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Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

7 days

Start

Start:

Finish

End:

Trip Code

HPLM

Min Age

Trip Size

1 - 12

Physical Rating

Transport

Private vehicle, Speed boat

Accommodation

Guesthouses (6 nights)

From 0 (7 days)

Trip Informations

Venture beyond the sand on this island-hopping Maldivian adventure that takes you into the homes, villages and underwater worlds of this gorgeous archipelago. Explore bustling Male, then shift gears for a slower pace on the island of Goidhoo. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and learn about local marine life conservation practices. On Thuladhoo, meet the artisans keeping lacquer work traditions alive and learn about the local fish-drying industry. Share homecooked meals with a Maldivian family and island fishermen – and learn to cook some breakfast specialties. In between it all, there'll be plenty of time for lazing on the beach, too. With local boat rides, guesthouse stays and lots of time spent with the islanders, you’ll get to know a side of the Maldives that goes far beyond the white sand.

Why you’ll love this trip

Get to know a more authentic side of the Maldives as you visit slow-paced islands, stay in locally owned guesthouses and engage directly with island communities.

Snorkel with the colourful marine life that makes the Maldives so special and learn about the islands' biodiversity, conservation practices and the impacts of global warming and El Nino.

Get a taste for Maldivian cuisine as you enjoy a homecooked meal with a local family in their home in Goidhoo, share lunch with Thuladhoo fishermen and learn to make traditional dishes like mashuni and roshi.

Unwind on beautiful beaches, soak up the relaxed island atmosphere at your own pace, and witness spellbinding sunsets.

Feel the rhythm of the islands through folk dancing and music during a traditional Bodu Beru drumming performance.

Is this trip right for you?

Time on the Islands means time in the sun. Remember to pack sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Local islands of the Maldives and Malé City are dry areas, alcohol is not permitted.

Boat schedules are subject to weather and sea conditions, and the itinerary may occasionally be adjusted for operational reasons.

A good swimming ability is essential on this trip to enjoy all activities.

Itinerary

Spellbinding marine life, mouthwatering Maldivian food and local island culture

DAY 1
NoneHulhumale
Assalaamu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive at the airport in Male, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Hulhumale. Your adventure begins this evening with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out to the beach to relax under the blue sky. After your meeting, maybe take a sunset walk around Hulhumale with the other travellers in your group. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Hulhumale - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Complimentary arrival transfer
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
DAY 2
NoneMale & Goidhoo
After breakfast, hop on a local bus for a short ride to Male City, the bustling capital of the Maldives. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets, local fish and produce markets and highlights like the Male Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace. After, head to the Male jetty for a high-speed ferry ride to the island of Goidhoo, where life slows to a gentle pace. Settle into your guesthouse, then spend the evening discovering the village on foot. Enjoy a traditional Maldivian high tea and hedhika (finger foods), like bajiya (fish samosas) and caramel folhi, as you unwind into the rhythms of island living. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Male - Guided City Walk
Goidhoo - Village Walk
Goidhoo - Local Hedika Experience (High Tea)
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 3
NoneGoidhoo
Today, head out on a guided snorkelling trip and get familiar with the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Maldives. Stop at two reef spots, giving you plenty of time in the water with the kaleidoscopic fish – along the way, learn about the Maldives' coral and marine life conservation practices, and how global warming and El Nino are impacting the region. After, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace – perhaps relax by the beach with a good book. This evening, visit a local vegetable farm before sharing a traditional, homecooked dinner with a Maldivian family in their home. After, head back to Hulhumale to spend the night. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Goidhoo - Snorkelling
Goidhoo - Local Farm Visit
Goidhoo - Home Cooked Maldivian Dinner
Optional activities
Goidhoo - Mangrove Kayaking (per Kayak for 3 hours, max 2 participants per Kayak) - USD45
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 4
NoneGoidhoo
This morning, set out to Thuladhoo, a nearby island known for its skilled artisans and traditional way of life. Explore the island on a walk with your local guide, visiting a lacquer workshop (liyelaa jehun) and a local dry fish production area and see the open-air yards where the fish is traditionally sun-dried. After, head to a fishermen’s village for a cooking demo and home-style lunch. Get to know the local anglers and hear the myths and stories of their lifestyle and island customs. Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Maybe head to the beach for some chill time, then enjoy another beautiful sunset this evening. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Goidhoo - Fishing Village Visit & Local Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 5
NoneThoddhoo
Get a yummy start to the day with a hands-on cooking demo. Learn how to prepare classic Maldivian breakfast dishes like roshi and masuni, then fill up on the fruits of your labour for the day ahead. After breakfast, jump in a speedboat for the ride to the island of Thoddoo, known for its lush farms and laid-back vibe. When you get there, settle into your guesthouse then head out to explore the island by bicycle along village lanes and coastal paths. After your spin, the rest of the day is free for you to relax. Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Thoddhoo - Maldivian Breakfast Cooking Demonstration
Thoddhoo - Cycling Tour
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
DAY 6
NoneThoddhoo
Enjoy a free day, maybe heading to the sand with a good book. If you like, you could go kayaking on Thoddhoo lagoon. As the sun sets, come together with your group for a traditional farewell Bodu Beru performance – the rhythmic drumming and dancing will bring your Maldivian journey to a memorable close. If you like, head out to dinner with your group after the celebration and toast to new friends and memories.
Accommodation
Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Thoddhoo - Bodhu Beru Show
Optional activities
Thoddhoo - Lagoon Kayaking (per Kayak for 3 hours, max 2 participants per Kayak) - USD45
DAY 7
NoneThoddhoo to Male
Your Maldivian journey comes to an end today with an early-morning local speedboat ferry transfer to Velana International Airport. If you want to extend your stay in Hulhumale, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation. Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours. Speedboat schedules to Male may change due to weather conditions and operational reasons, we recommend booking your departure flight for 12:00 noon or later.
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 1.5 hours.
Speedboat schedules to Male may change due to weather conditions and operational reasons, we recommend booking your departure flight for 12:00 noon or later.

Inclusions

Transport

Private vehicle, Speed boat

Accommodation

Guesthouses (6 nights)

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