A sandbank is exactly what it sounds like: a bar of brilliant white sand that rises out of the lagoon, sometimes only a few metres across, with turquoise water on every side. Picnic islands are their bigger cousins — small uninhabited islands with a few palms and a beach, used for day trips. Both are among the most photographed sights in the Maldives, and both are within easy reach of Dhangethi.
Most visitors reach them as part of a half-day snorkel excursion — snorkel the reef, then rest on the sand. Some guesthouses also arrange private sandbank drop-offs with a picnic lunch. Because sandbanks shift with tides and storms, exactly which one you visit depends on the season and the operator.
What to see and do: Sandbanks & Picnic Islands
Combine with a snorkel trip
The coral garden and turtle trip from Dhangethi includes time on a picnic island. It is the easiest and most affordable way to see one.
Swimwear is fine
Sandbanks and picnic islands are away from the village, so swimwear is acceptable — a welcome bit of freedom on a local-island holiday.
Ask about a private drop-off
For honeymooners and photographers, some guesthouses will drop you on a sandbank for a few hours and come back for you. Agree the pick-up time clearly and bring shade.
How to get to Sandbanks & Picnic Islands
- By speedboat or dhoni from Dhangethi, as part of an excursion or a private arrangement.
Insider tips
- There is no shade on most sandbanks. Bring a hat, reef-safe sunscreen and more water than you think you need.
- Take all rubbish back with you.
- Do not collect coral or shells — exporting them from the Maldives is prohibited.
Best tours & tickets for Sandbanks & Picnic Islands
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Sandbanks & Picnic Islands:
Half-day speedboat snorkelling trip from €112 Dhangethi: Coral Garden & Turtle Snorkeling Trip
A gentle half-day by speedboat from Dhangethi: a stop at a coral garden, a turtle snorkel and a swim off a small picnic island with white sand and clear water. It suits families and less confident swimmers better than the open-water whale shark trip, and it is a good way to spend an afternoon after a morning search for the big animals.
- Snorkel a coral garden near Dhangethi
- Swim with sea turtles
- Time on an uninhabited picnic island
Full-day speedboat trip from €270 From Malé: Manta & Whale Shark Snorkeling Trip
For travellers based in or near Malé who cannot stay in South Ari: a long day by speedboat that snorkels two protected areas, including the whale shark reef, with a sandbank picnic or a local-island lunch. Expect a lot of time on the boat; staying on Dhangethi gives you more chances for less travel.
- Two Marine Protected Areas in one day
- Whale shark search in South Ari
- Sandbank picnic or local-island lunch
Private full-day cruise (up to 12 people) from €4493 per group Maldives: Private Yacht Cruise in Marine Protected Area
A whole day on a private yacht in the South Ari Marine Protected Area, with the freedom to stay out longer, try more than one site and move away from the crowd of other boats. The price is for the whole boat, so it only makes sense for families or a group of friends sharing the cost.
- Your own boat for the day in the South Ari MPA
- Snorkel reefs and search for whale sharks and mantas
- Priced per group of up to 12
