Maldives Culture & Beaches Group Island Hopping 8D/7N

Velana International Airport Pick-Up & Transfer to Hulhumale

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale Island. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this urban tropical paradise. For those arriving early there is an optional tour to Male to enjoy sunset mocktails on the roof of one of the tallest buildings providing a bird's eye view of the surrounding islands. Overnight in Hulhumale.

Male Tour, Ferry to Guraidhoo & Dinner with a Local Family (B/D)

This morning your guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city. Visit the fish market and local market, President’s Palace, Sultan Park and Friday Mosque before transferring by local ferry to the island of Guraidhoo, in the South Male Atoll. Upon arrival in Guraidhoo you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local public beach to watch the sunset. This evening you will dine with a local family to discover traditional Maldivian food and culture. Expect great company, but don’t expect silver service, as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork! Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Snorkelling Day Trip (B/D)

Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to nearby coral reefs for your first underwater encounter! The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by an incredible diversity of marine life. Snorkel through waters teeming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays! Upon return to Guraidhoo, enjoy a free afternoon to relax on your own or participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing. This evening you’ll enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ dinner. Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Island Life Tour (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast with a local family, allowing you access to authentic Maldivian culture and cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure. As the afternoon cools down, head back on land to explore Guraidhoo accompanied by your guide for the opportunity to learn about the local way of life. Visit the local Mosque, the boatyard where you can see how the local boats are built, stop and chat with children playing in the street, and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedhika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea. This evening enjoy a beach dinner under the stars accompanied by a performance (optional extra) of traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo. Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Ferry to Maafushi, Sandbar Day Tour & Dolphin Cruise (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast before ferrying to the island of Maafushi. After checking into the guesthouse, we will head out snorkelling where you will have another chance to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Maldives. We will stop at a sandbank for a picnic lunch and time to swim or lie back and soak up the sun. Heading back to Maafushi, we will cruise the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins. Enjoy dinner at your guesthouse. Overnight in Maafushi.

Maafushi Free Day (B)

With so many activities and excursions available from Maafushi, we leave today for you to enjoy as you please. Relax on the beach, choose to visit a resort for the day, or for those feeling energetic there are many optional watersport activities available locally. Optional diving trips can also be organised for certified divers. Overnights in Maafushi.

Discover Gulhi (B)

Following an early breakfast you’ll take a short 20 minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi. Once checked in to your guesthouse, your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boat yard to stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut) watching the comings and goings at the harbour. Ready for relaxation you can choose to head to the bikini beach or for the more energetic snorkel from the island beach. Optional watersports and diving trips can be organised for certified divers.

Velana International Airport Drop-Off (B)

After breakfast you will take a ferry back to Male. You will be dropped off at Velana International Airport by 10:00am. We wish you safe travels for your journey onward!