10 Best Beaches in the Maldives

Consider the namesake beach of Maafushi Island a paradise in waiting. When visiting the Maldives, you have many options for a beach day, but few sandy coves are as a picture-perfect as Maafushi Beach. Imagine powdery white sand, tropical trees and crystalline water.

After a day of swimming and sunning on Maafushi Beach, stick around for sunset. Or better yet, plan a romantic seaside dinner for you and your sweetheart in this idyllic honeymoon destination. Not only does Maafushi offer a taste of paradise, but it is also budget friendly.

On the north end of Maafushi, you’ll find one of the best beaches in the Maldives: Bikini Beach. The Maldives is already an incredibly scenic destination, but this beach with its soft white sand and clear blue water is unbeatable.

Bikini Beach’s proximity to amenities makes it a top-notch place to spend the day. Because it's also close to beachfront hotels, you can easily rent umbrellas and chairs or bring your own. Nearby you’ll also find water sports equipment rental companies, local shops and restaurants. Donning snorkelling gear and heading out to explore the coral reefs is a must when visiting Maafushi.

Thoddu Beach, on the small island of Thoddoo, is the picture of serenity. Whether you’re staying in one of the island’s numerous hotels and guest houses or ferrying in for the day, it’s easy to get to the western Thoddu Beach via bike rental.

This beach is typically not very crowded, which is appealing for tourists looking to focus on relaxation. Thoddu Beach is also home to world class snorkelling, with coral reefs teeming with ocean life. When you’re done for the day, walk up the shoreline to Sunset Point for a romantic view of the sun’s colourful descent. And don’t miss an opportunity to sample snacks from the beachside fruit stands, primarily locally grown papaya and watermelon.

Veligandu is a luxury resort island in the Maldives. As such, you can expect an indulgent beach experience when visiting the 4.5-star resort. Without the crowds of public beaches, you can enjoy the white sand beach and warm Indian Ocean waters with less noise and more space.

Snorkel or scuba around the Veligandu House Reef for a chance to see turtles, anemones, hammerhead sharks and manta rays. The manta rays are particularly active from December through April. A true water-lover’s destination, each accommodation on the secluded island either juts out directly over the ocean or is directly on the sandy shore.

Rasdhoo Bikini Beach on Rasdhoo Island is a natural beach where you can immerse yourself in the island spirit. It’s important to respect the local culture while exploring the Maldives outside of a resort and dress conservatively. Bikini beaches like this one are an exception, provided you stay on the tourist side.

The largest beach in the Maldives, Rasdhoo is a favourite among locals and tourists alike, known for its white sand, free beach chairs and abundance of restaurants and cafes. Snorkelling around the house reef is a popular activity, especially for those interested in the black and white tip reef sharks that call the area home. Don’t be surprised if you see a pod of dolphins following your ferry.

The calm waters of North West Beach - Bikini Beach make it an excellent swimming spot on the island of Dhigurah. Dhigurah in the local Dhivehi language translates to ‘long beach’, which is apt considering the length of this oblong island.

One thing to love about this Dhigurah spot is how clean it is for a local beach. Once a week, plastic is cleaned from the shore and sent away to the shoe manufacturer Adidas to be recycled into footwear. Enjoy local Maldivian cuisine and fresh caught seafood at the local restaurants. And don’t miss an opportunity to snorkel among the thriving population of whale sharks in the warm water.

On the northeastern tip of Maafushi Island is a beautiful No Bikini Beach. The beach signs will remind you of the beach’s swimwear rules and it’s important to respect them. Modesty laws aside, it's a less crowded place to spend time in the sun and water, compared to other beaches in the Maldives.

The water surrounding No Bikini Beach is so clear, you’ll likely see fish simply by standing on the shore. Just imagine, then, what you can see when you strap on some snorkelling equipment and venture deeper into the ocean. The nearby spot of Renee’s Coral Garden, for example, is a must-see for snorkellers visiting Maafushi.

COMO Cocoa Island is a private island in the Maldives known for its unforgettable luxury experiences. Private beaches like this are among the best in the island chain because they are well-maintained, offer ample amenities and have more relaxed clothing rules. Getting to COMO Cocoa Island takes just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the airport. Guests here stay in beautiful villas that jut out over the ocean, accessible via a wooden walkway.

One thing you won’t want to miss when visiting COMO Cocoa Island is the opportunity to snorkel at night among the bioluminescent coral. Snorkel equipment is complimentary through the island resort. Kayaking, paddleboarding and scuba diving are also popular activities on COMO Cocoa Island.

In the Maldives’ Baa Atoll is Kundburudhoo Beach, a true hidden treasure. Whether you’re staying on the island or visiting just for the day, the soft white sand banks make for a dreamy picnic location.

This serene beach is perfect for watching wildlife. In the clear turquoise water, it’s easy to see all kinds of marine life below the surface, including colourful schools of fish and playful dolphin pods. Or try your hand at catching a fish of your own by shore fishing with a local guide.

Head to the eastern coast of the Maldivian capital, Malé, to find the beautiful Artificial Beach, known for its iconic crescent shape. It is open to the public, which means modesty laws are in place when it comes to beachgoers’ attire.

A big appeal of Artificial Beach is its proximity to the city. Here it is easy to spend a day enjoying the white sand and glistening water, while also having a meal from top-notch bistros and eclectic restaurants. Right beside the beach is a public skate park and volleyball court, perfect for entertaining kids and teens during your vacation.