Everything You Need to Know About Ukulhas Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet breathtaking island in the Maldives with pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and a touch of local culture — Ukulhas Island is your paradise. 🐠🏝️
Located in Alif Alif Atoll, Ukulhas is known for its eco-friendly practices, welcoming community, and world-class snorkeling — making it a favorite for independent travelers and couples seeking Maldives magic without the luxury price tag.
📍 Where is Ukulhas Island?
Ukulhas is part of the North Ari (Alif Alif) Atoll, about 72 km west of Malé. Despite being a local island, Ukulhas boasts a picture-perfect beach, modern guesthouses, and even its own waste management system — a rarity in the region.
🛥️ Access:
- Speedboat from Malé: ~90 minutes
- Public ferry (less frequent): ~4 hours
- Seaplane to nearby resort, then boat transfer (less common)
🌟 Why Visit Ukulhas?
- 🏖️ Gorgeous bikini beach — crystal-clear water and soft white sand
- 🐢 Unbelievable snorkeling — house reef and excursions
- 🐬 Frequent sightings of manta rays, turtles, and dolphins
- 🌱 Eco-conscious island with award-winning cleanliness
- 🏠 Affordable guesthouses and boutique stays
- 🍛 Delicious local and international cuisine
Unlike private resorts, Ukulhas lets you connect with locals, enjoy authentic Maldivian hospitality, and explore freely — all while saving money.
🛎️ Where to Stay in Ukulhas
Ukulhas is known for its high-quality guesthouses and boutique hotels that offer great value.
🏡 Top-Rated Accommodations:
- Ostrov Hotel
- Paguro Beach Inn
- SeaLaVie Inn
- Ukulhas Inn
- Gunbaru Inn
✨ All offer air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, daily breakfast, excursions, and easy access to the beach.
🐠 Top Things to Do in Ukulhas Island
🤿 1. Snorkeling & Diving
Ukulhas is surrounded by a colorful house reef and is close to famous dive sites in North Ari Atoll.
- Ukulhas Thila – teeming with fish and soft corals
- Manta Point – seasonal visits of manta rays
- Maaya Thila – one of the best dive sites in the Maldives
- Snorkeling from the bikini beach is fantastic!
🚤 2. Excursions
- Manta ray safari 🐋
- Night fishing trips 🎣
- Sandbank picnics 🌴
- Dolphin watching 🐬
- Sunset cruises 🌅
All can be arranged by your guesthouse at affordable rates.
🏖️ 3. Relax on Bikini Beach
Ukulhas offers one of the cleanest and most beautiful public beaches among local islands. The “bikini beach” is dedicated for tourists and perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
🍛 4. Eat Local & International Dishes
Try:
- Garudhiya (Maldivian fish soup)
- Mashuni with roshi (tuna & coconut with flatbread)
- Fresh grilled seafood, curries, pastas, and fruit juices
Popular restaurants include:
- Retro Royal Restaurant
- Black y Garden
- Central Diner
🧘 5. Wellness & Relaxation
Some guesthouses offer:
- Beach yoga
- In-room massages
- Private romantic dinners
Perfect for couples and solo travelers looking to recharge. 🌺
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Ukulhas Island
- ☀️ November to April – dry season, perfect for beach and snorkeling
- 🌧️ May to October – more rain, but better prices and good for diving
🌡️ Temperatures range between 28°C and 32°C (82°F – 89°F) year-round.
✈️ How to Get to Ukulhas Island
- Arrive at Velana International Airport (Malé)
- Take a:
- Public speedboat (daily, 90 mins, ~$50)
- Chartered speedboat (faster, more private)
- Slow ferry (limited days, ~$5)
💡 Tip: Coordinate your arrival with your guesthouse for a smooth transfer.
💡 Travel Tips for Ukulhas
- 🩱 Bikini Beach is the only place for swimwear — dress modestly elsewhere
- 🧴 Use reef-safe sunscreen
- 💳 Most places accept USD and credit cards, but bring some cash
- 📶 Wi-Fi is decent, but bring a local SIM if you need stable internet
- 🏝️ Respect local customs — no alcohol on the island (but amazing fruit juices!)
🌅 Final Thoughts
Ukulhas Island proves that you don’t need to spend thousands to enjoy the beauty of the Maldives. With its clean beaches, stunning marine life, affordable stays, and local charm, Ukulhas is a shining example of sustainable island tourism.
Whether you’re snorkeling with mantas, lounging on a quiet beach, or sipping fresh coconut under the sun, Ukulhas promises an unforgettable experience — without the luxury price tag. 🌴🐠☀️
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