Where to eat near Scuba Haven, and what to do if you don’t dive
Our favourite places to eat within walking distance of the house, a few worth the short ride, and ideas for partners, friends and family who come along but stay dry.
Eating out in Fuvahmulah: the basics
Scuba Haven is on the south-east side of the island, near the airport and the dive harbour. Four good restaurants are a 5 to 7 minute walk away, and most of the island’s popular cafés are a 5 to 10 minute ride by bike or scooter.
- Package guests are on full board. Your dive & stay package already includes all meals, so the places below are for when you fancy a change, a coffee or a sunset drink.
- Free evening tea or coffee. Package guests get a free evening tea or coffee run to one of the well-known cafés on the island.
- Prices are low. Most meals cost far less than in resorts. US dollars are widely accepted, but change usually comes in rufiyaa.
- No alcohol. Fuvahmulah is a local Muslim island. Cafés serve fresh juices, mocktails and good coffee instead.
- Fridays start late. Most places open in the afternoon on Fridays, after midday prayers.
Walk there in 5 to 7 minutes
Real Breeze
About 5 min walk. Maldivian and Indian food: fish and chicken curries, naan and plenty of vegetarian dishes. Relaxed, good value, with an upstairs terrace.
Sharkey’s Bay
About 5 min walk. A relaxed spot next to Real Breeze. Indian and Maldivian dishes, fresh juices, short eats and proper espresso coffee.
Oregano Café & Bistro
About 7 min walk. A big menu of Indian, Italian and Maldivian dishes, plus cakes. Air-conditioned, on the main road, and popular with divers.
Uncle’s Kitchen
About 7 min walk. Chinese food: dumplings, ramen, Sichuan fish and fresh sashimi, with good vegetarian options. Open for lunch and dinner, closed in the afternoon.
Worth the 5 to 10 minute ride
Café Eden
About 5 min ride. Opens early, so it’s handy for breakfast. Air-conditioned inside with small patios outside. Known for its chocolate lava cake.
Moodige
About 6 min ride. Breakfast or coffee beside Bandaara Kilhi, the freshwater lake. Go for the view and the setting.
White Collar Coffee Club
About 7 min ride. Some of the best coffee on the island, plus waffles, Maldivian breakfast, pasta and noodles.
Green Grove
About 7 min ride. Western dishes like burgers, calamari and prawns in a pleasant outdoor garden. Allow a little extra time, as food is cooked to order.
Feyrumaa Café & Bistro
About 8 min ride. Evenings only, from late afternoon. Stylish setting with private tables and tents. A good choice for a special dinner.
Stop & Chill
About 8 min ride. A small spot for mocktails and coffee, and one of the nicest places on the island to watch the sunset.
Heading north to Thoondu beach? Thresher Café & Bistro and 3R Café are both on the way back and worth a stop.
Travelling with non-divers?
Many of our divers come with a partner, friend or family member who doesn’t dive. They stay with you at Scuba Haven, and there’s plenty to fill the days while you’re underwater.
- Bondofanno beach, 30 seconds’ walk from the house, with a shaded picnic area. Lovely for a morning swim or sunset.
- Thoondu beach at the northern tip, famous for its smooth white pebbles and sunsets. Currents can be strong, so swim with care.
- The freshwater lakes: Bandaara Kilhi near us and Dhadimagi Kilhi in the north, with wetlands, birdlife and boardwalks. Best explored by bike.
- Cycling the island. Fuvahmulah is about 4.5 km long and flat. Bikes are $20 a day from the house.
- Surfing. There are surf breaks around the island. You surf on your own, and one of our team stays nearby and keeps an eye on you while you’re in the water.
- Café hopping and island life: old coral-stone mosques, quiet lanes and long afternoons with a juice in hand.
- Learn to dive. If they’re curious, they can take a PADI Open Water course with our partner dive centre and join you for the tiger sharks.
Booking for a mixed group? Non-divers are welcome to share your room. Tell us how many divers and non-divers are coming and we’ll price it for you.
What to wear. Fuvahmulah is a local island and there’s no bikini beach yet. Swim in shorts and a T-shirt or rash guard on public beaches, and dress modestly around the island.