To the northeast is the faint crater Buch, and further to the north lies Gemma Frisius.

The outer walls of Maurolycus are tall, wide, and terraced, most notably in the eastern part.

The other sections of the floor are relatively level, with a complex of central peaks and a pair of craterlets.

The small crater Maurolycus A is biting into the southern part of the rim.

By convention these features are identified on lunar maps by placing the letter on the side of the crater midpoint that is closest to Maurolycus.