Rasdhoo Island

Rasdhoo is a local island situated in Alif Alif Atoll 56 kilometers away from Male. The size of the island is 500x600 m. 1500 people live in Rasdhoo. The island is not crowded; usually there are few people, whom you can meet on the streets.

ACTIVITIES IN RASDHOO

You can enjoy a wide range of activities on the island. First of all one should definitely travel to the neighboring local islands. There you can explore the island or make your trip even more pleasant by having a barbecue right on the beach.

Rasdhoo is also famous for its home reef. Snorkeling there can be really enjoyable, but beware of strong currents! Guided tours around diving points are also provided for tourists. During such trips you can observe manta rays, sharks, and turtles.

Try diving and discover the magnificent underwater world that will truly amaze you. Diving schools can also be found there. Beginners and professional divers can enjoy diving.

Fishing is also a great opportunity to relax. You can catch fish even not having sophisticated equipment (you’ll need just a line, ledger bait, and a hook).

INFRASTRUCTURE

Rasdhoo infrastructure is rather developed:

–     groceries and hardware stores, where fruit and drinks, as well as some other stuff, can be bought;

–     gift shops. There are 5 or 6 gift shops on the island; there is a vide assortment of souvenirs;

–     5 cafes;

–     4 diving centers.

–      a bank;

–      an ATM (gives out only rufiyaas; the service fee is 100 ryfiyaas, and it does not depend on the amount of money you’re going to take out);

–      a branch office of the local mobile network operator.

–      a hospital. Only people having a minor illness can go there. They deal with major illnesses in Male.

–      a post office;

–      a police station;

- a stadium (one of the most frequently visited places on the island).

Two uninhabited islands (Madivaru and Madivaru Finolhu) are located nearby.

The LoCALS

On Fridays Maldivians usually go to mosque. They are rather religious people, but they are not obsessed with religion. Still it is not allowed to appear in a bathing suit in public. However this restriction is not related to the beaches near the guest houses.

People there are very friendly and welcoming. There are also a lot of people from Bangladesh on the island. Every year there are more and more of them.

TRANSFER TO RASDHOO

The ferry from the airport to the capital is available every 15-20 minutes. A ticket costs $3. There is a taxi service in Male, a taxi costs $2.5, or 40 rufiyaas at any place. Other means of transfer:

PUBLIC FERRY

Male – Rasdhoo. Duration is 3 hours, $4 per person, runs on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 am from Villingili Terminal (southwest of Male).

Rasdhoo – Male. Duration is 3 hours, $4 per person, runs on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday at 11.00 am to Villingili Terminal (southwest of Male).

SCHEDULED SPEEDBOAT

Runs daily, there are 3 speedboats right now. Departure point from Male depends on a boat. You should contact your guest house for further information. Duration is 1 hour 20 minutes, $40 per person.

Male-Rasdhoo – at 15.30 – 16.00, on Friday at 9:30.

Rasdhoo – Male – at 7:30, on Friday – the same time.

Transfer upon request

Private speed boat: the travelling time is about 1 hour 20 minutes, the cost is $550-650.

Seaplane: the travelling time is about 15 minutes, the return ticket is $348.

Full ferry schedule can be found here.

Special deals for Rasdhoo island.