Thoddoo is one of the most interesting local islands in the Maldives: large, extremely green, full of papaya and watermelon plantations, and surrounded by white sand beaches and turquoise water. Instead of luxury resorts, here you stay in family-run guesthouses, enjoy the peace, and experience real Maldivian life.

Local island in the Maldives with white sand beach
Thoddoo offers the classic Maldives scenery, but as an affordable and authentic local island experience.

If you dream of Maldives on a budget without giving up paradise beaches or snorkeling with turtles, Thoddoo is the best choice: authentic atmosphere, designated bikini beach, an accessible house reef, and prices far below those of classic resorts.

Guide Contents

Why choose Thoddoo as a local island?

Thoddoo is often called the "Green Island" of the Maldives. A large part of the land is used for agriculture—especially for growing papayas and watermelons. Riding a bicycle or walking along the sandy paths, past palm trees and plantations, is part of the island's unique charm.

Compared to very touristy islands like Maafushi, the atmosphere on Thoddoo is much more relaxed: fewer excursion boats, less noise, and more local flair. It is the perfect place to combine a beach vacation, snorkeling, and authentic culture.

Getting There: How to get from Male to Thoddoo?

Thoddoo is located in the Alif Alif Atoll, northwest of Male. From Velana International Airport (Male), there are two main options for getting there: Speedboat and Local Ferry.

1. Speedboat (from Male or Hulhumale)

This is the fastest and most popular option. Several operators run daily (or almost daily) between Male/Hulhumale and Thoddoo.

The easiest way is to ask your guesthouse on Thoddoo to book the speedboat for you. They will send you the current schedules and meeting points.

2. Public Ferry (Local Ferry)

For travelers on a very tight budget, there is the government ferry. The journey takes significantly longer (approx. 4–5 hours) and the ferry does not run every day.

For a short stay, the speedboat is usually worth it. The ferry only makes sense if you have a lot of time and need to watch your budget extremely closely.

Where to stay? Guesthouses & Accommodation

Since Thoddoo is a local island, there are no large all-inclusive resorts or water bungalows here. Instead, you will find:

Rooms are generally simple but clean, with air conditioning and private bathrooms. Breakfast is almost always included in the price, and many guesthouses offer half-board or dinner with Maldivian cuisine.

For reference: A double room costs from approx. 40–60 € per night in the low season. In the high season (December–March), prices rise accordingly.

A practical tip: Only book the first 1-2 nights in advance. You can often get better rates for the rest of your stay once you are there.

To compare current prices and real reviews, we recommend this platform, which often has very good deals: Hotels in Thoddoo on Trip.com .

Best time to visit Thoddoo

The climate in the Maldives is tropical and warm. However, there are months that are better suited for a beach vacation.

During the rainy season (approx. May to October), expect more clouds and short, heavy showers. In return, the islands are less crowded and prices are often lower.

Bikini Beach with palm trees on Thoddoo
The Bikini Beach on Thoddoo offers plenty of space and shade under the palm trees.

Beaches and Bikini Beach

Thoddoo has two main areas designated as "Bikini Beach". Here, tourists are allowed to wear normal swimwear. On the rest of the island (in the village), you are expected to keep your shoulders and knees covered out of respect.

The water is shallow and mostly calm, ideal for children and non-swimmers too. Along the beach, you'll find typical Maldivian swings and hammocks – perfect for photos.

Snorkeling: Reef and Turtles

Thoddoo is considered one of the best islands for snorkeling on your own. From Bikini Beach, it is only a few meters to the reef edge.

Many accommodations also offer boat trips – for example to see Mantas (in season), large schools of fish, or deserted sandbanks.

Food & Drink: What to try?

Thoddoo is famous for its fruit. For breakfast or dessert, there is almost always fresh papaya and watermelon directly from the island.

In the small cafes and restaurants, you can try:

Important: Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, no alcohol is served on local islands like Thoddoo.

Budget: How much does a trip to Thoddoo cost?

Costs depend on your travel style, but here are some guidelines:

Compared to resort islands, which often cost hundreds of Euros per night, Thoddoo is an extremely affordable alternative to experience the Maldives.

Sandy path through plantations on Thoddoo
The lush vegetation and plantations make Thoddoo unique.

Practical Travel Tips

FAQ about Thoddoo

Is Thoddoo safe?

Yes. The island is very safe and quiet. The crime rate is extremely low, and you can move around freely day and night.

Is there an ATM?

There is usually an ATM, but it doesn't always work reliably with all foreign cards. Bringing a cash reserve is recommended.

Is Thoddoo suitable for families?

Yes, absolutely. The water is shallow and the island has little traffic. It is a very relaxed destination for children.

How many days should you stay?

We recommend at least 3–4 full days to explore the island and snorkel in a relaxed manner. Combined with other islands, 6–8 days is ideal.

Conclusion: Is Thoddoo worth it?

Thoddoo combines everything you hope for from the Maldives: white beaches, turquoise water, palm trees, and turtles. The difference is that here you are in the middle of local life – at a fraction of the price of a luxury resort.

If you are looking for budget Maldives, enjoy snorkeling from the beach, and want to experience an authentic island, Thoddoo is the perfect choice.