Turtle
A local-island base for South Ari Atoll's marine life
A local-island guesthouse on Omadhoo
Turtle Maldives is a guest house on Omadhoo, a local island at the centre of South Ari Atoll, roughly 75 km from Malé. It pitches an affordable way to experience the Maldives away from the resort circuit, with a private beach area, sun terrace, and a tour desk focused on the atoll's marine excursions. The guest house has a garden restaurant, family rooms, and water-sport facilities on site. Rooms are compact and modern, starting from around $58 a night. With 74 Google reviews and a rating of 8.9/10, it draws travellers who want direct access to whale sharks and manta rays without a full-resort price tag.
The honest verdict
A simple, well-run local-island guest house with strong excursion access and a garden restaurant, suited to those prioritising marine life over luxury amenities.
Best for
- Budget-conscious divers and snorkellers
- Travellers wanting a local-island atmosphere
- Families
- Whale shark and manta ray trips
Maybe not ideal for
- Travellers wanting resort-level facilities
- Those who prefer alcohol-inclusive stays
- Visitors on tight transfer budgets
What a stay costs
Indicative room-only estimate from the lowest nightly rate — excludes airport transfers, taxes and seasonal price changes. Many Maldives properties also require a minimum stay. Check live rates for your dates.
Private beach and sun terrace
Omadhoo is a local island, and Turtle Maldives has its own private beach area alongside an outdoor sun terrace. There is also a picnic area and outdoor furniture, giving guests a place to sit outside the main building.
Turtle Garden Restaurant
The garden restaurant is family-friendly and halal. Breakfast runs as a buffet, and dinner covers Maldivian, Indian and European dishes. The price point stays in line with the rest of the guest house.
Room design and layout
Rooms follow a modern minimalist approach. The Standard Rooms are 12 m², while Deluxe rooms step up to 22 m². All have air-conditioning and private bathrooms. The Deluxe Twin Room adds a balcony with landmark and city views.
South Ari Atoll marine access
South Ari Atoll is one of the most reliable places in the Maldives to encounter whale sharks year-round. The guest house runs a tour desk and arranges excursions to nearby reefs, making it a practical base for repeat dives and snorkel trips.
Rooms & suites
Economy Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 full bed
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofing
- Minibar
- Free Wifi
Inside Turtle Maldives
Amenities at Turtle Maldives
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Room service
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Private beach area
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Air conditioning
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/Sheets (extra fee)
- Additional toilet
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linens
- Wardrobe or closet
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Electric kettle
Getting there
Turtle is on Omadhoo in South Ari Atoll, a local island about 77 km from Velana International Airport (MLE). Most guests come by shared speedboat from Malé or the airport — about 1½ hours — which the property can usually book for you. A domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili Airport, with a short onward transfer, is the faster option. Some islands are also on the public ferry network, which is far cheaper but much slower and runs on set days.
Shared speedboats this far from Malé typically cost about $30–100 per person each way, depending on distance, and run to a timetable rather than on demand — confirm the day and time with the property. The domestic flight costs more but takes far less time. Where the public ferry runs, it costs only a few dollars.
On the map
Omadhoo, the hotel's island, belongs to South Ari Atoll. South Ari Atoll (Alifu Dhaalu) is renowned for year-round whale shark sightings and some of the country's best diving.
2 sights nearby, all within 1 km; the closest is AD. Omadhoo at 260 m.
Things to do nearby
- AD. Omadhoomarina260 m
- Swing in water (insta place)attraction340 m
Straight-line distances from the property · data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Maldives tours & activities
Excursions you can book for a Maldives stay — manta & whale-shark snorkelling, sandbank picnics, diving and sunset cruises. Availability varies by island; filter by your dates and location on GetYourGuide.
Turtle Maldives holds a 8.9/10 Google rating across 136 reviews. The guest house draws consistent recognition as a practical and affordable base for South Ari Atoll excursions, with the marine trip programme and the local-island setting mentioned frequently alongside the accessible price point.
Reviews scoring 9–10: 24 · average 9.8
They wrote about: staff, room, cleanliness
Reviews scoring 7–9: 6 · average 8
They wrote about: staff, bathroom, breakfast
No reviews in the selected score range.
Guest reviews summarised from Booking site partners.
Good to know
House rules
- Check-in
From 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Check-out
From 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Cancellation/ prepayment
Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Enter your stay dates and check the conditions of your selected option.
- Pets
Pets are not allowed.
- Smoking
Smoking is not allowed.
- Quiet hours
Guests need be quiet between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
As published by the booking provider · always reconfirm with the property
Frequently asked
How do I get to Turtle Maldives from Malé airport?
Turtle is on Omadhoo in South Ari Atoll, a local island about 77 km from Velana International Airport (MLE). Most guests come by shared speedboat from Malé or the airport — about 1½ hours — which the property can usually book for you. A domestic flight from Malé to Maamigili Airport, with a short onward transfer, is the faster option. Some islands are also on the public ferry network, which is far cheaper but much slower and runs on set days. The guest house offers an airport shuttle service.
What room types are available?
There are three room types: an Economy Double Room (one double bed), a Standard Twin Room (two single beds with courtyard and landmark views), and a Deluxe Twin Room (17 m², balcony, city and landmark views). All have air-conditioning and private bathrooms.
What is the price range per night?
Rates start from $57.75 for the Economy Double Room, $65.45 for the Standard Twin Room, and $73.15 for the Deluxe Twin Room. All-inclusive package options are also available.
Is there a restaurant at the guest house?
Yes. Turtle Garden Restaurant is an on-site garden restaurant serving halal, vegetarian, and international cuisine. Breakfast is buffet-style, and dinner menus include Maldivian, Indian, and European dishes.
Can I see whale sharks and manta rays from here?
South Ari Atoll is known for year-round whale shark sightings. The guest house tour desk arranges whale shark and manta ray trips, along with guided snorkelling, dolphin watching, and shark encounter excursions with local operators.
Is there a beach at the property?
Yes. The guest house has a private beach area alongside a sun terrace and outdoor seating. Omadhoo is a local island, so this is a designated beach area rather than a full resort beachfront.
Is Turtle Maldives suitable for families?
Yes. The guest house has family rooms, and the Turtle Garden Restaurant is described as family-friendly. Ground-floor units are also available.
Is snorkelling and diving organised on site?
Snorkelling, diving, canoeing, and water-sport facilities are listed. Guided snorkelling, including night snorkelling, and diving excursions are arranged through the tour desk with local operators.
What meal plan options are available?
The restaurant serves continental, full English/Irish, halal, Asian, and buffet breakfast options. All-inclusive packages are available, and room service is offered.
When is the best time to visit for whale sharks?
South Ari Atoll has whale shark sightings year-round, making Omadhoo a viable destination across all seasons. Individual trip availability depends on weather and sea conditions at the time of your stay.
What other activities can I arrange?
The tour desk organises island hopping, resort day trips, sunset cruises, desert island picnics, fishing, and cultural tours. Bicycle rental is also available at the property.
How do I book a stay at Turtle Maldives?
The guest house has a 24-hour front desk and offers private check-in and check-out. Bookings can be made through the official website or third-party platforms. A tour desk is available on arrival to arrange excursions.
Which atoll is OMADhoo?
Turtle Maldives is on Omadhoo, South Ari Atoll, Maldives.