Private Maldives Goidhoo Atoll Adventure - 8 Days

Male - Hulhumale - Villimale - Hulhumale. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you’ll be met by your Maldivian guide and transferred to your guest house in Hulhumale. After you have checked in, you will travel across Male to the quieter island of Villimale, where you will wander peaceful streets lined with pastel-toned homes and observe daily island life.

With your guide, wander through pastel-coloured streets, passing vibrant local houses as you gain insight into how development impacts nearby coral reefs. You will also meet the dedicated team at Save the Beach, a local NGO safeguarding the Maldives’ marine ecosystems through reef monitoring, beach cleans, and community-led education.

Please note: Please ensure that you arrive before midday on day 1 at Velana International Airport. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so alcohol is unavailable on local islands. 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 - Male - Goidhoo. After breakfast, you will explore Male on foot with your guide, uncovering the stories of Hukuru Miskiy, The Friday Mosque, pausing at historical landmarks, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the local markets filled with spices, produce, and island chatter.

After time for lunch, you board a speedboat for the two-hour journey to Goidhoo, a culturally rich island known for its ancient mosques, freshwater lakes—rare in the Maldives—mangroves, and thriving fruit and vegetable farms.

By late afternoon, you will stop at a local café to sample hedhikaa, the Maldivian take on afternoon tea between 3-5 PM, with a selection of bite-sized sweet and savoury snacks served with black tea. As the sun begins to set, you head to the beach for a refreshing swim.

Today, you begin with a guided snorkelling adventure, immersing yourself in the Maldives’ breathtaking marine life. Your guide will give a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and remain nearby as a ‘spotter’, pointing out vibrant tropical fish and hidden coral creatures. Those less confident will receive extra support to ensure comfort and safety as you explore the colourful underwater world.

In the afternoon, you will explore the island of Goidhoo, uncovering its rich history. You will hear the story of a 19th-century African woman, once a slave bought by the king during his pilgrimage to Mecca, who was freed and settled here with a house, well built for her. This tradition of freeing slaves before an owner’s death was common among Maldivian nobility, and some local families still trace their lineage back to this remarkable ancestor.

This morning, you'll set out to kayak across one of the island’s serene mangrove lakes. The guide will teach you how to paddle and steer the kayak before you begin exploring this unique ecosystem. As you glide through the waterways, learn about the vital role mangroves play in the Maldives, balancing marine life and supporting local communities. The guide will share insights into the importance of preserving these delicate habitats and how you can contribute to protecting the islands’ natural heritage.

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax on the beach or take advantage of the optional activities and watersports on offer.

After dinner, your guide will introduce the important work of the Olive Ridley Project, offering insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle conservation efforts—an inspiring lead-up to tomorrow’s turtle snorkeling experience.

Goidhoo - Fulhuadhoo. This morning, travel by public ferry to the nearby island of Fulhadhoo. After checking into your local accommodation, set out on a speedboat adventure to snorkel the vibrant reefs surrounding the island. These soft coral gardens are a favourite feeding ground for turtles—so keep your eyes peeled!

Before entering the water, your guide will provide a briefing on the turtle snorkeling code of conduct, ensuring a respectful and rewarding encounter. The reefs here are alive with colourful fish and, with luck, you may also spot rays or reef sharks gliding by.

In the late afternoon, explore Fulhadhoo on foot, following a tropical forest path to the beach. Regularly ranked among the top 25 beaches in the world, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. As night falls, don’t forget to bring a torch for the walk back beneath the stars.

Today, you will meet the inspiring women of the local Women’s Development Committee, who play a vital role in empowering the community through networking and collaborative initiatives. Under their guidance, you will learn to prepare a traditional Maldivian breakfast, including mashuni—a blend of tuna, onion, coconut, and chilli—and roshi flatbread.

In the afternoon, visit Fulhadhoo’s coral nursery and learn about the importance of coral rehabilitation in the Maldives. Discover how the project works, from fragment collection to nurturing and monitoring new coral growth. This hands-on experience offers insight into the science and care behind preserving the country’s marine ecosystems.

This evening, your guide will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust. Learn about their efforts in environmental monitoring and manta ray research—an engaging lead-in to tomorrow’s snorkeling adventure, where, if conditions are right, you may be fortunate enough to encounter these graceful giants in the wild.

After breakfast, take full advantage of the calm, vibrant reefs in the area with another opportunity to snorkel among coral gardens teeming with colourful fish and marine life. While sightings are never guaranteed, manta rays are often spotted in the atoll, and with a bit of luck, you may encounter these graceful giants. Before entering the water, your guide will provide a briefing on the manta snorkelling code of conduct to ensure a respectful and memorable experience for both you and the mantas.

In the afternoon, give back to the local community by joining an island clean-up. This hands-on activity is a meaningful reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and caring for the environments we explore. Afterwards, cool off with a well-deserved swim in the ocean.

Fulhuadhoo - Male. After your final breakfast, a speedboat will collect you at 10 AM for transfer back to Male where you will be escorted to Velana International Airport for your departure. This will mark the end of the tour. Safe travels!