Sun and Surf
A working island base with a house reef and honest prices.
A place to stay on Thulusdhoo
Sun and Surf sits on Thulusdhoo, a local inhabited island in the Maldives about 25 km from Velana International Airport. It's a small hotel, not a resort, which means guests share the island with a real community and have several independent restaurants within walking distance. Rooms start at $63 per night. There's a house reef for snorkelling and diving, a kids' club, BBQ facilities, and an on-site restaurant. The Google rating is 4.3 from 17 reviews.
Who this stay suits
A budget-friendly, locally rooted hotel on an inhabited island, with direct reef access and basic but functional rooms.
Best for
- Budget-conscious divers and snorkellers
- Families wanting a kids' club
- Travellers curious about local Maldivian island life
- Short breaks from Malé
Less suited to
- Guests expecting a private-island resort experience
- Those wanting a pool or extensive spa facilities
- Luxury travellers
House reef diving and snorkelling
The reef is accessible directly from the property. Diving and snorkelling are both listed activities, so guests do not need to leave the island to get into the water. Fishing trips are also available.
On-site restaurant and BBQ
The hotel has its own restaurant, which handles continental and Asian menus, plus special diet options on request. A BBQ facility sits alongside outdoor furniture, a terrace, and a sun terrace for meals outside.
Kids' club and family rooms
There is a dedicated indoor play area and a kids' club, which keeps the property workable for families. A Family Room sleeps up to two adults in a single and double bed configuration.
Island dining beyond the hotel
Thulusdhoo has several independent restaurants within a short walk. RG Restaurant is 60 metres away; ClamShell, Aqua Beans, and Fusion Feast are all under 250 metres. That gives guests real choice without relying solely on in-house dining.
Airport shuttle included
The hotel arranges a speedboat shuttle to and from Velana International Airport, covering the 25 km crossing. Public transport tickets are also available for guests who prefer that route.
Rooms & suites
Triple Room
sleeps 3 · 1 twin bed and 1 queen bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Patio
- Private bathroom
- Free Wifi
Family Room
21 m² · sleeps 2 · 1 twin bed and 1 full bed
- Private bathroom
- Free Wifi
Inside Sun and Surf
Amenities at Sun and Surf
Most popular facilities
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Free Wifi
- Breakfast
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Free Wifi
- BBQ facilities
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Snorkeling
- Laundry
Bathroom
- Private bathroom
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun deck
- BBQ facilities Additional charge
- Terrace
- Garden
Activities
- Beach
- Snorkeling Additional charge Off-site
- Diving Additional charge Off-site
- Fishing Additional charge Off-site
Food & Drink
- Special diet meals (on request)
- Restaurant
Getting there
Sun and Surf is on Thulusdhoo island, 25 km from Velana International Airport. The transfer is by speedboat, arranged through the hotel. Public transport tickets are also available for guests who prefer an alternative route to the island.
The public ferry costs only a few dollars but runs on set days; a shared speedboat is typically $25–50 per person one way. The guesthouse usually arranges the speedboat — confirm days and fare.
On the map
Where to eat
- RG Restaurant restaurant 0.06 km
- ClamShell restaurant 0.1 km
- Aqua Beans restaurant 0.14 km
- Fusion Feast restaurant 0.2 km
- Bandaha Cafe restaurant 0.26 km
- Kooks Café restaurant 0.26 km
With 17 Google reviews and a 4.3 rating, the sample is small but positive. The highlights note a location score of 8.6 from recent guests, which is the standout data point. No detailed review themes were recorded in the source data, so a full breakdown by category is not available.
- No hot water in some rooms
- Poor Wi-Fi connectivity
- Initial bathroom odour (fish smell, dissipated after first day)
- Air conditioning positioned awkwardly, blowing directly onto the bed
- No drinks available even for purchase; bedding not proactively provided
“Rooms were lovely and clean, very modern... in a great area 2 mins to the beach... overall great stay would 100 percent recommend and we will be back.”
“El mejor hotel en el que hemos estado en todo el mes que hemos pasado en maldivas.. Si algún día volvemos repetiremos sin lugar a duda.”
“Прекрасное отношение и внимание к гостям, любая просьба была удовлетворена. Свежий ремонт, удобная кровать и мягкие подушки.”
Guest reviews summarised from Booking.com.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Sun and Surf from the airport?
The hotel arranges a speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. The distance is 25 km. Contact the hotel to book the shuttle in advance, as timing will depend on your arrival flight.
How long does the speedboat transfer take?
No exact transfer time is listed in the hotel's published facts. Speedboat crossings of 25 km in the Maldives typically run 30 to 45 minutes, but confirm the schedule directly with the hotel.
What room types are available?
There are four room categories: Double Room ($63/night), Triple Room ($77/night), Twin Room ($86/night), and Family Room ($115/night, 21 m²). All include a private bathroom and free WiFi.
Is there a pool at Sun and Surf?
No pool is listed among the hotel's facilities. The house reef provides the main swimming and snorkelling option.
Can I snorkel and dive directly from the hotel?
Yes. The property has a house reef for snorkelling and diving, and both are listed as on-site activities. Fishing trips are also available.
Is the hotel good for families with children?
The hotel has a kids' club and an indoor play area. A Family Room sleeps adults in a single and double bed combination. These make it a workable choice for families.
What dining options are available?
There is an on-site restaurant with continental and Asian menus. Special diet meals are available on request. Several independent restaurants are within 250 metres, including RG Restaurant at 60 metres.
Is there a meal plan included in the room rate?
No meal plan is specified in the published room rates. Dining appears to be on an as-ordered basis at the hotel restaurant or at nearby local eateries on the island.
What is the best time of year to visit Thulusdhoo?
The dry season in the Maldives generally runs from November to April, with calmer seas and better visibility for diving and snorkelling. The hotel's facts do not specify seasonal closures or pricing changes.
Are there restaurants and bars near the hotel?
Yes. RG Restaurant is 60 metres away, ClamShell is 100 metres, Aqua Beans is 140 metres, and Fusion Feast is 200 metres. Cordia Cafe, a bar, is 490 metres from the hotel.
How much does a room cost at Sun and Surf?
Rates start at $63.25 per night for a Double Room. The Triple Room starts at $77, the Twin Room at $86, and the Family Room at $115 per night.
Is free WiFi available throughout the hotel?
Free WiFi is included in all four room types. The hotel also lists internet services as a general facility.