Maldives Island Escape tour

Maldives Island Escape tour

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8 Days From

$2050

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Tour Overview

Embark on the Maldives Island Escape tour, a captivating journey through the stunning archipelago. This tour offers an immersive experience with boat trips, snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, and picnics on uninhabited islands and sandbars. Enjoy cultural shows, beach barbecues, and optional diving adventures. Stay in charming guesthouses or small hotels, with all transport and transfers, including local ferries, seamlessly arranged. Delight in 7 breakfasts and benefit from a 24-hour airport transfer service. Explore the local culture on Fulidhoo Island, snorkel at Vaavu's famous shipwreck, and search for turtles amidst soft corals. With free days to relax or engage in water sports, this tour promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the Maldives' breathtaking natural beauty. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Explore the Maldives with boat trips and snorkelling over coral reefs.

  • Enjoy picnics on uninhabited islands and sand bars.

  • Experience cultural shows and beach barbecues.

  • Visit Fulidhoo Island and learn about the local way of life.

  • Snorkel at Vaavu's famous shipwreck and observe marine life.

  • Relax on the bikini beach or try optional water sports.

  • Take a guided sandbank and snorkelling trip.

  • Search for turtles while snorkelling among soft corals.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Male

Location: Male

Accommodation Name: Hulhumale guesthouse

Once you arrive at the Male International Airport, you’ll be welcomed by our representative and transferred by the airport shuttle taxi to your guesthouse on Hulhumale – just 15 minutes away. You will have time to settle in after your flight before exploring this tropical paradise. The beach is three-minute walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a water sports centre. ...more ...less

Day 2 : Fulidhoo Island Tour

Location: Fulidhoo

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast today, you’ll be transferred by vehicle to the airport for the mid-morning speedboat to Fulidhoo. While on the journey you will have the opportunity to spot dolphins and bask in the beauty of the island. Once you arrive at the guesthouse, you will have time to settle in before exploring the island. The island tour gives you the chance to learn about the local way of life, visit the Mosque, stop and chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. You'll also stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ – a Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea while sitting on the beach to watch the sunset on the horizon.

Day 3 : Shipwreck Snorkelling

Location: Vaavu Atoll

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

We kick off the day by exploring the underwater world of the Maldives on your first guided snorkelling trip. You'll visit two different sites including Vaavu's famous shipwreck, and there will be opportunities to observe turtles, reef sharks, rays and a host of tropical marine life. Shipwreck snorkelling is a unique experience, especially if you’re not a scuba diver. The half-sunken shipwreck on the shallow reef within Vaavu atoll is becoming a home for colourful corals and is the perfect location for underwater photographs to share and enjoy looking back on.

Day 4 : Free Time To Explore

Location: Fulidhoo

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, the day will be yours free to explore the island - you can either relax on the bikini beach or for those who are feeling more adventurous, participate in the various optional water sport activities on offer. A host of scuba-diving options are also available for both certified divers and also for beginners. Fulidhoo and its surrounding waters are some of the best in the Maldives for scuba-diving, with a wide breadth of different types of dives and a huge variety of marine life to see. Night dives are also available when you can see large groups of Fulidhoo's famous resident nurse sharks.

Day 5 : Guided Sandbank & Snorkelling Trip

Location: Fulidhoo

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you combine two snorkelling points filled with marine life and colourful coral with time on an untouched sandbank which is ideal for picnics, sunbathing, snorkelling, or swimming in the clear blue lagoon. The sites we tour will depend on weather and ocean conditions, but you can be assured of encountering a colourful array of marine life. As we cruise the ocean be sure to keep on the lookout for dolphins who like to swim alongside the bow of the boat.

Day 6 : Guided Snorkelling In Search Of Turtles

Location: Maldives

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean it's lunchtime all the time for turtles! Before entering the water your tour leader will share the turtle snorkeling code of conduct, ensuring the experience is memorable for both you and any turtles you may encounter.

Day 7 : More Free Time, Local Options Available

Location: Fulidhoo

Accommodation Name: Fulidhoo Guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

You have another day free to do as you please. You can relax on the beach, take a kayak or SUP out for a paddle in the famous crystal-clear lagoon on the east of the island or join a snorkel trip to discover more breath-taking reefs on the west. Further scuba-diving may also be possible today depending on your flight departure time tomorrow.

Day 8 : Speedboat To The Airport For Departure

Location: Malé

Accommodation Name: Following an early breakfast today you will check out of the guesthouse and take the speedboat for the return journey to Malé.If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at the airpo

Meals Included: Breakfast

Following an early breakfast today you will check out of the guesthouse and take the speedboat for the return journey to Malé. 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. Alternatively, you can take a later private speedboat transfer from Fulidhoo to the airport (at extra cost). There are also day package options at Hulhule Airport hotel and the Shangri La Hotel Jen to use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc. or an optional half-day visit to Vilimale island which is only 15 minutes from Male. Your guide and our local representatives will be happy to discuss these options with you during your tour and make any arrangements for you.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation at a local guesthouse/hotel is included.

  • Transport and Transfers

    All transport and transfers including local ferries are included.

  • Airport Transfer Service

    24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included.

  • Tourist Visa

    A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available to all nationalities.

  • Local Guides

    Local guides are included in the tour.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included but are available on request.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory and not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.

  • Unmentioned Items

    Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

More Info

The tiny island of Fulidhoo is located in the heart of the Maldives, just 50km from the capital of Malé, famous for its crystal-clear lagoon on the east and a breath-taking reef on the west of the island. This Maldives tour includes one night in Male before the tour officially kicks off. Enjoy a scheduled boat trip direct to Fulidhoo island while trying to spot dolphins. While on the island, you have the opportunity to head out on several guided snorkelling trips to different reefs and a shipwreck, looking out for nurse sharks, colourful corals and a host of different fish species. The Maldives tour also includes a guided tour of the island, a taste of the traditional Maldivian Hedika snacks and a stop on a deserted sandbar. A wide range of scuba-diving options are also available on the island – you will need to book this locally. The Maldives offers some of the world's best diving spots – different dives offering great views of manta rays, reef sharks and sailfish, huge schools of tuna and barracuda, beautifully colourful corals, turtles, and the famous resident nurse sharks. This tour is available for booking privately at any time of the year. Contact us for more information. ...more ...less

Mode of Transport

Travel conveniently with a combination of minivan and speedboat transfers, ensuring smooth and efficient transportation throughout your Maldives adventure.

Accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable stay in a local guesthouse or small hotel, providing a cozy and authentic experience during your Maldives Island Escape tour.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    The tour provides 7 nights of accommodation at a local guesthouse or small hotel.

  • Are airport transfers included in the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.

  • What meals are included in the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts.

  • Is a visa required for the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available to all nationalities.

  • What transportation is used during the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    The tour uses minivans and speedboats for transportation.

  • What activities are available during the free days on the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    During the free days, you can relax on the beach, participate in optional water sports, go scuba diving, or take a kayak or SUP out for a paddle.

  • What is the focus of the guided snorkelling trips on the Maldives Island Escape tour?

    The guided snorkelling trips focus on exploring marine life, including visits to a shipwreck, searching for turtles, and snorkelling at various coral sites.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

smartiedoc  

Magical Maldives Island Hopping

December 2013

The beauty of the Maldives and its spectacular underworld was unfortunately not enhanced by this tour, which, with the restraints of the local culture completely restricting alcohol and limiting food choices,one would be well advised to combine this tour,(if one wants to experience local culture), with a few days on a resort island. Comparing package prices of resort holidays to the Maldives, this trip was not actually value for money. One must take local currency to the islands, which can only be withdrawn locally, as the islands have no cash machines, and only the larger souvenir shops take credit cards. The dollar can be exchanged at some guesthouses. The accommodation, food and beverage on this trip is very basic, however, Stingray guesthouse on Maafushi, is brilliant, for it's incredible hospitality and excellent management and staff. Attention to detail and help and advise with snorkelling trips couldn't have been better. Prior knowledge of the availability of day excursions to nearby resorts, would be welcome to allow forward planning and the opportunity to experience the beauty of the unspoilt islands, allowing too for some luxury and indulgence, which complete the holiday feel.Unfortunately the beauty of the local islands are significantly spoilt by litter and total disrespect for the environment. The beauty of this archepelago of islands would be best realised by staying in a resort. The local guide who looked after us made our trip memorable, thank you Sober!! ...more ...less

texpower  

Magical Maldives

September 2013

We were a booking of 8 people for this tour of the Maldives. The booking of this tour with Will was easy and nothing was too much trouble as one person in a group was unsure of his flight times up until 2 days before the start of the this trip. We were met at the airport by Ruth and taken to our overnight stay. Next morning Ruth gave us a run through of the itinerary and introduce Kamey our tour leader. Unfortunately we did not get a tour of Male due to political unrest so it was a leisurely start to the day. The reason for us booking this particular tour of the Maldives was so that we could get to meet the local people and staying on the local islands was brilliant. All the side trips that were organised were great value and on the last island the cultural dance was entertaining. It is important when staying of local island to respect the culture of the people and the lack of alcohol was never an issue. As a group we are looking to go back very soon ...more ...less

Michael551275632  

A great adventure

July 2013

I went on the Maldives Magic tour with my partner. Due to no other parties booking on the same date as us the tour itinerary was changed to exclude certain aspects, and add others. This ended up working out very well indeed and I would commend Encounters on their adaptability with such a high quality "plan b". The local guides used were fantastic and very knowledgeable. This definitely helped in terms of making the most of the activities offered. I would not hesitate to recommend this company and would travel with them again. ...more ...less

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Maldives Island Escape tour

8 Days Starting and ending in Malé, Maldives

Visiting: Male, Fulidhoo, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives, Malé

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

413

Specialist Group:

Singles Solo

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2050 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Feb-2025 but subject to change.

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