Local island •Alif Dhaal atoll, see all its islands
Mahibadhoo
- Population
- 2,580
- as of 2022
- Area
- 0.24 km²
- land area
- Distance to airport
- 78.7 km
- Velana Airport
Overview
Mahibadhoo is a local island in Alif Dhaal, 78.7 km from Velana International Airport. About 2,580 people live here.
On the island
- Clinic
- Hospital
- ATM
- Bank
Not on the island
- Health centre
- Airport
Access points
Getting to Mahibadhoo
78.7 km from Velana International Airport
Public Ferry
From Malé
4 hr 10 min
Sun, Mon, Wed
MTCC route 305, the only direct public boat between Malé and Mahibadhoo. One sailing a day in each direction and not every day: Malé to Mahibadhoo departs 08:30 on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday; the return runs on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Slow and weather-dependent, but the cheapest way across. MTCC does not publish a fare for this route, so there is no per-person rate to quote.
Not suited to late arrivals
Scheduled Speedboat
From Malé / Velana International Airport
1 hr 15 min • $45 per person
Daily
Operators run scheduled speedboat on the Malé and airport to Dhangethi and Mahibadhoo line, using a 49-seat vessel. One departure a day each way: out at 10:00 from Malé or 10:15 from the airport, back from Mahibadhoo at 16:25. Fare is priced per person for one way.
Not suited to late arrivals
Private Speedboat
From Velana International Airport / Malé
1 hr 30 min
Daily
Charter, arranged through a guesthouse or a transfer agent rather than bought as a seat. Roughly an hour and a half direct from the airport, and the only option that runs to your own timing rather than a fixed departure. This is a charter fare for the whole boat, not a fixed per-person rate.
Not suited to late arrivals
Domestic Flight
From Velana International Airport (Malé)
30 min • $236.93 per person
Daily
Villa Air, is the sole operator into Villa International Airport Maamigili, the only airport in Alif Dhaal. Maamigili is not Mahibadhoo: this leg lands you elsewhere in the atoll and you must continue by boat. The only public onward link is the Maamigili to Mahibadhoo public ferry in the row below, which sails once a day at 07:00, so an afternoon flight means a night on Maamigili. Fare is priced per person for one way
Not suited to late arrivals
Guest guidance
Good to know before you arrive
- Bikini beach
- No alcohol
Who it's for
Divers and snorkellers after South Ari's year-round whale sharks and manta cleaning stations, on a working island with real services.
Who it's not for
Nightlife seekers, surfers, travellers wanting resort-grade amenities, and anyone landing late — every inbound boat leaves in the morning.
Dress code
Modest dress in the inhabited village (shoulders and knees covered); swimwear reserved for the designated bikini beach or a resort/sandbank excursion.
During Ramadan
Local cafés and restaurants may close or limit service during Ramadan daylight hours; guesthouses generally still serve guests.
Location
Where Mahibadhoo is
- Distance from Velana Airport
- 78.7 km