Practical Info
The everyday questions.
What guests usually want to know before they arrive. Anything missing — just write to us.
What guests usually want to know before they arrive. Anything missing — just write to us.
A speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE) takes about an hour. The scheduled boat departs Malé at 15:00 every day except Friday and is included in our package rates. We'll meet you at the airport and walk you to the boat. Just send us your flight details when you book. More on getting here.
We can arrange a private speedboat through Norion Charters — our sister brand — for any time of day or night. $550 one-way, up to 15 passengers. Recommended for any flight landing after 13:30.
Yes. Gaafaru is a working Maldivian island, and modest dress is expected in the village — shoulders and knees covered, no swimwear. The designated tourist beach, a five-minute walk from us, is the bikini beach where regular swimwear is fine.
No. Maldivian local-island law means alcohol isn't served or sold on Gaafaru. If you'd like a drink, we can arrange an excursion to a nearby floating bar or resort.
Card terminals on local islands can be intermittent. We recommend bringing USD or Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) in cash for on-island spending. There is no ATM on Gaafaru — pick up cash at Velana airport on arrival, where the USD rates are better. Booking deposits can be paid online in advance.
Yes — and we have plenty of guest reviews to prove it. We have family rooms, the island itself is safe and small enough that kids can explore freely, and the shallow lagoon is great for younger swimmers. Children's portions on the house at every meal.
Our kitchen cooks Maldivian, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Western dishes, varying the menu daily and accommodating dietary needs. Halal kitchen. Half-board and full-board available; picnic boxes for excursions; private beach dinners on request. More on dining.
Yes. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property at 25+ Mbps, which handles video calls, file uploads, and streaming. Many of our long-stay guests work from here.
No. The lagoon is our pool. We're a five-minute walk from a beautiful turquoise beach.
Yes — pets are welcome. Please tell us in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Check-in from 14:00. Check-out by 12:00 noon. Late check-in by arrangement. Early check-in and late check-out by request, subject to availability.
Excellent if you're confident in the water. The outer reef and coral garden are home to reef sharks, nurse sharks, and turtles. Currents can be strong at low tide, so we usually take confident snorkellers out by boat. Beginners snorkel from the tourist beach, where the water is calm and shallow.
Yes. Gaafaru sits on the edge of a historic shipping channel, with three divable wrecks within reach — the SS Seagull (1897), Erlangen, and Lady Christine (1974). We work with regional dive operators to arrange multi-day diving itineraries; diving is third-party, not run by us. Best visibility: January to May.
November to April is the dry season, with calm seas and the best visibility for snorkelling and diving. May to October is the wet season, with occasional showers but fewer tourists and better availability. The shoulder seasons (March–April, October–November) tend to offer the best balance of weather and availability.
Yes. We can set up a private beach dinner with full service from our kitchen, professional photography or video on request, and small surprises (flowers, cake) with advance notice. See offers.
Yes — full-property buyouts for groups, family reunions, or small wedding celebrations can be arranged. Five rooms, up to 13 guests. Write to us for a quote.
Peak season (December to February) tends to fill 3–6 months out. May to October is usually available with 4–6 weeks' notice. Whole-property buyouts and honeymoons are worth confirming 3–6 months in advance.
