Until 2009, Maldives forced foreign tourists to stay in resort islands only — local villages were off-limits to preserve Islamic culture. When President Nasheed lifted the ban, guesthouse tourism exploded on inhabited islands. **How it works:** each atoll has "local islands" (inhabited by Maldivian communities) and "resort islands" (one hotel = one island). Guesthouses on local islands offer real Maldivian life at 10-20% of resort price. **Top local islands:** **Maafushi (South Male Atoll):** the most developed for tourism. 30 min speedboat from airport (USD 25). 30+ guesthouses. Bikini beach (segregated for tourists — women can wear swimwear). Snorkel to shipwreck. **Rasdhoo (Ari Atoll):** hammerhead sharks early morning at Madivaru Corner. Whale sharks year-round. Speedboat 2h from airport. **Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll):** quiet, traditional. Nurse sharks feed at dock every night 8 PM. Manta cleaning station at Miyaru Kandu. **Dhigurah (Ari Atoll):** long white sand beach (best in Maldives). Whale sharks year-round south of island — 90% sighting probability. **Thoddoo (Ari Atoll):** watermelon and papaya farms. Rare inland vegetation Maldives. Two beaches: swimming and bikini. **Rules on local islands:** cover shoulders/knees off "bikini beach." No alcohol (bring bottle from duty-free — technically not allowed but tolerated on excursion boats). Ramadan: restaurants closed dawn-dusk. **Budget breakdown per person/day:** - Guesthouse: USD 50-80 (breakfast included) - Meals: USD 15-25 - Excursions: USD 60-150 (whale shark, manta, sandbank picnic) - Total: USD 125-255/day (10-20% of resort cost) **Getting between islands:** public ferry (cheapest, 5-10 USD, slow), speedboat (20-40 USD, 30-60 min), seaplane (150+, scenic).