Private North Maldives Island Hopping - 8 Days

From £1,889£236 per day

Who is this trip for

Age range

13 - 99

Start / End

  • Male
  • Male

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

13

Highlights

  • Hulhumale - Relax at a beachside café with your guide and enjoy an introduction to Maldivian island life over local coffee
  • Mathiveri - Snorkel coral-rich house reefs guided by a marine expert and watch for turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays
  • Mathiveri - Hear from local conservationists about marine challenges facing the Maldives and efforts by organisations like Save the Beach to protect its reefs
  • Ukulhas - Learn about community-led environmental initiatives and the island’s role in turtle conservation with the Olive Ridley Project
  • Rasdhoo - Cruise at sunset in search of dolphins and discover their acrobatic behaviours with insights from local guides
  • Rasdhoo - Participate in a guided beach clean-up and contribute to preserving the Maldives’ fragile island ecosystems

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Summary

PRIVATE TOUR: Discover the Maldives on this 8-day tour from Male, exploring the idyllic islands of Mathiveri, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo. You’ll snorkel vibrant coral reefs, spot turtles, sharks and—if you're lucky—majestic manta rays or whale sharks. Visit uninhabited beaches, paddle through glowing lagoons at sunset, and experience local island life through food, culture and conservation. Guided by marine experts, you'll learn about reef protection and contribute to community efforts like beach clean-ups. With a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour offers a deeper, more meaningful way to experience the natural wonders of the Maldives.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Male to Hulhumale

    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 your 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 5.00pm, 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.

  • Day 2

    Snorkelling & Marine Conservation

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

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

  • Day 3

    Snorkelling & Island Exploration in Mathiveri

    This morning, you’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, you may even spot manta rays, which are often seen in this atoll. Before entering the water, your 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 your guesthouse, your 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.

  • Day 4

    Transfer to Ukulhas & Turtle Conservation

    Mathiveri - Ukulhas. After breakfast, you will depart from Mathiveri and head to your next island, Ukulhas. Once you arrive, you’ll take time to explore the island with your 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, your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley Project, which focuses on turtle conservation and marine research. This will prepare you 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, you’ll head out for a guided snorkel along Ukulhas’ house reef, which is easily accessible from the beach. Keep watch for sea turtles as you explore the rich marine life just offshore.

  • Day 5

    Day at Leisure

    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 you’re lucky, you 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.

  • Day 6

    Snorkelling & Dolphin Watching in Rasdhoo

    Ukulhas - Rasdhoo. Today, you will set out for your final island, Rasdhoo. Depending on the sea conditions, you’ll board a boat to snorkel at a nearby reef, home to vibrant marine life. You 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, you may have the chance to observe them up close as you drift along the reef.

    In the afternoon, you will explore the island with your 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, you’ll head out for a dolphin-spotting excursion. With guidance from your experienced crew, you’ll search for dolphins known for their acrobatic displays. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local species, their behaviours, and their role in the marine environment—a magical and educational way to close the day.

  • Day 7

    Final Snorkel & Beach Clean-Up

    After breakfast, you will embark on your final underwater experience. Your guide will take you to two snorkelling sites that showcase the incredible beauty and biodiversity of the Maldives’ marine environment. It’s a fitting way to end your journey beneath the waves, leaving you 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.

  • Day 8

    Rasdhoo to Male

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

What's Included

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 7, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 6

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Sep 25

    from £1,889
  • Oct 25

    from £1,889
  • Nov 25

    from £1,889
  • Dec 25

    from £1,889
  • Jan 26

    from £1,942
  • Feb 26

    from £1,942
  • Mar 26

    from £1,942
  • Apr 26

    from £1,942
  • May 26

    from £1,889
  • Jun 26

    from £1,889
  • Jul 26

    from £1,889
  • Aug 26

    from £1,889
  • Sep 26

    from £1,889
  • Oct 26

    from £1,889

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

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