Embudu Village sits on a small private island in South Male Atoll, just 8 kilometers from Velana International Airport. A quick 20-minute speedboat transfer gets you to this budget-friendly resort that's been welcoming guests since 1972. This compact 3-kilometer island takes about 20 minutes to walk around, with lush tropical vegetation and one of the most accessible house reefs in the Maldives. The resort offers 122 rooms split between beach bungalows and water villas, making it an affordable entry point to experience authentic Maldivian island life without the luxury price tag.
Location & Access
South Male Atoll location, just 8km from Male International Airport
20-minute speedboat transfer - one of the quickest resort transfers in Maldives
Small island measuring 3km long, walkable in 20 minutes
Protected by natural reef with shallow lagoon perfect for swimming
What Makes It Special
One of the original Maldives resorts, operating since 1972
House reef with 5 entry points and 30-meter drop-off
Budget-friendly prices while maintaining 4-star standards
Authentic island atmosphere with mature tropical vegetation
Embudu VillageSouth Male Atoll resortBudget Maldives resortBest house reef MaldivesAffordable Maldives divingQuick speedboat transfer
Standard Rooms
30 Standard Rooms: Basic but clean, garden-facing locations
Air conditioning, ceiling fan, minibar, safe
Freshwater showers, simple furnishings
Most affordable option, ideal for budget travelers
Superior Beach Bungalows
72 Superior Rooms: Recently renovated with modern amenities
Beach-facing verandas, steps from the sand
Tea/coffee facilities, upgraded furniture and beds
Best value category according to repeat guests
Water Villas
16 Water Villas: Overwater stilts with ocean views
Four-poster beds, spacious balconies with seating
Glass floor panels to view marine life below
Premium category but still reasonably priced
Room Amenities
Air conditioning and ceiling fans in all categories
Mini-fridge, safe, telephone, hair dryer
Daily housekeeping (once per day, not twice)
Complimentary bottled water (1 liter per person daily)
No TVs - intentionally disconnected experience
Room Selection Tips
Request newer renovated rooms when booking
Avoid room 59 near power generator (can be noisy)
Rooms 17 and 91 get consistently good reviews
Beach bungalows in low numbers closer to better beach areas
Water villas book up months in advance - reserve early
Bedding & Layout
King or twin bed configurations available
Simple but comfortable bedding
Mosquito nets available on request
Baby cots provided free (limited availability)
Bathroom Features
Recently upgraded bathrooms in superior rooms
Open-air shower areas in some bungalows
Basic toiletries provided
Hot water available but can be inconsistent
Good to Know
Rooms are dated but well-maintained and clean
Walls can be thin - bring earplugs if sensitive
No pool access for standard room guests
Free Wi-Fi in rooms but signal can be weak
Embudu Village focuses on value over luxury. Rooms are simple but clean, with the real attraction being the spectacular house reef and diving opportunities just steps away.
Main Restaurant
Buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner service
International cuisine with themed nights (Asian, BBQ, Maldivian)
Live cooking stations and fresh seafood displays
Sand floor dining area adds to authentic island feel
Bar & Beverages
Main bar with sunset deck overlooking the lagoon
Limited cocktail menu but reasonable prices
Happy hour specials in the evening
German beer selection reflecting main guest demographic
Meal Plans
Full Board: Breakfast, lunch, dinner included (most popular)
Half Board: Breakfast and dinner only
All-Inclusive: Limited availability, includes house drinks
Drinks with meals cost extra on FB/HB plans
Food Quality
Good variety with something for everyone
Fresh fish and seafood daily
Pizza station gets excellent reviews
Dessert selection could be better
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options at every meal
Special diets accommodated with advance notice
Kids' favorites available
Coffee quality needs improvement per guests
Dining Times
Breakfast: 7:30-9:30 AM
Lunch: 12:30-2:00 PM
Dinner: 7:30-9:30 PM
Bar open until midnight
Guest Tips
Arrive early for best selection at dinner
Saturday BBQ night is highlight of the week
Bring instant coffee if you're particular
Tipping staff is appreciated and customary
Diverland Dive Center
PADI 5-star dive center operating for 30+ years
Courses from beginner to Divemaster
35 dive sites within close proximity
House reef diving available 24/7
Nitrox available for certified divers
Serena Spa
International wellness treatments
Massages, facials, body scrubs
Couples treatments available
Reasonable prices compared to luxury resorts
Book early during peak season
Sports & Recreation
Beach volleyball court
Badminton and tennis (equipment provided)
Table tennis and billiards
Small fitness area with basic equipment
Library with German and English books
Water Sports
Kayaks and canoes (free for guests)
Windsurfing and catamaran sailing
Stand-up paddleboards available
Snorkeling gear rental at dive center
Water skiing and jet ski (extra charge)
Guest Services
Free Wi-Fi in public areas (weak in rooms)
Small souvenir shop with essentials
Medical assistance available
Laundry service (chargeable)
Currency exchange at reception
Entertainment
Live music occasionally
Disco/dance floor (limited use)
Cultural shows weekly
Very quiet nightlife overall
Focus on daytime activities
Unique Features
Sand floors in lobby and restaurant areas
No paved walkways - natural sand paths throughout
Mature trees providing natural shade everywhere
160 staff members, many working here 10+ years
What's Missing
No swimming pool for standard room guests
Limited air-conditioned public spaces
No kids' club or organized children's activities
Minimal nightlife or evening entertainment
House Reef Snorkeling
5 marked entry points around the island
Reef drops from 5m to 30m depth
Regular sightings of reef sharks, turtles, rays
Coral garden on the shallow reef top
Best snorkeling on north and east sides
Diving Highlights
Embudu Express: Drift dive with eagle rays and sharks
Embudu Canyon: House reef wall dive, accessible 24/7
Embudu Village is particularly famous for its diving and snorkeling. Over 50% of guests are repeat visitors who come specifically for the underwater experiences.
The resort provides a 20-minute speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport. Look for the Kaimoo Resorts booth (A10) in the arrivals hall where staff will meet you. The speedboat runs multiple times daily based on flight schedules. The journey can take up to 45 minutes in rough weather. This is one of the shortest and most affordable transfers in the Maldives.
Yes, Embudu's house reef is consistently rated among the best in the Maldives for accessibility and marine life. The reef has 5 easy entry points with depths from 5-30 meters. You'll regularly see reef sharks, turtles, rays, and hundreds of fish species. The coral gardens start close to shore, though the best snorkeling requires swimming out 50-100 meters. Be aware of currents on the outer reef.
Full Board includes buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner but no drinks except water at meals. Half Board includes breakfast and dinner only. Limited All-Inclusive packages include meals plus house brand alcohol and soft drinks. Most guests choose Full Board and pay for drinks separately. The food gets good reviews for variety, though it's buffet-style rather than fine dining.
Yes, though diving and snorkeling are the main attractions. The island has beautiful beaches, kayaking, volleyball, and peaceful spots to relax. However, there's limited evening entertainment and no swimming pool for standard room guests. It's perfect for those seeking a quiet, nature-focused holiday rather than luxury amenities or nightlife.
Absolutely - Embudu often books up 6 months in advance due to its excellent value and loyal repeat guests (mostly German and French). Water villas in particular sell out quickly. Book early and request a recently renovated room. Avoid room 59 near the generator. The resort is small with just 122 rooms total.
Wi-Fi is free but quite weak, especially in rooms. It works better in the lobby and restaurant areas. Don't expect to stream videos or make reliable video calls. Many guests appreciate the digital detox aspect. If you need reliable internet, consider buying a local SIM card at the airport before your transfer.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and reef shoes for walking on coral rubble. Pack snorkeling gear if you have it (rental available but costs add up). Bring good coffee if you're particular, and consider earplugs as room walls can be thin. US dollars in small bills are useful for tips. The dress code is very casual - barefoot is normal.
Diving Sites Within 30 Minutes
Embudu House Reef: 24/7 access, 6 different dive routes
Embudu Express: Channel dive with strong currents and big fish
Vadoo Caves: Beautiful overhangs and soft corals
Embudu Thila: Untouched reef perfect for macro photography
Lions Head: Reef formation resembling a lion's head
Nearby Islands
Male Capital (20 min): Fish market, National Museum, local shops
Hulhumale (25 min): Artificial island with beaches
Villingili (30 min): Local island with authentic culture
Maafushi (45 min): Popular local island with guesthouses
Special Dive Sites (45-60 Minutes)
Maldivian Victory Wreck: 110m cargo ship sunk in 1981
Banana Reef: First dive site discovered in Maldives
Manta Point: Seasonal cleaning station (May-November)
Kandooma Thila: Caves and overhangs with sharks
Transportation Points
Velana International Airport: 8km away, main arrival point
Speedboat Jetty: Direct transfers from airport
Male Ferry Terminal: For independent island hopping
Presidential Jetty: Historic area in Male
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in: 2:00 PM (14:00)
Check-out: 12:00 noon
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-out may incur charges
Photo ID and credit card required at check-in
Transfer Information
Round-trip speedboat transfer: $95 per adult (from Nov 2024)
Children 4-12 years: $47.50 for transfers
Children under 4: Free transfers
Transfer times based on flight schedules
Flight details needed 72 hours before arrival
Payment & Charges
Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, Amex
Cash accepted in USD, EUR, GBP
Green tax: $6 per person per night (government fee)
Service charge: 10% on all bills
GST: 12% on accommodation and services
Special Dinner Supplements
Christmas Eve (Dec 24): $65 per adult mandatory
New Year's Eve (Dec 31): $65 per adult mandatory
Children 4-12: $32.50 for gala dinners
Special event dinners added to room bill
General Rules
No pets allowed
Drones prohibited without permission
Alcohol cannot leave resort premises
Quiet hours after 11 PM
Children Policy
All ages welcome
Under 4 stay and transfer free
Baby cots available (limited)
No organized kids' activities
Cancellation
Varies by booking rate
Peak season often non-refundable
Transfer fees non-refundable
Travel insurance recommended
Policies at Embudu Village are subject to change. Always confirm current terms when booking, especially transfer costs which increased recently.
Best Time to Visit
Dec-Apr: Dry season, calm seas, best visibility underwater
May-Nov: Southwest monsoon, manta ray season
Jan-Mar: Peak season, book 6+ months ahead
May & Nov: Shoulder season, better prices, fewer crowds
Water temperature 27-30°C year-round
Ideal Duration
5-7 nights: Perfect for diving focus with relaxation
7-10 nights: Ideal for exploring all dive sites
3-4 nights: Too short unless combining with Male
14 nights: For serious divers or complete relaxation
Perfect For
Budget-conscious divers and snorkelers
Repeat Maldives visitors seeking value
Couples wanting authentic island experience
Nature lovers and marine life enthusiasts
Germans and Europeans (main clientele)
Sample 7-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival, settle in, sunset at bar, orientation
Day 2: Morning house reef snorkel, afternoon dive
Day 3: Two-tank morning dive, spa treatment
Day 4: Male city tour and shopping
Day 5: Manta ray snorkeling trip (seasonal)
Day 6: Victory wreck dive, night fishing
Day 7: Beach relaxation, final snorkel, departure
Money-Saving Tips
Book directly with resort for best rates
Full Board usually better value than Half Board
Bring own snorkeling gear
Book diving packages rather than individual dives
Avoid peak season (Christmas/New Year)
Consider May or November for deals
What to Expect
Simple rooms but excellent reef
Mainly German/European guests
Quiet evenings, no party scene
Focus on diving and nature
Authentic, unpretentious atmosphere
Packing Essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
Insect repellent for evenings
Reef shoes for coral walking
Underwater camera
Light, casual clothing only
Not Ideal For
Luxury seekers
Party crowd or nightlife lovers
Those wanting pools and spas
Guests needing constant Wi-Fi
Non-swimmers (missing main attraction)
Honeymoon Benefits
Complimentary fruit basket on arrival
Small bottle of wine (once per stay)
Bed decoration with flowers
Special dinner arrangement on beach
Must show marriage certificate (within 6 months)
Celebrations
Birthday cakes can be arranged
Anniversary dinners on the beach
Simple decorations available
Special meal arrangements possible
Advance notice required
Group Bookings
Popular with dive clubs and groups
Group rates for 10+ rooms
Dedicated dive guide for large groups
Welcome parties can be arranged
Private boat charters available
Seasonal Events
Christmas: Special decorations and gala dinner
New Year: Countdown party with live music
Easter: Special buffet and activities
Oktoberfest: German beer festival (reflecting clientele)
Weekly Maldivian cultural shows
Diving Events
Annual dive festival with special packages
Underwater photography competitions
Marine biology presentations weekly
Night diving experiences for certified divers
PADI certification ceremonies
Wedding Services
Simple beach ceremonies possible
Not legally binding in Maldives
Basic decoration and setup
Photography can be arranged
Corporate Groups
Small meeting space available
Team building with water sports
Limited conference facilities
Better suited for incentive trips
Planning Tips
Book special events 2-3 weeks ahead
Inform resort when booking
Limited resources vs luxury resorts
Focus on natural beauty over elaborate setups
Embudu Village offers simple celebration options befitting its laid-back atmosphere. Don't expect elaborate setups, but the natural beauty and genuine hospitality make occasions special.
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