Maldives Island Explorer

Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by your guide and transferred by vehicle to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this suburban tropical paradise. The beach is 3 minute walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a water sports centre. So, there is plenty to keep you busy! For those arriving on early flights today, there is the option of joining a eco-walking tour of the island of Vilimale, generally considered the quieter side of Male, situation on the west side of the capital.

This morning your tour leader will assist you with your local ferry or speedboat transfer to the local island of Rasdhoo in North Ari Atoll. Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before taking lunch. As the afternoon cools down, accompanied by your guide, time is down spent exploring Rasdhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to 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 visit a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea. Rasdhoo is close to some of the best dive sites in the Maldives so if you’re a diver, or would like to try out this magical experience, get yourself signed up at the local dive centre. Your guide and your hotel will be happy to assist with this as well. Divers may wish for an early start tomorrow and opt to join a dive to Hammerhead Point. During the manta season (November to April) there are opportunities for spectacular close encounters with these majestic large rays.

Following breakfast accompanied by your guide you'll explore the Rasdhoo house reef for your first underwater encounters. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling, providing information about any local currents and tides, and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. Once you have your confidence there are irregular snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs giving non divers the opportunity to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs in this area. Later in the afternoon you'll head out with your guide for a sunset kayaking trip. Here you can take a gentle kayak through the beautiful lagoon to a nearby sandbank, from where you can enjoy the sun set in the ocean.

We leave Rasdhoo today and transfer by ferry or speedboat to our next local island destination, Ukulhas. As the afternoon cools down explore the island with your guide and learn more about the tradition of fishing in the Maldives and discover why it was the island to lead the way for environmental practices. Not only does Ukulhas have some beautiful beaches, the local community here are particularly friendly and will be delighted to engage in conversation with you and show off their home island.

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. You can relax on the tourist 'bikini beach', choose to visit a resort for the day or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional scuba-diving trips can be organised for certified divers. Other options include a picnic lunch on a deserted sandbank or uninhabited island, a visit to a local coral rehabilitation project or even visit the whale sharks in South Ari Atoll.

Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. You can relax on the tourist 'bikini beach', choose to visit a resort for the day or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional scuba-diving trips can be organised for certified divers. Other options include a picnic lunch on a deserted sandbank or uninhabited island, a visit to a local coral rehabilitation project or even visit the whale sharks in South Ari Atoll.

You'll have the morning free to explore Ukulhas further or spend time relaxing before boarding a lunch time ferry to our third island destination of Mathiveri. As with our previous visits, you'll be provided with a briefing on the island and the activities available whilst here. You'll spend the remainder of the day exploring the island with your guide which will include a workshop on how to weave a traditional joali seat, a visit to a local cafe and learn other interesting facts about the island. In the evening, before the sun sets, we'll head out in search of dolphins which are often found around the island, jumping, spinning and dancing - a perfect end to a perfect week!

You'll have the morning free to explore Ukulhas further or spend time relaxing before boarding a lunch time ferry to our third island destination of Mathiveri. As with our previous visits, you'll be provided with a briefing on the island and the activities available whilst here. You'll spend the remainder of the day exploring the island with your guide which will include a workshop on how to weave a traditional joali seat, a visit to a local cafe and learn other interesting facts about the island. In the evening, before the sun sets, we'll head out in search of dolphins which are often found around the island, jumping, spinning and dancing - a perfect end to a perfect week!

Following breakfast today, a guided house reef snorkelling tour is available for those who wish to join. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of turtles or even Manta Rays. The afternoon is free, perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a private uninhabited island fringed with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. As this is an uninhabited island, swim wear is not a problem. As the afternoon cools down we offer the option of giving back to the local community by participating in a beach clean, after which our reward will be a refreshing glass of Kurumba (coconut water).

Following breakfast today, a guided house reef snorkelling tour is available for those who wish to join. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of turtles or even Manta Rays. The afternoon is free, perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a private uninhabited island fringed with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. As this is an uninhabited island, swim wear is not a problem. As the afternoon cools down we offer the option of giving back to the local community by participating in a beach clean, after which our reward will be a refreshing glass of Kurumba (coconut water).

Following an early breakfast take the speedboat for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at approximately 9am, you will be assisted with your transfer onto Male International Airport where your trip ends. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier private speedboat transfer 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). 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. For those passengers with an evening flight, a complimentary walking tour of Male is available today.

Following an early breakfast take the speedboat for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at approximately 9am, you will be assisted with your transfer onto Male International Airport where your trip ends. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier private speedboat transfer 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). 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. For those passengers with an evening flight, a complimentary walking tour of Male is available today.