Local Life & Private Paradise in the Maldives 5D/4N

Male International Airport Pick-Up and Ferry to Maafushi . Your guide will meet you when you arrive at Male International Airport and help you with the 90-minute ferry ride across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi, your home island in the South Male Atoll. While keeping a look out for dolphins, you can opt to sit on top and take in the splendour of the several Maldives islands that you pass by. Sitting inside and chatting with the locals is another option.You will have time to settle in at your guesthouse before you and your local guide explore the island to familiarise yourself with the layout and take in the local way of life in the Maldives. Visit a local café to sample traditional Maldivian sweet and savoury treats known as “hedika,” which are served with black tea. We’ll have dinner at your guesthouse. Spend the night at Maafushi.

Prior to being taken by boat for a 90-minute guided snorkelling excursion to neighbouring reefs to see the Maldives’ underwater world, have breakfast at your accommodation. Learn about Renee’s Coral Garden this afternoon. With your guide, snorkel the seagrass beds en way to the coral nursery and learn about their ecological significance. You can spend the rest of the afternoon lounging or, if you’re feeling a little more active, participating in one of the many water sports offered, such as diving or surfing. This evening meal is served in a local family’s house, giving you a genuine taste of local culture. Spend the night at Maafushi.

Swim, Snorkel, and Unwind .You will be transported by speedboat to a picturesque sandbank not far from Maafushi after breakfast. Swimming, snorkelling, or simply lounging are all options here. We’ll have a picnic lunch before we go snorkelling to look for turtles. Because of the soft corals on this reef, turtles typically eat lunch all day long! Cruise the Indian Ocean on the way back to Maafushi with the hopes of seeing dolphins. A neighbourhood family is preparing dinner this evening. Keep in mind that people eat without using a knife and fork! (The Safe Tourism Guidelines apply to this activity.) Spend the night at Maafushi.

Island of Gulhi

We take a quick 20-minute public ferry ride to the peaceful nearby island of Gulhi after an early breakfast, where your guide will give you a tour of the island. Visit the boatyard to marvel at the size of the boats undergoing renovations, strike up a conversation with the women sweeping the streets, and then cool off with a coconut (Kurumba) while observing the activities at the port. When you’re ready to unwind, you can go to the bikini beach or, for those who are more active, accompany your guide for one more snorkelling trip on Gulhi’s house reef.

Male International Airport Drop-Off, City Tour, Ferry to Male

You will board an early morning public ferry to Male after eating an early breakfast. You will learn about the history of the capital city with your local guide by visiting sites like Sultan Park, The Friday Mosque, and The National Museum (entrance fee not included). You can spend the rest of the day exploring Male on your own, shopping for trinkets, or simply relaxing at a neighbourhood coffee shop and taking in the scenery. In time for your departure flight, you will be driven to the airport.