Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree Island Map

Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree Island Maldives

Fiyoaree is a charming island located in the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll of the Maldives. It is known for its serene and natural beauty, with lush greenery, sandy beaches, and clear blue waters that make it a haven for visitors seeking an authentic and peaceful Maldivian experience. Although Fiyoaree is lesser known compared to some of the larger resort islands, its local culture and traditional way of life offer a unique glimpse into life on a Maldivian island.

Packages

Hotels

Transfers

Activities

Location and Geography

- Fiyoaree is located in the southern Maldives, within Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, approximately 400 kilometers south of Malé. The island is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, with vibrant coral reefs and calm lagoons making it a beautiful spot for activities like snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
  Fiyoaree is relatively small in size and is covered with coconut palms and other tropical vegetation. Its beaches are quiet and unspoiled, offering a tranquil setting for both residents and visitors.

Population and Community

The population of Fiyoaree is estimated to be around 600 to 800 people. The local economy is primarily driven by fishing and some agriculture, though tourism is slowly gaining traction with the development of guesthouses on the island. The community on the island is close-knit, and the pace of life is slow and relaxed, with traditional Maldivian culture playing a key role in daily life.

Things to Do in Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree

Snorkeling and Diving: The island is surrounded by pristine coral reefs, home to a wide array of marine life, including tropical fish, turtles, and colorful corals. Snorkeling is a popular activity, with the clear lagoons offering excellent visibility for underwater exploration. Divers can explore deeper dive sites around the atoll, with the opportunity to see reef sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks in the right season.
Fishing Trips: As a traditional fishing island, Fiyoaree offers the chance to join local fishing excursions. You can experience line fishing, which has been part of the island’s culture for generations. Freshly caught fish is often used in local cuisine.
Island Hopping: Fiyoaree’s location within Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll makes it an ideal base for island hopping to other nearby islands. Visitors can take day trips to nearby inhabited and uninhabited islands, each with its own unique charm.
Beach Relaxation: The beaches of Fiyoaree are quiet and pristine, offering a perfect setting for relaxing, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the Maldives. The island’s beaches are less crowded than those of the major resort islands, making them ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Cultural Exploration: Fiyoaree provides a chance to experience traditional Maldivian culture. Visitors can interact with the locals, witness local crafts, and observe fishing practices that have been passed down through generations. You can also visit the island’s mosques and community centers to learn more about the daily life of the islanders.
Agricultural Experience: Unlike many other Maldivian islands, Fiyoaree has a small sector of agriculture. Visitors may explore the island’s small farms, where local fruits and vegetables are grown, including papayas, bananas, and coconuts.

Key Highlights

Traditional Fishing Culture: Fiyoaree is deeply rooted in the fishing heritage of the Maldives, and visitors can experience this culture firsthand by joining local fishing trips or observing the daily fishing routines of the islanders.
Untouched Natural Beauty: Fiyoaree’s unspoiled beaches, lush greenery, and surrounding coral reefs make it a picturesque destination for those seeking a peaceful and authentic Maldivian experience.
Pristine Marine Life: The island’s proximity to some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives makes it a fantastic destination for snorkeling and diving, with a chance to see an abundance of marine species.
Island Charm: Unlike the luxury resorts, Fiyoaree offers a more authentic island life experience, giving visitors a chance to interact with the local community and learn about Maldivian culture.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Health Center: Fiyoaree has a small health center that provides basic medical services to locals and visitors. For more advanced healthcare, people may need to travel to Thinadhoo or other nearby islands.
School: The island has a primary school that serves the educational needs of the island’s children, with secondary education often being pursued on neighboring islands or in Malé.
Shops: Fiyoaree has a few local shops selling daily essentials and groceries. Visitors can purchase local products, snacks, and fresh produce.
Mosques: As in all Maldivian islands, mosques play an important role in the community’s daily life, with Fiyoaree hosting several mosques where the local population gathers for prayers.
Guesthouses: Fiyoaree has a few guesthouses offering comfortable accommodation for tourists. These guesthouses are typically small and provide a more personalized experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.
Restaurants and Cafes: The island has a few cafes and local eateries that serve traditional Maldivian dishes, including fish curry, mas huni (a dish made with tuna and coconut), and other seafood-based meals.
Power and Connectivity: Fiyoaree is connected to the national power grid, and there is mobile phone coverage across the island. Wi-Fi may be available in some guesthouses and public spaces, though internet speeds may be slower than in more developed areas.

How to Get to Gaafu Dhaalu Fiyoaree

Domestic Flights: The nearest airport to Fiyoaree is Kooddoo Airport, located on Kooddoo Island in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Domestic flights from Velana International Airport (Malé) to Kooddoo take about 1 hour. From Kooddoo, a speedboat or ferry is required to reach Fiyoaree, with travel times varying depending on the type of boat used.
Speedboat Transfers: Speedboats are the fastest way to travel between islands in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. Many guesthouses arrange speedboat transfers from Kooddoo Airport to Fiyoaree for their guests.
Ferry Services: Public ferry services are available between Fiyoaree and other inhabited islands in the atoll. While ferries are more economical, they tend to be slower compared to speedboats and may operate on specific schedules.
Local Transport: On the island itself, walking or cycling is the most common mode of transportation, given its small size. Motorbikes are also used by locals, and visitors can rent bicycles to explore the island.