Best Maafushi Maldives Tours – Photos, Packages, Reviews

I know “Maldives” may sound like extreme luxury and vacations for wealthy people… but did you know that there are times of the year when accommodation and tours drop significantly in price? For example, traveling between May and November is usually much cheaper than in high season.

Also, if you stay on a local island — like Maafushi — instead of a luxury resort, you can enjoy amazing experiences: snorkeling, dolphins, reefs, sandbanks… without spending too much. This makes the Maldives an accessible option even if you’re not planning a huge investment from the start.

If you stay in Maafushi, you have a huge advantage: many of the best excursions depart from there — and they are usually more affordable than from resort islands or more touristy islands. That’s why we recommend using Maafushi as your base during your stay.

Why Maafushi?

• Greater tourist offer: there are plenty of accommodations, restaurants, tour agencies, and activity options.
• Competitive prices: with so many agencies, tours are usually cheaper than on small islands or resorts.
• Easy coordination and availability: excursions often depart even with only a few days’ notice — ideal if you’re planning on the go.

Where to book excursions?

In Maafushi, you will find local operators: large and small agencies offering flexible experiences.

Tours generally include: snorkeling equipment, towel, life jacket, round-trip transport from the island, picnic or barbecue lunch, drinks, and in some cases, underwater photos or videos.

Recommended Tours

1. Snorkeling, turtles, and dolphin watching (half day)

• Snorkeling on coral reefs and “turtle reef” — with a chance to see turtles.
• Boat ride looking for dolphins in their natural habitat; sometimes you can swim near them.
• Picnic lunch on a sandbank + free time on the beach.
• Price: around 35 USD.

2. Snorkeling with nurse sharks + sunken ship + dolphins — full day

• Snorkeling near reefs and areas with nurse sharks (harmless).
• Visit a sunken ship, ideal for light diving and underwater photography.
• Dolphin watching, picnic/barbecue lunch, and time on beaches or sandbanks.

3. Excursion to Gulhi Island + snorkeling (half day or full day)

• A quiet island with beautiful beaches and a more relaxed vibe than Maafushi.
• Snorkeling near the coast, some areas accessible even by walking to the reef.
• Free time to enjoy the beach and swim.

4. Swimming with whale sharks or manta rays — full adventure

• Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays — majestic and generally harmless creatures.
• Respect the environment, don’t touch the animals, and follow the guides’ instructions.
• This type of tour is usually more expensive but offers a unique experience.

5. Sandbank — half day of total relaxation

• Trip to a sandbank in the middle of the sea to relax, swim, and fully disconnect.
• Light snorkeling and time to sunbathe or enjoy the turquoise sea — perfect if you want a quiet break.

6. Day visit to a resort (day-pass)

• Access to resort beaches and facilities, meals, drinks, and relaxation.
• Ideal if you want a luxury experience for a day without staying overnight.

Practical Tips

• Bring your own snorkeling gear if possible.
• Check tour availability in advance — even though Maafushi has a good offer, it’s better to book in high season.
• Respect marine life and coral.
• Combine several excursions on different days to explore reefs, sandbanks, local islands, and marine life.
• Use eco-friendly sunscreen to protect ecosystems.

Conclusion

The Maldives are not only paradisiacal beaches and luxury resorts. Staying in Maafushi gives you the chance to discover the real beauty of the archipelago: reefs teeming with life, crystal-clear waters, turtles, dolphins, harmless sharks, deserted sandbanks, and charming local islands.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, contact with nature, total relaxation, or a mix of everything — the Maldives has something for every type of traveler. And from Maafushi, it’s within everyone’s reach 💙