The Ultimate Guide to Kendhoo, The Local Maldives Island Gem

Kendhoo Maldives is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Maldives – and hands down one of my favorite local islands, especially in Baa Atoll. Of all the local islands in the Maldives, Kendhoo Island may just be one of my favorites. When I first started preparing my budget trip to the Maldives, I found it really difficult to learn about each local island. This blog post details everything you need to know about Kendhoo – so you don’t have to struggle looking for information. So, without further ado… After visiting a dozen local islands, budget travelling through the Maldives, this is everything you need to know about visiting Kendhoo. 

Where Is Kendhoo Island in the Maldives?

Kendhoo Maldives is located in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve known for its exceptional biodiversity and the sustainable development practices. The island is often called Baa Kendhoo to reference its location, as some islands in different atolls will have the same name. 

It’s also the group of islands that is home to Hanifaru Bay, a Biosphere Reserve renowned for its seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks during the plankton-rich months of May to November. 

Baa Atoll has to be one of the most beautiful atolls in the world – with crystal clear waters, pristine reefs and a plethora of wildlife. Kendhoo sits within a small chain of islands; it’s the only inhabited island of the smaller chain within Baa Atoll. 

How to Get to Kendhoo Island

Kendhoo Island can be accessed by two primary forms of transport: speedboat and local flight. 

If you opt for a speedboat, you’ll leave from Male and take a 2 and a half hour speedboat to Kendhoo Island. On the way there, you will stop at two other local islands. Your guesthouse can help arrange the speedboat transfer.

Alternatively, you can take a local flight to the capital of the island chain, Dharavandhoo. It’s about an hour to fly to the island, and then a twenty minute speedboat to Kendhoo Maldives.

Learn more about how to get around the Maldives – including speedboats and local planes – here. 

Things to Do on Kendhoo Maldives

This small local island is relatively new to tourism, but offers so much to visitors looking to experience the true Maldivian culture and beauty on local Maldives islands. 

1. Snorkeling and Diving 

When visiting the Maldives, there’s one thing you simply cannot skip: snorkeling. Baa Atoll has some of the most incredible reefs in the world, and the area is known for its remarkable biodiversity. 

When snorkeling in the Maldives, you’ll see colorful coral, big schools of fish, sea turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks – and more. Alternatively, if you opt to go diving, you’ll have a chance to see far more fish and diverse sea life. 

2. Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay, located in Baa Atoll, is a protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the world’s few places where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed. It’s one of the most incredible places in the world. 

From May to November, nutrient-rich plankton draws these graceful giants into a spectacular “feeding frenzy” that snorkelers can witness up close.

If you want to visit, try and visit around the full moon and new moon for the highest likelihood to see the most manta rays. 

3. Sandbanks

When most people picture the Maldives, they picture long stretches of sand and crystalline waters. The sandbanks in the Maldives are truly one of the most breathtaking sights of all time – and they’re everywhere! 

If you’re visiting Kendhoo Island – or really, any local island in the Maldives – you should consider heading out to the local sandbank to soak up the sunshine and the long stretches of sand. You’ll truly feel like you’re sitting at the end of the earth. 

4. Whale Sharks

Baa Atoll in the Maldives offers rare opportunities to spot whale sharks, especially during the southwest monsoon season when plankton blooms attract them to the area. 

These gentle giants often share the waters with manta rays around Hanifaru Bay, making it a prime location for unforgettable marine encounters. The whale sharks in the Maldives are primarily younger, so they might be smaller than you expect. 

Keep in mind: whale sharks are wild animals, and there’s no guarantee that you will see them. However, of all the places in the world to see them, the Maldives has great odds. 

5. Deserted Islands

Kendhoo Maldives is situated right in the middle of a small chain of deserted islands, making it the perfect getaway in the Maldives. Your local guesthouse will likely offer excursions to deserted islands, complete with a barbeque set-up and beach chairs and umbrellas. 

6. Dolphin Spotting

Dolphins are everywhere in the Maldives, and there’s no better place to see them. You can spot these playful creatures from a speedboat – or jet skis, which offer a great way to get up close and personal to these incredible animals. 

7. Modern Maldivian Medicine

Kendhoo is a renowned Maldivian medicine healer known for her success in working with a variety of ailments. People from all around the Maldives – and around the world – flock to Kendhoo Maldives for her help. 

The healer specializes in female infertility and arthritis, among other illnesses. If you’re looking to book treatments, I’d recommend getting in touch with Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse – they helped us translate and work with her. 

8. Fishing 

Fishing has long been a part of Maldivian culture and cuisine. The Maldivian people practice sustainable fishing to help preserve the ocean and its inhabitants. 

There’s no better way to experience Maldivian culture than fishing with the locals. We went out with the good people at Dhoani and loved every second, even with zero fishing experience. In all likelihood, you’ll catch tuna…and a whole host of other fish, too. 

The best part? When the locals season the fish and grill it up for you. I’ve never had more delicious fish in my life. 

9. Mosque

Kendhoo was the first island in the Maldives to adopt Islam. If you’re visiting Kendhoo, make the short walk over to their mosque. Baa Atoll’s Kendhoo is home to the Maldives’ first mosque—built over 800 years ago from coral stone by the Arabian scholar credited with bringing Islam to the archipelago in 1153. 

This sacred coral‑stone structure, enriched by centuries of community worship, offers a poignant glimpse into the origins of Maldivian Islam and early island life.

The Best Hotels on Kendhoo Maldives

If you’re visiting Kendhoo, you’ll likely find yourself staying at Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse. Dhoani Maldives Guesthouse is the largest guesthouse on the island (there are only 3 total!). The staff is incredible, the hotel is lovely (with a great common area and strong A/C!) and the chef here….incredible. We stayed here and honestly loved every second.

Best Time of Year to Visit Kendhoo

The Maldives is warm any time of year – but the best time of year to visit the Maldives will depend on what you want out of your vacation. In general, if you’re seeking out sunshine, the best time of the year to visit the Maldives is January to April. However, July to November can be a great time to visit Kendhoo if you’re looking to catch manta rays and whale sharks. Here’s a full breakdown of the seasons in the Maldives. 

Is Kendhoo Safe? 

Like many places in the Maldives, Kendhoo Island is completely and totally safe – especially for female travellers. I have never felt safer than visiting the local island of Kendhoo. 

To give you an idea of the vibe on Kendhoo, picture this: everyone knows everyone, and no one locks their doors here. It’s a beautiful, small and close-knit community.

Helpful Tips: Visiting Kendhoo Island

As Kendhoo in the Maldives is still relatively new to tourism, keep in mind that visiting Kendhoo might be unlike visiting other, busier local islands. If you are a woman visiting Kendhoo, please cover up your knees and shoulders to be respectful of the local culture. 

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Samantha Tatro

Samantha Tatro is a Czech-American third culture kid who grew up living and traveling abroad. Many years later, after living in California and working as a journalist, she decided to take the leap and move abroad again…this time to Prague, Czech Republic. Samantha started Undiscovered Path Home to help couples and solo female travelers find the courage to visit countries – and locations – off the beaten path. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, NBC News, The Adecco Group, and more.