Gaafaru Island Guide
Gaafaru Island Guide
Gaafaru Island Guide : As part of the Maldives Archipelago, Gaafaru Island is a very small island located in the North of Male Capital, situated approximately 61 kilometers North from the International Airport and is separated by a deep narrow channel from the Northern Most Island of the North Male Atoll which is a picnic island Kagi.
Gaafaru Island is also part of the Kaafu Atoll and is located in the Eastern part of the atoll. Gaafaru Island is a tiny island surrounded by a big reef and lagoon which is approximately 30 meters deep.
Gaafaru Island is a true hidden gem of an inhabited Island and is a Maldivian Public Island offering visitors a chance to connect with locals and learn about regional customs while enjoying a secluded holiday.
Gaafaru Island is situated approximately 62.03 kilometers north of Malé, the island is relatively easier to reach and favors budget-friendly travelers. The island’s area is approximately 0.63 square kilometers and has about 1400 inhabitants, most of the locals earn a living from fishing. However, tourism is lately gaining prominence.
Lying on the eastern side of the Kaafu Atoll, Gaafaru Island is surrounded by a reef and 30 meters deep lagoon. The island’s “Barulu Falhu” lagoon is the second largest in the Maldives and is famous for its turtle population
The Gaafaru Atoll is a tiny toll famously known as the “Jewel of the Kaafu atoll”, this is because of its position in the group of islands resembles a pendant in a necklace. Gaafaru Island is regarded as one of the cleanest islands and is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to enjoy quality beach time as well as marine flora and fauna.
Because of the island’s scarce population, it is a suitable option for visitors looking to experience authentic Maldivian Culture. Also, the is island is situated in close proximity to two sandbanks where you go for a private lunch and a swim during day.
Unlike some of the more isolated inhabited islands on the Maldives Archipelago, Gaafaru has all the necessary facilities. For tourists there are several shops like Blue Haven Boutique and 4S Art from where you can purchase locally made souvenirs, the island also has a couple of general stores selling daily household items.
Additionally, there is a school, a health center, pharmacy, youth club, playground, futsal fiend and a children’s park in Gaafaru Island. There is no ATM on the island at present, some places accept credit cards but it is best to carry cash either USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa.
A few guesthouses in Gaafaru offer money-changing services. However, you will get a better conversion rate at Velana International Airport upon arrival.
How to reach Gaafaru
Just like most island situated near Malé, there are two main transport options to visit Gaafaru Island, you can choose public or private transportation depending on your budget and how much you have on hand.
Shared speedboat
Vella Express and Bream Speed are currently the best speedboat options charging $ 35 per passenger, the journey from Malé to Gaafaru takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes. Usually, the boat leaves from six around 3.30 every day expect Fridays. The speedboat from Gaafaru to Malé leaves the island at 7:30 AM.
Private speedboat
Private speed boats are available for guests wishing to travel on their schedule, the dare is around $ 200 ($100 per person) for two people and $ 50 per person for four people for the 75- minute journey. If you must travel during rough weather conditions, the price can go up to $ 500 one way.
Public Ferry
Public Ferry is the cheapest option to reach Gaafaru is by MTTC ferry, one side trip cost only $5. However, the duration of the journey increases to over three (3) hours. Though ferries are larger and thus travel slower, it is not the best option if you get seasick quickly. The ferries leave Malé ferry port on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursday at 11:00 AM. The return ferry is available only on Mondays, Wednesday and Saturdays sailing from Gaafaru at 09:00 AM,
Transportation around Gaafaru
Gaafaru Island is a tiny island and is best spanned on foot, tourists don’t need to look for rental bikes or motorcycles and can easily cover the local area by walking. Moreover, entirely covered in sand, the place does not have motorable roads.
Distance from one side of the island to the other is less than a kilometer – long walk and will take about 15 – 20 minutes.
Things to do in Gaafaru
Gaafaru Island is a suitable destination for travelers looking for a secluded holiday experience away from crowds while enjoying the best of island life. The following are the things you can do in Gaafaru Island
Snorkel with turtles
For beginners, snorkeling is an excellent way to swim on the water’s surface and observe aquatic life. When snorkeling in Gaafaru, you will come across sea turtles near the house reef, located a short boat ride from the shore.
Note: when in water, remember to maintain a safe distance from any turtle or fish families spotted nearby
Go fishing
Gaafaru island is predominately a fishing island and offers multiple opportunities for guests to partake in the local heritage and tradition. In fact, you will find that many locals set up a barbeque on the road outside their homes after a good day’s catch.
The best part about visiting a public island is having a chance to mingle with locals, Gaafaru residents are welcoming and happy to share information about their island. They are forthcoming when disclosing techniques for cooking fish the island way.
Take a dolphin Cruise
A dolphin cruise is one of the fun things to do in Gaafaru Island with your family, visitors can go on a boat ride for a laidback cruise and watch dolphins perform an exciting show. For a more romantic visual experience, you can do an hour – long sunset cruise
Enjoy wreck diving
Gaafaru Island has several shipwrecks within its vicinity making it one of the best places to go scuba diving in the Maldives, if you are visiting the island solely for diving, the best time is from January to May when the current is weak and there is good underwater visibility.
Must – visit wreck dives near Gaafaru are
- The SS Seagul – is the most famous wreck near the island, located on the atoll’s eastern edge. The 1000-ton steamship was apparently on its way to India in 1897 when it went down, today you can see the anchor at about 6 meters on the top of the reef. The rest of the ship is lying at about 30 meters.
- Lady Christine and Earlangen are two more wrecks, the former is a wreck of a survey vessel from 1974. At the same time, Earlangen gets its name from the city of the ship’s origin in Germany. The vessel was sailing from Colombo when it met its fate.
Relax on the Bikini Beach
Gaafaru Island has two beaches that is South Beach and Gaafaru Beach, since the archipelago is a Muslim country. Public guidelines direct tourists to keep themselves covered while enjoying Gaafaru Beach. For tourists, who wish to swim in swimwear can head towards South Beach also known as Bikini Beach which is meant for tourists.
Also, you can indulge in water sports like canoeing, riding a banana boat and het skiing.
Unlike other island like Maafushi, Gaafaru is a secluded paradise with next to no tourists. Also, there are a few loungers and thatched umbrellas on the sand which will hep save you from the sun.
Unlike Maafushi, the beach in Gaafaru is a secluded paradise with next to no tourists. Additionally, a few loungers and thatched umbrellas on the sand help save you from the sun.
Places to eat in Gaafaru
Regardless of the tiny size of the Island, Gaafaru has several places where visitors/tourists of the island can grab full – course meals or snacks. At the island, there are bot standalone and guesthouse restaurants like
- AMICO The Island Kitchen
- Island Deck
- Panama Café
- The Slice Gaafaru
- Reef Café
- Guesthouse in Gaafaru
Best hotels and guesthouses to stay in Gaafaru
The public Gaafaru Island has a variety of hotels and guesthouses where you can stay during your Maldives Holiday visit
- Gaafaru View Inn
- Mariana Inn
- Old Town Inn
- Landmark Inn
- Mirian Sky Hotel
