Country(ies): Maldives
Tour type: Small Group
Group size: Min: 2 | Max: 8
Accommodation:Local guesthouses
Meals: Breakfasts - 7, Lunches - 1, Dinners - 5
Transport: Minivan & local ferries or speedboats
Highlights:Visits to 3 local islands in South Male Atol, boat trips, guided snorkelling over the coral reefs, visits to uninhabited islands & sand bars, beach barbecues, dining with local families, Hedika experience, scuba-diving diving options
This Maldives tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the islands beyond the typical resort experience, blending cultural immersion with marine adventures and relaxation. The journey begins with arrival in Malé and a transfer to Hulhumalé, allowing travellers to immediately connect with the local atmosphere and enjoy the nearby beaches. A guided tour of Malé offers insights into the capital city's culture and history, followed by a picturesque ferry trip to Guraidhoo. Here, guests can settle into their guesthouse and learn about the crucial work being done to protect the local marine environment.
Snorkelling excursions to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life are a highlight, accompanied by expert guides who point out hidden wonders and emphasise responsible interaction with these delicate ecosystems. Exploration of Guraidhoo provides a glimpse into daily life, including visits to local landmarks and the chance to savour traditional Maldivian snacks.
The tour continues to Maafushi, where the focus shifts to understanding the impact of tourism on local communities and the importance of coral rehabilitation projects. Guests can participate in a coral nursery visit and learn about the vital role seagrass plays in the marine ecosystem. A memorable day of snorkelling, a sandbank picnic, and dolphin watching is followed by a meaningful tree-planting activity, symbolising a commitment to environmental sustainability.
A visit to Gulhi offers a change of pace, with opportunities to explore the island, learn about plastic waste management challenges, and contribute to a beach clean. Free time allows for relaxation or participation in optional watersports, and a special dinner prepared by a local family offers an authentic culinary experience. The tour concludes with a transfer back to Malé airport, with options for extending the adventure with resort stays, dhoni cruises, or further island explorations. This itinerary offers a balanced blend of organised activities and leisure time, showcasing the beauty and culture of the Maldives beyond the luxury resorts.
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Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred by the airport shuttle taxi to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical paradise. The beach is 3 min walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a watersports centre. For guests arriving before 5.00pm there is an option to join your guide on the beach for coffee, a very popular daily activity for Maldivians and a chance to gain your first insight into the local side of this island paradise.
OVERNIGHT:
Hulhumale guesthouse
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Hulhumale - pre-tour
Single room supplement (MASHMM)
Following breakfast served at the guesthouse you will transfer by public ferry to Male, a 20-minute journey, where a guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum and Sultan Park.
After lunch transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is at your guesthouse before your guide will give some information on how the local marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans. Your tour leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the eco system and what we can do to limit the impact.
OVERNIGHT:
Guraidhoo guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Following a local style breakfast we travel by speedboat to two of the best nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! Your tour leader will provide a briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye.
Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimize your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water.
As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your tour leader time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque. Visit the harbour, maybe there will be fishermen with their catch. Watch children playing in the street. Discover local fruit trees as you wander the narrow maze of sandy roads. Finally, stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.
OVERNIGHT:
Guraidhoo guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Kick off your day with an early start and take a local ferry to the charming island of Maafushi, a quick 20-minute journey. Once you've checked into your guesthouse, settle in for a relaxed breakfast. Afterwards, you'll have time to explore the island, getting to grips with its layout and discovering the best spots for lunch or a refreshing juice with a view. Your tour leader will be on hand to delve into the history of local island tourism, discussing both its positive and negative impacts on the islands and their communities.
This afternoon, your tour leader will guide you through the fascinating story of Renee's Coral Garden, explaining the vital importance of coral rehabilitation projects in the Maldives. On the way to the coral rehabilitation site, you'll have the chance to snorkel the seagrass beds with your guide. You'll learn about their crucial role in the Maldives ecosystem; despite being one of the planet's most valuable ecosystems, seagrass is often considered unsightly and is frequently removed. Your tour leader will help you understand why seagrass is considered the "hero of underwater protection."
After dinner at a local café, your tour leader will introduce you to the inspiring work of the Olive Ridley Project. They'll provide insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies, preparing you for an exciting day of turtle snorkelling tomorrow!
OVERNIGHT:
Maafushi guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
Full-day scuba-diving boat trip from Maafushi
Half-day scuba-diving boat trip from Maafushi
Manta Ray boat trip from Maafushi
After breakfast, we'll head back out onto the ocean for an unforgettable turtle snorkelling experience. This reef is a turtle paradise, thanks to its abundance of soft corals – essentially an all-you-can-eat buffet for them! Before you dive in, your tour leader will go over the turtle snorkelling code of conduct to ensure a respectful and memorable encounter for both you and the turtles.
Next, we'll make a stop at an idyllic sandbank just a short distance from Maafushi. These Maldivian sandbanks are truly a natural wonder, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise. Imagine a pristine stretch of glistening white sand emerging from crystal-clear turquoise waters, forming a tiny, isolated island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Here, you'll have the chance to swim, snorkel, or simply relax and soak up the sun. A picnic lunch will be served on this picturesque spot.
On our return journey to Maafushi, we'll cruise through the Indian Ocean, keeping a keen eye out for dolphins. Your tour leader and the crew, who are familiar with the habits and behaviour of these graceful creatures, will be on the lookout. They'll share fascinating stories about the different dolphin species found in the region, their social dynamics, and their vital role in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.
Upon our return to Maafushi, we'll engage in a meaningful activity: planting a coconut palm for each guest and your tour leader, leaving a positive impact on the island.
OVERNIGHT:
Maafushi guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None
After an early breakfast on day six, we'll take a short speedboat trip to the quiet local island of Gulhi. Once checked into your guesthouse, your guide will take you on a tour of the island. We'll visit the boat yard to marvel at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the local women sweeping the streets, and finally refresh ourselves with a cool Kurumba (coconut).
While we enjoy our refreshments, your tour leader will discuss how plastic waste is managed in the Maldives and the work being done by Parley for the Oceans. We all know the impact of plastic in our daily lives; it's become a huge part of modern living. The Maldives is no different and faces a significant challenge in dealing with daily waste, particularly plastic.
For relaxation, you can choose to head to the bikini beach, or, if you're feeling more energetic, join your tour leader for a snorkelling session on Gulhi's house reef. As the afternoon cools down, you can spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by participating in a beach clean. Our reward will be a refreshing swim in the ocean!
OVERNIGHT:
Gulhi guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today is a free day! Relax on the bikini beach, or, for those feeling more active, participate in the various optional watersports available.
This evening's dinner will be prepared by a local family. Don't expect silver service, as meals are traditionally eaten without cutlery!
OVERNIGHT:
Gulhi guesthouse
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast you are transferred back to Male by public ferry (approx. 07.30), across town, and on to Male airport where the tour ends. You should expect to arrive at the airport by around 10.30am. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier speedboat transfer from Gulhi to the airport (at extra cost). If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Newtown Inn (price includes an airport departure transfer to meet your flight).
Alternatively, you can take an unassisted speedboat transfer from Gulhi to the airport (at extra cost). There are also day package options at Hulhule Airport hotel to use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc. or an optional half day visit to Vilimale island which is 15 minutes from Male. Other snorkelling trips or other watersport activities are also available.
Those travellers booking a resort extension will transfer from Male airport on to their resort via the resort's own transfer boat. Our guide will assist you with meeting this transfer though there may be a short wait depending on the resort boat's schedule.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
4-night Gulhi Island Extension
4-night Dhoni cruise extension
Extra day in Hulhumale - pre-tour
Speedboat departure transfer
Day-use room & airport transfers in Hulhumale
Extra day in Hulhumale - post-tour
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Scheduled small-group departure dates are given below. The tour is also available for booking privately for travel anytime through the year, and we can also customise the itinerary to fit your personal requirements. Please contact us for details and prices
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The hotels and accommodations listed below are the ones we most often use on this tour. From time to time we may exchange these for similar properties at the same level. In general, specific hotels cannot be guaranteed on our group tours, but you may select your preferred options if you are booking a tailor-made trip.
Our tours are designed to include all that you need to enjoy a really special time in the destination you're visiting. However, we do also offer some extra options to complement the tour and add some additional sightseeing or activities, or some extra time at either end of the tour.
All accommodation based options (e.g. Single supplements, extra nights, cruise upgrades) should be booked and paid for in advance so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. Other options may either be booked and paid for in advance or while you are on the tour, though we recommend booking in advance to ensure there are no issues with availability.
Many options are priced the same throughout the year, but some may incur single or high season supplements - full details are given on the tour reservation form or on request.
The detailed Tour Notes below have been written to give you some more detailed information about how the tour runs, what to expect, and how to prepare for your holiday. We recommend downloading an up to date copy of these shortly before you travel in case of any changes.
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