Huraa Island
A small local island near Male, offering authentic Maldivian life, beautiful beaches, and snorkeling, with developing infrastructure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunny skies, calm seas
Huraa Island
Best Time
Sunny skies, calm seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small local island near Male, offering authentic Maldivian life, beautiful beaches, and snorkeling, with developing infrastructure.
"Experience authentic Maldivian life on Huraa, but be prepared for limited amenities and local customs."
Pack Cash & Essentials
Bring enough cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa) as ATMs are scarce. Pack sunscreen, hats, and modest clothing. :moneybag:
Verify Bikini Beach Access
The 'bikini beach' status can change. Confirm current access and facilities before your visit. :beachwithumbrella:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Beach
Western side of the island
Enjoy tranquil, calm waters perfect for swimming and breathtaking sunset views. A peaceful escape.
Snorkeling Reef
Eastern side of the island
Discover vibrant marine life and coral formations just a short swim from shore. Watch out for reef sharks!
Local Island Charm
Throughout the island
Experience authentic Maldivian life, observe local customs, and explore the island's developing infrastructure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Rules & Expectations
Navigating Huraa's Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Tips?
Pack Cash & Essentials
Bring enough cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa) as ATMs are scarce. Pack sunscreen, hats, and modest clothing. :moneybag:
Verify Bikini Beach Access
The 'bikini beach' status can change. Confirm current access and facilities before your visit. :beachwithumbrella:
Maldives Planning advice
Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers
Some travelers report uncomfortable encounters. Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering services. :warning:
Consider Nearby Resorts
For alcohol and more resort-style amenities, consider day trips or stays at nearby luxury resorts. :tropical_drink:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Cash & Essentials
Bring enough cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa) as ATMs are scarce. Pack sunscreen, hats, and modest clothing. :moneybag:
Verify Bikini Beach Access
The 'bikini beach' status can change. Confirm current access and facilities before your visit. :beachwithumbrella:
Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers
Some travelers report uncomfortable encounters. Be cautious of overly friendly locals offering services. :warning:
Consider Nearby Resorts
For alcohol and more resort-style amenities, consider day trips or stays at nearby luxury resorts. :tropical_drink:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huraa Island offers a glimpse into authentic Maldivian local life with beautiful natural scenery, particularly its sunset beaches and snorkeling opportunities. However, visitors should be prepared for limited amenities, strict local customs, and potential inconsistencies with tourist facilities like the 'bikini beach'. Some travelers have also reported uncomfortable interactions, urging caution.
"Honest review. 1 star is too much. What a complete waste of time and money. Do NOT go here. The island has no facilities at all. The reviews are absolutely fake and do not represent this island. No alcohol (on the whole island). No good restaurants. No decent supermarket. No ATM. Only cash. No cigarettes. There is nothing here for entertainment. No music. No bars. No happy people coming together and having fun. Really, there is absolutely nothing. A couple of broken houses and beaches.
About the beaches. You can sit on a beach and swim... but wait.. there is only 1 beach you can go in the water without going fully dressed in your (long) jeans and shirt in the water. Then you MUST go to the (artificial) Bikini Beach.
Bikini Beach is surrounded by black fencing and has broken (really hard) sunbeds. It has no facilities to get something to drink or even go to the bathroom. You really feel like you are not welcome here as a foreigner. To get there, you'll have to walk through the burning sun. You are put away behind a black fence so nobody can see a bikini or a man without a shirt! You can see other tourists thinking. What am I doing here? Everyone is bored.
The rest of the island has nothing to do. You can buy very expensive trips to other islands. This whole island is boring. The people living here look like they feel miserable. Nobody smiles and has fun. I can't blame them because they all work on the other island with the Four Seasons resort. Where all the so-called "rules" suddenly don't apply anymore? 1000usd per night. There is music, alcohol and everything. So, if you pay enough money, then you don't have any rules, and the islanders will see you in your bikini and drinking alcohol. This is located 50 meters from the island. It's really true, a 50 meter swim, and you would be there. But to get there, you have to pay ALOT of money. Allmost everyone on the island works there.
I repeat: do not go here. You will be disappointed.
So, in short, this is an island full of sad employees of the Four Seasons who cash out on foreigners with local people."
Roy
"Such a beautiful place it was. White sand and turquoise sea is just breathtaking. There are some of the small hotels. Speed boats are available at jetty 5 from Malé city at 100 Rufia. Able to walk around the island within two hours. There were crab pits near mangrove"
Tachintha Hirimuthugoda
"Little island close to Male with a lot of potential
The ferry to/from Male goes every 10 minutes and it is extremely cheap
On the island there are only electric veichels and it is clear that they are improving it a lot
There’s a lot of drawing and panels for future plans
There is no bikini beach at the moment"
Claudia Benedetti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common and affordable way to reach Huraa Island from Male is by public ferry. Ferries depart regularly from Jetty 5 in Male and the journey is very cheap, taking approximately 10 minutes. Speedboats are also available at a higher cost.
Yes, Huraa Island is very close to Male and easily accessible via frequent and inexpensive public ferries. This makes it a convenient option for a day trip or a short stay.
Huraa Island is small and primarily uses electric vehicles for local transport. Walking around the island is also feasible and can be done within a couple of hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee to visit Huraa Island itself. However, access to certain areas like the 'bikini beach' or resort beaches may incur daily charges if not included with accommodation.
Huraa Island is a local inhabited island, so there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but it's advisable to be mindful of local customs and dress codes, especially outside of designated tourist areas.
While Huraa Island has some small hotels, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred accommodation.
As a local island, Huraa observes Islamic customs. Visitors are expected to dress modestly when in public areas outside of designated tourist spots. Alcohol is prohibited on the island.
🎫 🏝️ Onsite Experience
Activities on Huraa Island include relaxing on the beaches, swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the local village. You can also arrange excursions to nearby islands or resorts.
Huraa Island has both natural beaches and an artificial 'bikini beach'. The sunset side offers calm waters, while the sunrise side has a reef for snorkeling. Be aware that the 'bikini beach' has undergone changes and may not always meet expectations.
While many locals are kind, some solo female travelers have reported uncomfortable encounters. It's advisable to be cautious, aware of your surroundings, and to avoid unsolicited offers of services.
Huraa Island is a local inhabited island with a developing tourism infrastructure. It offers a glimpse into Maldivian life, but some visitors find it lacks the vibrant entertainment found on resort islands.
You can swim in designated areas. The 'bikini beach' is intended for swimming in swimwear, but its current state and accessibility should be verified. Other areas may require more modest attire for swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Huraa Island has a limited number of local eateries. For a wider variety of dining options or specific cuisines, you might need to consider visiting nearby resort islands or Male.
No, alcohol is strictly prohibited on Huraa Island as it is a local inhabited island. If you wish to consume alcohol, you would need to visit a nearby resort island.
There are some small shops and a supermarket on Huraa Island, but they may have limited stock and higher prices. It's advisable to bring essential snacks and toiletries.
📸 📸 Photography
The beaches, especially during sunset, offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The local village and the developing infrastructure also provide unique shots of island life.
While generally relaxed, be respectful of local customs and privacy when taking photos of residents. Avoid photographing people without their explicit consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as these may be more expensive or harder to find on the island. Consider booking accommodation that offers family-friendly facilities. If a resort-like experience is desired, day trips to nearby islands might be a better fit for families seeking more entertainment and services.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the island offers a more authentic experience, be aware of the limitations in terms of entertainment and facilities. If you're looking for a lively nightlife or extensive dining choices, Huraa might not be the best fit. However, for those seeking a peaceful, culturally immersive stay on a budget, Huraa is a viable option.
couples
However, couples should be aware that Huraa is a local island with strict customs, meaning no alcohol and a need for modest dress outside designated areas. If a romantic getaway with cocktails and vibrant nightlife is desired, a private resort island would be a more suitable choice.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Huraa's Local Island Status
Many of the islanders work on nearby luxury resorts, like the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa. This can create a dynamic where the island's development and services are influenced by the needs of the resort industry. Some reviews suggest that the island's infrastructure is being improved, with ongoing development projects visible.
It's important to note that while Huraa offers a glimpse into local Maldivian life, some visitors have reported feeling unwelcome or encountering issues with facilities like the 'bikini beach'. Researching current conditions and being prepared for a more rustic experience is advisable.
Navigating Huraa's Beaches and Water Activities
The concept of a 'bikini beach' on Huraa has been a point of contention and inconsistency. Some reviews indicate that the designated beach for swimwear has been fenced off, appears desolate, or has limited facilities.
For those seeking more extensive water recreation or a guaranteed resort-style beach experience, day trips to nearby luxury resorts are an option. These resorts typically offer a full range of water sports and amenities, though at a significantly higher cost.
Safety and Local Interactions on Huraa
Most residents on Huraa are described as kind, but it's wise to exercise caution and trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, seek assistance from your accommodation provider or local authorities.
When interacting with locals, remember that Huraa is a conservative island. Dressing modestly outside of designated beach areas is a sign of respect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit