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These places to visit in Maldives in September are calm, warm, and ideal for travellers who prefer fewer crowds. This is the season when marine life flourishes, and the air feels fresh after short afternoon rains. These places offer a mix of quiet beaches, colourful reefs, and rich local culture. Visibility in the water is often excellent, making it a good time for snorkelling and diving. From reef encounters to soft sandy walks, the experiences in this month are deeply connected to the rhythm of island life.
10 Places To Visit In Maldives In September
These places to visit in Maldives in September offer travellers a calming sense of nature, an experience of local life, and abundant underwater adventures.
1. Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll
Photo: Daniel Sasse / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Hanifaru Bay is located in Baa Atoll, a marine protected area and feeding ground for manta rays and whale sharks. The plankton levels are high because of seasonal currents, which attract dozens of mantas at a time. September offers peak visibility and calm waters, giving snorkellers a rare chance to swim beside these giant fish in their natural environment. The atmosphere remains peaceful, the sea is warm, and the experience is never rushed. Here, you can explore village life or relax by the coast while spotting baby reef sharks in the shallows.
How To Reach: Take a domestic flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo Airport, followed by a 15-minute speedboat ride.
Cost: Snorkelling permits from Rf 850 / ₹4,600 onwards.
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.
Major Attractions: Snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
2. Fuvahmulah Island, Gnaviyani Atoll
Photo: Grampsandstuff / Wikimedia Commons
Fuvahmulah is different from the other places to visit in Maldives in September due to its geological formation and raw natural beauty. It is a one-island atoll formed from volcanic rock rather than coral. Fuvahmulah has freshwater wetlands, dense vegetation, and a unique coastline. September brings warm seas and reliable shark sightings. The island is famous for tiger shark diving, which takes place near the harbour under expert supervision. Inland, the Thoondu Beach, with its round pebbled sand, is a local favourite and entirely different from the rest of the Maldives.
How To Reach: Direct flight from Malé to Fuvahmulah Airport.
Cost: Diving tours start from Rf 1,200 / ₹6,500.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Major Attractions: Shark diving (especially tiger sharks), Thoondu pebble beach, wetlands, and nature treks.
3. Addu Nature Park, Addu Atoll
Photo: Wzhkevin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Addu Nature Park in the southernmost part of the Maldives has lush wetlands, mangrove channels, and long coastal cycling paths. Among the refreshing places to visit in the Maldives in September, it is best explored during the early morning hours. The Eedhigali Kilhi wetlands stretch across the northern side of the atoll and are home to local herons, terns, and colourful native flowers. Travellers can rent kayaks to quietly move through the narrow mangrove waterways or hire a bicycle to follow scenic tracks that pass coconut groves and lead to calm beach edges.
How To Reach: Flight from Malé to Gan International Airport, then a 10-minute drive.
Cost: Entry from Rf 150 / ₹800; cycling tours Rf 450 / ₹2,400.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM.
Major Attractions: Kayaking in mangroves, cycling trails, birdwatching spots, and Eedhigali Kilhi wetlands.
4. Vilingili Island, Near Malé
Photo: Shahee Ilyas / Wikimedia Commons
Vilingili Island is one of the few inhabited islands near the capital that offers an authentic local experience. It is among the most convenient places to visit in Maldives in September. The shoreline here is shaded with trees, and the beaches are pristine. The reef near the island is good for snorkelling when the water is clear. You can dine at local cafés offering coconut water, roshi (flatbread), and short eats.
How To Reach: 10-minute ferry from Malé or private speedboat.
Cost: Public ferry Rf 4 / ₹20
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM.
Major Attractions: Coral reef snorkelling, local cafes, community life, and shaded beaches.
5. Kudadoo Private Island, Lhaviyani Atoll
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Kudadoo Private Island offers a luxurious retreat, making it one of the most exclusive places to visit in Maldives in September. The weather in September is warm with short afternoon showers, while the surrounding lagoon is calm for water activities. Kudadoo arranges private snorkelling trips, sea turtle spotting, and reef visits led by experienced marine staff. The spa sits above the water and uses native oils and herbs in its treatments. The resort’s use of solar power and commitment to sustainability make it a rare blend of comfort and responsibility.
How To Reach: 40-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
Cost: Premium resort access; day visits start around Rf 10,000 / ₹55,000.
Timings: 24*7
Major Attractions: All-inclusive luxury, curated underwater excursions, reef snorkelling, and spa sessions.
6. Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll
Maafushi Island is known for its guesthouses, dive centres, and a shoreline for all. The designated Bikini Beach gives visitors a chance to enjoy the water freely, while the rest of the island maintains traditional customs. These tours usually include equipment, meals, and trained guides. Jet skiing, kayaking, and sunset fishing trips are available. The island has a lived-in feel, with grocery shops, schoolyards, mosques, and open-air cafés serving spicy fish curries, coconut flatbreads, and fresh juices.
How To Reach: 30-minute speedboat from Malé.
Cost: Rf 300 / ₹1,600 for speedboat
Timings: 24*7; tours and water activities run from 8 AM – 7 PM
Major Attractions: Bikini Beach, diving, reef snorkelling, sandbank tours, jet skiing, and island cafés.
7. Rasdhoo Island, Alif Alif Atoll
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels
Rasdhoo Island is a must-see place to visit in the Maldives in September for those who enjoy reef diving, local island life, and easy access to marine adventures. The reef called Rasdhoo Madivaru lies just offshore and attracts divers with its deep walls, colourful corals, and sightings of reef sharks and eagle rays. The island is small and walkable, with sandy lanes, family-run cafés, and guesthouses that arrange day trips. Travellers can join early morning snorkelling tours to nearby sandbanks or sign up for night fishing using traditional lines.
How To Reach: 1.5-hour speedboat ride from Malé.
Cost: Speedboat around Rf 450 / ₹2,400.
Timings: 24*7; diving and boat trips begin early and continue till sunset.
Major Attractions: Rasdhoo Madivaru reef, reef shark diving, snorkelling at sandbanks, local eateries.
8. Hulhumalé Beach, Hulhumalé Island
Photo: Saaremees / Wikimedia Commons
Hulhumalé Beach is one of the most convenient places to visit in Maldives in September. The island is connected by road to the airport, which makes it easy to reach without a boat transfer. September brings occasional showers, but the beach remains clean, and the water stays warm throughout the day. The eastern side of the island has a long, sandy stretch with designated swim zones, lifeguards on duty, and benches shaded by palms. Small cafés and bakeries line the nearby streets, offering short eats, fruit juices, and coffee. The reef offshore is shallow, and snorkelling near the beach is best during the early hours when the water is clearest and the wind is low.
How To Reach: 20-minute drive from Velana International Airport.
Cost: Rf 462 / ₹7100
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM.
Major Attractions: Family-friendly beaches, cafés, paved walkways, sunset points.
9. Dhigurah Island, South Ari Atoll
Photo: Asad Photo Maldives / Pexels
Dhigurah Island is one of the longest inhabited islands in the Maldives and a strong choice among the places to visit in Maldives in September. This time of year brings stable sea conditions, and the nearby reef is active with whale sharks. The sandbank at the southern end of Dhigurah stretches for nearly a kilometre and is quiet enough to explore alone. The island has a narrow road lined with coconut palms, local homes, guesthouses, and shops that rent bikes and snorkelling gear.
How To Reach: Flight to Maamigili + speedboat transfer (20 mins).
Cost: Rf 600 / ₹3,200 for transfers; beaches are free.
Timings: 24*7; whale shark tours 6 AM.
Major Attractions: Whale shark watching, sandbar walks, diving schools, local food tours.
10. Thinadhoo Island, Vaavu Atoll
Photo: goldpicasa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thinadhoo Island is one of the quietest and most naturally rich places to visit in Maldives in September. Located in Vaavu Atoll, this small local island is known for its house reef, calm beaches, and close-knit community. The sea in September stays warm with very little current, and the reef lies just off the beach. Coral patches are filled with butterflyfish, wrasses, stingrays, and occasionally reef sharks, all visible within minutes of entering the water. Grilled reef fish, breadfruit, and coconut milk curries are common, and evenings are often spent on rooftops or along the quiet coastline.
How To Reach: 75-minute speedboat ride from Malé.
Cost: Rf 600 / ₹3,200 for speedboat.
Timings: 24*7; snorkelling tours 8 AM.
Major Attractions: Shipwreck snorkelling, peaceful guesthouses, reef exploration, and cultural immersion.
September in the Maldives feels quieter, more open, and closer to the rhythm of island life. The places to visit in the Maldives in September range from remote atolls like Fuvahmulah to local islands like Rasdhoo, each offering something distinct. You can spend mornings watching manta rays, afternoons exploring small cafés, and evenings listening to the sea. Explore more such packages offered by TripXL for an unforgettable experience at your bucket-listed destinations.
Cover Photo: Amilla Maldives / Wikimedia Commons
