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Gulhi

Maldives · Island · MVR · 4.000000, 73.500000
Family friendly 7.2/10 · Rank 607 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Suitable for budget travellers, snorkeling lovers and authentic experience seekers.

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽)
For 7 days
$651.00 (≈ 54 632 ₽)
Gulhi is a small, cozy local island in Kaafu Atoll, often chosen by travelers seeking to avoid the crowds of Maafushi. The island is famous for its perfect white-sand beach, peaceful atmosphere, and friendly locals, offering a traditional Maldivian-style getaway. Gulhi is the perfect place for those seeking a quiet and relaxing oceanfront retreat away from the noisy resorts.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
25.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Hospitable, traditional, Muslim community.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Crystal clear water
  • Accessible house reef
  • Fewer tourists than neighbouring islands
  • Affordable prices

Cons

  • Limited infrastructure
  • Small island
  • No alcohol on local islands
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
28.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
25.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Gulhi Bikini Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
Present
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
Present
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
Present
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Common reef sharks, sea urchins and corals. Water shoes recommended.

Sea urchins — details

  • Common sea urchins on reefs, water shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs along the coast, water shoes recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Various jellyfish species inhabit Maldivian waters, including Gulhi, such as Aurelia maldivensis (moon jellyfish) — a species first described from the Maldive Islands in 1904
  • Nausithoe punctata (crown jellyfish) is also found in Maldivian waters. Jellyfish appear during the warm season, caution is recommended when swimming

Sharks — details

  • Blacktip reef sharks, completely harmless
Attractions

Gulhi Bikini Beach

Designated tourist beach with white sand and crystal clear water.

House Reef

Accessible reef for snorkeling right from the shore with colourful corals and fish.

Sandbank Excursions

Trips to sandbanks for snorkeling and relaxing.

Sunset Fishing

Evening fishing trip with sunset views.

Best areas

Gulhi

Small local island with guesthouses, restaurants and a beach.

Must-try food

Mas huni

Traditional Maldivian breakfast of tuna with coconut and onion.

Garudhiya

Fish soup made from tuna.

Where to go next

Male

Capital of Maldives, ~30 minutes by speedboat.

Himmafushi

Neighbouring island known for surfing, ~10 minutes by boat.

Guraidhoo

Island in South Male Atoll with diving, ~20 minutes by boat.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
none
Getting there
Nearest airports
Velana International Airport (MLE).
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Visa
Visa requirements
visa on arrival (30 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$58.00
≈ 4 867 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$95.00
≈ 7 972 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$7.50
≈ 629 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Gulhi Partner
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Gulhi: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Gulhi: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Gulhi: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +25.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Gulhi: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Gulhi: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Gulhi: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, white sand, crystal clear water. The most popular beaches: Gulhi Bikini Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Gulhi: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Gulhi: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: sea urchins, corals, sharks. Common reef sharks, sea urchins and corals. Water shoes recommended.. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Gulhi: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Gulhi: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $30.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $58.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $95.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $100.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Gulhi: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $7.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Gulhi: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Gulhi: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Gulhi Bikini Beach — Designated tourist beach with white sand and crystal clear water.; House Reef — Accessible reef for snorkeling right from the shore with colourful corals and fish.; Sandbank Excursions — Trips to sandbanks for snorkeling and relaxing.; Sunset Fishing — Evening fishing trip with sunset views.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Gulhi: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Mas huni — Traditional Maldivian breakfast of tuna with coconut and onion.; Garudhiya — Fish soup made from tuna.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Gulhi: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Gulhi — Small local island with guesthouses, restaurants and a beach.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Gulhi: is a visa required?
Visa: visa on arrival (30 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Gulhi: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Velana International Airport (code MLE). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Gulhi: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MVR. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Gulhi: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Gulhi: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Male — Capital of Maldives, ~30 minutes by speedboat.; Himmafushi — Neighbouring island known for surfing, ~10 minutes by boat.; Guraidhoo — Island in South Male Atoll with diving, ~20 minutes by boat.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.2/10
Overall rank: 607 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 420

Best season

November-April

Useful information

Currency: MVR
Coordinates: 4.000000, 73.500000