Superb Way ro visit The Maldives During July 2019 I visited the Maldives as a solo traveler. The Island Hopper tour was perfect for my intent to experience the real flavor/culture/people of the country and not the artificial environment of resorts. I arrived and was met by Shaffaf who was the perfect guide/host to hotels, ferries, experiences across 5 islands. I love Maldive island life--even more so after the busy arrival city of Male. I especially love the FREEDOM to set my own itinerary on each island after local representatives warmly welcomed me at each island ferry and presented the options of their island. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, visiting the homes of locals, beach time and just sharing hours of lazy conversation with the locals was priceless. After returning to the USA, my heart is still in The Maldives!!
Amazing trip - words can't describe. However a few things on the itinerary we couldn't do due to road closures or heavy snow in general. The itinerary should be changed to suit Iceland in winter to avoid any disappointment in the future.
I kind of expected to be 'wowed' by the wildlife, the baobabs (one of the reasons I had wanted to visit Madagascar for so many years), the landscapes and the whole experience, but it was the ability of our guide Armel to provide opportunities to get us close to local people in various situations (e.g. an unscheduled visit to the zebu market) that really stood out for me as the highlight of the trip.