Welcome to Keyodhoo – Heart of Vaavu Atoll
Keyodhoo is a peaceful island in Vaavu Atoll about 75 kilometers south of Malé. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant local culture, and close-knit community, Keyodhoo offers a quiet yet enriching island experience.
- The island is small and walkable, providing an intimate and serene environment.
- Other nearby islands: Fulidhoo, Thinadhoo.
- Nearby resorts: Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives, NOOE Maldives Kunaavashi.
Getting to Keyodhoo
Public Ferry (MTCC Ferry Route 306)
Schedule: Departs Malé at 10:00 AM on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Cost: Around $75 USD per person.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased at the MTCC Ferry Terminal in Malé.
Note: This ferry route includes stops at other islands before reaching Keyodhoo.
Shared Speedboat
Schedule: Departs Malé at 11:00 AM on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Cost: $60 USD per person.
Booking: Arrangements can be made through guesthouses or local operators.
Departure Point: Behind Kalhuthuhkalaa Koshi in Malé.
Private Speedboat
Ideal For: Groups or travelers seeking flexibility and privacy.
Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions.
Cost: Approximately $550 to $1,000 USD per trip.
Booking: Coordinate with your accommodation or local tour operators.
Top Things to Do in Keyodhoo
1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island’s house reef is easily accessible and offers encounters with colorful fish, sea turtles, and reef sharks.
2. Relax on Bikini Beach
Unwind on Keyodhoo’s designated bikini beach, where tourists can sunbathe and swim freely, enjoying the serene surroundings.
3. Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in the local Maldivian culture by engaging in cultural activities and interactions. Take a guided tour of Keyodhoo village to learn about the daily life of the island’s residents. Enjoy an evening of traditional Maldivian music and dance, and savor local cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients.
4. Water Sports
Enjoy a variety of water sports activities around Keyodhoo, including jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
5. Sandbank Excursions
Take a peaceful escape to nearby sandbanks with crystal-clear waters. Enjoy picnics, swimming, and snorkeling in these pristine spots.
6. Fishing Trips
Join a traditional or sunset fishing trip with local guides. Keyodhoo is one of the favorite sports fishing destinations, offering opportunities to catch various fish like tuna, marlin, sailfish, barracuda, and wahoo. Tourists can fish during the day or at night using traditional hand-line methods or modern techniques such as jigging and trolling.
7. Island Hopping
Explore the nearby islands and discover the unique characteristics of each. Visit nearby islands such as Fulidhoo, known for its serene environment, or Rakeedhoo, which offers a more tranquil and authentic experience.
Dive & Water Sports Centers in Keyodhoo
1. Itouch Blue Diving Centre
Why Choose Itouch Blue? Itouch Blue is a government-registered company operating scuba diving, travel agency, and other water sports activities. Managed by a team of professionally qualified Maldivians and Italian PADI instructors, they are passionate about providing exceptional diving experiences.
Services Offered: Scuba diving, travel arrangements, and various water sports activities.
Notable Dive Sites: Fotteyo Kandu, Keyodhoo Kandu, Golden Wall, Alimatha House Reef.
2. Muraka Diving
Why Choose Muraka Diving? Muraka Diving is a PADI-certified dive center offering a range of diving services and experiences for both beginners and experienced divers. They provide personalized diving experiences with top-of-the-line equipment and a beautiful double-story local dive boat.
Services Offered: PADI courses (Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver), guided dives, dive equipment rental, customized dive experiences.
Notable Dive Sites: Fotteyo Kandu, Keyodhoo Kandu, Golden Wall.
3. Keyodhoo Dive & Watersports
Why Choose Keyodhoo Dive & Watersports? This center provides diving experiences and water sports activities tailored to your preferences. They offer a comprehensive range of services catering to both divers and water sports enthusiasts.
Services Offered: Scuba diving, snorkeling tours, water sports activities.
Activities Offered: Jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding.
Where to Stay: Accommodation Options
Keyodhoo offers a range of stays for every budget — from cozy guesthouses to comfortable boutique-style retreats. Whether you’re after simple island charm or added comfort, you’ll find the perfect place to relax after a day of adventure.
Hotels
1. Wow Inn Keyodhoo
Wow Inn features a garden, terrace, a restaurant and private beach area in Keyodhoo. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a barbecue.
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2. Island Holiday Lodge
Island Holiday Lodge is located in Keyodhoo. Among the facilities at this property are full-day security and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
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3. Hevana Holidays
Facing beachfront, Hevana Holidays has a private beach area. Featuring a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
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Guest Houses
1. Mantha View
Manta View is situated in Keyodhoo. The guest house has family rooms.
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2. Vaagali Inn
Vaagali Inn is offering accommodation featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
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3. Hevana Holidays
Facing beachfront, Hevana holidays has a private beach area. Featuring a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom.
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Sustainable Travel and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Keyodhoo is steadily embracing sustainable tourism practices, with many guesthouses and dive centers taking steps to minimize their environmental impact. Visitors will find options that reduce single-use plastics, promote reef-safe sunscreens, and support marine conservation. Beach cleanups and eco-awareness programs are increasingly common, offering travelers a chance to give back while enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Keyodhoo
The ideal time to visit Keyodhoo is from December to April, during the Maldives’ dry season. Expect sunny skies, calm seas, and excellent diving conditions. From May to November, the southwest monsoon brings occasional rain and stronger currents — perfect for thrill-seeking divers, with fewer crowds and vibrant underwater encounters.
Local Etiquette: What You Should Know
Keyodhoo is a traditional Maldivian island, and respecting local customs makes your stay more rewarding:
Modest Dress: Swimwear is allowed at the designated Bikini Beach, but modest clothing is expected in village areas.
Cultural Sensitivity: As a Muslim community, daily prayers and religious holidays like Ramadan are observed with reverence.
Friendly Interactions: A smile and a respectful “As-salamu alaykum” go a long way in building warm connections.
Conclusion: Your Laid-Back Island Getaway
This island offers a perfect balance of local island charm, ocean adventures, and meaningful cultural experiences. Whether you’re diving with sharks in Vaavu Atoll, lounging on a pristine beach, or savoring Maldivian cuisine under the stars, Keyodhoo delivers an authentic and affordable Maldives escape.
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