Secluded Goidhoo From Male - 5 days

Male - Goidhoo. Arrive at Male International Airport and meet the local representative for assistance with the scheduled speedboat transfer to the island of Goidhoo, a two -hour journey north-west into the southern section of Baa Atoll.

After settling into the guesthouse, head to a local café to try hedhika - an afternoon tradition across the Maldives. Between 3pm and 5pm, cafés serve a colourful assortment of bite-sized savoury and sweet treats, enjoyed with a cup of strong black tea.

As evening approaches, take a swim at the beach under the fading light before dinner. Over coffee, learn about the threats facing the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems and the small steps that can help reduce human impact.

Please note: We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

After breakfast, head out for a guided snorkelling trip. Receive a safety briefing and guidance on how to snorkel responsibly, helping to protect the reefs and marine life. With luck, there may be sightings of turtles, reef sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Later in the day, explore the island on foot. Visit key cultural sites and discover Goidhoo’s unique Afro-Maldivian heritage. Spot forest crabs known locally as Kadoofa Kakuni, hear the story behind the name ‘Horsburgh Atoll’, and learn about the Frenchman Francois Pyrard and his connection to the area.

After dinner, return to the beach where the night sky, free from light pollution, reveals a dazzling display of stars.

Begin the day with a visit to a local farm, gaining insight into small-scale agriculture in the Maldives and helping to harvest fresh produce.

Then join a local family in their home for a hands-on cooking experience. Try traditional techniques, such as grating coconut with a huni gondi, and help prepare a home-cooked meal highlighting local ingredients like tuna, coconut, and chilli.

In the afternoon, kayak through Goidhoo Koaru, one of the Maldives’ largest fringing mangrove ecosystems, protected since 2011. This biodiverse area is also a key roosting site for migratory birds. Before setting out, receive paddling tips and guidance on navigating the mangrove channels.

This evening includes a short introduction to the conservation efforts of the Manta Trust, providing helpful background ahead of the next day’s snorkelling.

This morning, take full advantage of the peaceful and vibrant reefs in the area with an opportunity to snorkel among coral gardens teeming with fish and marine life. While manta ray sightings are never guaranteed, they are often spotted in the atoll. Before entering the water, your guide will share the manta ray snorkelling code of conduct, ensuring any potential encounter is safe and respectful for both you and the rays.

In the afternoon, gain a deeper appreciation for the Maldives' underwater ecosystems by exploring the vital role of seagrass. Often misunderstood and removed due to its appearance, seagrass is in fact one of the planet’s most valuable natural resources. Accompanied by your guide, snorkel through this crucial habitat while learning how it protects marine life and coastal environments.

Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Relax by the water or, for those still feeling active, take advantage of optional watersports before watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean.

Goidhoo - Male. Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring by scheduled speedboat to Male International Airport for onward travel.