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.
Absolutely loved my Dhoni snorkelling adventure in the Maldives. Magic!
The sealife was sublime - the hawksbill turtles, dolphins, tropical fish and sharks were phenomenal. Unfortunately the coral was extensively bleached but trying to rejuvenate.
Our guide Teddie was exceptional, skilled at positioning our small group in the best snorkelling spots and capturing it/ us on camera. The crew worked tirelessly - Chef Asitha and Waiter Libee produced delicious banquets for every meal, .Captain Anees took us where we needed to go and Rahul kept a watchful eye whilst we were snorkelling and kept things ship-shape.
As expected, the accommodation was very basic, but met all our needs.
Tips:
1. Follow Explore!’s recommendation and bring a smallish soft bag - the drawers under the bunks are roomy and you actually need very little ;
2. Ignore Explore!’s recommendations and allow more for tips than the 25sterling recommended. The team work tirelessly to provide outstanding experiences.
3. Bring sunscreen and shirts for sun-protection.
I did this trip as an extension to a Sri Lankan tour and it was a fabulous combo: its going to be hard to beat and especially hard to beat the value.
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
An excellent 3 weeks with 2 excellent guides. Sri Lanka section was well organised by our guide Nala. he tweaked the itinerary so that we got the very best out of our time and imparted so much information about every aspect of Sri Lanka. He kept us on time fitting extra stops in if we were passing something to see like a banana market and fishermen hauling nets in on the beach. Accommodation was exactly as described and the usual Explore authentic assortment of comfortable and more rustic.
There were lots of English style plug sockets in the hotels, but i would take an adaptor as well just in case.
Highlights were climbing Adams Peak starting at 2am, and passing some very elderly people making the pilgrimage to the temple at the top. A unique experience. Also the train journey over 9 arch bridge. Great fun.
Maldives- again we had a superb guide- Moosa. Extremely knowledgeable about the ocean and also gave us a lot of fascinating history and politics background of the Maldives. Island visits provided an insight into the real country.
The boat was spacious clean and comfortable. Didn't expect the hotel like room services - bed making and towel changing! Food on the boat was amazing. Plentiful and a variety of dishes inc freshly caught fish. Had 2 snorkels a day building up the length and difficulty of them. So many colourful fish, it was like swimming in a tropical fish tank. Also saw turtles, moray eels, sharks and rays including a manta. The tender was always out with us keeping an eye on us whilst snorkelling.
Overall a fabulous itinerary and guides on land and sea
Active and outdoorWildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
Active and outdoor
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Explore leader: for Sri Lanka only satisfactory. Not easy to understand, didn't seem to feel part of the group, didn't join us for meals, a poor communicator (relative to past explore trips)
For the dhoni Maldives cruise: Moosa was excellent in every way.
Active and outdoorWildlife
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
Dreaming of swaying palms, turquoise waters, and golden sands? The "Dazzling Maldives and Qatar" tour invites you to experience paradise and the exotic in one perfectly crafted getaway. Your adventure begins in the Maldives, where you’ll stay at the renowned Kurumba Maldives resort—famed for its stunning views and serene ambiance. Unwind on powder-soft beaches, explore vibrant coral reefs during an optional snorkeling excursion, and soak up the island’s magical atmosphere at your leisure.
Then, shift gears as you jet off to Doha, the capital of Qatar. Here, bustling souks, gleaming skyscrapers, and rich Islamic heritage await. Stroll through the city’s lively markets or opt for a guided city sightseeing tour to discover highlights like the Museum of Qatar and Pearl Island. This trip uniquely blends barefoot luxury with urban exploration, providing a rare opportunity to experience both island tranquility and cosmopolitan excitement in one journey.
Perfect for experienced travelers who crave relaxation and cultural intrigue, this small-group tour package includes accommodations, transport, and most meals—leaving you free to savor every moment. The USP? Nowhere else can you transition so smoothly from the beaches of the Maldives to the cultural mosaic of Doha, making memories that truly span worlds.
City sightseeingBeach
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Curious about how to blend the futuristic skylines of the UAE with the idyllic beaches of the Maldives? The "Discover Dubai Abu Dhabi and The Maldives" tour is an 11-day guided journey that brings together the architectural marvels and cultural highlights of two world-class destinations. Begin in Dubai, where you’ll traverse Palm Jumeirah and explore awe-inspiring cityscapes. Continue to Abu Dhabi, home to the iconic Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque and thrilling attractions like Ferrari World. The final leg of your trip whisks you to the Maldives, where you’ll unwind at the luxurious Kurumba Maldives Resort, enjoying pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and total relaxation. With accommodation, transportation, and meals included, the unique selling point of this tour is its rare combination of urban adventure and tropical tranquility—providing a truly diverse travel experience for those seeking the best of both worlds.
BeachChill out
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Embark on a captivating journey that encompasses the wonders of ancient history and the marvels of modern architecture. Your tour begins in the mesmerizing city of Dubai, renowned for its distinctive contemporary structures and awe-inspiring skylines. Witness the architectural prowess of this city as you delve into its vibrant atmosphere. Next, venture to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a captivating metropolis where the skyline evolves, sandy shores beckon, and iconic buildings leave a lasting impression. Explore the legendary Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, the renowned Louvre Museum, and immerse yourself in the world's largest shopping malls. Conclude your Dubai adventure with an unforgettable experience before embarking on a flight to the enchanting Maldives. Stroll along the pristine white-sand beaches, where vibrant corals and exotic marine life await your discovery. Luxuriate in the warmth of the sun and revel in the breathtaking beauty of this magical island paradise. Your remarkable tour of Dubai and the Maldives concludes amidst the serene splendor of this captivating destination.
City sightseeingBeachWildlife
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers
Imagine gliding over turquoise waters and basking on sun-drenched sands—welcome to the "Marvelous Maldives" tour package, a six-day independent beach trip designed for discerning travelers craving both luxury and relaxation. Your adventure starts and ends in the vibrant city of Male, serving as your gateway to paradise.
Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Villa Park – Sun Island Resort and Spa is your home base for this Maldivian escape. Each villa—whether perched above the water or nestled on the beach—offers breathtaking views and private outdoor spaces, ensuring a sense of serenity and exclusivity. The resort’s diverse dining experiences range from international buffets to intimate, candlelit meals by the shoreline, promising to satisfy every palate.
Beyond relaxation, adventure awaits at every turn. Snorkel amid colorful reefs, dive into the crystal-clear sea, or kayak along tranquil lagoons. For guests seeking total rejuvenation, the Sun Spa offers a sanctuary of wellness, while the infinity pool and fitness center provide both leisure and activity options. Families and adults alike will appreciate the Kids’ Club and the resort’s seamless blend of indulgence and comfort.
This trip is tailored for experienced travelers who value the freedom of a self-guided experience without sacrificing the amenities of a world-class resort. With a relaxed activity level, the tour is perfect for those looking to unwind, indulge in gentle water sports, or simply savor the rhythm of island life.
The unique selling point of this Maldives tour package is its balance of luxury, flexibility, and adventure—all set in a tropical paradise renowned for its sapphire waters and white-sand beaches. Let the Maldives’ tranquil beauty revitalize your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and inspired long after your journey ends.
Beach
Tour Type
Independent TourTypically a private tour undertaken by one or two travelers