Hiking in Maldives: Top 10 Trails for Tropical Treks

Hiking in the Maldives may not be the first activity that comes to mind when you picture this archipelago of 1,192 coral islands. After all, the Maldives is famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxury overwater villas.

But look beyond the postcard-perfect scenes and you’ll find a surprising variety of hiking trails in the Maldives. From easy coastal walks to lush nature trails, the Maldives offers unique opportunities to explore the islands’ natural beauty on foot.

The Maldives’ gentle trails are perfect for a relaxed tropical hiking experience. So lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover 10 of the best hiking trails in the Maldives.

10 Best Hiking Places in the Maldives

While the Maldives may not have soaring peaks or multi-day treks, its islands still hide plenty of scenic trails. Here are 10 top spots for hiking in the Maldives, with options for every ability level:

1. Naifaru Loop, Lhaviyani Atoll

The Naifaru Loop on Naifaru Island is a short and sweet hiking trail that gives you a taste of local island life in the Maldives. This easy 3 km loop takes you along the scenic coastline, past traditional Maldivian houses, small shops, and the bustling Naifaru harbor.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 1.9 miles (3 km)

• Location: Naifaru Island, Lhaviyani Atoll

• Cost: Free

• Great for: Families, short walks, coastal views

• Key Tips: The best time to hike the Naifaru Loop is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. Remember to dress modestly as Naifaru is a local residential island.

2. Nature Trails in North Male Atoll

The North Male Atoll, home to the Maldives’ capital city Male, has several short nature trails that let you step into the islands’ lush interiors. Resorts like Kurumba Maldives and Bandos Maldives have well-maintained trails winding through dense vegetation, ideal for spotting unique bird and plant species.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Distance: Varies, but generally short trails (less than 2 km)

• Location: North Male Atoll

• Cost: Free for resort guests

• Great for: Nature walks, birdwatching

• Key Tips: Wear sturdy shoes and insect repellent for the nature trails. Guided walks are often available through the resorts for a more educational hiking experience.

3. Kuda Bandos Nature Trail, South Male Atoll

Located on the petite Kuda Bandos Island, this short circular trail takes you through the island’s untouched interior, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by native vegetation like sea lettuce, ironwood, and coconut palms. The trail then emerges onto the pristine beach, offering serene ocean vistas.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 0.6 miles (1 km)

• Location: Kuda Bandos Island, South Male Atoll

• Cost: Free for Bandos Maldives resort guests

• Great for: Nature walks, beach strolls

• Key Tips: The Kuda Bandos Nature Trail is accessible only to guests of Bandos Maldives resort. Guided nature walks are available upon request.

4. Gan Beach, Maafushi, Kaafu Atoll

Maafushi Island in the Kaafu Atoll is known for its stretch of powdery white sand called Gan Beach. A leisurely walk along this 1.5 km beach takes you past swaying palm trees, turquoise shallows, and the occasional beach volleyball game. At the southern end, a short trail leads up to a modest hilltop viewpoint.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 1.5 km (beach walk) + 0.3 km (hilltop trail)

• Location: Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll

• Cost: Free

• Great for: Beach walks, viewpoints

• Key Tips: The best time to walk along Gan Beach is during sunrise or sunset for cooler temperatures and beautiful colors. Remember to wear sun protection even on overcast days.

5. Thaa Atoll Beach Trail

The Thaa Atoll in southern Maldives is a 2-hour flight from Male, promising crowd-free beaches and an authentic castaway vibe. Many of the atoll’s islands have informal trails along the beach and through the island interior, letting you soak in the remote tropical atmosphere at your own pace.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: Varies

• Location: Thaa Atoll

• Cost: Free

• Great for: Beach walks, island exploration

• Key Tips: As the Thaa Atoll is quite remote, it’s best to base yourself at one of the atoll’s resorts like COMO Maalifushi or Maalifushi by COMO. They can help arrange island-hopping excursions and hiking trips.

6. Alimatha Island, Vaavu Atoll

Alimatha is a small resort island in the Vaavu Atoll, boasting several well-marked nature trails that wind through the island’s dense jungle-like interior. The trails are lined with informative signs about the local flora and fauna, making it a great option for hiking in the Maldives with an educational twist.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: Less than 1 km

• Location: Alimatha Island, Vaavu Atoll

• Cost: Free for resort guests

• Great for: Nature walks, learning about local ecosystems

• Key Tips: Guided nature walks with the resort’s resident marine biologist are available twice a week, giving you expert insights into the island’s biodiversity.

7. Villingilli, Addu Atoll

Down in the Maldives’ southernmost atoll, Villingilli Island offers one of the most picturesque hiking trails in the Maldives. The 1.5 km trail takes you along the turquoise shoreline, through dense mangrove forests, and even to the peak of Mount Villingilli – the Maldives’ highest point at a modest 5.1 meters above sea level.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Distance: 1.5 km

• Location: Villingilli Island, Addu Atoll

• Cost: Free for Shangri-La‘s Villingili Resort guests

• Great for: Coastal walks, peak bagging, mangrove spotting

• Key Tips: The Villingilli trail is exclusive to guests at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort. Guided nature walks and bird-watching tours can be arranged through the resort.

8. Kuramathi Island, North Ari Atoll

Kuramathi Island in the North Ari Atoll is one of the largest resort islands in the Maldives, with a network of nature trails crisscrossing its lush interior. The Botanic Walk is a highlight, taking you through the island’s meticulously labeled botanical gardens.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: Varies, multiple short trails

• Location: Kuramathi Island, North Ari Atoll

• Cost: Free for Kuramathi Maldives resort guests

• Great for: Nature walks, botanical enthusiasts

• Key Tips: Pick up a detailed trail map from the Kuramathi Maldives reception. The resort also offers guided nature walks and a visit to their Eco Centre.

9. Hithadhoo, Addu Atoll

Hithadhoo is the Maldives’ second-largest island and the administrative capital of the Addu Atoll. The island’s Eidhigali Kilhi Wetland Reserve has a well-maintained 0.6 km boardwalk trail that lets you observe mangrove species and wetland birds up close.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 0.6 km

• Location: Hithadhoo Island, Addu Atoll

• Cost: MVR 100 (INR 500)

• Great for: Wetland walks, birdwatching

• Key Tips: Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the best hiking in the Maldives. Sunset is a great time to spot fruit bats and frigate birds in the reserve.

10. Fuvahmulah Nature Park

The one-island atoll of Fuvahmulah in the deep south is an up-and-coming hiking spot in the Maldives for adventurous travelers. The Fuvahmulah Nature Park has a series of short trails through the island’s patchwork of lakes, marshes, and grasslands, offering the chance to spot some of the Maldives’ rarest bird species like the Maldivian heron.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Distance: Varies, multiple short trails

• Location: Fuvahmulah Island

• Cost: Free

• Great for: Birdwatching, nature walks

• Key Tips: Access to Fuvahmulah requires a domestic flight from Male and a permit from the local council. Guides are available through local guesthouses and eco-retreats.

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FAQs

What are the different types of hiking trails in the Maldives?

The Maldives offers a variety of relatively short and easy hiking trails, including:

• Coastal walks along white-sand beaches

• Nature trails through jungles and wetlands

• Boardwalks over mangrove swamps

• Modest hilltop or peak trails

• Routes through resort islands’ curated gardens and landscapes

What is the best time to hike in the Maldives?

The dry season (December to April) offers cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and less rain for hiking in the Maldives. Hike early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

What is the longest hiking trail in the Maldives?

The Maldives’ small coral islands have no long-distance trails. Most are under 2 km and take less than an hour. The longest hiking routes in the Maldives tend to be guided multi-day tours that combine short trails with boat transfers between islands.

Which hiking trail has the most elevation gain in the Maldives?

The Maldives has no altitude hiking, with a peak elevation of just 5.1 meters (17 feet) above sea level. Mount Villingilli on Villingilli Island is the closest to a “summit” hike.

What is the most popular hiking trail in the Maldives?

The most popular hiking trail in the Maldives depends on accessibility and scenery. Mount Villingilli is a favorite hiking trail for couples in Maldives seeking a sunset view. The Naifaru Loop offers a mix of culture and nature.

Are there any camping trails in the Maldives?

Camping is rare in the Maldives, with most staying in resorts. Some uninhabited islands allow camping with permission, but there are no designated camping trails.

Are there any running trails in the Maldives?

The Maldives’ short trails are great for jogging. Resorts offer running tracks or scenic paved paths, with the best spots along hard-packed sand at low tide.

Are there any biking trails in the Maldives?

Biking isn’t a major draw, but Maafushi Island offers a 5 km bike circuit with views of hiking in the Maldives. However, there are no dedicated off-road biking trails in the Maldives.