Top Things to Do in Fuvahmulah

Tiger Shark Diving

Fuvahmulah is world-renowned for its shark diving; it’s the only place in the Maldives where you’re guaranteed to encounter sharks on every dive.

Divers descend into deep blue waters that drop off quickly from the reef, coming face-to-face with tiger sharks and up to seven other shark species (such as thresher, hammerhead, and reef sharks) regularly.

The island’s remote location means plenty of big pelagic marine life too; whale sharks and oceanic manta rays often make appearances, creating truly exhilarating experiences. Guided by expert dive masters, you can safely enjoy this adrenaline-filled adventure and witness Fuvahmulah’s thriving underwater ecosystem up close.

Snorkeling from Bodu Fannu

Just steps from the guest house, Bodu Fannu offers some of the best snorkeling in Fuvahmulah. You don’t need to be a diver to experience the island’s marine wonders; snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons or along the reef edge to discover colorful clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, and more darting among the corals. The underwater landscape is breathtaking and teeming with life, offering non-divers a delightful glimpse of the rich marine biodiversity that makes Fuvahmulah. With guided trips, local experts, and quality gear, it’s a safe, easy, and rewarding way to explore the island’s vibrant underwater world.

Fuvahmulah Kilhi & Nature Park

Uniquely, Fuvahmulah harbors two freshwater lakes – the only ones of their kind in the entire . These lakes, Dhadimagi Kilhi and Bandaara Kilhi, sit amid lush wetlands and mangroves, creating a serene tropical oasis in the islands.

At the Fuvahmulah Nature Park (on Dhadimagi Kilhi), you can stroll a scenic boardwalk and spot water birds like moorhens and herons in the reeds. The park also offers rentals for bicycles, canoes, and paddle boats, so you can paddle across the calm lake or cycle around its perimeter.

The second lake, Bandaara Kilhi, is surrounded by thick greenery and mud flats – one area here called “Kodakilhi” is popular for mud baths (more on that below). Exploring these lake environments is incredibly peaceful, showcasing a side of Maldivian nature that few other islands have. It’s a great way to enjoy bird-watching, photography, or simply the tranquil scenery of lily pads and swaying palms.

Fuvahmulah Thoondu Beach (Pebble Beach & Surf Spot)

Head to the north shore of Fuvahmulah to enjoy Thoondu Beach, a gorgeous stretch of white shore unlike any other in the Maldives. Instead of powdery coral sand, Thoondu’s beach is made up of tiny polished white pebbles that gleam in the sun, a very rare sight in this It’s an idyllic spot for a relaxing walk or a picnic under coconut palms, with the blue Indian Ocean rolling in. Uniquely, Thoondu is the only beach in the Maldives with a natural “beach break” surf – since there’s no protective lagoon, ocean waves crash directly onshore, creating ideal conditions for surfing and skimboarding, especially during the SW monsoon (June–Aug). Experienced surfers sometimes test these waves at a spot off Thoondu’s corner. If you visit at the right time of year, you might also witness the “Bissaaveli” phenomenon, when seasonal currents push the sand to form crystal-clear tidal pools in the middle of the beach – a delightful, natural swimming pool effect that is truly Whether you come to surf or just to soak in the scenery, Thoondu Beach is a must-see for its beauty and geological uniqueness.

Kodakilhi Mud Bath Experience

For a fun and therapeutic experience, try a natural mud bath in Fuvahmulah’s wetlands. Kodakilhi (in the marshes by Bandaara lake) is famous as a spot where you can cover yourself in mineral-rich mud and then rinse off in the lake – a tradition enjoyed by locals and visitors . The silty mud is said to be great for the skin; it cools you down and its minerals help tone and cleanse the skin Many people find it incredibly relaxing to soak in this cool mud, especially after a hot day of surfing, fishing or diving, as it soothes any sunburns or muscle . Once the mud dries, you simply wash it off, feeling refreshed. It’s an eco-friendly spa treatment in the heart of nature! Don’t forget to take a photo of yourself covered in mud – it’s a badge of honor in Fuvahmulah. (The Kodakilhi mud bath area is easy to visit as part of an island tour or a trip to the lakes.)

Fuvahmulah Island Tour

Take some time to discover Fuvahmulah’s local history and culture by visiting its heritage sites. One highlight is the Havitta – an ancient mound believed to be the remains of a Buddhist stupa dating back over a thousand years, from the island’s pre-Islamic Exploring this archaeological site gives a fascinating peek into a bygone chapter of Maldivian history. Another stop is Gemmiskiy Mosque, one of the Maldives’ oldest mosques (built around the 14th century), made of coral stone. It has a famous old well in its yard where, as legend has it, the water’s taste changes depending on which corner of the well you draw it Nearby you might also see Vasho Veu, a massive circular stone well that was once a communal freshwater well for islanders in ancient . Visiting these sites – the Buddhist ruins, traditional mosques, and old wells – with a local guide or on a DIY scooter ride is a rewarding cultural experience. You’ll gain insight into Fuvahmulah’s unique past and see how tradition and history are preserved on this far-southern Maldivian island.

Island Life & Fish Market Experience

To really get a feel for Fuvahmulah’s everyday life, spend time wandering the island’s wards and markets. You can rent a scooter and ride along the newly paved roads, passing colorful houses and palm groves as you go.

Be sure to visit the morning fish market in the harbor area—it’s an energetic scene where local fishermen unload their fresh catch (often huge tuna) as townsfolk gather to buy or watch the action. You’ll see tuna being weighed, cut up, and auctioned in a lively, almost chaotic process—a slice of real Maldivian life. This is one of the country’s biggest fishing islands, so the scale of the catch can be impressive: dozens of massive tuna lined up, sometimes even showing bite marks from shark encounters.

Along with the fish market, you can pop into small roadside stalls or cafés where locals enjoy snacks and tea, chat with friendly residents, or even catch a local football match in the evening (football and volleyball are popular here). Fuvahmulah has about 14,000 residents and its own dialect of Dhivehi, so engaging with the community is both welcoming and eye-opening. It’s a chance to appreciate the island’s laid-back “no-rush” lifestyle and genuine hospitality.

Foodies will delight in tasting Fuvahmulah’s local cuisine, which is distinct thanks to the island’s agricultural bounty. Fuvahmulah is extremely fertile – it’s one of the few islands in the Maldives that grows plentiful fresh produce like mangoes, bananas, pineapples, breadfruit, taro, and sweet potatoes. This means many of the dishes and snacks here use home-grown ingredients and have flavors you won’t find elsewhere.

Don’t miss trying the Maldivian short eats (called hedhikaa) at local cafés – savory bites such as fish cakes, coconut fritters, and spicy bites that locals enjoy with tea. You might be surprised that even familiar snacks taste a bit different here, thanks to Fuvahmulah’s unique recipes and For a true local specialty, ask for Kattelhi – this is a deep-water fish (a type of snake mackerel) that Fuvahmulah is famous for, traditionally served with boiled taro and creamy coconut-based sauce. It’s a must-try dish that exemplifies the island’s farm-to-table style. Whether you’re sampling a fresh tuna curry, grilled octopus, or a simple breakfast of roshi (flatbread) with coconut sambal, you’ll find the flavors here are authentic and memorable.

Consider taking a cooking class or joining a local family for dinner (if available through your guest house) to learn more about how these dishes are prepared. The combination of freshly caught seafood and island-grown produce makes every meal in Fuvahmulah special.

Eat Local in Fuvahmulah

Maldivian Lucky Dolphin Cruise

For a magical dose of wildlife beyond the reef, consider a boat excursion to spot wild dolphins around Fuvahmulah. The waters offshore are home to pods of spinner and bottlenose dolphins that occasionally cruise by. With a bit of luck (and timing), you could find yourself surrounded by playful dolphins leaping and racing alongside the boat – a thrilling sight in the open ocean. Local dive centers or fishermen often know where dolphins tend to appear, especially during certain seasons, and can take you out to try to find . There are no guarantees in the wild, of course, but dolphins are seen frequently enough that it’s worth the Early morning or late afternoon trips sometimes yield good results as the sea is calm. Even if you only catch a glimpse, the boat ride itself is enjoyable for its sea breezes and views of Fuvahmulah from the water. And if a friendly pod does show up to surf the bow wave or perform acrobatics, it will likely be a highlight of your trip. Don’t forget your camera and a pair of binoculars!

Book Your Stay at Scuba Haven Fuvahmulah

Explore Fuvahmulah’s top dive sites with Scuba Haven’s dive packages. Choose from 4-, 7-, or 10-night adventures and enjoy guided dives to see tiger sharks, thresher sharks, manta rays, and diverse pelagic life, with gear rental, local operator support, and transportation included