baking heat so it did take me longer) where you can find all the activities available in Thulusdhoo.
Reef Edge Thulusdhoo Maldives
If you are looking for a nicer hotel in Thulusdhoo Maldives with a sea view, Reef Edge Thulusdhoo is highly recommended on all booking sites. It has a superb rating on booking.com. Breakfast is not included in the rate.
Thulusdhoo Restaurants
RG Restaurant
I was recommended this restaurant by my host at the Guesthouse. I opted for the tuna steak with rice and vegetables with a bottle of water which cost me £6.60 in total. I paid in USD but they accepted the Maldivian Rufiyaa as well, they did not accept card payments only cash.
Byyoni Restaurant
Another restaurant that was recommended to me for lunch was Byyoni Restaurant. I got the Tuna rice (yes another tuna dish) and a coffee milkshake. All this cost £8. All tuna is caught locally and is really good in the Maldives, highly recommend it.
Things to do in Thulusdhoo Maldives
Bikini Beach Thulusdhoo Maldives
Like all local islands, Thulusdhoo has a bikini beach where tourists can wear a bikini to swim and sunbathe. In all other public areas and beaches, it is not allowed to wear a bikini. This is due to the Maldives being a Muslim country.
Cycle around Thulusdhoo Maldives
The guesthouse I was staying in offered free bikes to ride around the island. Although the island is walkable, I was only in Thulusdhoo for a day so wanted to make the most of it.
Thulusdhoo Snorkelling
The snorkelling in Thulusdhoo is exceptional and still remains one of my favourite places to snorkel.
thulusdhoo surfing
The waves in Thulusdhoo were insane and I heard (when I was there) that it is a great place to surf. There are many activity centres in the area and also a surfing school if you want to try it. I would recommend getting a rash guard top or rash guard zipper for surfing and it is also great for walking around the island.
Coca Cola Factory
I thought this was really random but Thulusdhoo Maldives has a coca cola factory on the island. You can actually visit the Coca-Cola Factory for free, my host at my guest house organised it all for me.
Thulusdhoo Pond (Fengandu)
Free to enter you cross the bridge and it has a very nice viewing platform so you can watch the surfers on these enormous waves. I got eaten alive here by pesty mosquitos so wear mosquito repellent.
Thulusdhoo ATM
If you want to take any money Thulusdhoo does have an ATM on the island. This is a self-service ATM. it will give you money in Maldivian Rufiyaa. Just be aware that the Maldivian Rufiyaa is non convertible currency so only take out what you need as you cannot exchange it back when you get to your home country.
Thulusdhoo Island Review
I really enjoyed Thulusdhoo Island as it had a lovely beach and nice restaurants, It was really calming and great for activities. If you are looking to surf Thulusdhoo is a great choice of island to visit.
I was only in Thulusdhoo for a day as it was cheaper to get a flight a day earlier which allowed me to see another island.
Thulusdhoo Weather
The weather in Thulusdhoo will depend on whether you go in the dry season (November to April) or the wet season (April to November). I visited the Maldives at the beginning of September and although it did rain it was only for about half an hour or in the early hours of the morning so didn’t bother me at all. If you want to go to the Maldives on a budget I would suggest going in the wet season as accommodation will be cheaper and there will be fewer crowds.
Maldives Island Hopping
I managed to visit three different local islands when I visited the Maldives. They were Thulusdhoo, Maafushi and Gulhi. These are all local islands and so much more affordable than resort islands. If you do plan to island hop just make sure you time the public ferry (cheapest option) as it only comes once a day and doesn’t run on Fridays. Also, make sure you get to the ferry terminal as there are two on male city (I made this mistake so you don’t have to)>
