Thoddoo Island

Thoddoo is an inhabited island located 67 km west of Male, the capital of Maldives. Thoddoo’s size is approximately 2 km x 1 km. About 1,400 people live on the island.

THODDOO BEACH

The beach where tourists can spend their time and enjoy the rest is located in the western part of Thoddoo. The beach is regularly cleaned, and it is obviously well-maintained. Turquoise water, white sand on the beach and lots of beautiful flowers and other plants make this place really magnificent. The water is very clean, and there you won’t find much litter. The size of the beach is not that big.

Thoddoo home reef is rather long. However, there are not so many snorkeling points available for you. It’s not on the reef where you can notice various species of fish and plants either. It you want to experience rich and varied flora and fauna, you’d better go farther to the other side of the beach.

ACTIVITIES ON THODDOO

Thoddoo is quite a big island, so it can be very difficult for you to explore it on foot. That’s why hiring a bike is an ideal variant in this case. Bike tours are very popular with tourists. At any time you can take a bike and make your way around the wonderful sights of the island. There is a lot to be seen not only on the beach, but also outside it.

Plantation tours are another option for tourists to spend their time on Thoddoo. Thoddoo plantations are rich in various fruit and vegetables. It should be mentioned that nowadays in Maldives the realization of the hydrophonic farms programme has been launched, with support of the government and foreign and local sponsors. 

The programme is aimed at growing young trees using as little water as possible. The main objection is to reduce the amount of water consumed. That’s why it’s worth seeing the results of this programme, wandering around Thoddoo plantations.

There are only 2 diving centers on Thoddoo that are available for tourists. Apart from diving, you can also try snorkeling, wet-biking, water skiing, parasailing, fishing, etc.

INFRASTRUCTURE ON THODDOO

Speaking about shops, there are not many of them on the island. The full range of products can be found only in few stores. There are also several shops where you can buy souvenirs, but they are open only in the evening.

There is also no wide choice of cafes on the island. There are 3 cafes, and they vary according to some parameters. In one of them only the locals prefer to have a meal; another one offers dishes at quite high prices; and the last one, on the contrary, attracts tourists with reasonable prices. It should be pointed out that Thoddoo cuisine is not very diverse. There you can try rice, various tuna dishes, macaroni, pasta, soups, etc. And, a wide range of fresh juices are available.

There is all necessary infrastructure on the island; there is a hospital, a school, a gym, and a football pitch. Moreover, there are two large mosques.

ANIMAL LIFE

It should be noticed that animal life of Thoddoo doesn’t show a great diversity of species. Various crabs and herons can be seen on the beach. When it gets dark, you can see flying foxes over your head. As to reptiles, there are small iguanas and geckos.

THE LOCALS

Approximately 1.2 thousand people consider Thoddoo to be their home. The locals are very kind and welcoming. They are very sociable and are very eager to make new friends. But unfortunately, not many of them are good at speaking English, so sometimes it’s difficult to understand them.

TOURISTS ON THE ISLAND

During the holiday season lots of tourists visit the island, and you can meet lots of people of different nationalities on the beach and on the streets. There are fifteen guest houses on the island, and 6 more are being constructed to provide every tourist with accommodation.

There are a lot of tourists from Russia. They consider this place to be an ideal holiday destination for them and their families. There are also lots of Europeans; Chinese people often choose Thoddoo to spend their holidays.

SERENE SKY GUEST HOUSE

Featuring modern and air-conditioned guestrooms with free Wi-Fi and garden views, Serene Sky Guest House is located on Thoddoo Island,

All rooms have a flat-screen cable TV, mini fridge and safe. Private bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries. Free bottled water is provided. Guests enjoy a free fruit basket upon arrival.

Serene Sky Guesthouse can organize a trip to a private beach (picnic islands near Rasdhoo) where sunbathing and swimming in bikinis are allowed. Airport transfer and laundry services can be arranged at an extra charge.

TRANSFER TO THODDOO

Public ferry:

Cost: $10 one way, per person (the travelling time is about 5 hours).

Departure from Male: every day at midnight (except Thursdays and Fridays).

Departure from Thoddoo: every day at midnight (except Thursdays and Fridays).

Arrives at the fruit market.

Public speedboat:

Cost: $50 one way, per person (the travelling time is approximately 1 hour).

It’s available every day.

Departure from Male to Thoddoo: 16:00.

Departure from Thoddoo to Male: 06.00 or 07:00.

Note. Schedule is subject to change. The information is current as of March 2015. For all the possible ways of transfer contact the administrator of your guesthouse.

Full ferry schedules can be found here.