Maldives Island Escape

Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred by the airport shuttle taxi to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical paradise. The beach is 3 min walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a watersports centre.Single room supplement (MASHMM)

Your morning begins with a captivating guided exploration of Malé's fascinating history and culture on foot. Discover the tales of the Hukuru Miskiy (Friday Mosque), visit significant historical sites, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling local markets.Following lunch, enjoy a scenic two-hour speedboat transfer to the island of Goidhoo. This charming island offers a glimpse into traditional Maldivian life, with its ancient mosques and wells. Natural highlights include rare freshwater lakes, lush mangroves, a stunning beach, and a wealth of local vegetable and fruit farms.After checking into your local island hotel, unwind with a visit to a local café for a taste of Hedika. This delightful afternoon tradition, akin to tapas, features an enticing selection of bite-sized sweet and savoury treats, perfectly paired with black tea. The day concludes with a serene sunset swim from the island's picturesque beach.

This morning, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives as you embark on your first underwater adventure. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your 'spotter' during the experience, pointing out marine life you might otherwise miss. They'll also assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. A vibrant tapestry of ocean life will unfold before your eyes, from shimmering schools of tropical fish to elusive creatures tucked within the coral, each adding to the symphony of hues that paint this underwater landscape.Back on dry land, the afternoon brings an exploration of Goidhoo island. In the 19th century, a female African slave, purchased by the king during his Hajj trip to Mecca, was formally released from slavery. A house and well were built for her to settle on Goidhoo. The freeing of slaves before the owner's death was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Today, some families from Goidhoo can trace their ancestry to this African individual.

This morning, you'll kayak one of the island's mangrove lakes to discover why mangroves are so crucial to the Maldives. Your tour leader will teach you how to paddle and manoeuvre your kayak before you set off to explore this unique ecosystem. As you navigate the waterways, your guide will share fascinating insights and stories about the delicate balance between the mangroves, the surrounding marine environment, and the local communities. They'll also highlight the vital role we all play in preserving these invaluable habitats and conserving the natural wonders of the Maldives.You'll have a free afternoon to relax on the beach or choose from a range of optional activities and watersports.After dinner, your tour leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley Project. They'll provide an insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies, getting you ready for our turtle snorkelling tomorrow!

This morning, you'll take an early public ferry to Fulhadhoo. Once you've checked into your accommodation, you'll head out by speedboat for a turtle snorkelling adventure. The soft corals on the reef you'll visit are a favourite food source for turtles, so you're likely to see them enjoying a meal! Before you enter the water, your tour leader will explain the turtle snorkelling code of conduct to ensure a respectful and memorable experience for both you and the turtles. The coral reefs here are vibrant with colourful fish and various marine life; keep an eye out for sharks and rays too.Fulhadhoo is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Baa Atoll. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a tropical forest walk to reach the island beach, which has been recognised as one of the world's top 25 beaches, where you can enjoy the sunset. Don't forget to bring your torch!

This morning, you'll meet the Women's Development Committee (WDC), an essential part of local community mobilisation. These committees provide a vital platform for women to network, collaborate, and implement initiatives for community development. Under their guidance, you'll help prepare a traditional Maldivian breakfast, learning to make mashuni (a typical dish of tuna, onion, coconut, and chilli) and roshi (flatbread). You'll then share this meal together.After lunch, you'll visit Fulhadhoo's coral nursery to discover the story behind the project and understand why coral rehabilitation is so crucial in the Maldives. You'll witness the intricate process of coral propagation first-hand, including techniques like fragment collection, nurturing, and monitoring the growth of new coral colonies.This evening, your tour leader will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust. They'll provide insight into their environmental monitoring and manta ray studies, getting you ready for your snorkelling trip tomorrow, when with the right conditions, you might even be lucky enough to spot a manta ray!

After breakfast, we'll make the most of the tranquil, beautiful reefs in this area by taking another opportunity this morning to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish and marine life. While never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, which are often sighted in this atoll. Before you enter the water, your tour leader will share the manta snorkelling code of conduct, ensuring a memorable experience for both you and the manta rays.In the afternoon, you can give back to the community that has welcomed you by participating in an island clean-up. This act is a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Your reward will be a refreshing ocean swim!

Following an early breakfast today you will check out of the guesthouse and take the speedboat for the return journey to Male, arriving back at Male International Airport by around 10:00 where your trip ends.If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Newtown Inn (price includes an airport departure transfer to meet your flight). Alternatively, you can take a later private speedboat transfer to the airport (at extra cost). There are also day package options at Hulhule Airport hotel and the Shangri La Hotel Jen to use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc. or an optional half day visit to Vilimale island which is 15 minutes from Male. Other snorkelling trips or other watersport activities are also available. Your guide and our local representatives will be happy to discuss these options with you during your tour and make any arrangements for you.Those travellers booking a resort extension will transfer from Male airport on to their resort via the resort's own transfer boat. Our local representatives will assist you with meeting this transfer though there may be a short wait depending on the resort boat's schedule.Extra day in Hulhumale - post-tour