Deluxe Double Room
Price on request
Sleeps 2 · Twin or double
Balcony with sea viewAir conditioningPrivate bathroomTerrace
Mahibadhoo · South Ari Atoll
The Maldivian sea, on your doorstep.
We are a family-run guesthouse with nine rooms on the beach in Mahibadhoo. Our dive centre, Zala Divers, is in the house, and whale sharks and mantas live in this atoll all year.
4.7 · 210 reviews
#1 of 8 places to stay in Mahibadhoo — Tripadvisor
Rated by guests on
Tripadvisor 4.7 · #1 of 8 in Mahibadhoo
Booking.com 4.7
Google 4.7
210 guest reviews and counting
Zala Divers · The in-house dive centre
Whale sharks and mantas, all year.
Zala Divers is run by our owner, Zaufaran “Zala” Nazeer, a veteran NADD dive instructor. South Ari Atoll is one of the few places in the world where whale sharks and manta rays stay all year. The dive boat leaves from the jetty around the corner, and you don’t need to be a diver: plenty of our guests only snorkel.
Whale sharks, year-round
They live in South Ari. There is no season you can miss.
Manta rays
In our atoll all year, whether you dive or snorkel.
The house reef
Reef sharks, turtles, and colourful fish a short swim from the sand.
The island
A real island, not a resort.
Mahibadhoo is a domestic island in South Ari Atoll, where residents live, work, and attend school as part of daily community life. Unlike resort environments, the guesthouse is situated directly on the island’s public beach, allowing visitors to experience the Maldives as it truly is—immersed in local culture rather than separated from it. Guests staying at Liberty Guest House are part of the island’s rhythm, surrounded by the authentic lifestyle of its people.
As with all local islands in the Maldives, Mahibadhoo is alcohol-free. This policy reflects the cultural and social norms of island life and is an integral part of the community’s identity.
Rooms
Nine rooms, three ways to stay.
Deluxe Twin Room
Price on request
Sleeps 2 · 2 Single beds
Balcony with sea viewAir conditioningPrivate bathroomTerrace
Deluxe Family Room
Price on request
Sleeps 4 · 1 Double + 1 Single, or 2 Twin + 1 Single
Balcony with sea viewAir conditioningPrivate bathroomTerrace
Experiences
Days on the water, planned from the front porch.
Whale shark & manta trips
By boat with the Zala Divers crew, snorkelling or diving.
Fun dives & courses
NADD courses and daily dives on South Ari’s reefs and wrecks.
Sandbank & fishing trips
Sunset fishing the Maldivian way, and picnics on empty sandbanks.
Snorkel from the shore
Free snorkelling gear and a canoe. The house reef is a short swim out.
Dining & amenities
Fed well, looked after.
Our in-house restaurant with a view of the sea serves international, traditional Maldivian, and Asian cuisines prepared by our chefs.
HalalÀ la carteIn-house restaurantContinentalAsianWesternFull boardHalf boardBarbecueBeachfront dinners
Gallery
Life at Liberty.
Guest reviews
In their words.
4.7 across Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Google · 210 reviews
“We initially booked just one week — but ended up extending for another because we loved it so much. Just swimming from the shore, we saw sharks, turtles, and even a manta ray.”
“Four of us stayed 10 nights, diving each day. The food, the dive locations, the boat and the service was exceptional. Not a resort but a great guest house. It is lovely.”
“They took us on manta and whale shark snorkelling and did their best so that we could see them — and we did! We would recommend it to everyone who wants a taste of a local island.”
“It is not a resort, which is its main advantage. The skilful chefs cook delicious food every day, and the staff are pleasant, kind, and always helpful.”
Getting here
From the airport, by public speedboat.
Our guide meets every arrival at the airport and walks you to the speedboat. The crossing takes 1 hour and 30 minutes by public speedboat to reach our island.
Speedboat
$50 pp| Route | Days | Departs |
|---|---|---|
| Airport → Mahibadhoo | Sat–Thu | 10:30 |
| Malé, jetty №6 → MahibadhooShort taxi from the airport | Sat–Thu | 16:00 |
| Airport → MahibadhooOnly boat on Fridays | Friday | 09:30 |
| Mahibadhoo → Malé | Every day | 07:00 & 13:00 |
Public ferry
$10 ppThe slow, scenic option: departs Malé at 08:30 on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. About 4 hours.
The sea is on the doorstep. Come see it.
Send your dates and we’ll confirm availability and share deposit details within 24 hours.
Irumathee Magu, Mahibadhoo, South Ari Atoll, Maldives