Thoddoo or Maafushi, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo: which local island to choose

Maafushi, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo and Thoddoo are all local islands where tourists stay in guesthouses, but they differ in distance from Malé, atoll and main focus. A short comparison from public sources.

The four islands in brief

• Maafushi: the closest to Malé of the four, in South Malé Atoll. One travel blog gives about 30 minutes by speedboat and notes the most developed tourist infrastructure among local islands, with a designated bikini beach.
• Rasdhoo: the capital of Alif Alif Atoll, aimed at divers and snorkellers; the diving there is a draw. Check the ferry timetable before you travel.
• Ukulhas: also in Alif Alif Atoll, widely described as one of the more environmentally conscious local islands; it has been a tourist destination only since 2012.
• Thoddoo: in Alif Alif Atoll, known for farming and watermelons and for shore snorkelling. Life on Thoddoo Fruit on Thoddoo

Distance and transfer

• The closer the island, the shorter the transfer after a long flight. Maafushi has the shortest boat ride; the Alif Alif islands take longer.
• To Thoddoo, the speedboat from Malé airport leaves daily at 16:00 except Friday, takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and costs USD 35 per person one way. How to reach Thoddoo

How to choose

• For the shortest transfer and the most developed infrastructure, Maafushi. For diving as the main goal, Rasdhoo. For a quieter village and farming, Thoddoo. Which atoll to choose
• Relax Residence does not offer diving; several dive centres operate on Thoddoo. Diving on Thoddoo
• All staff at Relax Residence are local residents. Snorkelling on Thoddoo Beaches of Thoddoo

Sources

• Ummi Goes Where: Maafushi island guide
• Maldives Magazine: Rasdhoo and Thoddoo guide
• Wikivoyage: Ukulhas

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.