Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
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!!
CruiseWalking tours
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Imagine a week spent gliding across the turquoise waters of the Maldives—this sailing tour lets you do just that. On the eight-day Sail Maldives trip, you’ll board a traditional dhoni boat and journey through Hulhidhoo, Ruhhurihuraa, Rihivelli Lagoon, and several idyllic islands. Each day brings new adventures: snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, swimming with tropical fish, and relaxing on sun-kissed beaches. You may spot dolphins, turtles, and manta rays as you cruise from one paradise to the next. Enjoy tea with island locals, experience a traditional music and dance show on the beach, and learn how to prepare Maldivian cuisine. The local crew’s knowledge ensures you’ll discover authentic island life. The USP is the rare blend of island hopping, cultural immersion, and unforgettable ocean activities—all wrapped into a seamless trip package.
Sailing, yachting and motor boating
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Escape to paradise with the 8-day Maldives Island Escape, a guided beach trip that blends relaxation and adventure. Begin in Male before whisking away to Fulidhoo Island, famed for its crystal-clear lagoon and vibrant reef. Enjoy guided snorkeling trips to shipwrecks and coral gardens, taste traditional Maldivian Hedika snacks, and relax on secluded sandbars. Scuba-diving enthusiasts can book dives locally to see manta rays, reef sharks, and dazzling marine life. This private tour is available year-round and includes comfortable accommodation, meals, and all transport. The standout feature: unparalleled access to some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling sites, ensuring every day is filled with wonder both above and below the waves.
BeachHoneymoon
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Dreaming of sun-drenched beaches and vibrant island culture? The Maldives Relaxed Group Island Hopping 8D/7N tour is your ticket to paradise. This adventure blends relaxation with discovery, whisking you from Male to Ukulhas and Hulhumale over eight idyllic days. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and anyone seeking a laid-back escape, the itinerary includes snorkeling among brilliant marine life, savoring fresh seafood, and unwinding with unforgettable sunsets. The unique selling point is the seamless mix of adventure and leisure, offering a taste of local life alongside the Maldives’ legendary beauty—making it an irresistible tour package for those who crave both excitement and tranquility.
AdventureExplorer
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Craving an island escape that’s more than just beaches? This eight-day Maldives group tour offers a perfect fusion of cultural immersion and beachside bliss. Hop between Hulhumale, Male, and Guraidhoo, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, exploring fishing villages, and savoring traditional Maldivian cuisine. With relaxed activities and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s suited for both young adults and experienced travelers seeking authentic experiences. What makes this tour stand out is its unique combination of local encounters and idyllic island hopping, ensuring you experience the Maldives far beyond the postcard-perfect sands.
Beach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the Maldives on this 8-day tour from Male, exploring the idyllic islands of Mathiveri, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo. You’ll snorkel vibrant coral reefs, spot turtles, sharks and—if you're lucky—majestic manta rays or whale sharks. Visit uninhabited beaches, paddle through glowing lagoons at sunset, and experience local island life through food, culture and conservation. Guided by marine experts, you'll learn about reef protection and contribute to community efforts like beach clean-ups. With a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour offers a deeper, more meaningful way to experience the natural wonders of the Maldives.
Discover the Maldives beyond the brochures with the "Maldives Island Explorer," a budget-friendly beach tour spanning eight days from Male. With visits to Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri, this guided small group trip delivers the authentic island experience—without the hefty price tag. Start with a night in Hulhumale, then set sail via local ferries and speedboats to explore vibrant fishing communities and pristine house reefs. Dive and snorkel among colorful marine life, wander village streets, and sample fresh-caught seafood. The real magic of this journey lies in its local touch: interact with Maldivian fishermen, learn about daily island life, and unwind in guesthouses that put you at the heart of community culture. For travelers who crave a genuine, affordable Maldivian adventure with ample opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and cultural immersion, this tour package stands out as an unbeatable choice. Ask about extension options to add a resort stay and complete your ultimate Maldives getaway.
Beach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
This holiday was absolutely brilliant. The Maldives was not a destination that appealed particularly but seeing so much of it on the boat was perfect rather than just being on one island. The snorkeling was spectacular particularly on the wreck. We could not have had a more helpful crew and the support they provided, especially the captain was excellent. At all times you felt in very safe hands and well looked after. Nothing was too much trouble. Our guide, Hi had a wealth of local knowledge and he was great fun. Swimming with sharks was an amazing experience and one that I will always remember. The level of service and food provided was great. Thank you Explore.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Dive into the real Maldives on the "Maldives Uncovered" tour, an eight-day beach adventure starting and ending in Male. This guided tour reveals vibrant island life as you travel through Gulhi and Maafushi, staying in locally owned guesthouses for authentic comfort. The itinerary is packed with experiences: stroll the bustling streets of Male, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and join beach barbeques with new friends. Take part in cultural shows, savor traditional Maldivian snacks, and even enjoy meals with local families, all while surrounded by the turquoise Indian Ocean. Optional scuba-diving excursions are available, as well as the chance to extend your stay on a luxurious island resort for an extra touch of indulgence. The unique selling point of this trip is its genuine cultural immersion—offering not just breathtaking scenery, but real connections with Maldivian people and traditions. Perfect for explorers seeking a balance of relaxation, adventure, and local insight, this tour promises to uncover a side of the Maldives far beyond the typical resort experience.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The Maldives isn’t just for sunseekers—it’s a haven for active adventurers, too. The Maldives Active Adventure trip takes you on an eight-day guided beach tour from Male to Gan, blending classic relaxation with high-octane excitement. Dive into the Lammu atoll (featured in Star Wars Rogue One), snorkel and scuba dive in crystal-clear waters, and embark on a kayaking safari to untouched sandbars. Explore local islands by jeep and bicycle, try stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoy leisurely picnics and beach barbecues along the way.
A standout feature is the included seaplane transfer, which unlocks remote islands and a range of activities seldom found on typical Maldives trips. With flexible options for private groups, this adventure is perfect for travelers who want to pair paradise with pulse-raising fun, all while enjoying authentic glimpses of local culture and landscapes.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers