Mahibadhoo, 8th November 2024 (Updated)
Mahibadhoo Island, the capital of South Ari Atoll, is one of the most stunning islands in the Maldives. This budget-friendly destination remains a hidden gem, known for its affordable prices and amazing marine life, including the chance to swim with manta rays and whale sharks. A stay on Mahibadhoo costs around 65 USD per night for two, with breakfast and all taxes included—a true Maldives dream.
The island has a population of about 2,500 people and spans 2.4 km by 1.2 km. Most families depend on fishing and tourism, and all guesthouses are locally owned. Shops, cafes, and restaurants on Mahibadhoo offer affordable prices. Notably, the island’s football stadium, now known as Pele Stadium, was renamed in honor of the legendary player by FIFA, providing a scenic backdrop along the Indian Ocean.
Mahibadhoo is a paradise for snorkeling and diving. It’s one of the best spots in the Maldives to swim with mantas and whale sharks, which can be seen year-round nearby. There are also 15 diving sites, known as “Thilas,” around the island, including the famous Kudarah Thila and the Kudhimaa Wreck, a 50-meter cargo ship sitting at 30 meters depth.
Mahibadhoo: The Most Connected Local Island in the Maldives by Public Ferries
Mahibadhoo, the Capital of South Ari Atoll, is the most connected local island by public ferries in all Maldives, after the capital city Male’, making it an ideal base for exploring this Area, especially for budget travelers and backpackers who want to hop from island to island. Despite its very strategic location, it remains a hidden gem and is not well-known among tourists.
As the atolls in the Maldives are spread out, choosing one island for your stay, like Mahibadhoo, allows easy access to nearby islands via public ferry. The ferry system is affordable, with tickets ranging from $2 to $4 (Example: Ferry Ticket Mahibadhoo to Omadhoo is only 50 MVR)
From Mahibadhoo, you can visit minimum 12 nearby local islands by public ferry, including: Mamigili, Fenfushi, Dhigurah, Dhidhdhoo, Dhangethi, Himandhoo, Maalhos, Feridhoo, Kunburudhoo, Hagnammeedhoo, Omadhoo, and Mandhoo.
For more details on ferry schedules, visit this page here. Please note that Maldivian writing is from right to left, so departure times are always listed in the right column.
The best way to reach Mahibadhoo is definitely by speedboat from the airport, as the public ferry takes much longer and operates only 3 days a week. Then, for island hopping, you can then use the affordable public ferries. For your return, you can also take a speedboat back to the airport. This is the smartest and most efficient way to travel. Mahibadhoo is just 90 minutes by speedboat from the airport, with twice-daily transfers available for $55.
Mahibadhoo vs. Dhigurah: Why Mahibadhoo is Better and More Affordable !
Mahibadhoo is perfect for marine lovers and one of the least commercialized islands in the area. Unlike its busier neighbor Dhigurah, which has gained popularity due to influencers, Mahibadhoo offers a more authentic experience. Here, you’ll enjoy true Maldivian hospitality, with welcoming locals who are friendly, humble, and make you feel at home. The island is very safe, and many locals work in fishing.
Contrary to popular belief, Dhigurah is not the only place to see whale sharks. Mahibadhoo and other nearby paradise islands that are closer to whale shark and manta points. Many influencers may only visit Dhigurah, but never been to Mahibadhoo. Mahibadhoo is also only 90 minutes by speedboat from the airport, with transfers available daily for 55 USD.
The Best Island for Whale Sharks and Mantas in the Maldives
Two main areas in the Maldives offer manta and whale shark experiences: Baa Atoll in the north and South Ari Atoll near Mahibadhoo. South Ari Atoll is a top location for whale sharks, while Baa Atoll is known for manta sightings. South Ari is the only place worldwide with year-round whale shark aggregations. Mahibadhoo is even home to the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, dedicated to studying and protecting these gentle giants.
Close to Manta Point: The Second-Best Place for Mantas
In addition to whale sharks, Mahibadhoo is near Manta Point, where manta rays gather to feed on plankton during the northeast monsoon (January to April). You can take a boat from Mahibadhoo for a chance to swim with these incredible creatures. Besides whale sharks and mantas, you’ll see turtles, dolphins, corals, and vibrant fish around the island.
Mahibadhoo’s Commitment to Environment & Sustainability
Mahibadhoo is dedicated to environmental protection. The island maintains clean beaches and has a community-driven waste management program. Each morning, food waste is collected and turned into compost, while other waste is sorted and recycled, with only minimal burning.
What to Do on Mahibadhoo
Mahibadhoo offers plenty of activities, including spa treatments, beach dinners, fishing trips, sunset dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing. Everything is affordably priced and often cheaper than on Dhigurah. Divers can enjoy PADI-certified dive services and daily trips to top sites, with courses available for all skill levels.
Mahibadhoo is surrounded by many famous resort islands, such as Amaya Kudah Rah, Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Diamonds Thudufushi, Drift Thelu Veliga Retreat, Angaga Island Resort, and Mirihi Island Resort. We can organize a memorable day trip for you and your loved one to one of these resorts. This experience is available at an affordable price, including roundtrip transfer, entrance fees, access to resort facilities, a buffet lunch, and even alcoholic beverages. Mahibadhoo is truly well-located, making it a perfect base for such incredible day trips.
Where to Stay on Mahibadhoo
Mahibadhoo has several guesthouses where you can experience the Maldives on a budget, with rates starting around 50 to 60 USD per night. Although the Maldives is a Muslim country and alcohol isn’t available on local islands, Mahibadhoo guesthouses offer a warm welcome and are happy to accommodate special requests.
Our Guesthouse in Mahibadhoo
Welcome to Mahibadhoo, where natural beauty, local culture, and incredible marine life come together for an unforgettable experience.
Our Guesthouse is close to the bikini beach and dining spots. The room has air conditioning, a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, fresh linens, and towels.
Our spacious and cozy room offers a peaceful view with a relaxing big Windows. It’s perfect for families, couples, friends, or solo travelers, with both double and twin bed options.
Our Guest Reviews
How to get to Mahibadhoo
Getting to Mahibadhoo is simple and affordable with our recommended super-fast speedboat transfer from Malé Airport, costing just $55 per person one way. Speedboat transfers are available twice daily, including Fridays, which is typically an off day in the Maldives. As a special service, we provide a Free airport representative (usually a $10 fee) who will guide you from Malé Airport to the speedboat departure point in Malé, ensuring you a smooth transfer experience.
We don’t recommend taking the public ferry to Mahibadhoo as it runs only three times a week, is very slow, outdated, uncomfortable, long journey, and often gets canceled in bad weather. However, public ferries are a great option for exploring nearby islands from Mahibadhoo. To book your speedboat, just reach out to us on WhatsApp.
Mahibadhoo Speedboat Schedule
* From MLE Airport : 10:30 and 15:30 (Daily except Friday), 09:30 (Friday)
* From Mahibadhoo : 07:55 and 12:55 (Daily except Friday), 07:55 (Friday)
