Explore 4 stunning local islands: Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi.Learn about preserving Maldives' biodiversity and support community projects.Indulge in beachside bliss with snorkeling, sandbanks, and mesmerizing sunsets.Witness the craftsmanship of the local dhoni boat and immerse yourself in the Boduberu dance.Experience Maldivian hospitality in guest houses, sharing meals and stories with local families.Encounter marine wonders like turtles, vibrant fish, sharks, and playful dolphins.Discover the vibrant capital city, Malé, on an insightful guided tour.
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, your South Malé Island Hopping Tour begins. You'll be warmly welcomed by your guide and escorted to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Take some time to settle in and unwind after your flight, then venture out to explore the pristine beaches of this tropical urban paradise.
For guests arriving before 5:00 pm, there's an optional opportunity to join your guide for a beachside coffee. This daily ritual is beloved among Maldivians and offers a delightful introduction to the local island culture, providing insights into the charm of this island paradise.
On the morning of the second day, your guide will lead you on a tour of the capital city, followed by a local ferry ride to Guraidhoo Island in South Malé. You'll explore the fish market, local market, President’s Palace, Sultan Park, and Friday Mosque. Enjoy lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants before boarding the afternoon ferry. Upon arrival, settle in at your accommodation and unwind either on the guesthouse rooftop or the local beach, catching the sunset.
While the Maldives boasts rich marine life, it faces threats due to human activities. During dinner at your guesthouse, your tour leader will discuss these harmful practices and ways to mitigate their impact on the ecosystem.
After breakfast, we embark on a speedboat journey to explore two of the finest nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are home to a diverse array of marine life, teeming with vibrant fish and corals. Look out for turtles, sharks, and rays amidst the azure waters! Your tour leader will brief you on responsible snorkeling practices and serve as your guide, pointing out marine life that you might otherwise miss.
Coral reefs are delicate ecosystems, so learning to snorkel responsibly is crucial to minimizing your impact on the marine environment and preserving its delicate balance. They will assist those who are less confident or new to snorkeling, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel secure in the water.
As the afternoon cools, accompanied by your tour leader, we'll explore Guraidhoo, offering insights into local life, including a visit to the Mosque. Wander through the harbour, perhaps watching fishermen unload their catch. Observe children playing on the streets and discover local fruit trees along the sandy maze of roads. Conclude with a visit to a local cafe to savor traditional 'hedika' – Maldivian savory and sweet snacks served with black tea.
In the evening, as you listen to the soothing waves, indulge in a Maldives-style beach BBQ under the starlit sky.
On day four, begin early with a transfer by local ferry to the nearby island of Maafushi, just 20 minutes away. Upon checking into the guesthouse, enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring the island to familiarize yourself with its layout and discover the best spots for lunch or a refreshing juice with a view. Your tour leader will provide insights into the history of local island tourism, discussing both its positive and negative impacts on the islands and local communities.
In the afternoon, accompanied by your tour leader, delve into the story of Renee’s Coral Garden and the significance of coral rehabilitation projects in the Maldives. En route to the coral rehabilitation site, snorkel through the seagrass beds with your guide and learn about their critical role in the Maldives' ecosystem. Despite being among the planet's most valuable ecosystems, seagrass is often considered unsightly and removed intentionally. Your tour leader will highlight the importance of seagrass, often referred to as the hero of underwater protection.
Cap off the day with dinner at a local café, where your tour leader will introduce you to the Olive Ridley Project. Gain insights into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies, preparing you for tomorrow's turtle snorkeling adventure.
After breakfast, we embark once more on the ocean adventure! Board a speedboat destined for a serene sandbank near Maafushi in the Maldives. These sandbanks are natural marvels, epitomizing the stunning beauty of this tropical paradise. Imagine pristine white sands emerging from crystal-clear turquoise waters, forming a tiny, secluded island in the vast Indian Ocean. Here, you can swim, snorkel, or simply unwind under the sun. A picnic lunch awaits before we venture into the water to snorkel in search of turtles. The rich soft corals here make it a favorite feeding ground for turtles!
Before diving in, your tour leader will share guidelines for snorkeling responsibly with turtles, ensuring a memorable experience for both you and these gentle creatures. On our way back to Maafushi, cruise through the Indian Ocean with hopes of encountering dolphins. Your knowledgeable tour leader and crew will keep a keen watch for signs of these graceful creatures, sharing insights into their species, social behaviors, and ecological importance. It's an enlightening experience that deepens your appreciation for these incredible marine mammals.
After an early breakfast on day six, we embark on a brief speedboat journey to the serene local island of Gulhi. Upon settling into your guesthouse, your guide will lead you on an island tour. You'll marvel at the boat yard, witnessing the impressive scale of boat renovations, interact with locals sweeping the streets, and rejuvenate with a chilled Kurumba (coconut drink).
During your refreshment break, your tour leader will enlighten you on the Maldives' efforts to manage plastic waste and the initiatives spearheaded by Parley of the Oceans. Plastic is a pervasive part of daily life globally, posing significant challenges here in the Maldives as well.
For relaxation, you can unwind at the bikini beach or opt for an active snorkeling session with your tour leader at Gulhi's house reef. As the afternoon mellows, you can choose to contribute to the community by participating in a beach clean-up. A refreshing ocean swim awaits as our gratitude to the welcoming community.
Tonight's dinner, prepared by a local family, offers an authentic experience—expect to dine traditionally, without the use of knives and forks, but with hearty local flavors and hospitality.
Free time to make the most of your final day in paradise.
On day 8, following breakfast you are transferred back to Malé by ferry, arriving at Velana airport by 10:00.
7 nights in a Standard Deluxe guesthouse accommodation
Daily breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 1 picnic lunch
Airport assistance
Return transfer by public ferry
Island tours and hedhika experience
Snorkeling, sandbank visit, and dolphin cruise
Guided snorkeling tour with equipment provided
Beach Clean, Seagrass, and Coral Nursery Visit
Malé City Walking tour
Services of a Secret Paradise guide
Local taxes (includes $3 green tax per person per night, 10% service charge, and 16% GST)
Travelers must possess a confirmed accommodation or tour booking.
Travelers must hold a passport or travel document valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry into the Maldives.
Travelers must have a return flight ticket.
The online traveler declaration form IMUGA must be completed within 96 hours prior to arrival in the country.
Private Double Room: USD 2798
Experience comfort and privacy with a room reserved exclusively for two.
Private Single Room: USD 1999
Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own personal space.
Twin Share Room: USD 1399 per person
Connect and make new friends by sharing a room with same-gender solo travelers.
Start
Check-in available on day one from midday
Early check-in available subject to availability
Meeting Point
Velana International Airport (MLE)
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Group Size
Scheduled group tours 1-8 people.
6 Lunches
International Flights
Travel Insurance
All pertinent details regarding travel within the Maldives will be comprehensively covered in our welcome information pack.
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the Maldives while immersing yourself in local culture and traditions by visiting inhabited islands. Our highly recommended 7-night tour integrates opportunities to engage with local life, cultivate environmental awareness, enjoy snorkeling and watersports, and indulge in moments of relaxation.
Led by your dedicated Secret Paradise tour guide, embark on a journey through four charming islands in South Malé Atoll: Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi. Explore, learn, and participate responsibly, ensuring your footprint on the Maldives is as light as possible.