Travel Guide to Hurra: Things to Do and Useful Information

The island of Huraa is a hidden gem nestled within the North Malé Atoll, approximately 20 kilometers north of the bustling Maldivian capital, Malé. With a population of around 1,000 residents, Huraa is gradually growing, fueled by the influx of tourism. The island is surrounded by numerous resorts, making it a comfortable residence for many Maldivian workers. If you're contemplating a visit, this comprehensive travel guide to Huraa will provide you with essential information on what to do, the state of its beaches, accommodation options, and travel tips.

Before we dive deeper, here's a fascinating tidbit: When you search for Huraa on Google Maps, you'll notice its rounded shape, with almost half of the island covered in sand. This phenomenon is not unique to Huraa; it can also be seen in other islands like Thulusdhoo and Himmafushi. The reason? They are expanding the island by adding tons of sand. This is done by constructing a barrier of large stones and filling the gap with sand during low tide.

However, be cautious; the Huraa you may have seen in older photos or videos is quite different from the current scenario. As of late 2019, the tourist beach is about 200 meters away from the main sand area. While improvements are on the horizon, the current beach conditions may not be ideal for a relaxing getaway.

How to get to Huraa from Malé

Traveling to Huraa is relatively straightforward, with three main options to choose from:

• Public ferry: takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes for a fare of 22 MVR (approximately 1.2€).
• Shared speedboat: a quicker option, taking about 30 minutes and costing 150 MVR (around $10).
• Private boat: also takes about 30 minutes but comes at a higher price of approximately $150.

For a more detailed guide on the journey, check our article on how to reach Huraa from Malé.

The state of Huraa's beach

As mentioned earlier, Huraa's beach is currently undergoing changes. While it may not compete with the pristine beaches of other Maldivian islands, it still holds its charm. As of 2019, the island is in the process of expansion, with an improvised beach setup featuring a few palm trees, a sunshade, and some worn-out loungers at the so-called bikini beach.

Located on the northeast side of the island, this beach is right in front of the Club Med Kani resort. The currents can be quite strong due to the nearby islands, although there are no significant waves as they break on a barrier about 500 meters away. While the snorkeling experience is decent, the visibility can be compromised initially, improving as you move further out.

For those venturing into the water, wearing water shoes is advisable, as the entry point features dead coral. As the tides change, the depth can vary significantly; during low tide, you can walk quite far out, and there’s even a swing in the water for some fun! However, do note the northern end of the beach is private property of the Pearl Sands of Maldives resort, restricting access to its guests.

Where to stay in Huraa

While Huraa is surrounded by luxurious resorts, there are budget-friendly accommodation options available on the island. We recommend staying at the Kamborani Hotel, which offers modern rooms and a fantastic view from the terrace. They provide a hearty breakfast and shuttle service to the beach using golf carts, along with complimentary snorkeling gear.

Other budget-friendly options include Beach Heaven Maldives, The Sunrise Huraa, and Maldives Seashine.

If you're looking to indulge, consider the nearby resorts like Pearl Sands of Maldives, Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, Club Med Kani Resort, Cinnamon Dhonveli, and Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas.

→ View all accommodations in Huraa

Dining options in Huraa

While Huraa doesn't boast an extensive array of dining options, you won't go hungry. The island features several cafés serving local cuisine, as well as restaurants catering to tourists with a broader menu. Here are our top picks:

• The Harbour: The priciest restaurant on the island, offering exquisite food and presentation. Located by the harbor, it features air conditioning and an outdoor terrace. Try their grilled fish with couscous (110 MVR) and the Harbour Sizzling Special (135 MVR). The coffee is noteworthy too!
• Blue Terrace: A newer restaurant with stunning ocean views, perfect for sunset dining. Enjoy a non-alcoholic mojito or one of their extensive dishes; they have a great selection of Maldivian snacks priced at 3 MVR each.
• Chop House (Cafe' Five): A more local option with good food. They have both indoor and outdoor seating. While they specialize in lamb chops (90 MVR), they often run out, so we opted for their mie goreng (38 MVR) instead.
• Sunset Restaurant: Although we couldn't try it as it was closed when we visited, their menu looked extensive and reasonably priced. The ambiance is simple, focusing on the food.

Remember to add 10% for service and a 6% tax to your total bill.

Tours and excursions from Huraa

While Huraa may not offer the same extensive tour options as Maafushi, there are still several excursions to enjoy. Here are some popular activities:

• Snorkeling on nearby reefs: Simple tours take you to coral points near the island for about 1 to 2 hours, costing between $15-25 per person.
• Snorkeling + food on a sandbank: This comprehensive tour involves stops for snorkeling followed by a meal on a distant sandbank. It lasts about 6 hours and costs around $50 per person.
• Snorkeling with turtles and possibly sharks: This 2-hour excursion takes you to areas known for turtle sightings, with the chance to encounter small sharks, priced at $25-30. A more expensive version includes swimming with mantas.
• Day at a resort: Enjoy a day at a nearby resort with unlimited food and drinks for around $125. There’s also an option for an evening pass for dinner at about $60.

Additional recommendations

- Note that Huraa does not have ATMs or banks; however, many accommodations and restaurants accept credit cards for payment.

- Wifi is available in hotels, and the connectivity at our accommodation was surprisingly good.

- If you plan to travel to Diffushi after Huraa, the best option is to take the local ferry (line 308), which runs from Malé to Dhiffushi and stops at Huraa at 4 PM. The journey takes about an hour and a half. Be aware that on Fridays or local holidays, shared speedboats do not operate, and you may need to negotiate a private boat. Contact both accommodations to compare prices and find fellow travelers to share costs; the best rate we found was $80.

Interactive map of Huraa

Here’s an interactive map featuring all the key locations on Huraa:

These are all the recommendations and tips for your trip to Huraa, one of the local islands in the Maldives. We hope this guide helps you plan your visit!

Top 7 Beaches in Andalusia