North Maldives Island Hopping - 8 Days

Male - Hulhumale. Once you have arrived at Male international airport, you will be met, and then you will take a 15-minute transfer to your accommodation in Hulhumale.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, you can enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax on the nearby beach, grab a bite at local cafes and restaurants, or visit the nearby water sports centre for some light adventure. For those arriving before 5 PM, you can join your guide at a beachside café for coffee—a favourite local pastime and a relaxed introduction to island life.

Please note: There are no ferry transfers on Fridays and public holidays. Bikinis are not permitted on local beaches but can be worn in private guesthouse areas such as gardens, balconies, or designated tourist beaches. We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

Hulhumale - Mathiveri. Today, we’ll meet our guide and take a speedboat to Mathiveri in North Ari Atoll. After a break for lunch, we’ll head out for our first snorkel on the island’s house reef. Our guide will provide a safety briefing, highlight key marine life, and assist anyone new to snorkelling to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

Our Tour Leader will introduce us to the work of the Manta Trust, sharing their efforts in marine conservation and manta ray research. In the afternoon, we’ll head out by boat for another snorkeling adventure. As we explore the colorful coral reefs, we’ll watch for turtles, reef sharks, and possibly manta rays, which are seen year-round in this region. If we’re fortunate to encounter them, we’ll follow proper guidelines to ensure a respectful and responsible experience.

Later in the day, you’ll have free time to explore the island at your own pace. Discover a local spot for lunch or visit a café to sample hedika, a traditional selection of Maldivian sweet and savory bites served with black tea, while soaking in the relaxed rhythm of island life.

This morning, we’ll set off by boat for another snorkeling adventure, exploring vibrant coral reefs full of tropical fish and diverse marine life. Keep an eye out for turtles and reef sharks, and with a bit of luck, we may even spot manta rays, which are often seen in this atoll. Before entering the water, our Tour Leader will review the manta ray code of conduct to ensure a respectful and unforgettable experience for both you and these graceful creatures.

In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to relax or explore. You may choose to visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a nearby uninhabited island with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters, where swimwear such as bikinis is permitted.

After dinner back at our guesthouse, our Tour Leader will share insights into the environmental challenges facing the Maldives and the work of local organizations like Save the Beach, which are actively working to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

Mathiveri - Ukulhas. After breakfast, we will depart from Mathiveri and head to our next island, Ukulhas. Once we arrive, we’ll take time to explore the island with our guide, learning about the Maldives’ traditional fishing culture and discovering how Ukulhas became a leader in local environmental initiatives. The island’s welcoming community and beautiful beaches offer a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Later, our Tour Leader will introduce us to the work of the Olive Ridley Project, which focuses on turtle conservation and marine research. This will prepare us for upcoming encounters in the water, so be sure to have your underwater camera ready—photos taken during snorkels can contribute to their important research database.

In the afternoon, we’ll head out for a guided snorkel along Ukulhas’ house reef, which is easily accessible from the beach. Keep watch for sea turtles as we explore the rich marine life just offshore.

This morning, the day is yours to spend as you wish. If you're feeling active, there are plenty of optional excursions available, including diving, snorkeling, and various water sports. For a more relaxed experience, you might prefer a peaceful outing to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited island, complete with a picnic lunch.

You can also join your Tour Leader for a guided snorkel along the house reef, just a short swim from the beach. For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, there’s the option to join a full-day whale shark trip to South Ari Atoll (bookable at an additional fee). This excursion is subject to availability and recent sightings. South Ari Atoll is known for its year-round whale shark population, and while sightings aren't guaranteed, the thrill of the search adds to the adventure. If we’re lucky, we may have the chance to snorkel alongside these gentle giants.

In the late afternoon, you may choose to join a sunset kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tour through the lagoon (bookable at an additional fee). As the sun dips below the horizon, take in the vibrant colors of the sky and keep an eye out for marine life—you might just spot an eagle ray or a shark gliding silently beneath the surface.

Ukulhas - Rasdhoo. Today, we will set out for our final island, Rasdhoo. Depending on the sea conditions, we’ll board a boat to snorkel at a nearby reef, home to vibrant marine life. We will see schools of reef fish such as batfish, tuna, and parrotfish moving gracefully through the water. Rasdhoo is especially known for its blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, and if the current allows, we may have the chance to observe them up close as we drift along the reef.

In the afternoon, we will explore the island with our Tour Leader. You may choose to enjoy a refreshing drink at a local café or simply unwind by the ocean, taking in the laid-back atmosphere and the sound of the waves.

As the sun begins to set, we’ll head out for a dolphin-spotting excursion. With guidance from our experienced crew, we’ll search for dolphins known for their acrobatic displays. Along the way, we’ll learn about the local species, their behaviours, and their role in the marine environment—a magical and educational way to close the day.

After breakfast, we will embark on our final underwater experience. Our guide will take us to two snorkelling sites that showcase the incredible beauty and biodiversity of the Maldives’ marine environment. It’s a fitting way to end our journey beneath the waves, leaving us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for this unique ecosystem.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to take part in a beach clean-up, giving back to the island community. Afterwards, you can enjoy a refreshing Kurumba (fresh coconut water) and a relaxing swim in the ocean.

Rasdhoo - Male. We will enjoy an early breakfast before taking a public speedboat back to Male. Once we have arrived in Male, we will be transferred to Male International Airport at approximately 10 AM, where you will greet your guide and fellow travellers before departing. Safe travels!