Madivaru Kro, Guest House
A family-run base for the real Rasdhoo — reef, sandbanks, and whale sharks included.
A local-island guesthouse on Rasdhoo
Madivaru Kro is a small family-run guest house on Rasdhoo, the capital island of North Ari Atoll, about one hour by speedboat from Velana International Airport. It positions itself as a personal, affordable alternative to the large resort islands, with rooms starting from $58.50 per night and free breakfast included. The guest house has a restaurant, beach access, BBQ facilities, and a garden terrace. Rasdhoo itself has good access to dining and activities, and the surrounding waters are well known for whale shark and manta ray encounters arranged through local operators.
The honest verdict
A compact, family-run guest house on a local island where the focus is on the water — excursions to reefs, sandbanks, and shark sites — rather than resort facilities.
Best for
- Budget-conscious divers and snorkellers
- Travellers wanting an authentic local-island stay
- Small families needing flexible room configurations
- Independent travellers who prefer a personal welcome over resort scale
Maybe not ideal for
- Those expecting resort-style amenities
- Travellers wanting on-site alcohol service
- Guests seeking complete seclusion from local island life
Rooms with garden terraces and BBQ
Each room has air conditioning, a ceiling fan, fridge, private bathroom, and a terrace or balcony with garden views. A BBQ area is shared across the property — practical for guests who want to eat outdoors without booking the restaurant every night.
Beach access and outdoor spaces
The guest house has a private beach area, sun terrace, outdoor furniture, and a garden. It is a small footprint, but there is enough outdoor space to sit, dry off after a snorkel, and plan the next day.
Rasdhoo: a local island with water access
Rasdhoo is the administrative capital of North Ari Atoll. The island has its own restaurants and dive clubs within reach, and the surrounding waters give access to whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, and turtles — all via arranged excursions.
Family-sized configurations available
Beyond the standard double rooms, the guest house has a triple room with one king plus one single bed, and a family room set up with two king beds and a single. These are practical for groups of three or four travelling together.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room
sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Balcony
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofing
Comfort Triple Room
sleeps 3 · 1 single bed / 1 double bed
- Garden view
- Air conditioning
- Private bathroom
- Soundproofing
- Barbecue
Experiences on & off the island
Inside Madivaru Kro, Guest House
Amenities at Madivaru Kro, Guest House
Great for your stay
- Restaurant
- Private bathroom
- Free WiFi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Room service
- Non-smoking rooms
- BBQ facilities
Bathroom
- Private bathroom
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor furniture
- Sun terrace
- Private beach area
- BBQ facilities
- Terrace
- Garden
Activities
- Beach
- Snorkelling
- Diving
- Canoeing
- Windsurfing
- Fishing
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
Internet
- Internet services
Getting there
Madivaru Kro is on Rasdhoo island, approximately 60 km from Velana International Airport, with transfer by seaplane. The journey by speedboat takes roughly one hour. An airport shuttle service is available from the guest house at an extra charge, and a local shuttle is also on offer.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Across 45 Google reviews, the property scores 4.2/5. Cleanliness draws the most consistent praise — all nine mentions were positive. Service and property condition are also well regarded, with strong positive ratios. Breakfast gets broadly positive marks, and most guests report sleeping well.
- Things to do4.9
- Restaurants4.2
- Airport access2.1
Share of positive mentions per theme, from Google reviews.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get from the airport to Madivaru Kro?
The transfer is by seaplane, with the guest house approximately 60 km from Velana International Airport. The official site also notes the journey takes about one hour by speedboat. An airport shuttle is available at an extra charge.
What room types are available?
There are standard double rooms (in the main building and annex), a triple room sleeping three, and a family room with two king beds plus a single. Configurations use king or single beds depending on the room type.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, free breakfast is included in the room rate. The guest house has a restaurant on site.
What is the nightly rate?
Rates start from $58.50 per night for a Deluxe Double Room. The Comfort Triple starts from $63, main-building doubles from $88, the Triple Room from $135, and the Family Room from $165.
Can I go snorkelling or diving from the guest house?
Snorkelling and diving are available through local dive clubs and operators on Rasdhoo island. These are arranged excursions, not on-site facilities. Whale shark snorkelling, manta ray encounters, and turtle sites are among the options.
What other water activities can be arranged?
Through local operators, guests can arrange catamaran sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, night fishing, and sandbank or lagoon visits.
Is the property suitable for families?
Yes. The guest house has family rooms and is listed as having family rooms in its facilities. The Family Room sleeps at least five across two king beds and one single.
Is there Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and in the Comfort Triple Room. Internet services are listed as a facility across the guest house.
Is there parking on site?
Yes, parking is available at the property.
Can I exchange currency or withdraw cash on site?
Yes, there is an ATM and cash machine on site, and currency exchange is available at reception.
What is Rasdhoo like as a destination?
Rasdhoo is the capital island of North Ari Atoll. It has its own restaurants and things to do, and guests rate the location well for access to local activities. The surrounding waters are a known site for whale sharks and manta rays.
How do I book?
Private check-in and check-out are available. Contact the guest house directly or book through your preferred booking platform. An invoice is provided on request.