from $60 / night
North Malé Atoll
Batuta Maldives Surf View
Thulusdhoo
Surf-first guesthouse looking over Coke's break. Board hire, beginner lessons, board-to-door service.
- Surf lessons
- Board storage
- Ocean view
Surf capital of the Maldives. Two world-class reef breaks right off the island, chilled local cafés, and a laid-back vibe that pulls in surfers from around the world.
SurfReef breaksLocal islandGuesthouses
Where to sleep
Stays on Thulusdhoo
3 curated stays across our tier rankings.
from $180 / night
North Malé Atoll
Season Paradise
Thulusdhoo
Maldives' most established surf hotel. Boat drops at Coke's and Chickens, in-house shaper, all-inclusive plans.
- Surf boats
- All-inclusive
- Board shaper
from $70 / night
North Malé Atoll
Ocean Life Maldives
Thulusdhoo
Chilled surfer guesthouse with a shared deck, laundry and a dive centre next door.
- Dive centre
- Surfer hangout
- Laundry
Things to do
On-island & excursions
Surf$25
Coke's surf session
2 hours
Boat drop-off and pickup at Coke's; board hire extra. Paddle-out times depend on tide.
Surf$40
Chickens boat trip
Half-day
Full-session boat to Chickens left — easier take-off, long wall.
Wildlife$60
Manta night snorkel
Evening
Nearby reef where mantas come to feed under boat lights.
Culture$8
Coca-Cola factory visit
1 hour
Tour the only Coca-Cola factory making the drink from desalinated sea water.
Getting there
MLE → Thulusdhoo
Mode
Speedboat
Duration
45 min
Cost (1-way)
$30
Operator
Multiple operators (Iruvai, Thulusdhoo Express)
Direct speedboat from Malé Hulhumalé jetty. Public ferry exists but only 3–4 days/week.
Creators loving this island
What the internet says
YouTube
budget
“It's really possible to see the Maldives for under $30 a day — guesthouses, local ferries and a bikini beach all to yourself.”
Independent travel vlogger
YouTube
“Is It Really Possible?! The Backpacker Guide to the Maldives UNDER $30 per DAY”
YouTube
budget
“Gulhi is the best island I found — same atoll as Maafushi, half the crowds, and paradise on a budget.”
Budget travel vlog
YouTube
“This is BY FAR The Best Island of the MALDIVES — Guide to Paradise on a Budget”
YouTube
budget
“2025 update: how to do the Maldives on a budget — Maafushi, Mathiveri, ferries, excursions, food costs all broken down.”
Maldives 2025 budget guide
YouTube
“Budget Travel Guide to The Maldives in 2025 🇲🇻”