Rasdhoo, Maldives: travel guide
A small Alif Atoll island for hammerhead dives and easy sandbank days
A tiny, beautiful island in Alif Alif Atoll renowned for world-class diving, hammerhead shark aggregations at Madivaru Point, vibrant house reefs teeming with marine life, and a friendly close-knit community. A must for serious divers.
About Rasdhoo
Rasdhoo is a small island on the northern edge of Alif Alif Atoll, and it has a reputation among divers far larger than its size. Most of that comes from Madivaru Point, where hammerhead sharks are a regular draw for those with the experience to join the dive.
Snorkellers are looked after too. The lagoon and house reef are close to shore, a bikini beach sits on one side of the island and a sandbank picnic spot is a short boat ride away. The village streets are quiet, with guesthouses and small dive centres making up most of the scene.
It suits divers first, then couples and snorkellers who like a small island. The calmer period runs roughly November to April.
- Country
- Maldives
- Currency
- MVR
- Time zone
- Indian/Maldives
- Nearest airport
- MLE
Last updated
Top places to visit in Rasdhoo
Madivaru Hammerhead Point
Dive site hammerhead aggregation · 4.9 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A legendary dive site at the edge of an oceanic channel between Rasdhoo and Madivaru. At dawn, schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks aggregate at 25–30 m in cool upwelling water — one of the most thrilling marine encounters in the…
Rasdhoo Lagoon & House Reef
Lagoon and house reef · 4.7 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A beautiful turquoise lagoon wrapping the western side of Rasdhoo, with a rich house reef from chest depth. Hawksbill turtles, Napoleon wrasse, and white-tip sharks seen on almost every snorkel.
Rasdhoo Bikini Beach
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Designated tourist beach on Rasdhoo where swimwear is permitted, with calm clear water for snorkeling.
Rasdhoo Lagoon Sandbank Picnic Spot
Beach · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Shallow sandbank within Rasdhoo's own lagoon (the atoll's namesake lake-like enclosure), good for a short swim.
Rasdhoo Village Streets
Market · 3.9 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Small walkable village centre with guesthouses, dive shops and local cafes.
Things to do
- Madivaru Hammerhead Shark Dawn Dive Adventure · 3 h · from MVR 1,400 per person
- Rasdhoo Lagoon Snorkelling & Sunset Kayak Activity · 2.5 h · from MVR 480 per person
- Rasdhoo Hammerhead Shark Dive Adventure · 3 h · from USD 95 per person
Day trips and tours
- Rasdhoo Hammerhead Dawn Dive & Lagoon Kayak 8 h · from MVR 2,900
Where to stay in Rasdhoo
- Rasdhoo Island about MVR 60 per night
A tiny compact island with guesthouses along the main road, 5 minutes walk from the airport and harbour. The whole island community is dive-focused — most visitors come for the Madivaru hammerhead dawn dive.
Hotels
- Kuramathi Island Resort 5-star · USD 280 to USD 380 per night
- Rasdhoo Guesthouse 2-star · USD 40 to USD 75 per night
- Rasdhoo Dive Lodge 3-star · USD 45 to USD 75 per night
Where to eat
- Sunset Beach Restaurant Rasdhoo Seafood, Maldivian · about USD 12 per person
- Blue Lagoon Rasdhoo Maldivian, Seafood, International · about USD 18 per person
Getting to Rasdhoo
Airport: Rasdhoo (via Male, Velana Intl) (MLE)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Walking
More in Maldives
Frequently asked questions about Rasdhoo
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Rasdhoo?
- The highest-rated places in our Rasdhoo guide are Madivaru Hammerhead Point, Rasdhoo Lagoon & House Reef, Rasdhoo Bikini Beach, Rasdhoo Lagoon Sandbank Picnic Spot, Rasdhoo Village Streets.
- Where should I stay in Rasdhoo?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Rasdhoo: Rasdhoo Island.
- How do I get around Rasdhoo?
- Ways to get around Rasdhoo covered in our guide: Bicycle, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Rasdhoo?
- The nearest airport to Rasdhoo has the code MLE.