Huraa Island – A Cultural Gem with Surf Breaks, Local Charm, and Natural Beauty in North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Introduction to Huraa, Maldives
Huraa is a culturally vibrant local island located in North Malé Atoll, offering an authentic taste of Maldivian island life just a short boat ride from the capital. Known for its friendly community, mangrove wetlands, and traditional music roots, Huraa blends natural beauty with cultural depth. Less commercialized than some neighboring islands, Huraa is perfect for travelers looking to unwind in a peaceful setting while engaging with local traditions, surfing, and eco-experiences.
Location and How to Get to Huraa
Huraa is situated about 20 kilometers northeast of Malé, making it highly accessible for visitors arriving at Velana International Airport. The island is just 30 minutes away via scheduled speedboat transfers, with multiple daily trips available. Public ferries are also an option, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Its proximity to popular islands like Himmafushi and Thulusdhoo makes it an ideal stop for island hopping or a relaxing weekend getaway.
Beaches and Nature in Huraa
Huraa features a stunning bikini beach with soft white sand and calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing. The island is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and vibrant coral reefs that attract snorkelers and marine life lovers. One of Huraa’s natural highlights is its protected mangrove forest on the island’s edge—a rare ecological feature in the Maldives. Visitors can walk along a wooden boardwalk and explore this unique wetland habitat, which supports birdlife and biodiversity.
Accommodation in Huraa
Huraa offers a variety of guesthouses and boutique stays ranging from budget-friendly rooms to mid-range beachfront options. Most properties are locally owned and managed, providing visitors with warm hospitality and personalized service. Guesthouses typically include air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, meal options, and access to excursions. The intimate scale of accommodations makes Huraa a great option for couples, solo travelers, and families looking for peaceful island comfort.
Food and Dining in Huraa
Dining on Huraa is a blend of local flavors and international comfort food. Restaurants and cafés serve traditional Maldivian meals like grilled tuna, mas huni, and spicy curries, along with burgers, pasta, and vegetarian options. Many guesthouses offer meal plans or host BBQ nights for their guests. With its relaxed vibe and ocean views, dining in Huraa is casual and affordable—an ideal way to experience the island's hospitality and cuisine.
Things to Do in Huraa
Huraa offers a range of relaxing and cultural activities. Popular things to do include snorkeling, surfing, island walks, and exploring the mangrove area. Visitors can also enjoy sandbank picnics, dolphin watching, fishing trips, or take part in cooking classes and handicraft workshops. The island is also historically known for its contribution to Maldivian drumming and music, and you may even catch a live traditional performance during festive times.
Day Trips and Tours from Huraa
Huraa is a convenient base for exploring nearby islands and attractions in North Malé Atoll. Day trips include snorkeling safaris, sandbank visits, resort day passes, and excursions to islands like Thulusdhoo, Himmafushi, or even luxury resort islands. Local tour operators and guesthouses offer a variety of flexible packages to suit different interests and budgets.
Environmental Focus and Conservation in Huraa
Huraa is recognized for its community efforts in environmental protection, especially in preserving its mangrove ecosystem. Eco-initiatives on the island include mangrove conservation walks, educational signage, and reef-friendly excursions. Some guesthouses are adopting sustainable practices like reducing plastic use, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting local marine protection programs.
Culture and Local Life in Huraa
Huraa maintains a strong cultural identity, with a community that values tradition, religion, and hospitality. The island’s small population fosters a close-knit environment where guests are warmly welcomed. Modest attire is expected in public spaces outside the bikini beach. Exploring the island’s narrow lanes, colorful houses, mosques, and friendly shops gives visitors a genuine glimpse into daily Maldivian life.
Best Time to Visit Huraa
The best time to visit Huraa is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is sunny and seas are calm—perfect for beach activities, snorkeling, and water sports. The wet season from May to October can bring brief showers, but it’s also quieter and more affordable. With year-round natural beauty and culture, Huraa is an excellent destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and immersive Maldives experience.
General info
Population of Huraa
Huraa has an estimated population of 1,300 to 1,600 residents, primarily Maldivians engaged in fishing, craftsmanship, and tourism.
The island has maintained a strong sense of identity and culture, with many locals contributing to the guesthouse industry, traditional music, and community-driven environmental projects.
Distance from Malé
Huraa is located about 20 kilometers northeast of Malé in North Malé Atoll.
It is easily accessible by a 30-minute speedboat ride from Malé or Velana International Airport, making it one of the closest inhabited islands for a quick local island getaway.
Size of the Island
Huraa is a small but developed island, measuring roughly 0.65 km in length and 0.30 km in width.
Despite its size, the island features a bikini beach, mangrove forest, guesthouses, cafés, and residential areas, all walkable within minutes—ideal for travelers who prefer compact and easy-to-navigate destinations.
Unique Natural Feature: Mangroves
Huraa is one of the few local islands in the Maldives with a natural mangrove ecosystem.
Located on the island’s northern edge, the mangrove area supports biodiversity and serves as a natural coastal defense. It can be explored via a wooden walkway and offers a peaceful retreat from the beach.
Surfing Nearby
Huraa is close to several well-known surf breaks, including Chickens and Jailbreaks.
While the breaks are offshore and reached by boat, Huraa is a favorite among surf travelers who want affordable accommodation near world-class waves in North Malé Atoll.
Local Economy
Huraa’s economy is driven by tourism, fishing, boat building, and traditional arts.
With the rise in guesthouse tourism, many families operate or work in hospitality. Huraa is also known for producing bodu beru drums and maintaining the tradition of Maldivian music.
Language Spoken
The primary language spoken in Huraa is Dhivehi, the national language of the Maldives.
English is widely spoken, especially in guesthouses and tourism-related businesses, allowing international travelers to communicate easily during their stay.
Electricity and Connectivity
Huraa uses standard 230V electricity with British-style Type G plugs.
Most guesthouses provide adapters and offer free Wi-Fi. Local SIM cards with data plans are also available for those who want strong mobile internet access during their stay.
Cultural Etiquette
Huraa is a Muslim island, and visitors are expected to respect local customs.
Swimwear is only permitted at the designated bikini beach. In public areas, modest dress is appreciated. Visitors are welcomed warmly, especially those who are culturally mindful and curious.
Healthcare and Safety
Huraa has a small health center providing basic medical services to residents and visitors.
For serious medical issues, patients are transferred to Malé. The island is safe, with a low crime rate, and has a close-knit community that values hospitality and mutual respect.
FAQs about
Huraa
Yes. Huraa is known for its strong cultural heritage, traditional music, and local craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the island’s history, interact with friendly locals, and experience authentic Maldivian island life beyond the resorts.
You can reach Huraa by speedboat or ferry. Speedboats from Malé or the airport take about 30 minutes and operate multiple times daily. Public ferries are also available, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Yes, but only at the designated bikini beach. Huraa has a specific area for tourists to swim and sunbathe in swimwear. Outside of this area, modest attire is required in line with local Islamic customs.
No, alcohol is not sold or served on Huraa. As a local inhabited island, alcohol is prohibited. However, guests can arrange resort day visits or floating bar excursions to enjoy alcoholic beverages legally offshore.
Huraa offers snorkeling, mangrove walks, island tours, fishing, and cultural experiences. Visitors can also book sandbank trips, dolphin cruises, or join excursions to nearby islands or surf breaks.
Yes. Huraa is near popular surf points like Chickens, Jailbreaks, and Sultans. These reef breaks are accessible by short boat rides, making Huraa an excellent base for surf travelers.
Yes. Huraa has several guesthouses and boutique stays catering to all budgets. Most offer comfortable rooms, Wi-Fi, meal plans, and excursion packages for solo travelers, couples, and families.
Absolutely. The island is peaceful, walkable, and safe, with calm waters and friendly locals. Many guesthouses welcome families and can organize kid-friendly activities like snorkeling and beach games.
Yes. Huraa is close enough for a day trip from Malé or Hulhumalé. It’s perfect for travelers looking to explore a local island, relax on a bikini beach, or enjoy a guided cultural tour.
The best time is from November to April. This dry season offers sunny days and calm seas, ideal for water activities and outdoor exploration. The wet season (May to October) is quieter, with lower prices and occasional rainfall.