Snorkeling at Gulhi Island from Maafushi by Jet-ski

Gulhi is a 500-meter island you can walk end to end in five minutes.

A self-guided snorkeling trip from Maafushi Island to Gulhi by jet-ski, where you explore a small Maldivian island on your own schedule. The five-hour outing includes round-trip jet-ski transport, time to snorkel in shallow clear water where sharks and fish are visible, a stop at Bikini Beach with its famous swing, and a chance to walk through the local village and eat at neighborhood restaurants. Pickup and drop-off are from Maafushi Island only. Travelers staying elsewhere may arrange the experience for an additional fee.

The experience

You arrive at Maafushi with a free afternoon or morning and book a jet-ski ride to Gulhi, a quiet island five hundred meters long where tourists and locals share the same restaurants and shops. The jet-ski gets you there in under an hour, and from that point the island is yours to navigate without a guide. Most visitors head straight to Bikini Beach, the postcard stop with white sand, a rope swing for photos, and water so clear you spot fish and sharks from the shallows without diving deep.

Snorkeling happens right off the beach in water calm enough that you can wade in and turn around to see the reef. The afternoon is split between the water, the sand for sunbathing, and the village itself. A working neighborhood where you can grab lunch or a snack at local prices, watch how residents actually live, and then return to the beach. The jet-ski picks you up at the end of the five hours and takes you back to Maafushi.

Infants ride on an adult's lap during the jet-ski crossing. If you're staying at a resort on another island, the operator can sometimes arrange pickup for an extra charge. Confirm the cost and feasibility before you book. Public transport options exist near Maafushi if you need an alternative way to reach the departure point.

What’s included

• Round-trip jet-ski transport between Maafushi and Gulhi Island.
• five hours on the island to snorkel, swim and explore the village.
• access to Bikini Beach and local restaurants and shops.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Aug 2027

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (5 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 4 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 15

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tuktukdude Maldives

Is this one for you?The jet-ski crossing is the transport itself, so you're in the water twice and moving between islands rather than staying in one place. Book this if you want to reach a quiet island quickly and spend the afternoon on your own terms, not following a guide's schedule.

Traveler reviews

4.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 4 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

Can I snorkel at Gulhi if I've never done it before?

Yes. The water at Bikini Beach is shallow and clear, and you can wade in from the sand. Fish and sharks are visible from the surface, so you don't need deep-water experience to see marine life.

What is Bikini Beach and why do people go there?

Bikini Beach is Gulhi's main attraction: a stretch of white sand with calm, clear water and a rope swing hanging over the beach that's popular for photos. It's the central stop on most visits to the island.

Do I need a guide to explore Gulhi, or do I navigate on my own?

This is a self-guided tour, so you explore the island by yourself. Gulhi is small enough that you can walk anywhere in five minutes, and restaurants and shops are scattered throughout, so getting around is straightforward.

What happens if I'm staying at a resort island instead of Maafushi?

Pickup and drop-off are normally from Maafushi Island only. If you're staying elsewhere, contact the operator before booking to check if they can arrange transport from your resort. An additional surcharge may apply.

How long is the jet-ski ride to Gulhi?

The round trip takes five hours total, which includes the jet-ski crossing both ways and your time on the island exploring, snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.