Huraa Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives | Snorkelling and Diving

Huraa Island, Maldives Overview

Just 35 minutes away from Male, Huraa Island is located on the Kaafu Atoll of the Maldives. With a population of around 600 people, this island is perfect for those looking for an authentic Maldivian beach holiday. Not as heavily populated with beach resorts and private beaches as other Maldivian islands, Huraa Island gives visitors the chance to mingle with locals and get a taste for traditional Maldivian culture. Bikini Beach, one of the Maldives' most popular attractions, where tourists are allowed to wear bikinis and more revealing swimwear, is also found on Huraa Island.

Diving with manta rays, turtles, and several fishes, snorkelling, turquoise coral reefs, local cuisine, and cosy resort rooms are things that highlight what Haruu Island is all about. Being a small island, there is only one small cafe which is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Dolphin spotting tours are also another popular tourist attraction on Huraa Island.

Things to Do

Huraa Island is an excellent place if one is looking for an authentic experience and wishes to enjoy the beauty of the island in a calm and more relaxed atmosphere, with a population of just 600 people it makes for a less crowded area but yet packs in the excitement of the place. Here are some of the amazing things that one can do at Huraa Island:

Snorkelling and Diving:- Huraa has amazing clear turquoise waters which pulls one to the beauty of the island. The best part is that they also offer various options to try snorkeling and diving which are quite popular activities.
Do check out the local dive club:- ‘ Scuba Divine Maldives' for a mind-blowing diving experience where one can swim beside the magnificent ocean creatures. The club also makes a provision for instructors to dive you to ensure that one has a safe experience.
Snorkel among the sharks:- Yes, you heard that right! For the adrenaline junkie in you, there are also options to experiment with and snorkel near the fierce sharks. The sharks in this area are not that fearful but it is advisable to not touch or mess around with them. All this makes for a thrilling adventure that one will never forget!
Fun on the beach:- It doesn't get easier than this, the beaches are clean and pristine with the white sand and clear waters which are ideal to relax and have a chill time. One can also try surfing the ocean waves, although it is recommended to carry your surfing equipment and venture out in the water only if one has some level of experience in surfing. Apart from surfing, one can also watch dolphins, go on a fishing expedition or just snorkel with the turtles.
Bikini Beach:- Being a Muslim nation, revealing swimwear is not allowed at many beaches in Maldives and visitors are expected to dress more modestly. However, Huraa Island has a special bikini beach where more revealing swimwear can be worn and that too without offending the local culture of the place.
Satisfy those hunger pangs:- Being a small island there is not much to explore, yet, there are options of many affordable restaurants which offer local cuisines along with Indian and Indonesian cuisines as per your preferences.

Tips

While trying out any diving or snorkelling experience book through your guesthouse for a safer option and also remember to check the snorkelling and diving gear properly.
To experience and enjoy the local Maldivan culture check with your private guest house for any events or festivals taking place.
If one is planning to use the spa services or drop into a fine dining place the guesthouses also provide discount coupons to certain places.

How To Reach Huraa Island

Hurra Island is located very close to Male and Hulhumale airport island.
The journey by speed boat to the island is only 35 minutes!
There is also a facility of boarding a private speed boat which is available at any time of the day; however, the service depends upon the weather conditions.
If one is looking for a cheaper option try the shared speedboat or the public speed boat.
The public speed boat usually takes a longer duration to reach Huraa Island, and usually takes about 90 minutes.
Leave with some buffer time in your hand since the schedules are quite erratic and rides may be canceled due to poor weather conditions.