How do we reach the guesthouse?
There are three transfer options from Velana International Airport (MLE) to our guesthouse:
(1) Scheduled speedboat: Fast and efficient, these high-powered vessels can get you from Thulusdhoo to the airport or Male’ in just 30-35 minutes. “Speedboat ferries” operate several times per day to and from our island at a set schedule. Cost: $30 per person, per way.
(2) Local ferry: Exceptionally affordable, the Thulusdoo ferry will get you from Male’ to Thulusdhoo in 90 minutes for just $3 USD. A small additional fee applies for large baggage but either way this option is great value. The ferry moves at 13 knots and features padded seats, a toilet and an upstairs open-air area where you can stretch out and have a sleep or watch the scenery pass by. Please note that you will need to take another boat from Male’ to get to the airport. You can take another local ferry for this route from the airport jetty, which departs every 10 minutes, costs approximately $1 USD and takes 8-10 minutes to reach the airport.
(3) Private speedboat: Private speedboats can be organised at any time, day or night for your convenience. Sometimes, we can find other guests (either from our guesthouse or from other guesthouses on the island) who are willing to share the boat and the cost with you. This isn’t guaranteed but is a great way to reduce the cost of these transfers. Cost: $200-250 per trip, per way.
Please let us know which option works best for you and we will assist you with arranging your transportation.
How do we pay for our transportation?
Payment should be made directly to the speedboat or ferry operator, unless we advise otherwise.
When do we need to book our transportation?
We advise you to get in touch with us to book your transportation (if you are taking a speedboat) at least 3 days in advance to secure your seats. The speedboats tend to fill up quite quickly, particularly on the weekend and during high season.
What information do you need from us to arrange our transportation to Thulusdhoo?
Please provide us with your flight number and arrival time so that we can advise you which transport option would be most suitable. We will also share this information with our airport arrivals team so that they know when to greet you!
Will someone greet us at the airport?
At the airport in the Arrivals area, you will find our Desk.
Will someone pick us up when we arrive in Thulusdhoo?
Yes. We will meet you at the jetty in Thulusdhoo to pick you up! (as long as you have shared your arrival information with us, so please remember to do that at least 3 days in advance)
What should I bring with me? Is there anything I cannot bring with me?
Sun screen and insect repellent are a must! We would also advise you to bring a rash guard as well as water shoes; although these are not required they may be useful for some excursions. Not to worry though, these items can usually be purchased on the island if you forget them!
Do make sure not to bring any alcohol to the Maldives, as it is illegal to bring into the country and will get confiscated at the airport!
What are the type of power sockets in the Maldives?
The sockets in the room and building are Type G (British/ Square 3-pin). We have a few adaptors that we can lend to guests but would recommend you bring your own adaptors.
What does the Half Board and Full Board meal plan include?
The Half Board meal plan includes lunch in addition to breakfast (which is already included in your room rate) and you will be able to choose a main course, salad and dessert from a set lunch menu.
The Full Board meal plan includes lunch and dinner in addition to breakfast (which is already included in your room rate) and you will be able to choose a main course, salad and dessert from a set lunch menu and two dishes and a dessert from a set dinner menu.
Both of our meal plans include still water and one soft drink per meal.
Do you cater to specific dietary restrictions?
We are happy to cater to any specific dietary restrictions you may have! If you have specific dietary restrictions, please let us know. We would appreciate if you could let us know at least a week in advance in case we need to order any special ingredients.
Can I cook my own food at Canopus Retreat?
No. Unfortunately, due to health and safety reasons we cannot allow guests to cook in our kitchen. However, if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions, we are flexible and would be happy to create some special, custom dishes for you.
When is the best time to surf?
The Male’ atolls have been popular with surfers for quite some time thanks to a variety of breaks that stay fairly consistent, especially between April and October when south swells are abundant. March and November are considered ‘transition months’ and surf during this time can still be surprisingly good.
Which surf breaks are nearby?
The island of Thulusdhoo really is a surfer’s paradise. The island is home to ‘Cokes’ surf break (named after the Coca Cola Factory that is located on the island), which can be accessed directly from the island. ‘Chickens’ surf break is a short speedboat ride away and can be seen directly from our property. In addition, ‘Ninjas’, ‘Sultans’, ‘Honky’s’ and ‘Jailbreaks’ surf breaks are also a fairly quick speedboat ride away.
Is it possible to get surf lessons?
While we don’t offer surf lessons at our property, there are two surf schools located next to us. We would be happy to help organise surf lessons for you. However, please do keep in mind that there are limited beginner surf breaks near Thulusdhoo.
Can we swim at the bikini beach?
Yes, you can absolutely swim at the bikini beach. However, we kindly advise you to exercise caution when snorkelling or swimming anywhere on the island. The tides can be strong at times, so we do not advise you to venture out too far into deep waters.
Is it possible to visit a resort for the day? Which resort(s) and how much does it cost?
There are a number of resorts located close to Thulusdhoo that you can visit. Some have all-inclusive day passes and others you can only visit for a meal. The most popular one amongst our guests is Club Med Kani, which offers the option of purchasing a day pass. The resort will charge you an entry fee per person and you will then be able to consume food, drinks and make use of the resort facilities. You will also need to pay for a return speedboat transfer from Thulusdhoo. For prices and additional information, please send us an email at thulusdhoo@canopusretreats.com.
Can you snorkel from the beach?
Yes. There are some corals that you can swim to from right in front of our property. However, you will not be able to see as many fish and marine creatures as you will on a snorkelling excursion.
Is there a Dive Centre on the island?
There are a couple of dive centres on the island that are a short walk from our property – Feenaa Diving and Sea Star Diving Centre. Please contact them directly for prices and further information.
What else is there to do on the island of Thulusdhoo?
The only Coca Cola Factory in the world that uses desalinated water to make its beverages is located on our island. You can take a tour of the factory if you want to see what happens behind the scenes.
For those of you who are travelling to Thulusdhoo with your family, there is a playground located on the island that your children will surely enjoy.
What payment methods are accepted at Canopus Retreat?
For your convenience, we accept a wide variety of card payments, including Amex, VISA and Mastercard (and others).
Should you wish to pay in cash, we prefer US Dollars, Maldivian Ruffiyaa or Euros.
It is very important to note that Maldivian banks are very particular about the condition of USD notes. Old and/or lightly damaged notes, even though still accepted in other countries, will be refused by the national bank of the Maldives. Please don’t take offence if your money is not accepted because it is old or lightly damaged, it is purely that the note will have no worth to the individual whom you are paying.
The old US$100 bill will usually be refused, so please ensure you do not try to pay with one of these. You can identify the new $100 bill by the blue stripe that runs across the note.
Do you charge an extra fee for credit card payments?
Yes. We charge a 3.5% fee for making credit card or debit card payments (with the exception of local Maldivian cards).
Can I exchange money at Canopus Retreat?
No. Unfortunately, we are unable to exchange money for you at our property. On an exceptions basis, we will sometimes convert US Dollars to Maldivian Rufiyaa or the other way around. We would recommend exchanging money at the airport before you come to Thulusdhoo.
Is there an ATM on the island?
Yes. There is an ATM on the island that dispenses Maldivian Rufiyaa only. If you would prefer to have US Dollars on-hand then we suggest that you bring it with you from your home country, as it is more difficult to get once you reach the Maldives.
Which currency is most widely accepted on the island?
Both US Dollars and Maldivian Rufiyaa are widely accepted on the island.
Can I wear a bikini on the beach?
Yes. There is a designated bikini beach within a few minutes’ walk from Canopus Retreat.
What is a bikini beach?
The Maldives is an Islamic country and thus the regulations of the government bans individuals from wearing bikinis or swimwear in public. However, to ensure that tourists can still enjoy the beautiful beaches of local islands, each island has a designated ‘bikini beach’. This is a private beach where guests from all guesthouses can enjoy the beach or the water in bikinis or other swimwear. This same freedom can also be enjoyed on sandbanks, deserted islands and resorts.
Is the beach in front of Canopus Retreat a bikini beach?
No. The beach in front of our property is not a bikini beach. Guests are free to make the most of our beach area but are requested not to follow the local rules by ensuring that you wear cover-ups and t-shirts over your swimwear. Not to worry though, as the bikini beach is a short 2-minute walk from our property. The bikini beach will have sunbeds with our guesthouse logo on it that you can use for sunbathing and relaxation. If you need help in finding the bikini beach, one of our friendly team members will happily escort you there.
Is it possible to drink alcohol in Thulusdhoo?
No. Unfortunately, alcohol cannot be consumed or purchased on any local island in the Maldives. However, we can easily arrange a trip to a nearby resort for a day where you can have a drink. Quite often, there are also ‘floating bars’, which are bars on boats, docked near Thulusdhoo which you can visit to enjoy a drink.
Are there convenience stores, souvenir shops and a pharmacy on the island?
Yes. There are a number of small convenience stores and souvenir shops around the island. There is also a pharmacy and a basic medical centre.