THODDOO ISLAND GUIDE


Interested in travelling to Thoddoo Island for your Maldives vacation?

Wondering how to get to Thoddoo, the best things to do at Thoddoo, or which are the best Thoddoo guest houses?

The Indulge Maldives Thoddoo Island Review and Guide has all of the essential info and tips you need for planning a budget trip to Thoddoo Maldives.

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THODDOO ISLAND REVIEW

Thoddoo Maldives is one of the most picturesque, affordable and accessible budget islands in Maldives. Located 67km west of Velana International Airport / Malé, it is the largest island in Alif Alif / North Ari Atoll, with a large land size of 162ha. Thoddoo Island measures 2km long by 1km wide. It is 20km from neighbouring Rasdhoo Island and has a population 1400 local people.
 
The long stretches of crystal blue waters, endless palm trees and white sand make it perfect to visit Thoddoo on a budget. There are so many things to do at Thoddoo Maldives, plus there is plenty of choice in accommodation, with almost 30 Thoddoo guest houses located in the centre of the island. Travellers can expect to pay from USD$50 to $150 per night.
 
Thoddoo Maldives is widely regarded as the ‘Agricultural Island’ of Maldives and is most famous for producing watermelons and papaya, as well as other fruits and vegetables. More than half of the island is made up of agricultural farmland and palm tree plantations, whist the remainder of the island is reserved for the local village. 
 
The local people take pride in keeping their island clean and tidy. The streets are groomed early each morning and no litter is visible on the land or in the water, making it a great island destination to visit. 
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THODDOO MAP

 
 
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THINGS TO DO AT THODDOO ISLAND

Wondering what are the best things to do at Thoddoo?

THODDOO BEACHES

Thoddoo Island Guide

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One of the best things to do at Thoddoo is enjoy the two beautiful bikini beaches – often regarded as some of the best in Maldives. Think long white sandy beaches, green vegetation and palm trees, with crystal blue water. The flat water and sand base make Thoddoo beaches ideal for swimming, especially for children or less competent swimmers. Laze in the beachside hammocks or relax on the sun lounges, under the shade of palm trees. The best bikini beach is located on the western part of the island and is a 15 minutes walk from the Thoddoo guest houses. The other bikini beach is situated closer to the tourist accommodation.
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OVERWATER SWINGS

Thoddoo beach

The other bikini beach has over water swings – perfect for capturing Instagram moments here in Maldives.
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WATERSPORTS

things to do at Thoddoo

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If adventure is your thing, one of the best things to do at Thoddoo is check out the water sports and excursions. There’s plenty to do from jet skiing to wake boarding, banana boat riding, snorkelling and diving. There is even a dive centre, however if you are coming to Maldives for diving, we recommend staying on an island with more dive sites, like neighbouring island Rasdhoo, as its offers some of the best diving in Maldives.

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MANTA SNORKELLING

things to do at Thoddoo.

Don’t be surprised if you encounter a beautiful manta ray or two off Thoddoo beach, as they are often sited swimming through the region. Indulge Maldives can arrange snorkelling trips and excursions for you. . I

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BICYCLE RIDING

Thoddoo Island review

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One of the best things to do at Thoddoo is hire a bicycle during your stay for around USD$5 per day. Many Thoddoo guest houses provide bikes for rent. Bicycles are a great safe way to explore the beaches, village, palm tree plantations and farmlands.

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PALM TREE ROADS

Thoddoo Island review

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Lengthy palm tree plantations line the sandy roads. The palm trees stretch alongside Thoddoo beaches and surrounding nearby roads – offering some great photo opportunities.

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TASTE FRESH FRUIT

There’s nothing better than tasting tropical fruit fresh straight from the tree or ground. Wandering around the island, you may be lucky enough for the locals to invite you to taste some of their fresh watermelon or papaya.

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MOSQUES

Thoddoo Island guide

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Thoddoo Maldives has a number of small mosques. The largest Mosque, Masjid al-Aisha built for 1800 capacity and opened in 2016 is definitely worth a visit. It’s the most significant structure on the island. Be sure to dress appropriately.

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ISLAND HOP TO RASDHOO OR UKULHAS ISLANDS

Ukulhas

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One of the best things to do in Thoddoo is island hop to neighbouring Rasdhoo and Ukulhas islands, using the local ferry network. The ferry departs Thoddoo Island around 7am for Rasdhoo and Ukulhas and it’s possible to return the same afternoon. The cost is 53MVR for a round trip. Check with Thoddoo guest houses for the most up to date schedule as it is subject to change and be sure the ferry will return the same day so an over night stay is not required. Note – ferries do not operate on Fridays due to it being a religious day of prayer.

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VISIT A SANDBANK

Thoddoo Island review

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Indulge Maldives can arrange excursions for you, like a once in a lifetime trip to a sandbank and uninhabited island, situated in the middle of the ocean.

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VISIT THE BUDDHIST HERITAGE SITE

Once a Buddhist heritage site, with Buddhist ruins, including states and temples. However after excavation, temples have sadly been vandalised and ruined.

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VOLUNTEER AT THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE PROGRAM

Thoddoo Maldives has its own student experience program, with international volunteers coming to the island to offer skills and gain experience in the island’s environmental and conservation practices. Volunteers are accommodated in Thoddoo guest houses on the island for around USD$60 a day.

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BEST THODDOO GUEST HOUSES 

coco villa Thoddoo

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Wondering which are the best Thoddoo guest houses?

Indulge Maldives has hand-selected the below Thoddoo guest houses for you. We have visited the island many times, have slept in the beds, eaten the food, experienced the service and done the excursions.

BUDGET: Thoddoo Beach View – operated by local Adhu and his twin brother.

BEST: Our favourite of all Thoddoo guest houses is Coco Villaa gorgeous  5 room boutique style property, with wonderful food and hospitality. The owner of Coco Villa is an interior designer from Romania and is enthusiastic about employing local people –  from USD$75 per night.

PACKAGE DEAL: 3 NIGHT THODDOO ISLAND – POST CARD PERFECTION – BUDGET ESCAPE PACKAGE USD$470pp

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RESORTS NEAR THODDOO MALDIVES

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Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon is a 4-star resort situated near Thoddoo Maldives. We can assist you in creating you an itinerary that allows you to experience the best of Maldives – Thoddoo Island + Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon Resort. We can co-ordinate your trip so that there is no need for you to waste time & money returning to the airport in between both islands. Chat to us today & we can make your Maldives trip easy, smooth and memorable. We also offer cheaper than online prices.

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BEST RESTAURANTS IN THODDOO

Thoddoo Island review

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Wondering which are the best Thoddoo restaurants?

MINT GARDEN CAFÉ – (above) is the best local style cafe on the island. Serving rice and noodle dishes, submarines, burgers plus other local foods.

SUNSET CAFÉ – local style foods

THODDOO DIVE VILLA – Have an in-house restaurant Black Anchor 

COCO VILLA – set menus and modern takes on Western and Maldivian favourites. Be sure to book early in the day so food can be prepared for your meal..

 
 

HOW TO GET TO THODDOO ISLAND

Thoddoo

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Wondering how to get to Thoddoo Island or the cost of the Thoddoo speedboat?

THODDOO SPEEDBOAT

The Thoddoo speedboat, Nasru is by far the best way to travel to / from Malé to Thoddoo Island. The journey takes 1hr and 15mins from Velana International Airport and costs USD$40p.p. one-way. When you book Thoddoo guest houses with Indulge Maldives, we will arrange your speedboat tickets for you in accordance with your flights.

The Malé to Thoddoo speedboat departs twice daily, from first from Malé and 10 minutes later from the airport. Please note Fridays a different timetable is in operation.

From Malé: Jetty #7 – Outside Bank of Maldives / Bank of Ceylon at 10:30am and 4pm transfer.

From Airport: At the end of the jetties, from beside the smokers hut (near Burger King / Pedestrian crossing). 10:40 and 4:40pm

From Thoddoo: From the Harbour at 7am, with an additional schedule at 1pm during peak tourist season.

The Thoddoo speedboat can experience high swells when crossing between atolls so if you suffer from sea sickness, it may be worth taking medication before travelling.

LOCAL FERRY

It is also possible to take the local ferry, over night from Malé. The journey takes 5-6hours and costs USD$5 one-way. This would require some careful planning from Malé, hence why we suggest using the Thoddoo speedboat service.

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THODDOO MALDIVES TIPS

  • No ATM on Thoddoo Island – take USD cash with you or withdraw / exchange Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) local currency at the airport upon your arrival in Maldives.

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  • Make sure you have a guest house reservation before you arrive in Maldives. Visa on Arrival is subject to having a reservation for the entire length of stay in Maldives and a returning flight ticket.

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  • A day trip to is not possible using the speedboats or public ferry systems as there is only one speedboat to Malé daily, which departs the island at 7am.

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  • Dress a little modestly when moving through the local village and always only swim in a bikini at the designated bikini beach.

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