Felidhoo Island

About this place

Felidhoo is a small inhabited island in Vaavu Atoll, about 78 km south of the capital Malé, with reefs on either side. It is one of the local islands where Maldivian families live and host visitors in guesthouses, which suits anyone after diving and ordinary island life at a lower cost than the resorts. The island covered about 14.2 hectares in 2018, up from 11.8 hectares in 2003, when it was described as the largest inhabited island in the atoll. It sits between the Masfalhi Falhu reef to the north and Saalanfalhu to the south. Vaavu is among the country's smallest administrative atolls and is known to divers for its strong channels. A visit revolves around the sea. The island is a base for dives in the atoll's channels and coral gardens, where visitor guides report regular manta and reef shark sightings, and guesthouses and boat operators run daily trips. On the beach you find wooden swings, leaning palms and calm water, and inland, sandy lanes, houses and a mosque. It is a Muslim community with no alcohol, so dress modestly away from any swimming areas set aside for tourists, and ask your guesthouse where they are. Speedboats from Malé take 60 to 90 minutes, at fares that guides put at USD 40 to 60 per person. The public ferry is much slower, with estimates from an hour and a half to more than five hours, so check its schedule. Check sea conditions and the operator's reputation before booking, and book a night at one of the few guesthouses.