Dharavandhoo Island
Experience authentic Maldives on Dharavandhoo Island, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and incredible manta ray encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Manta ray season
Dharavandhoo Island
Best Time
Manta ray season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Maldives on Dharavandhoo Island, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant reefs, and incredible manta ray encounters.
"A beautiful local island with wonderful people, good prices, and amazing excursions."
✅ Book Registered Operators
Ensure your manta ray tours are with registered, safety-conscious operators for a responsible experience.
💰 Good Prices & Food
Expect reasonable prices for excursions and delicious local food. Great value for money.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hanifaru Bay Manta Rays
Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Witness majestic manta rays and whale sharks in their natural feeding grounds. An unforgettable underwater spectacle.
Tranquil Bikini Beach
North of Male
Enjoy quiet stretches of soft, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun.

Vibrant Coral Reefs
Surrounding Dharavandhoo
Explore a diverse underwater world teeming with colorful marine life. Ideal for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.

Breathtaking Sunsets
Western Horizon
Watch the sky transform into a canvas of vibrant colors. A perfect, serene end to your day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Local Charm
Manta Ray Season & Operators
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dharavandhoo Trip
✅ Book Registered Operators
Ensure your manta ray tours are with registered, safety-conscious operators for a responsible experience.
💰 Good Prices & Food
Expect reasonable prices for excursions and delicious local food. Great value for money.
Dharavandhoo - is it quiet?
Hanifaru Bay/ Dharavandhoo Maldives Recs? Full stay and dive package or accommodations and diving separately?
🚶♀️ Explore the Local Island
Wander through the small island, interact with locals, and experience authentic Maldivian life.
🤿 Snorkel & Dive
The surrounding reefs are rich with marine life, offering fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
✅ Book Registered Operators
Ensure your manta ray tours are with registered, safety-conscious operators for a responsible experience.
💰 Good Prices & Food
Expect reasonable prices for excursions and delicious local food. Great value for money.
🚶♀️ Explore the Local Island
Wander through the small island, interact with locals, and experience authentic Maldivian life.
🤿 Snorkel & Dive
The surrounding reefs are rich with marine life, offering fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities.
♻️ Be Mindful of Litter
Some areas may have litter. Be a responsible tourist and help keep the island clean.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dharavandhoo Island is praised for its authentic local charm, pristine beaches, and incredible marine life, especially manta rays. Visitors appreciate the friendly people, good prices, and delicious food, offering a genuine Maldivian experience. However, some concerns include litter on the island and dying corals.
"The pristine beaches of this island offer a tranquil escape. Crystal-clear turquoise waters gently lap against the soft, white sand. Lush tropical vegetation provides a vibrant backdrop to the serene landscape. Colorful coral reefs teem with marine life, creating an underwater paradise for snorkelers and divers. The breathtaking sunsets paint the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit."
samia iftikhar
"It's a beautiful local island located 110 km away from north of male. It has its own airport. Bikini beach is there which is very quiet. You can enjoy snorkeling, dolphin cruise, scuba diving and visiting sandbank is also amazing. Overall it's an wonderful Island."
Stella Philip
"A beautiful Island!
Pros:
-Wonderful people
-Good prices
-Delicious food
-Nice excursions and good diving instructors (BluWorld Dharavandoo)
-Very small with fewer tourists
Bad:
-Litter around the island
-Dumps of waste by the beaches
-Corals are gradually dying
-Noisy airport (4 flights per day I believe)
-Airport no fly zone for the Drone flyers
Overall, I will certainly come again. I love this local island. Hope it doesn't grow to the extent that tourism overtakes it all, just like some other islands."
Orlando Nelson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dharavandhoo Island has its own airport (DRV) located 110 km north of Male. You can take domestic flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male directly to Dharavandhoo. Alternatively, you can take a speedboat from Male or other nearby islands, though this can be a longer journey.
Yes, Dharavandhoo is accessible from Male via domestic flights which are the quickest option. Speedboat transfers are also available but take longer.
Domestic flights from Male to Dharavandhoo typically take around 30-40 minutes. Speedboat journeys can vary significantly depending on sea conditions and the specific route, often taking several hours.
While public ferries operate between some local islands, direct public ferry services from Male to Dharavandhoo are not common. Domestic flights and speedboats are the primary modes of transport.
Yes, Dharavandhoo has its own airport (DRV) and receives domestic flights from Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Dharavandhoo is a local island, so there are no general entry tickets to the island itself. However, you will need to pay for accommodation in guesthouses or hotels. Excursions like dolphin cruises, snorkeling trips, and diving tours will have separate costs.
Attractions like Hanifaru Bay are natural sites and don't have fixed opening hours, but tours operate during daylight. Guesthouses and restaurants have their own operating hours. It's best to check with your accommodation or tour operator.
The bikini beach on Dharavandhoo is generally free to access for visitors staying on the island.
Excursion prices vary, but expect to pay around $50-$100 USD for activities like manta ray snorkeling trips or sandbank visits. Diving trips might be slightly more.
While Hanifaru Bay is a protected marine area, there isn't a direct entrance fee for snorkelers. However, tours to the bay will include costs for boat transport and guides.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Must-do activities include snorkeling or diving to see vibrant coral reefs and marine life, taking a dolphin cruise, visiting a sandbank, and experiencing the manta rays in Hanifaru Bay during the season.
Yes, Dharavandhoo is excellent for snorkeling. The surrounding reefs are teeming with diverse marine life, offering a colorful underwater spectacle.
Absolutely! Dharavandhoo is a gateway to Hanifaru Bay, a world-renowned spot for manta ray and whale shark sightings, especially from May to November.
Dharavandhoo is a local island, so you'll experience authentic Maldivian life. The people are known to be wonderful and welcoming. Remember to dress modestly when walking around the village.
Yes, Dharavandhoo is known for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape compared to more bustling tourist islands.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find delicious local Maldivian cuisine, often featuring fresh seafood like fish curries and grilled fish. Many guesthouses and local restaurants offer a variety of dishes.
Yes, Dharavandhoo has several local restaurants and cafes serving Maldivian and some international dishes. Your guesthouse will likely offer meal plans as well.
While seafood is prominent, most local eateries can prepare vegetarian dishes upon request, often featuring rice, vegetables, and lentils.
Food prices on Dharavandhoo are generally reasonable, especially compared to resort islands. Expect to pay around $10-$20 USD per person for a meal at a local restaurant.
Most guesthouses on Dharavandhoo offer meal plans, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient option for travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the pristine bikini beach, vibrant coral reefs during snorkeling, colorful sunsets, and the local island life. The underwater world is a photographer's dream.
No, drone flying is restricted in Dharavandhoo, especially near the airport. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Midday provides clear, bright light for underwater shots.
While dedicated photography tours might not be common, your excursion guides can often help you find the best spots and times for memorable photos.
A waterproof camera or action camera is highly recommended for underwater photography. A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a good zoom lens can be useful for wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When choosing accommodation, look for guesthouses that offer family rooms or interconnecting options. Many guesthouses are family-run and can be accommodating. While the island is small, it's advisable to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water and during excursions.
💰 Budget Travelers
Excursions are also more reasonably priced here. You can enjoy snorkeling, sandbank trips, and dolphin watching at a fraction of the cost you'd find on private resort islands. Booking tours through your guesthouse or directly with local operators can often secure the best deals.
🐠 Dive & Snorkel Enthusiasts
Several dive centers operate on the island, offering PADI courses and guided dives for all levels. The chance to swim with manta rays and whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay is a major draw, but the reefs also boast an incredible array of colorful fish, turtles, and reef sharks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Marine Life: Manta Rays & Beyond
Beyond the mantas, the waters surrounding Dharavandhoo are home to vibrant coral reefs teeming with a kaleidoscope of fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine creatures. Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner snorkeler, the underwater world here offers endless exploration. Many local operators offer guided snorkeling and diving trips, ensuring you can safely discover the best spots.
Traveler Tip: Always choose registered tour operators who prioritize safety and environmental conservation. This ensures a responsible and enjoyable encounter with the marine life.
Authentic Maldivian Culture & Island Life
When exploring the village, it's important to be mindful of local customs. While designated bikini beaches are available for tourists to wear swimwear, it's respectful to dress modestly when walking through residential areas. This might include covering your shoulders and knees.
Community Insight: Many visitors appreciate the good prices and delicious food found on local islands like Dharavandhoo, making it a more budget-conscious yet equally rewarding experience compared to luxury resorts.
Navigating Dharavandhoo: Getting Around & Staying
Accommodation on Dharavandhoo primarily consists of guesthouses and small hotels. These offer a more intimate and affordable alternative to the large resorts. Many guesthouses provide meal plans, making it convenient for travelers to enjoy local cuisine without having to search for dining options daily.
Traveler Advice: While the island is generally clean, some reviews mention litter around the island and waste by the beaches. Being a responsible tourist and disposing of your trash properly can help maintain the island's beauty.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit