Guraidhoo

Guraidhoo is a small local island in Kaafu Atoll (South Malé Atoll), with a population of 1,743 as of the 2022 census. It's known mainly for what's in the water around it: Guraidhoo Corner, a dive site known for grey reef shark sightings, and two surf breaks — Foxy's and Riptides (also called Last Stop) — that draw a small, steady surf crowd.

On land, it's a quiet guesthouse island with a good house reef for beginner snorkeling right off the beach, and it's close enough to Maafushi and Himmafushi to make an easy day trip between islands.

Where Guraidhoo is

Guraidhoo sits in Kaafu Atoll, in South Malé Atoll.

Getting there

A direct speedboat transfer takes around 45 minutes. A public ferry also runs via Malé's Villingili ferry terminal, though it's a longer journey. Schedules and fares vary — confirm with your guesthouse or the ferry operator before you travel.

Diving and surfing

Guraidhoo Corner is the island's best-known dive site, known for grey reef shark sightings. Two surf breaks nearby — Foxy's, a fast, shallow left-hander, and Riptides (also called Last Stop), a right-hander — are seasonal and semi-consistent.

Things to do

Beyond diving and surfing, Guraidhoo offers house-reef snorkeling from the beach, guesthouse-arranged picnic trips to nearby uninhabited sandbanks, night fishing trips, and easy day trips to Maafushi and Himmafushi.

A one-day Guraidhoo itinerary

A morning house-reef snorkel, a sandbank picnic trip or a surf session at Foxy's in the afternoon, and an evening night-fishing trip make for a full day on the island.

Good to know

Guraidhoo is a conservative local island outside any designated tourist beach area — dress modestly. Surf conditions are seasonal, so check with a local operator for the best swell.