About

I discovered the Maldives almost 20 years ago, visiting as a scuba diver in search of mantas and whale sharks. I was fortunate and found a reasonably priced resort that allowed me to stay and indulge in my hobby. But then came along development and my well-loved resort went luxury and beyond my price range. So I moved to diving from a boat, which also enabled me to gain an understanding of local island life.

I always consider myself lucky to have found a group of Maldivian friends who would invite me to their family homes for dinner, share afternoon hedhika, and invite me for coffee and beetle nuts! My love and appreciation of this country, its people, its culture, and its traditions were almost immediate and resulted in me visiting the archipelago on over 30 occasions.

In 2012, the opportunity to relocate arose. I had at that point worked for UK retailer British Home Stores for over 25 years and felt it was time for a change so, with the support of a local businessman, we formed a tour company. Our mission is to introduce the real Maldives to guests and support local communities.

Ruth's Travel Expertise

Maldivians are known for their friendliness and hospitality and nothing is too much trouble for them. It was my own experience of Maldivian hospitality and their eagerness to please that gave rise to the cultural aspects of our tours which allows us to engage with local families, communities, and businesses.

The basis of our tours has always been to allow guests to learn about the Maldives, its culture, beliefs, and traditions, and what better way to do this than to see the country through the eyes of a local and experience daily life. Traveling by public ferry, staying on an inhabited island where the local community benefits directly from the income gained from tourism. Sharing breakfast with a family in their home, exchanging stories of daily life, relaxing with a coffee in a local café watching the world go by.

Expert Destinations

Expert Activities

Ruth's best travel experience

When I first arrived, there was not a speedboat network between local islands and so I would island-hop by ferry. You could choose to sit up top and watch local islands and resorts pass you by and if you were lucky you might spot dolphins. Or, sit inside among the locals returning from a shopping trip to Male. And whilst it would be very unusual to share your seat with any live animals, more often than not there would be a few motorcycles, a mattress or two, and boxes and bags of unknown purchases.

On one of my first ferry journeys, I sat on the roof traveling from Male to Himmufushi, a 90-minute journey, during which time three local women chatted with me, eager to learn where I was going and what I was doing, eager to teach me a few local words of Dhivehi and eager to marry me off to one of their sons!

Why is Ruth the right travel expert

I have visited the Maldives on over 30 occasions between 2000 and 2011 and have lived on a local island in the Maldives since 2012.

My business is my passion and I get great satisfaction from delivering memorable tours and experiences for our guests.

Our team values of service, communication, sustainability, and local experiences mean we are the number one tour company in the Maldives, and therefore, why wouldn't you tap into my expert advice?!