The Best Maldives Island for Your Travel Style

Ah, the Maldives… aka paradise on earth. It’s the perfect place for all kinds of adventures. You could be getting a spa treatment one day and snorkelling near whale sharks the next. So whether you’re a chilled-out traveller or an ocean enthusiast, this paradise is calling you. Keep reading to discover the best Maldives islands you must add to your Maldives bucket list 😍

How Many Islands Are There in the Maldives?

It’s a question you’re probably wondering about so let’s get to the bottom of it. There are 1,192 paradise islands in the Maldives across 28 divisions called atolls. Only 188 of the islands are inhabited. The rest are untouched natural masterpieces but it’s the inhabited ones that will blow your mind. With iconic beaches, crystal clear waters, gentle marine wildlife, friendly residents, mouth-watering fresh food and tonnes more, there’s plenty to discover! The best way to experience these wonders is on an exciting Maldives group tour 👀

Our Picks for the Best Maldives Islands

1. Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Authenticity

Backpackers, this authentic Maldives island should be top of your list. On Sri Lanka Adventure + Maldives Add On, head over to the largest local island of Maafushi for a budget traveller's paradise. Here you can visit a spa, sunbathe on sandy beaches, parasail over crystal-clear waters, tuck into fresh foods, chat with the locals and so much more. You won’t want to miss this one.

2. Baros Island, Malé Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Marine Wildlife

Just north of Malé is the stunning Baros Island. Surrounded by coral reefs it’s thriving with thousands of marine species so it’s the perfect spot for scuba diving! What are you waiting for? Book your group tour, pull on your flippers, and explore the Maldives like never before. Swim with gentle reef sharks, adorable sea turtles, friendly moray eels, cute mantas and schools of colourful fish 🐠

3. Fulidhoo Island, Vaavu Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Culture

Time to get your dancing shoes on! Fulidhoo is famous for its immersive cultural events like Bodu Beru and Langiri (traditional dances with drums and Thaara folk music). On our 7-day Floating Around The Maldives group trip, you’ll dance the night away in a traditional Bodu Beru drum and dance performance on Fulidhoo Island with the friendly locals.

4. Komandoo Island, Lhaviyani Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Your Dream Trip

This stunning island has it all, from tropical beaches to romantic resorts and adventurous activities. Take a dolphin cruise, do some water sports, go diving or snorkelling, relax on beaches, get a massage, eat all the food… the list goes on. You can pretty much do it all at Komandoo Island making it the best Maldives island for your dream escape. You better start saving for this one!

5. Fesdhoo Island, North Ari Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Scuba diving

What makes this Maldives island so special is the famous Fesdhoo Shipwreck. Sunk 30 meters below sea level, advanced divers from all over the world are drawn to it. Over the years it has formed an artificial reef now thriving with glassfish, butterflyfish and angelfish. It really is spectacular! 😲

6. Villimale Island, North Male Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Snorkelling

On Sri Lanka Adventure + Maldives Add On, take a day on Villimale Island to soak up the stunning views. Wake up to watch the sunrise, fuel yourself with a delicious breakfast and spend the day island hopping and snorkelling with your new lifelong friends. It’s by far the best way to experience this paradise 🏝️

7. Huvafen Fushi, North Malé Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Spa Days

If luxurious spa treatments are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Maldives, you won’t be disappointed at Huvafen Fushi. It’s the most secluded luxury resort located in North Malé Atoll. This blissful paradise offers endless stunning backdrops with plenty of spas to choose from.

8. Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: A Dolphin Cruise

A trip to the Maldives wouldn’t be complete without spotting a pod of playful dolphins! On day 15 of Sri Lanka Adventure + Maldives Add On you’ll take a memorable snorkelling trip before hopping on a boat to seek dolphins as you cruise the gorgeous ocean. Maasfushi is the best island for it. There are plenty of dolphins ready to give you an awe-inspiring show! Look out for the impressive (and harmless) whale sharks too 🐬        

  

9. Milaidhoo Island, Baa Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: A Luxury Getaway

Calling all boujee travellers, this one is for you. This paradise is exactly how you picture the Maldives to be. Imagine a pristine paradise with bright blue waters, palm tree-lined beaches and the purest white sands on earth. Now add a few luxurious 5-star villas with private pools, floating breakfasts and dreamy sunset views. Milaidhoo Island is exactly that! Pure bliss. Although not so budget-friendly, it’s still a top pick on our list because its luxury vibe is unmatched! 

10. Lankanfinolhu Island, Malé Atoll

Best Maldives Island for: Relaxing beaches

Having your final night in Male? Before you say goodbye to paradise, get one last taste of the Maldives island life. Hop on a short boat trip north of Male to this remote island. With stunning white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and picture-perfect scenes, it’s a total gem you shouldn’t miss out on.

 

Choose one of our dreamy Maldives trips and see the best islands on a budget-friendly group tour. Board a traditional Dhoni cruise, sail through idyllic turquoise waters and make friends for life with your crew mates. Trust us, it will be an unforgettable adventure. Getting FOMO already? Book your trip! 👈