South Maldives Island Hopping - 8 Days

Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, you will be met by your tour leader and transferred by vehicle to your guesthouse in Hulhumalé, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight and take your first steps on the sands of this suburban tropical retreat. The public beach lies just across the road, with local cafes, restaurants, and a water sports centre nearby, offering plenty to explore. If you arrive before 5.00pm, you have the option to join your guide for coffee at a beachside cafe – a popular Maldivian pastime and a great introduction to local life.

Please note: Morning and afternoon departure 09:30 and 14:30. 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 - Guraidhoo. After breakfast at the guesthouse, we transfer to Malé for a guided tour of the capital. In this compact yet bustling city, we visit key sites such as the Friday Mosque, local markets and Sultan Park. Exploring the narrow streets reveals insights into the country’s culture, history and daily life.

Following lunch, we take a public ferry to Guraidhoo in South Malé Atoll, a two-hour journey through scenic waters dotted with islands – keep watch for dolphins along the way. After settling into our guesthouse, enjoy sunset views from the roof terrace or unwind on the beach.

After dinner, your tour leader will share information about the environmental challenges facing the Maldives’ marine life and how we can contribute to protecting this fragile ecosystem.

We start the day with a traditional Maldivian breakfast before heading by speedboat to two of the area’s top snorkelling reefs. Home to vibrant marine life, these coral reefs offer the chance to spot turtles, sharks and rays. Your tour leader will provide a briefing on responsible snorkelling and assist those who are less confident in the water.

In the cooler hours of the afternoon, we explore Guraidhoo on foot. Visit the local mosque and harbour, watch children playing in the streets and identify native fruit trees as we wander through the sandy lanes. We finish at a local cafe to sample ‘hedika’ – a variety of sweet and savoury Maldivian snacks served with black tea. Dinner is enjoyed under the stars.

An early start sees us take the 20-minute public ferry to the local island of Maafushi. After checking into the guesthouse, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time to familiarise yourself with the island, discovering good spots for lunch or a refreshing drink.

This afternoon, we visit Renee’s Coral Garden to learn about coral rehabilitation efforts. En route, snorkel over seagrass beds and learn why this often-overlooked ecosystem is crucial to marine health. Your tour leader will explain why seagrass is known as the 'hero of underwater protection'.

After dinner at a local cafe, you will be introduced to the Olive Ridley Project and their work in turtle conservation and environmental monitoring – a useful background to tomorrow’s snorkelling adventure.

Today we set off in search of turtles. The soft corals on this reef attract turtles throughout the day, offering a fantastic opportunity to observe them in their natural habitat. Before entering the water, your tour leader will explain the turtle snorkelling code of conduct to ensure a respectful and memorable experience.

We then stop at a nearby sandbank, where you can swim, snorkel or simply relax on the soft white sands. A picnic lunch will be served here. On the return journey, we cruise the Indian Ocean, watching for dolphins. Your guide will share insights into the different species found locally and their role in the ecosystem.

Back on Maafushi, each guest is invited to plant a coconut palm as a lasting contribution to the island.

Maafushi - Gulhi. After an early breakfast, we take a short speedboat ride to the peaceful island of Gulhi. Once checked into the guesthouse, your guide will lead a walking tour of the island, including a visit to the boatyard, a chat with local women maintaining the streets, and a refreshing coconut drink.

Over your drink, learn about the challenges of plastic waste in the Maldives and the work being done by Parley for the Oceans. You then have the option to relax on the bikini beach or join your tour leader for a snorkel on Gulhi’s house reef. Later, take part in an optional beach clean – a chance to give back to the community, followed by a refreshing swim.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax on the bikini beach or take part in optional water sports activities.

In the evening, dinner is hosted by a local family. Traditional meals are served Maldivian-style, often without cutlery, offering an authentic dining experience.

Gulhi - Male. After breakfast, we return to Malé by public ferry, transfer across town, and continue on to Malé International Airport for your onward journey. The tour ends here.