Most of my guests say: ‘The Maldives have been on my wish list for years’. But the Maldives isn’t really a destination. Saying you want to visit the Maldives is a bit like saying you want to visit Europe. Which Europe? Skiing in Norway or sipping raki on a Greek beach? 

See the difference? This is how maldivian islands are. From a distance, they all look the same. But once you look closer, you find a myriad of possibilities. Each choice leads to a different Maldives. 

And this is exactly why choosing the right island matters. But instead of searching on Google maps, start the search within yourself. What does your perfect island morning look like? Do you want to have your coffee in a restaurant or just somewhere by the sea? Barefoot? How do you like spending your days? Beach and a book? As active as possible? In the water for as much as possible? And evenings. Do you like to dress up? Go out? Eat every night somewhere else? Or are you maybe flip flops and shorts and leave-me-alone kinda person? 

Once you got this figured out, it’s time to open Google maps and forums and start collecting points. 

The geography

Geographically speaking, most Maldivian islands fall into two groups: coral atoll islands and faro islands. I call them rock islands and lagoon islands, because it’s easier to understand what they feel like when you arrive. Distinction between the two types is very important, if the main purpose of your trip is snorkelling off the beach. 

The good part is, that both types are easily differentiated just by looking at a map. 

Rock islands are surrounded by a narrow or no turquoise edge, followed by blue ocean, usually they are round in shape and smaller in size. From these islands you normally have direct access to the reef and you can snorkel independently, without someone having to take you to a spot by boat. Please keep in mind that currents around those islands can be strong. Always tell someone where you’re going, when you plan to return and be aware of your surroundings during snorkelling. 

Lagoon islands have a distinct area of shallow turquoise water usually on one side of the island. They are different shapes and sizes. Choose this type of island if you prefer beautiful beaches, long stretches of white sand and palm trees that gently sway in the breeze. Instagram vibes, let’s say. You will still be able to snorkel in most of the lagoons, just the scope will be a bit smaller. On the positive side, you are safer, currents in the lagoons are usually much milder. 

_{A quick glance at the satellite view already tells you a lot. Rock islands usually have the reef right at their doorstep. Lagoon islands trade that for long stretches of shallow turquoise water. Neither is better, they’re simply different.}

The distance

So now you know what kind of island you’re looking for. The next thing to consider is how far you’re willing to travel to get there.

As most international flights bring you to Male (capital of the Maldives), you will need some kind of transport to reach your final destination. You can read more about that in my article Why Distances in the Maldives Are More Complicated Than They Look. At this point I want you to think about your priorities again. 

You might say: Ah, I don’t want to take another plane. Well, you’re probably not the only one thinking like that. Islands closer to airport tend to be more developed, many of them with huge construction projects (a lot still ongoing). Expect many people, louder environment, more traffic, paved roads. There is a benefit though. Mass tourism brings a lot of competition, which means your trip will likely be cheaper, both accommodation and activities wise. There will be more restaurants, more western style food and international cousines (thai, chinese…). Many islands have a “drinking boat” parked nearby, where you can buy alcohol, which is otherwise not allowed on any local island. 

If you’re are searching for islands where the only sound you can hear is that of the ocean and maybe an occasional scooter, I strongly recommend you to take the extra journey. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, having your morning coffee barefoot under a palm tree, sharing the beach only with crabs and share a dive spot with maybe three or four other divers. How does that feel for you? 

Many times I get the same question. Out of all the islands, why did I choose Vashafaru? The answer is easy. I have seen many, but it’s the feeling I got, since the first moment I stepped off the boat, that made the difference. And with every tiny street I discovered, every coral-stone house, every friendly smile and every smell of home-cooked food, I became a little more certain that this was going to be my home.

You see, we spend so much of our lives surrounded by noise, notifications and endless distractions that being far away has become a luxury. Where else can you experience the joy of just being? Without constant schedules, conversations and screens. Without constant need to hurry. Living on a tiny island can change your perception of time. And it happens faster than you think. Within just a few days, most people become… different.

Maybe that’s why so many of my guests keep coming back. They no longer come to visit the Maldives. They come to visit their island.