Bikini beach
Where you can swim and sunbathe in swimwear on Maafushi - and what to wear everywhere else.
Updated 21 October 2026
Where is the bikini beach?
Maafushi is a local island, so swimwear is only allowed on the designated tourist beach - the "bikini beach". It is at the northern end of the island, in front of the beachfront hotels such as Arena Beach Hotel and Kaani Grand Seaview.
Here you can swim, sunbathe and relax in a bikini or swimsuit, with sunbeds, cafés and watersports such as parasailing, jet skis and kayaks close by.
Leaving the beach
Outside the bikini beach - in the streets, the harbour, shops and cafés - cover up with a T-shirt or shirt and shorts or a skirt that reaches the knees. Signs around the island remind visitors of the rules - see our guide to local rules & customs.
Beyond Maafushi
On excursions to sandbanks and on boat trips, normal swimwear is fine. Our half-day and full-day adventures are popular ways to enjoy the Maldives without local-island rules - and to get the shots on our photo spots list.
