Major city · Maldives
Rasdhoo
Base here 3–4 nights for reef-edge snorkelling, dive sites and the Kuramathi sandbank; arrive on the Sun/Tue/Thu boat and leave the same way.
Rasdhoo is the capital of North Ari Atoll: a small local island of roughly 850 people with 16 guesthouses, a house reef that drops off fast, and boat links to Ukulhas, Thoddoo and the rest of the atoll. It is a diving and snorkelling base, not a beach-resort island — the bikini beach is small and the island is dry (no alcohol outside the nearby resort).
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MVR
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry, calm, best visibility)
- avoid Jun–Aug (wet, rougher crossings); Friday midday closures
- Airport
- MLE
- Nights
- 3–4
Rules in force · 5
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Maldives ↗Seaplane transfers fly in daylight only, and the last departure is set by sunset for that day; a late landing at Velana usually means a night on land and the seaplane next morning.
- Maldives ↗Local islands follow Islamic norms: alcohol is not sold, cover shoulders and knees in the village, and swimwear is for the designated tourist beach only.
- Maldives ↗Submit the online Traveller Declaration within 96 hours before arrival; airlines and immigration ask for the confirmation.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Rasdhoo119 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Rasdhoo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR); resorts bill in US dollars and add service charge and tax; US dollars are widely accepted.Maldives-wide
- SIM or eSIMDhiraagu and Ooredoo sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at Velana arrivals with your passport.Maldives-wide
- Tap waterTap water is desalinated; resorts provide filtered water in glass bottles.Maldives-wide
- TippingResort: 10% service charge is on the bill; many guests add US$5–10 a day for room staff or butler.Maldives-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets D/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Maldives-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are boat timetables, sun and the reef edge.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets with a hose everywhere tourists stay.Maldives-wide
- Emergency numbers119 police · 102 ambulance · 191 coast guard (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysFriday: shops and cafés on local islands close for midday prayers (around 11:30–14:00); public ferries run fewer services.Friday: shops and cafés on local islands close for midday prayers (around 11:30 AM–2:00 PM); public ferries run fewer services.Maldives-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMLE Velana International (Malé) (Public ferry from Malé on Sun, Tue, Thu at 09:00, about 3 h, Rf53; fast boat same days at 16:00, under 1 h…MLE Velana International (Malé) (Public ferry from Malé on Sun, Tue, Thu at 9:00 AM, about 3 h, Rf53; fast boat same days at 4:00 PM, under 1 h…
- Getting aroundThe island is about 600 m across: walk everywhere in 5–10 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea at a caféRf50–120 + service charge
- Sit-down mealBuffet dinner at a guesthouse restaurantabout US$18 per person incl. tax
- Street or quick mealLocal café meal (rice, curry, fried noodles)Rf30–120 + service charge
- Budget bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMVR 40
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMVR 70
- High-end bedGuesthouse double room, a night, per roomMVR 120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MVR 60 · Mid MVR 100 · High MVR 180
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MLE Velana International (Malé) (Public ferry from Malé on Sun, Tue, Thu at 09:00, about 3 h, Rf53; fast boat same days at 16:00, under 1 h, about US$50)MLE Velana International (Malé) (Public ferry from Malé on Sun, Tue, Thu at 9:00 AM, about 3 h, Rf53; fast boat same days at 4:00 PM, under 1 h, about US$50)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C) low), wettest Oct (15 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Rasdhoo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
Feb
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
5 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
8 rd
May
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
14 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
13 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The island is about 600 m across: walk everywhere in 5–10 minutes. No taxis or scooters needed. Boats, not roads, are the real transport — the ferry dock is the hub.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Public boat from Rasdhoo, daily except Friday, 13:00Public boat from Rasdhoo, daily except Friday, 1:00 PM
Rf25 each way; the same boat continues to other North Ari islands.
Thoddoo
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Public boat on Sun, Tue, Thu at 15:10Public boat on Sun, Tue, Thu at 3:10 PM
Rf25; farming island with a long bikini beach.
Mathiveri
cautionDoor to door: About 2 h
Same North Ari boat, continuing south
Long ride for a day return; better as a one-way hop.
Kuramathi sandbank and resort
goDoor to door: Under 30 min
Short boat or excursion from Rasdhoo
The usual way to swim with a drink in hand; day-pass and excursion prices vary.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Bodu Magu / harbour side
Most guesthouses and cafés; 2–5 min walk to the ferry dock.
Bikini beach side
Quieter, closest to the swimming and snorkelling entry; 5–10 min walk across the island.
Kuramathi Island Resort
Separate resort island next door, from about US$500 a night; alcohol and bikinis allowed there.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$60–90 excl. bed
- Mid
- US$90–150 excl. bed
- High
- US$150+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse double room1 × 3 nights × MVR 70 | MVR 210 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × MVR 100 | MVR 600 |
| Public ferry Malé → Rasdhoo, one way2 × MVR 53 · Rf53, Sun/Tue/Thu 09:00, about 3 h | MVR 106 |
| Fast boat Malé → Rasdhoo, one way2 × MVR 50 · Sun/Tue/Thu 16:00, under 1 h | MVR 100 |
| Reef snorkel or dive excursion2 × MVR 60 | MVR 120 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MVR 25 | MVR 50 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MVR 119 |
| Trip total≈ MVR 218 per person per day, bed included | MVR 1,305 |
16 guesthouses, mostly basic; from about US$40–50
2026 estimate in US dollars, the way guesthouses and boats price on Rasdhoo; flights excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea at a café | Rf50–120 + service charge |
| Local café meal (rice, curry, fried noodles) | Rf30–120 + service charge |
| Buffet dinner at a guesthouse restaurant | about US$18 per person incl. tax |
| À la carte restaurant meal | US$5–15 + service charge |
| Public boat to Ukulhas or Thoddoo | Rf25 one way |
| ATM withdrawal | Rf10,000 cap + Rf100 fee |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Rasdhoo is a dry local island: no alcohol for sale; drinking happens on Kuramathi or on licensed liveaboard boats.
- Dress rules apply outside the bikini beach: shoulders and knees covered in the village.
- Friday midday prayers close shops and cafés for a couple of hours.
- Cards are not widely accepted; bring rufiyaa or US dollars in cash.
- The Bank of Maldives ATM caps withdrawals at Rf10,000 plus a Rf100 fee.
- Guesthouse WiFi is often slow or down; buy a local SIM or an eSIM instead.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 119
- Ambulance
- 102
- Coast guard
- 191
Pocket card
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RasdhooRasdhoo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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މި އެޑްރެސްއަށް ދާންTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police119
- Ambulance102
- Coast guard191
Embassy
No embassies on Rasdhoo; most are in Malé (about 3 h by ferry).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Malé → Rasdhoo public ferry: Rf53, Sun/Tue/Thu 09:00, about 3 hRf53, Sun/Tue/Thu 9:00 AM, about 3 h
- Malé → Rasdhoo fast boat: about US$50, Sun/Tue/Thu 16:00, under 1 habout US$50, Sun/Tue/Thu 4:00 PM, under 1 h
- Rasdhoo → Ukulhas boat: Rf25, daily except Friday, 13:00, about 55 minRf25, daily except Friday, 1:00 PM, about 55 min
Say or show
- އައްސަލާމް ޢަލައިކުމް — Hello (assalaamu alaikum)
- ޝުކުރިއްޔާ — Thank you (shukuriyaa)
- ކިހާ އަގެއްތޯ؟ — How much is it? (kihaa agethoa)
- ފެރީ ބަނދަރު ކޮބައިތޯ؟ — Where is the ferry dock? (ferry bandharu kobaitoa)
- ކާޑުން ފައިސާ ދެވޭތޯ؟ — Can I pay by card? (cardun faisaa dhevethoa)
Cash first: US dollars are accepted almost everywhere on the island, cards are not.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Rasdhoo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm, best visibility) · avoid Jun–Aug (wet, rougher crossings); Friday midday closures · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares