South Malé Atoll · Maldives
Things to Do on Gulhi Island, Maldives
A bikini beach, a working fishing village and some of the best reefs and sandbanks in South Malé Atoll, all a short walk or boat ride away.
On the island
Things to see on Gulhi
Gulhi is small enough to explore on foot in an afternoon. Start at the beach, then wander through the village to the harbour.
Bikini Beach
Swim and sunbathe in swimwear on soft white sand, with loungers and umbrellas for hire.
I Love Gulhi Swing
Gulhi’s famous twin swing in the shallow lagoon, built by islanders in 2018. Go at sunset.
Souvenir Market
Stalls run by island families selling sarongs, crafts and gifts to take home.
Island Life
Walk the fishing village, watch the catch come in at the harbour and meet the people who live here.
Gulhi Boat Yard
See where Gulhi’s boats are built and repaired, a working craft that shaped the island.
Harbour Sunsets
The harbour is the island’s evening meeting place, with nurse sharks and rays in the shallows.
Island Explore Packages
Want it all arranged for you? The Island Explore Packages combine your stay on Gulhi with a day at Vahmaafushi, the adventure picnic island in South Malé Atoll, in one simple booking.
Sold by Tropic Tree Maldives and Vahmaafushi. Tropic Tree Maldives is run by Tropic X Maldives, which manages gulhi.com.
Out on the water
Excursions from Gulhi
Gulhi sits in the middle of South Malé Atoll, so the reefs, sandbanks and dive sites that resort guests pay a premium for are a short boat ride from your guesthouse. Trips are run by local guides who grew up on these waters.
Snorkelling trips
Snorkel nearby reefs with a local guide. Turtles are often seen on the reefs of South Malé Atoll.
Sandbank picnics
Spend a few hours on a strip of white sand in the middle of the lagoon, with lunch and snorkelling.
Dolphin watching
Head out by boat in the late afternoon to look for spinner dolphins as the sun goes down.
Line fishing
Try traditional Maldivian hand-line fishing at sunset or after dark, and have your catch cooked.
Diving
Dive the channels and reefs of South Malé Atoll. Every hotel can book you in with a local dive school.
Resort day trips
Spend a day at a nearby resort with its pools, beaches and restaurants, where alcohol is served.
Good to know
Before you book a trip
- How to book
- Through your hotel. Most trips can be arranged for the next day.
- Group size
- Most trips need a minimum number of people. Ask what is running on your first day.
- Weather
- Trips depend on sea conditions and may move to another day.
- What to wear
- Swimwear on Bikini Beach and on boat trips. Cover shoulders and knees in the village.
- Payment
- Excursions are usually priced in US dollars.
- Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and water. Snorkelling gear is usually provided.
Questions
Things to do on Gulhi: FAQs
What is there to do on Gulhi Island?
Relax on Bikini Beach, swing on the I Love Gulhi swing, browse the souvenir market and explore the fishing village. From the island you can go snorkelling, diving, dolphin watching, line fishing, on sandbank picnics and on resort day trips.
How do I book excursions on Gulhi?
Ask at your hotel. Every hotel on Gulhi runs or books excursions, and you can usually arrange a trip for the next day. Most trips need a minimum number of people.
Can I wear a bikini on Gulhi?
Yes, on Bikini Beach. In the village and at the harbour, cover your shoulders and knees, as Gulhi is a local Muslim island.
Can I go diving from Gulhi?
Yes. Every hotel can book dives with a local dive school, and Ocean Pearl Maldives has a dive centre on site.
What are the Island Explore Packages?
They combine a stay on Gulhi with a day at Vahmaafushi, the adventure picnic island. They are sold by Tropic Tree Maldives and Vahmaafushi.
Plan your days on Gulhi
Pick a hotel close to the beach and let them arrange your trips.