Island of Thulusdhoo in the Republic of Maldives - Capital of Kaafu Atoll

By: Mohamed Sanih

Thulusdhoo Island, Maldives

About the Island

Thulusdhoo Island is the capital of Kaafu Atoll and can be found about 28 kilometers North of Male. The ferry from Male to Thulusdhoo makes stops at Hinmafushi and Huraa before you arrive your destination island of Thulusdhoo. Travelling time can be as much as 150 minutes.

There are lots of guest houses to stay on Thulusdhoo, with all of them offering great value for money. The island supports a population of well under 2,000 persons – a crowd considering it was much smaller before the population influx following the 2004 tsunami on Rinbodhoo Island. It is especially popular for its surf points, but there are more than a few activities to enjoy on the island.

Island Facilities

Unlike most Maldivian Islands, Thulusdhoo has a varied industrial sector. There is a boat building workshop and a factory where locals dry tuna and sea cucumbers which look like black sausages.

But the heart of the island’s industrial facilities is the Coca-Cola factory on the island, built way back in 1980. This Coca-Cola factory uses desalted seawater for production, and is the only Coca-Cola factory to do so. The factory plays such a huge role on the island that the island is sometimes referred to as Coke’s Island.

The island is currently home to 8 guest houses, all of which strive to make sure you experience an unforgettable holiday. Also scattered about are several grocery stores where you can get such local delights as fresh fruit and dried tuna. And there are also hardware stores where you can purchase such things as a beach gear.

A registered bikini beach welcomes foreigners looking to get down and wet. But you do not want to go out dressed in skimpy clothing outside of this beach.

Four small restaurants – RSR, Farista, Madi Restaurant, and Gulhi – serve the island’s tourist population. The bills are relatively budget while affording you a chance to eat in nice surroundings. You can always skip around all four before making a choice on which is your preferred eating spot.

Island Activities

Thulusdhoo Island is best known for its renowned surfing spots. Indeed, the tourism boom in the country has been in great part thanks to foreigners who wished to ride the beautiful waves. The spot called Chickens’ is a rather distinctive surfing spot that allows you catch a wave right on the coast.

That spot is located on an uninhabited island which was once home to a chicken farm – hence the name. However, there are other famous surfing spots nearby which you can connect with from Thulusdhoo, including Jailbreaks, Honkys, Lohis, and Sultans.

Those who are not exactly fans of water surfing can go diving. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you are sure to enjoy the vast underwater life that Thulusdhoo presents you with. Certain diving centers like Sea Retreats offer cheap scuba diving courses from beginner to professional levels that you can take and complete during your stay, while providing you with all of the necessary equipment for diving. These courses sometimes come with professional certification.

Different diving points allow you access to the massive coral reef that lies in wait under the water. Imagine taking a dip into the water and swimming up close with skates, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and other less regular underwater life forms. Although there are strict rules against poaching in the atolls, it is still possible to try your hands at catching some of these marine beauties.

Should you begin to get bored of snorkeling (difficult given the various diving spots with different life forms) and water surfing, you can always take a seat, and bask in the warmth of the sun. Otherwise, you could head out to other nearby islands and resorts, like Chicken’s Island (Kuda Villingili) for a low cost getaway. Neighboring resorts like Club Med and Dhon Veli allow you access to alcohol bars, cultural events and interesting shows to keep you busy.

Invest in Thulusdhoo Today!

Thanks to its status as capital city of the Kaafu Atoll Islands, Thuslusdhoo has enjoyed major developmental strides. It also enjoys a large share of the tourism inflow to this Maldivian region. Nearby tourist resorts have also helped boost its status as a tourist destination that provides you with a perfect blend of local Maldivian culture and entertainment and foreign pleasures.

With its naturally peace loving people, splendid beaches, spectacular diving spots that offer you a personal experience with some underwater beauties, and great spots of water surfing on some remarkable waves, there’s more than just a little attractions for tourists.

The tourism industry in Maldives continues to grow and expand. Thanks to recent legislations, it is quickly becoming a mainstay of the economy. You too can tap into the vast opportunities afforded you in this Maldivian island by becoming the owner of a guest house that caters for foreign visitors.