Things to do in Vilu Reef
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Top 10 attractions in Vilu Reef
Aloofushi
Aloofushiis an exquisite resort island in the Maldives' Dhaalu Atoll. Its name is derived from the local Dhivehi language, meaning sun and beach. The island's more than 100 beach and overwater villas all feature private pools, with the overwater villas also including an infinity plunge pool. The interiors feature light-colored wood accented with turquoise and orange, creating a fresh, modern tropical style. The resort caters primarily to honeymooning couples and small families, and also offers family villas with living rooms. Dolphins are frequent visitors to these waters, appearing so often that one type of overwater villa on the island is named "Dolphin".Aloofushi · 8.9 km from Vilu Reef
Velavaru Island
Velavaru Island is located in the South Nilandhe Atoll (Dhaalu Atoll) south of Malé. Its name means "Turtle Island" in the Dhivehi language, so named because sea turtles frequently lay their eggs here from January to May each year. The island is long and narrow, surrounded by palm forests, white sandy beaches, and a turquoise lagoon. The island's signature feature is its collection of overwater villas built in the middle of the lagoon: unlike the overwater villas at most island resorts, which are connected to the main island by long jetties, these stand alone, separated by a stretch of water, requiring a boat ride of a few minutes to travel back and forth, offering a great sense of privacy. Each overwater villa features a private infinity pool, a hammock suspended over the water, and steps leading directly into the lagoon. Some room types also have a rooftop terrace, where you can lie back and wait for the sunset.Velavaru · 3.1 km from Vilu Reef
Vilu Reef
Vilu Reef is a resort island in the North Male Atoll, Maldives, which can be reached by speedboat in approx. 1 hour from Velana International Airport in Male. The island is surrounded by clear lagoons, white sandy beaches, and lush coconut groves, creating a quiet and natural environment. The island is long and narrow, approx. 1,200m long and 350m wide, allowing visitors to slowly explore the tropical scenery along the island's paths. A major feature of the island is its convenient snorkeling conditions; the surrounding coral reefs are close to the shore, so visitors can observe marine life such as tropical fish in the surrounding waters without needing to take a boat out. In terms of accommodation, the island offers a variety of options such as beach villas and overwater villas, with some room types featuring private pools to meet the vacation needs of different visitors. For leisure, the island features a variety of dining and entertainment facilities. Visitors can participate in activities such as snorkeling, diving, and water sports, or experience excursions like boat cruises and fishing. The island also preserves some traditional Maldivian cultural experiences, such as taking a dhoni boat out to sea and learning about local lifestyles. Whether for a couple's vacation or a family trip, this place offers a rich island experience.Vilu Reef · 12m from downtown
Vommuli
Vommuli · 18 km from Vilu Reef
Olhuveli
Olhuveli is a twin-island resort consisting of two adjacent islands. It can be reached by a seaplane ride of approx. 40 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé. The two islands are Play and Chill. The former has a more vibrant atmosphere, while the latter is more laid-back and relaxing, allowing guests to experience different island environments according to their preferences. The island offers a wealth of unique experiences. The Subsix underwater restaurant is located below the sea surface, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding marine view while dining. The treetop restaurant NEST integrates dining spaces into the tropical vegetation, providing a unique dining experience. The island also features a variety of restaurants and specialty dining arrangements, offering guests dining options in different settings, from underwater and treetop to seaside. The surrounding waters are suitable for snorkeling, diving, and various water activities, where guests can explore the coral reef ecosystem and participate in experiences such as boat trips to observe marine life. The island also offers activities such as surfing, parasailing, and glass-bottom kayaking, and features a kids' club, providing leisure and entertainment options for family travelers. In terms of stay, the island features beach villas and overwater villas, suitable for different types of vacation needs such as couples and families.Olhuveli · 36.6 km from Vilu Reef
Kandimas
Kandima Island is located in Dhaalu Atoll, about 145 kilometers from Male. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the island by taking a domestic plane from Male Airport and then a speedboat. You can also take a 40-minute seaplane to the island. The hotel opened in 2016 and is a five-star island. The island is large with a natural lagoon and well-preserved tropical vegetation. There are multiple restaurants & bars, a children's club, an extra-long swimming pool, a spa center, an art room, sports facilities, etc. The facilities are complete and the entertainment activities are rich, suitable for family vacations.Kandima · 29.6 km from Vilu Reef
Hulhumale
Hulhumale is an artificial island formed by land reclamation. The island is adjacent to Velana International Airport and is connected to the airport island by road; it can also be reached from Malé via a cross-sea bridge, making it an urban island with convenient transportation in the Maldives. Construction of the island began in the late 1990s to alleviate population pressure in the capital, Malé, and it has now developed into a planned new city with residential, commercial, and public facilities. The island's coastal area is a popular spot for tourists, where artificial beaches, shallow waters, and near-shore coral reefs create a leisure space. Some areas are suitable for swimming and snorkeling, where you can observe marine life such as tropical fish and stingrays; there are also water sports facilities along the coast, where you can experience activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and kitesurfing. Beyond the beaches, the island also showcases an urban life that differs from traditional resort islands. Planned neighborhoods, green spaces, parks, restaurants, cafes, and accommodation facilities are distributed throughout, offering both everyday scenes of local life and leisure spaces for tourists. Visitors can stroll through the neighborhoods, experience local dining, or enjoy the sunset in the coastal area. Because it is close to the airport, many tourists use this place as a stopover before or after arriving in or departing from the Maldives.Maldives · Hulhumale
Mudhdhoo
Mudhdhoo is a resort island developed by the Dusit hotel group from Thailand, and the Baa Atoll where it is located is also a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. It can be reached by a seaplane ride of approx. 35 minutes from Velana International Airport in Malé, and on the way, you can overlook the atoll scenery with colors ranging from light green to deep blue. The island is surrounded by clear lagoons and coral reefs, and its rich marine ecosystem is a major feature. Marine life such as sea turtles, schools of fish, sharks, and rays are commonly seen in the surrounding waters, making it suitable for snorkeling and diving experiences; Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is also well-known for its manta ray activity. The island is covered with extensive coconut groves and tropical vegetation, with beach villas and overwater villas distributed between the coast and the lagoon; some overwater villas offer direct access to the sea. The island features a spacious infinity pool, as well as multiple restaurants and bars, offering dining options with various flavors such as Thai cuisine and seafood. Guests can also participate in activities such as sunset cruises, marine exploration, and water sports, or relax in the leisure facilities nestled within the coconut groves.Maldives · Mudhdhoo
Maafushi
Maafushi is an inhabited local island in the Kaafu Atoll, Maldives, situated across the water from the capital, Malé, and accessible by public ferry or speedboat. Unlike private islands that operate on a one island, one resort basis, this is one of the first inhabited islands in the Maldives to open homestays to tourists. With a diverse range of options from budget inns to boutique hotels, it allows budget-conscious travelers to stay on an island more easily and experience the Maldives' blue seas and white sands. The island has a vibrant local atmosphere, with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops lining the streets. The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot.Maldives · Maafushi
Filitheyo
Filitheyo Island Resort is famous for snorkeling. Here is the superficial land of the Maldives. But few people know why. It is famous not only for the environment, but also for its development. The resort has developed 8 water channels, and tourists who cannot swim can enjoy the snorkeling environment with very shallow water channels. Various measures can add luster to the island. Filitheyo Island Resort is the only resort hotel on Faafu Atoll in the southern atoll of the Maldives. Unlike the crowded North and South Male Atolls, there is a lot of space here, and the sky and the earth will appear more expansive. In just a few years, Filizyo Island Resort has built a solid reputation for diving, food and ambience that are quite popular in the Maldives. Filizyo Island is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high level of accommodation, meals and diving. Felicity Island is famous not only for its environment, but also for its development. The resort has developed 8 sea lanes. The sea lanes are very shallow, and tourists who cannot swim can enjoy the snorkeling environment. There is also an international diving school on the island, offering a variety of diving courses, tourists who like diving must not miss it.Filitheyo · 23.7 km from Vilu Reef
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Free things to do in Vilu Reef
Aloofushi
Aloofushi · 8.9 km from Vilu ReefVelavaru Island
Velavaru · 3.1 km from Vilu ReefVilu Reef
Vilu Reef · 12m from downtownVommuli
Vommuli · 18 km from Vilu ReefOlhuveli
Olhuveli · 36.6 km from Vilu ReefKandimas
Kandima · 29.6 km from Vilu ReefHulhumale
Maldives · HulhumaleMudhdhoo
Maldives · MudhdhooMaafushi
Maldives · MaafushiFilitheyo
Filitheyo · 23.7 km from Vilu Reef
What travellers say about Vilu Reef
naonao5827July 24, 2025
5.0
非常漂亮的海岛！值得一游的度假圣地，躺在沙屋的泳池边，面对碧绿湛蓝色的大海，心旷神怡！在水屋的泳池边上吹着凉爽的海风，迎着夕阳红，望着天空中的繁星！时不时魔鬼鱼🐟从海中跃出来，望着海水深不可莫测，一直没有下海去洗海水澡，加上海浪🌊不小，怕被冲跑了！出来旅游度假还是要注意安全哈！
Aloofushi
世界向左时向右August 7, 2026
4.0
Scenery: Superb 🌊 Ecology: Average
Nurse sharks 🦈, sea turtles 🐢, hermit crabs 🐚, rays are few
Lagoon: Average
Fun: Snorkeling 🤿 requires a boat trip
Fishing 🎣 depends on luck
Paddleboarding 🏄 depends on the weather
Going out to sea 🛥️ to chase marine life
Value for money: Off-season, 5 days 4 nights for 2 people
All-inclusive price: 28,000-30,000
(Includes three meals, drinks, round-trip seaplane transfer, and afternoon tea while floating)
Value for money:
Velavaru Island
qhh124421519February 1, 2026
5.0
This island is truly beautiful, the perfect size, the staff are welcoming, and the food service is excellent. I really love it. Everyone should try it! I especially love Equa's buffet. It's different every day.
Vilu Reef
Dr BPMay 8, 2023
4.0
For most people this will be their first or last stop in The Maldives, as it is the island on which the airport is located.It is newly reclaimed land and being designed as a kind of "back-up" capital city in case neighboring Male succumbs to rising sea levels. As such, it is a bit of construction site as new hotels, apartments etc are going up all over the place.An okay beach for a quick dip, but gets a bit of floating trash.In any case, it is okay stopover for a night after arriving or before leaving the country.
Hulhumale
M11***98June 10, 2016
4.0
It's beautiful, and it's not as hot as I imagined. There are many Chinese tourists there, so there's no need to worry about language.
Mudhdhoo
PONY1992September 21, 2023
5.0
sooooooo goooood maldives this is real havean :) sooooooo goooood maldives this is real havean :)
Maafushi
205***19May 31, 2025
5.0
A diving grade A island, the island is not big, it takes less than 1 hour to walk around. There is a main restaurant and two bars on the island. There are three types of meal packages on the island, half package includes breakfast and dinner (dinner does not include beverages), three meals (lunch and dinner do not include beverages), and full package, all three meals are in the main restaurant. In the evening, you can watch the sunset at the sunset bar, and in the morning, you can watch the sunrise by walking east from the sunset bar. The facilities on the island are a bit old, after all, it has been open for more than 20 years, but the holiday snorkeling environment is very good.
Filitheyo
