Maldives Island Explorer

DAY 1: Welcome to the Maldives! Transfer to your hotel.
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.

OVERNIGHT:
Hulhumale Guesthouse

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 2: Speedboat to Mathiveri. Free time to begin exploring. Visit the Manta Trust
This morning, your tour leader will meet you for your transfer by public speedboat to the local island of Mathiveri in North Ari Atoll. After lunch, you'll explore the Mathiveri house reef for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will give you a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your 'spotter', pointing out marine life you might otherwise miss. They'll also assist less confident or inexperienced snorkellers, making sure your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water.

In the late afternoon, take some time to explore the island, getting to know its layout and finding the best spots for lunch. Pop into a local café to sample traditional 'hedika' – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea – and immerse yourself in island life.

Your tour leader will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust, providing insight into their environmental monitoring and manta ray studies! This afternoon, we'll head out by boat for another underwater adventure. You'll discover coral reefs teeming with fish and marine life. Keep an eye out for turtles and sharks. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, which can be spotted year-round in this atoll. Should we be fortunate enough to see these magnificent creatures, we'll follow the manta ray code of conduct to ensure a responsible and respectful snorkelling interaction.

OVERNIGHT:
Mathiveri Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: Snorkelling adventure. Free afternoon on Mathiveri
We'll set off by boat for another incredible underwater adventure. Prepare to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse fish and marine life. Keep a close watch for turtles and sharks. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, which are often seen in this atoll. Before we enter the water, your tour leader will go over the manta snorkelling code of conduct, ensuring a memorable and respectful experience for both you and the manta rays.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Perhaps you'd like to visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a stunning private uninhabited island. It's fringed with a pristine white sandy beach and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As it's uninhabited, you're welcome to wear a bikini here.

The Maldives boasts incredibly rich marine life, but unfortunately, it's under threat due to human activities. After dinner at your guesthouse, your tour leader will shed light on the harmful practices that are unbalancing the ecosystem. They'll also discuss the vital work being carried out by organisations like Save the Beach to limit these impacts.

OVERNIGHT:
Mathiveri Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Boat to Ukulhas. Island exploration and visit the Oliver Ridley Project. Afternoon guided snorkelling
Today, we'll transfer to our next local island destination, Ukulhas. Take some time to explore the island with your guide and delve into the rich tradition of fishing in the Maldives. You'll also discover why Ukulhas was a pioneer in environmental practices. Beyond its beautiful beaches, the local community here is incredibly friendly and will be delighted to chat with you and show off their home island.

Your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley Project today. They'll provide insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies, preparing you for exciting turtle encounters! When you go snorkelling, make sure to have your underwater camera with you to capture images, which will then be shared with the Olive Ridley database.

The house reef at Ukulhas is truly spectacular and easily accessible from the beach. So, this afternoon, your tour leader will accompany you on a guided house reef snorkel. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles!

OVERNIGHT:
Ukulhas Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Free day (various options available)
After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

For those feeling energetic, there are plenty of excursions available, including diving, snorkelling, and a variety of watersports. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, perhaps an excursion with a picnic lunch to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island would be more to your liking.

You can join your tour leader for house reef snorkelling, easily accessible from the beach, or book a whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll. This is a full-day excursion due to the distance from Ukulhas, and pricing depends on the number of guests. Expect to pay around $150 per person for six people. The trip is subject to availability and runs when there have been regular whale shark sightings. South Ari Atoll is a 90-minute speedboat ride away and is fortunate to have a probable unique year-round population of whale sharks. You might encounter one or two sharks in half an hour, or, as they are wild creatures in their natural habitat, we might not spot one during the entire search. However, this unpredictability only adds to the excitement! If we do find them, you'll have the incredible opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience.

In the late afternoon, head out for a sunset kayaking or SUP tour. Paddle through the beautiful lagoon and enjoy the wonderful colours as the sun dips into the ocean. As you navigate the calm waters, keep an eye out – you never know when you might be joined by a graceful eagle ray or a mesmerising shark gliding beneath you.

OVERNIGHT:
Ukulhas Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Head to Rasdhoo Island. Island Exploration and Sunset Dolphins
Today, we'll transfer to our final island destination: Rasdhoo. Depending on the current, we'll head out by boat to snorkel a nearby reef. Get ready to encounter huge schools of reef fish, batfish, tuna, and parrotfish. Rasdhoo is renowned for its black and white-tip reef sharks, and close encounters are possible as we drift in the current to observe them.

Spend this afternoon exploring the island with your tour leader. You could stop for a refreshing drink at a local café or simply relax by the ocean, listening to the gentle lap of the waves. This evening, before sunset, we'll embark on a search for dolphins, which are often seen jumping and spinning as the sun dips below the horizon. Your tour leader and crew are familiar with the habits and behaviour of these graceful creatures and will keep a keen lookout for them. They'll share stories about the different dolphin species found in the region, their social dynamics, and their role in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.

OVERNIGHT:
Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Final underwater adventure. Afternoon beach clean-up
After breakfast, we'll embark on our final underwater encounter! Your tour leader will guide you through two fantastic snorkelling sites that perfectly capture the beauty and wonder of the Maldives' marine environment. This experience aims to leave you with a profound appreciation for this remarkable paradise and a desire to protect it.

As the afternoon cools down, you'll have the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by participating in a beach clean-up. Your reward for this effort will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water), followed by a revitalising ocean swim!

OVERNIGHT:
Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Return boat trip to Male and transfer to the airport
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.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A

MEALS:
Breakfast

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 1: Welcome to the Maldives! Transfer to your hotel.
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.

OVERNIGHT:
Hulhumale Guesthouse

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 2: Speedboat to Mathiveri. Free time to begin exploring. Visit the Manta Trust
This morning, your tour leader will meet you for your transfer by public speedboat to the local island of Mathiveri in North Ari Atoll. After lunch, you'll explore the Mathiveri house reef for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will give you a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your 'spotter', pointing out marine life you might otherwise miss. They'll also assist less confident or inexperienced snorkellers, making sure your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water.

In the late afternoon, take some time to explore the island, getting to know its layout and finding the best spots for lunch. Pop into a local café to sample traditional 'hedika' – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea – and immerse yourself in island life.

Your tour leader will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust, providing insight into their environmental monitoring and manta ray studies! This afternoon, we'll head out by boat for another underwater adventure. You'll discover coral reefs teeming with fish and marine life. Keep an eye out for turtles and sharks. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, which can be spotted year-round in this atoll. Should we be fortunate enough to see these magnificent creatures, we'll follow the manta ray code of conduct to ensure a responsible and respectful snorkelling interaction.

OVERNIGHT:
Mathiveri Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: Snorkelling adventure. Free afternoon on Mathiveri
We'll set off by boat for another incredible underwater adventure. Prepare to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse fish and marine life. Keep a close watch for turtles and sharks. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, which are often seen in this atoll. Before we enter the water, your tour leader will go over the manta snorkelling code of conduct, ensuring a memorable and respectful experience for both you and the manta rays.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Perhaps you'd like to visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a stunning private uninhabited island. It's fringed with a pristine white sandy beach and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As it's uninhabited, you're welcome to wear a bikini here.

The Maldives boasts incredibly rich marine life, but unfortunately, it's under threat due to human activities. After dinner at your guesthouse, your tour leader will shed light on the harmful practices that are unbalancing the ecosystem. They'll also discuss the vital work being carried out by organisations like Save the Beach to limit these impacts.

OVERNIGHT:
Mathiveri Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Boat to Ukulhas. Island exploration and visit the Oliver Ridley Project. Afternoon guided snorkelling
Today, we'll transfer to our next local island destination, Ukulhas. Take some time to explore the island with your guide and delve into the rich tradition of fishing in the Maldives. You'll also discover why Ukulhas was a pioneer in environmental practices. Beyond its beautiful beaches, the local community here is incredibly friendly and will be delighted to chat with you and show off their home island.

Your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley Project today. They'll provide insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies, preparing you for exciting turtle encounters! When you go snorkelling, make sure to have your underwater camera with you to capture images, which will then be shared with the Olive Ridley database.

The house reef at Ukulhas is truly spectacular and easily accessible from the beach. So, this afternoon, your tour leader will accompany you on a guided house reef snorkel. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles!

OVERNIGHT:
Ukulhas Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Free day (various options available)
After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.

For those feeling energetic, there are plenty of excursions available, including diving, snorkelling, and a variety of watersports. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, perhaps an excursion with a picnic lunch to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island would be more to your liking.

You can join your tour leader for house reef snorkelling, easily accessible from the beach, or book a whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll. This is a full-day excursion due to the distance from Ukulhas, and pricing depends on the number of guests. Expect to pay around $150 per person for six people. The trip is subject to availability and runs when there have been regular whale shark sightings. South Ari Atoll is a 90-minute speedboat ride away and is fortunate to have a probable unique year-round population of whale sharks. You might encounter one or two sharks in half an hour, or, as they are wild creatures in their natural habitat, we might not spot one during the entire search. However, this unpredictability only adds to the excitement! If we do find them, you'll have the incredible opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience.

In the late afternoon, head out for a sunset kayaking or SUP tour. Paddle through the beautiful lagoon and enjoy the wonderful colours as the sun dips into the ocean. As you navigate the calm waters, keep an eye out – you never know when you might be joined by a graceful eagle ray or a mesmerising shark gliding beneath you.

OVERNIGHT:
Ukulhas Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Head to Rasdhoo Island. Island Exploration and Sunset Dolphins
Today, we'll transfer to our final island destination: Rasdhoo. Depending on the current, we'll head out by boat to snorkel a nearby reef. Get ready to encounter huge schools of reef fish, batfish, tuna, and parrotfish. Rasdhoo is renowned for its black and white-tip reef sharks, and close encounters are possible as we drift in the current to observe them.

Spend this afternoon exploring the island with your tour leader. You could stop for a refreshing drink at a local café or simply relax by the ocean, listening to the gentle lap of the waves. This evening, before sunset, we'll embark on a search for dolphins, which are often seen jumping and spinning as the sun dips below the horizon. Your tour leader and crew are familiar with the habits and behaviour of these graceful creatures and will keep a keen lookout for them. They'll share stories about the different dolphin species found in the region, their social dynamics, and their role in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.

OVERNIGHT:
Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Final underwater adventure. Afternoon beach clean-up
After breakfast, we'll embark on our final underwater encounter! Your tour leader will guide you through two fantastic snorkelling sites that perfectly capture the beauty and wonder of the Maldives' marine environment. This experience aims to leave you with a profound appreciation for this remarkable paradise and a desire to protect it.

As the afternoon cools down, you'll have the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by participating in a beach clean-up. Your reward for this effort will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water), followed by a revitalising ocean swim!

OVERNIGHT:
Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Return boat trip to Male and transfer to the airport
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.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A

MEALS:
Breakfast

EXTRAS:
None