Kamadhoo Inn
A small island inn close to Baa Atoll's manta ray waters
A local-island guesthouse on Kamadhoo
Kamadhoo Inn is a guesthouse on Kamadhoo island in Baa Atoll — part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the closest land base to Hanifaru Bay, where manta rays and whale sharks gather seasonally. The inn has 13 deluxe rooms, one family room, and one family suite. Rooms are furnished with pieces made by a local carpenter and hung with paintings by a local artist. A bikini beach is about a five-minute walk away, and a house reef is accessible from the property. Breakfast, half board, and full board arrangements are available.
The honest verdict
A straightforward, locally rooted inn suited to travellers who want direct access to Baa Atoll's marine life rather than resort facilities.
Best for
- Manta ray and whale shark encounters at Hanifaru Bay
- Couples or friends wanting simple island accommodation
- Small families needing flexible sleeping arrangements
- Divers and snorkellers focused on Baa Atoll reefs
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers expecting resort-scale amenities
- Those wanting alcohol on the island
Setting in Baa Atoll
Kamadhoo is a small inhabited island inside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hanifaru Bay, the feeding ground that draws manta rays and whale sharks, is nearby. The inn is about 129 km from Malé and reached by seaplane.
Rooms made with local craft
Every deluxe room comes with furniture built by a local carpenter and original paintings from a local artist. Ground and first-floor options are available, each with a private outdoor sitting area. Beds convert to twin configuration on request.
Rooftop terrace
The rooftop terrace is the inn's social centrepiece at dusk. It works as a spot for a mocktail at sunset or a sit-down dinner with open views across the island — a practical perk given the location.
Beach and house reef
A bikini beach is roughly a five-minute walk from the inn. The property also has a house reef, giving snorkellers direct water access without needing to arrange a separate boat trip for every session.
Family-suited layout
The family room sits on the first floor and fits up to five people with a king bed, a single bed in a separate area, a small living space, and a sofa. A family suite is also available for larger groups.
Inside Kamadhoo Inn
Amenities at Kamadhoo Inn
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Balcony
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- View
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
- Shower
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- Inner courtyard view
- Garden view
- View
Outdoors
- Outdoor furniture
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Balcony
- Terrace
- Garden
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Getting there
Kamadhoo sits approximately 129 km from Velana International Airport in Malé. The transfer is by seaplane. Once on Kamadhoo, the inn provides an airport shuttle for the final leg. The island is part of Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the northern Maldives.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Kamadhoo Inn holds a 4.6/5 rating across 94 Google reviews. Recent guests have specifically flagged the location as a high point — the proximity to Hanifaru Bay is a recurring reason people choose this inn over alternatives further from Baa Atoll's dive sites.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Kamadhoo Inn from Malé airport?
The transfer is by seaplane. Kamadhoo is approximately 129 km from Malé, so the flight takes around 30–40 minutes depending on routing. The inn provides an airport shuttle as part of the arrival process.
What room types are available?
There are 13 Comfort Deluxe double/twin rooms, one family room sleeping up to five, and one family suite. All deluxe rooms have handmade local furniture and private outdoor sitting areas.
Can beds be set up as twins instead of a double?
Yes. All beds in the Comfort Deluxe rooms can be converted into twin configuration, making them suitable for friends sharing or guests who prefer separate beds.
What meal plan options are available?
The inn offers bed and breakfast, half board, and full board arrangements. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served on site.
Is there a restaurant at the inn?
Yes. The inn has a restaurant, and the rooftop terrace is also used for special dinners and sunset drinks.
Can I snorkel or dive at Hanifaru Bay from the inn?
Hanifaru Bay excursions — for manta ray and whale shark encounters — are arranged through local operators. The bay is close to Kamadhoo, making the inn a practical base for these trips during the right season.
Is there snorkelling directly from the property?
The inn has a house reef, so guests can snorkel from the property itself. A bikini beach is also accessible about five minutes' walk away.
What other activities can be arranged?
The inn can help organise traditional dhoni trips to sandbanks and uninhabited islands, boat fishing, beach dinners, and yoga and well-being sessions. These are excursions coordinated with local operators.
Is Kamadhoo Inn suitable for families?
The property has family rooms listed, and the family room sleeps up to five with separate sleeping areas. The inn also has family rooms noted among its general amenities.
Is alcohol available at the inn?
Kamadhoo is an inhabited local island, and alcohol is not available. The rooftop terrace serves mocktails at sunset.
What is Baa Atoll and why does it matter for this trip?
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hanifaru Bay, within the atoll, is one of the most consistent feeding aggregation sites in the Indian Ocean for manta rays and whale sharks, particularly between May and November.
How do I book?
Rooms can be booked directly with the inn or through online booking platforms. Contact the property directly to confirm meal plan options, seaplane transfer coordination, and family suite details.