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7 Night Goidhoo Atoll Experience

Highlights

  • Snorkel the clear turquoise waters of the reef, see colourful coral and vibrant marine life
  • Kayak through the mangroves
  • Learn to cook delicious local dishes
  • Discover a Robinson Crusoe Island and have a beach BBQ
From £1990 pp*
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7 nights

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What you'll do

Overview

This is a Maldives trip with a difference! Enjoy the stunning white beaches and crystal blue waters and experience the authentic Maldives in the beautiful Baa Atoll. Snorkel in the marine-rich tropical waters, learn to cook authentic Maldivian dishes, kayak through mangroves and even discover a Robinson Crusoe island!

This is a  Maldives bucket list holiday with a difference! Experience the authentic Maldives visiting three islands of the Baa Atoll where you can will enjoy the simple life of the local Maldivians. You will stay in locally run guest houses, discover markets, ancient mosques and wells, visit a freshwater lake and kayak  through mangroves. You will visit a coral conservation project and snorkel to see turtles, sharks and rays in pure turquoise water. There is a local cooking class where you’ll make a traditional lunch and you’ll take a boat trip to discover your very own Robinson Crusoe island and stay there for the perfect sunset beach BBQ. So many unforgettable experiences in one trip!

The trip starts in Male where you’ll be met by your local guide, you’ll stay overnight in Male, take a guided tour of the city and visit Villimale to see the coral reef conservation project there. On day two you will take a speedboat to the island of Goidhoo with its fresh water lakes, vegetable farms and beautiful beach, enjoy guided walking tours, your first snorkelling experience of the trip and kayaking on a mangrove lake . In Fehendhoo you’ll snorkel to spot turtles, sharks and rays, and in Fulhadhoo take  forest walks and see the stunning sunset at one of the world’s top beaches. You’ll learn to cook like a local and visit a real deserted island!

Tour Summary:
Day 1: Arrive in Male  – Overnight Hulhumale
Day 2: Speedboat transfer to Goidhoo –  Overnight Goidhoo
Day 3: Overnight Goidhoo
Day 4: Speedboat transfer to Fehendhoo – overnight Fehendhoo
Day 5: Speedboat transfer to Fulhadhoo – overnight Fulhadhoo
Day 6: Fulhadhoo
Day 7: Fulhadhoo
Day 8: Departure

*From price based on travel for 2 people during May to July. For larger groups or solo travellers please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

*Please note that all accommodation will be reserved at time of booking. Depending on availability there may be changes to similar accommodation.

Please note: this is a private itinerary but on some experiences throughout the tour you may join a small group.

Arrival and Villimale eco tour

On arrival at Velana International Airport you will be welcomed by your local Maldivian guide, and transferred to your first accommodation in Hulhumale.

After settling into your guest house, you will  travel across Male to the smaller neighbouring island of Villimale, where you will  discover the quieter side of city life in the Maldives. Accompanied by your guide, you will wander the quiet streets with their traditional pastel coloured houses, witness how development is impacting the coral reefs and learn more about the challenges faced by this island nation. Whilst on the island you will also learn about the conservation efforts of Save the Beach. This inspiring NGO is working to maintain the Maldives aquatic ecosystems. The project monitors nearby reefs, organises beach cleans and engages locals through education.

Accommodation: Newtown Inn

Meals: Dinner

 

 

Male city tour and traditional afternoon tea

After breakfast spend the morning exploring Male on foot with your guide. Learn the stories of Hukuru Miskiy – The Friday Mosque, visit key points of interest that weave their history into the story of this unusual capital city and take in the aroma and flavours at the local markets.

After time for lunch you will board a speedboat for the two-hour journey to the island of Goidhoo. Goidhoo is quite a large island by Maldivian standards and has lush tropical vegetation, freshwater lakes and several fruit and vegetable farms, there are beautiful beaches and excellent snorkelling on the reefs. The island is famous for its large crabs which are mostly nocturnal and can be spotted by the shores of the lakes at sunset.

After checking into your locally owned guest house you will drop by a local cafe to sample traditional hedika. This afternoon tradition is best described as the Maldives equivalent of tapas! Walk into any café between 3pm and 5pm and you will find an array of bite size savoury and sweet delights, served with black tea. Then it’s time to hit the beach for a sunset swim.

Accommodation: Olive Goidhoo

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Island tour and guided snorkelling

This morning immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives as you embark on your first underwater adventure. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ during the experience, pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye, also assisting  inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring that equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. The vibrant colours of the ocean life will unfold before your eyes, from shimmering shoals of tropical fish to elusive creatures tucked within the coral, creating a stunning underwater landscape.

Back on dry land, in the afternoon you will explore the island of Goidhoo. In the 19th century, a female African slave of the king was formally released from slavery, a  house and a well were built for her to settle on Goidhoo.

The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. To this day  there are families from Goidhoo who can trace their family trees back to this freed slave.

Accommodation: Olive Goidhoo

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Mangrove Kayaking and Fehendoo island tour

Start your day with a splash of adventure as we kayak through the mangrove lakes of the island. With easy-to-follow coaching from your guide, you’ll be paddling like a pro as we explore this unique Maldivian ecosystem. Cruise through the waterways, and let your guide share fascinating tales about how mangroves, the marine surroundings, and local communities coexist. Gain an appreciation for the importance of preserving these habitats and the role we can play in safeguarding the natural wonders of the Maldives.

In the late afternoon, you’ll hop on a speedboat to your next destination, Fehendhoo, one of the Baa Atoll’s least populated islands. Your guide will lead you on an island exploration, uncovering the intriguing history of the island. In 1602, the Frenchman Francois Pyrard found himself stranded here, and his attempts to learn the local language earned him favour with the locals, providing a unique insight into the mysterious atolls of the Maldives between the 14th and 19th centuries. The wreck of his ship, the Corbin, still rests on the reef, tantalizingly holding untold treasures. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the lucky one to uncover the secrets!

Accommodation: Island Luxury

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Snorkelling, forest walk and a stunning sunset

Today we will head out for another guided snorkeling tour. Why? Because you are in the Maldives, which is 99% ocean, and each snorkeling experience is unique!!

Fehendhoo is surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs that are teeming with colourful fish and sea mammals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays.

Late afternoon, we will transfer by speedboat to Fulhadhoo, arguably one of the most beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll. After checking into your accommodation we take a tropical forest walk and then enjoy a beautiful sunset at the island beach which has been ranked in the world’s top 25 beaches. It will be helpful to bring a torch for the walk back.

Accommodation: Island Luxury Dive Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Cooking class, sandbank swim and beach BBQ

In the morning, get ready to meet the incredible ladies from the local Women’s Development Committee (WDC). These dynamic groups play a vital role in empowering local women, fostering connections, and implementing community development projects. Under their guidance, you will dive into the world of Maldivian cooking as you learn to whip up mashuni (a delicious dish of tuna, onion, coconut, and chili) and roshi (flatbread). Then you can sit down together to share a delightful meal and stories.

After a satisfying lunch, embark on an idyllic  journey through Goidhoo Atoll, discovering breathtaking sandbanks along the way. Your ultimate destination? An uninhabited Robinson Crusoe island. As you step onto its pristine shores, embrace the feeling of being an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that seems as though it is made just for you. The island’s inviting beaches beckon you to wander and uncover their hidden treasures. As the sun begins its descent, casting golden and orange hues across the sky, relish the local flavors of a traditional fish and coconut BBQ – the perfect way to end your day in this island paradise.

Accommodation: Island Luxury Dive Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Coral conservation project and beach clean

Start your day with a visit to Fulhadhoo’s coral nursery after breakfast, where you’ll discover the critical significance of coral rehabilitation initiatives in the Maldives. A chance to watch the meticulous process of coral propagation, involving techniques like fragment collection, nurturing, and monitoring the growth of new coral colonies.

In the afternoon, contribute to your warm hosts, the Maldivian community by taking part in an island clean-up, if you wish,  not only giving back, but alsop reminding us of the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Your well-earned reward will be a refreshing dip in the ocean!

As the day winds down, indulge in a delicious dinner featuring traditional Maldivian dishes accompanied by lively live music, creating a delightful atmosphere beneath the sparkling stars.

Accommodation: Island Luxury Dive Hotel

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Departure Day

Today after breakfast you will be transferred  to Velana International Airport by scheduled speedboat arriving by 10:00, for your onward journey home or to your next destination.

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers
  • Public speedboat transfers
  • 7 nights deluxe guest houses accommodation
  • 1 night Hulhumale HB*
  • 2 nights Goidhoo HB
  • 1 night Fehendhoo HB
  • 3 nights Fulhadhoo HB
  • Male city walking your
  • Island tours and hedhika experience
  • Snorkelling tours with equipment
  • Local guide for all activities
  • Kayaking tour of the mangrove lakes
  • Guided tropical forest walk
  • Cooking class and lunch with the women's development committee
  • Visit to an uninhabited island and beach BBQ
  • Visit to a coral nursery conservation project
  • *HB - Breakfast and dinner included

Accommodation

Newtown Inn (or similar)

Newtown Inn is a boutique locally owned guest house with 10-rooms located in the heart of Hulhumale, just a short walk from the beach.

There is a restaurant on site.

Olive Goidhoo (or similar)

Olive Goidhoo is a 12-bedroom guest house with an outdoor terrace, that overlooks the island’s vast agricultural fields and the ocean.

Omala Café & Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining facilities. Snacks and drinks from our Juice Bar can be enjoyed on the rooftop terrace while relishing the dramatic sunset.

Island Luxury (or similar)

Located in Fehendhoo, Island Luxury Fehendhoo features a private beach area with a pretty garden area and outdoor dining.

The accommodation provides evening entertainment and room service.

A buffet, à la carte or continental breakfast can be enjoyed at the property. At Island Luxury Fehendhoo you will find a restaurant serving international cuisine. Vegetarian and halal options can also be requested.

Island Luxury Dive Hotel (or similar)

Island Luxury Dive Hotel is located just a short walk from the island’s tourist beach. The property is situated facing the stunning forest, showcasing the lush greenery that that is abundant on the island.

A buffet, continental or American breakfast is available each morning at the property. At Island Luxury Dive Hotel - Fulhadhoo you will find a restaurant serving local, Asian and international cuisine. Vegetarian, dairy-free and halal options can also be requested.

There is a kitchenette located on the first floor where guests can prepare snacks and beverages independently, if they wish.

Your local host

Maldives Paradise Team

We are an award winning sustainable tour company. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, our guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit where ever possible any negative impact to local life. We are based in the Maldives and we specialise only in the Maldives. Through our connections with The Maldives Ministry of Tourism we receive the most up to date travel advice and tourism announcements as they are made. We make it our business to know what is happening throughout the Maldives so that you don’t have to spend time researching. We have visited every local island and every resort we recommend, we have stayed at every accommoda... Read All

We are an award winning sustainable tour company. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, our guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit where ever possible any negative impact to local life. We are based in the Maldives and we specialise only in the Maldives. Through our connections with The Maldives Ministry of Tourism we receive the most up to date travel advice and tourism announcements as they are made. We make it our business to know what is happening throughout the Maldives so that you don’t have to spend time researching. We have visited every local island and every resort we recommend, we have stayed at every accommodation option to ensure we can provide you accurate, honest advice and information. We audit our property partners on an annual basis to ensure the standards we require for our guests are maintained and you are ensured a safe and comfortable stay. We care about each individual guest’s needs and requirements. We know that everyone travelling counts and so will always be happy to tailor-make an experience.

Maldives Paradise Team image

Location

This tour begins at Velana Airport Male where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your guesthouse. You will stay one night in Male and then take a speedboat transfer to the island of Goidhoo for two nights, then on to the islands of Fehendhoo and Fulhadhoo. This bucket list trip with a difference takes you to beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll where you will meet with locals, visit deserted beaches, see an eco  project and experience the authentic Maldives. The trip ends 8 days later in Velana airport from where you can travel on to your next destination.

FAQs

Is alcohol served in the Maldives?

The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands. The large international resorts do serve alcohol, but not the local guest houses on this trip.

Are bikinis allowed to be worn in th Maldives?

Bikinis are not allowed to be worn on local island beaches; however, all of our guesthouses offer either private gardens, balconies or tourist beach areas for guests where bikini swimwear can be worn.

What is the minimum and maximum number of people in this group

This is a private group minimum 2 people, maximum 8 people. sharing twin / double rooms.

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