Go Diving
Fuvahmulah is an incredibly unique, geographically blessed island. With an endless sea of pelagic life and is home to seven types of sharks, with most famously a healthy population of resident tiger sharks found abundantly in the surrounding ocean. Divers can also get up close and personal with thresher sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks, scalloped hammerhead sharks, silvertip sharks, grey reef sharks, and whitetip reef sharks.
The oceanic encounters are not limited to sharks. Visitors can also bump into mola molas, pilot whales, congregations of oceanic mantas, and schools of barracuda, yellowfin tuna, bonitos, sailfish, and much more.
The island has over 20 known dive sites, each boasting pristine reefs and drawing large numbers of the pelagic species. Due to its close proximity to equator, the diving here isn’t affected by the change of season – meaning world-class diving experiences can be had year-round. Fuvahmulah is without doubt, one of the best dive heavens in the world to explore the underwater with such a diverse variety of big animals in the oceanic wild.
Take a Mud Bath in Kodakilhi
A visit to Fuvahmulah will not be complete without a visit to Kodakilhi where you can take a therapeutic mud bath. Kodakilhi is within the Bandaara Kilhi wetland area.
Eat Kattelhi
Kattelhi is a deep-water fish caught from about 120 meters. Fisherman catch them a night. Kattelhi tastes best when they are freshly prepared and eaten with Ala (Taro), Coconut and a hot cup of black tea.
Take a Dip in Thoondu Beach
Thoondu stands out among the numerous beaches in the Maldives, drawing both locals and visitors alike. Its distinctive shiny white pebbles sets it apart from other beaches in the country. In fact, the smooth pebbles are exclusive to this beach and can’t be found anywhere else in the Maldives. A barefoot walk on the beach is a completely different experience.
When waves break on the beach, it creates a washing machine effect with the water twirling. Getting caught in one will be an unforgettable experience.
The beach breaks and the vast sandy beach provides the perfect setting for skimboarding. Thoondu also has the perfect waves for surfing and bodyboarding.
Visit Nature Park
A visit to Fuvahmuah Nature Park is a must. It is located in one of the ptotected wetlands in the island. Besides seeing the lush green, peaceful atmosphere, you can go canoeing and pedal boating to explore the lake and surrounding greenery. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by various species of birds and dragonflies.
Go Surfing
As there are no barrier reefs surrounding the island, it is prone to undulating swells which can eventually turn into waves that are ideal for surfing. Surfing has become increasingly popular in Fuvahmulah over the past decade. This stunning island boasts talented young surfers who have made a name for themselves nationally and internationally.
While the traditional method of surfing in Fuvahmulah involved body boarding with wooden planks and driftwood, the sport has evolved into a popular leisure activity.
Thoondu, the only beach break in the Maldives, is the prime surf spot on the island. Eleyis and The Hut/Lonu Break are the most popular areas for surfing.
For beginners, Geragando Fanno, is the perfect place to learn, with local surf schools providing lessons and other services.
Go Fishing
Fuvahmulah’s remote location in the middle of the ocean makes it an ideal destination for big game fishing. The waters surrounding the island are home to Yellowfin Tuna and Wahoo, which can be commonly caught about 1-2 kilometers from the island. Billfish like Marlin and Sailfish are also found in the area, offering an exciting challenge to anglers, not forgetting Giant Trevally and Black Trevally.
The most popular methods of fishing on the island are live bait and trolling. While locals often use handlines, modern fishing gear is also available for those who prefer it.
One unique fishing experience that is tied to the culture of Fuvahmulah is Kattelhi (Promethicthys Prometheus) fishing. This local delicacy is fished at night from depths of about 120 meters.
Go Sightseeing
Fuvahmuah has many places of interest. Dhadimagi Kilhi and Banddara Kilhi are the two fresh water lakes surrounded by vast wetland area. There are boardwalks that gives you a beautiful view of the wetland area.
Kalho Akirigando or Black Stone Beach is a beach on the southern side of the island, behind the Airport. Its distinct feature is the large pebbles with a shade of black. This beach is not ideal for swimming as it has strong waves and currents. Entry requires prior approval from the Airport office.
Fuvahmulah has some of the most significant historical sites and ruins in the Maldives, dating back almost two millenniums. One of its most significant structure is the Havihtha, a temple-like structure that is believed to be a stupa at least 1500 years old. Other pre-Islamic era structures include, Vasho Veyo, a well-preserved circular communal well. Found similarly well preserved is the, Gemmiskiy Veyo, a rectangular bath built of sandstone.
Gemmiskiy, one of the oldest and most historically significant mosques in the island, the mosque dates back to 1300’s. The mosque compound also contains a communal well, an enclosed shrine (ziyaarat) of a revered religious figure and a cemetery.
Of similar historical significance is Kedeyre Miskiy. It is a 450-year-old mosque and features an intricately carved stonework bath.
Eat Local Delicacies
There are some local food and drinks you should try. Alai Garo Fathafolhi is a crispy roshi made from taro. There is the sweet Naarovah Faludha which is made from taro or breadfruit. Bayndi is also a local specialty that you should try. Kayvah shake and Kayvah Juice are drinks made from the aromatic screwpine. Another dish made from screwpine include Kekkee Kayvah, which is a thick porridge-like dish that tastes sweet. Breadfruit and taro chips are popular snacks.