Guraidhoo Island Maldives

An Island Paradise Away from the Crowds – Welcome to Gorgeous Guraidhoo!

Nestled in the beautiful South Malé Atoll, Guraidhoo Island is a stunning tropical paradise surrounded by shimmering turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches. This small, uninhabited island offers a peaceful getaway from the more crowded tourist islands, with lush vegetation and an unspoiled natural environment that allows you to experience the real beauty of the Maldives.

From snorkeling vibrant reefs to basking on remote beaches, there is so much to do at Guraidhoo Island beyond simply relaxing on the beach. Keep reading for all the wonderful things to do at Guraidhoo Island!

Things to do at Guraidhoo Island

Take a Walk Around the Island’s Stunning Beaches

One of the top things to do at Guraidhoo Island is to walk around and take in its incredible beaches. On its east and west sides, the island is fringed by lovely stretches of glittering white sand lapped by translucent shallow waters perfect for wading or swimming.

Meander along the shoreline and listen to the soothing sounds of lapping waves, stopping to sunbathe on the soft sand or cool off with a dip. The island circumference is small enough that you can walk all the way around in under an hour, and discover intimate hidden beach coves where you might not see another soul. Be sure to catch breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Guraidhoo’s dreamy shores too!

Snorkel and Dive the Colourful House Reef and Beyond

Having formed around the rim of an ancient extinct volcanic crater, the waters surrounding Guraidhoo have facilitated spectacular fringing reefs teeming with exotic marine life. Snorkeling and diving here offer unspoiled encounters with graceful manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, and over 300 brightly colored fish species in exceptionally clear waters.

Even just wading in the shallows near shore rewards you with schools of glittering blue-lined snappers and sergeant majors. Serious divers can embark on short skiff trips to access renowned regional dive sites including the famous Kandooma Caves, teeming with more than 7000 fish, and Guraidhoo Corner, where barracudas, jacks, and eagle rays patrol the currents. With so much vibrant underwater scenery, snorkeling and diving truly are unmissable things to do at Guraidhoo Island!

Explore Lush Interior Forests by Foot

While beach combing and watersports are undoubtedly the main drawcards of any Maldivian island, Guraidhoo’s interior also harbors some delightful attractions. The island’s small inland is characterized by contrasting environments. Venture across the island to discover pockets of thick shady palm groves fringing ancient gnarled banyan trees, reminiscent of long-lost jungles.

Along the sandy pathways, you may encounter some of the abundant wildlife, including mischievous fruit bats, vividly-hued tree geckos, hermit crabs, and over 30 species of native and migratory birds. Watch your step but keep an eye out for the rare, diminutive snake skinks that dart across the leaf litter too. Wandering the forests by day or starlit night is one of the most unusual and magical things to do at Guraidhoo Island!

Watch an Unforgettable Sunset from the Island’s West Beach

There’s nothing quite like watching the sun sink into a glassy sea from one of Guraidhoo’s tranquil beaches, cocktail-in-hand. As the sky shifts through vibrant orange and red hues, and the dying light sets the lagoon waters sparkling, you may even catch glimpses of manta rays leaping offshore. Guraidhoo Island faces due west, allowing uninterrupted sunset panoramas for superb photography opportunities.

The island offers several great sunset vantage spots, but arguably the best place to bask in the show is from the deckchairs set out on the sunset jetty, complete with bar service! Sipping a cold beer as another day in paradise draws to a close makes for some truly magical memories. Catching dazzling sunsets should top every list of the best things to do at Guraidhoo Island!

Try Beach or Water Sports

Fun water sports like jet-skiing, wakeboarding, water-skiing, sailing, and windsurfing are all complimentary for guests at neighboring resorts to access while visiting Guraidhoo Island on day trips. You can also bring equipment like stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and kite-surfing gear to use.

Most beach areas on Guraidhoo Island allow enough space for playing volleyball or beach tennis too if you bring gear – just be conscious of tide times. If lounging by day and strolling by night is all the activity you need that’s fine too! But sports lovers will find plenty of options for things to do at Guraidhoo Island.

Specialty

What makes Guraidhoo Island an extra special destination in the Maldives is that it remains entirely undeveloped – you won’t find resorts, hotels, or even permanent residents here. This means you can experience the island in its natural state, surrounded by unspoiled tropical vegetation and beaches free from crowds and commercialization. It’s the perfect place to come for a true ‘castaway’ experience where you can enjoy pristine island nature and have parts of the island entirely to yourself!

Ideal Time to Visit

The weather in the Maldives remains relatively consistent year-round, with average temperatures around 30°C and plenty of sunshine. However, the best time to plan a trip is during the drier seasons from December to April when skies are blue rainfall is unlikely, and the seas are at their calmest for snorkeling and swimming. Whale sharks and manta rays also visit in higher numbers during these months. That said, some may prefer visiting in the quieter low and shoulder seasons when there are fewer visitors to share idyllic Guraidhoo Island with!

Important Tips

Here are some top tips to ensure you make the most of a visit to marvelous Guraidhoo Island:

• Guraidhoo is only accessible by chartered Dhoni boat, arranged via neighboring resorts for day trips
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight clothing – it gets hot!
• Pack snorkel gear to use or request from your hotel, to see the island’s vibrant marine life
• Wear sandals/aqua shoes when swimming to protect feet from sharp coral
• Alternatively, visit barefoot but take care walking on rubble/vegetation
• Bring or arrange plenty of drinking water, snacks & meals as needed
• Apply mozzie spray to avoid sandflies and mosquitos inland
• Take all rubbish back with you to protect the environment
• Respect the remote atmosphere – avoid loud music
• Check tide times so beaches/swimming lagoons don’t disappear!
• ENJOY this untouched natural paradise!

Conclusion

With swaying palms, swathes of powdery white sand, and spectacular turquoise lagoons encircled by vibrant reefs, blissful Guraidhoo Island showcases the very best of the Maldives. The undeveloped, uninhabited nature of the island means visitors can enjoy this tropical idyll in its natural state, with few others to share paradise with!

Spend lazy days soaking up the island vibes and snorkeling crystal clear waters, before being mesmerized by the colors of an epic Maldivian sunset. Guraidhoo offers a true taste of island life far from the crowds – a not-to-be-missed addition to any Maldives itinerary! Plan your visit now to experience the magic of Guraidhoo Island!