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7 Night South Male Island Hopping – Join a Group

Highlights

  • Stay in guest houses and visit local homes to share meals and stories with the family
  • Discover stunning beaches and lagoons, sandbanks, and breathtaking sunsets.
  • Snorkelling trips to see turtles, colorful fish, sharks, and dolphins.
from £1043 pp*
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7 nights

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What you'll do

Overview

Embark on a 7-night Maldivian odyssey, as you explore the vibrant local life of Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi. Immerse yourself in cultural encounters, environmental projects, watersports, and serene relaxation, creating lasting memories in this tropical haven.

This is a bucket list Maldives with a difference. Join a small group of maximum 8 people to begin your authentic Maldives experience. Staying in locally run guesthouses in great locations, visiting locals who welcome you into their home for dinner, seeing the small islands from the perspective of a local, getting to know the history, culture and cuisine whilst enjoying the stunning white beaches and turquoise waters the country is famous for.

Tour Summary:
Day 1: Arrival stay in Hulhumale
Day 2: Walking tour of Male & Dinner with a local family. Stay overnight in Guraidhoo for 2 nights
Day 3: Snorkelling and island discovery
Day 4: Speedboat trip to the reefs. Stay overnight in Maafushi for 2 nights
Day 5: Snorkelling, Dolphin spotting and Sandbank picnic
Day 6: Experience Local Life in Gulhi. Stay overnight in Gulhi for 2 nights
Day 7: Free day
Day 8: Departure

Immerse yourself in the daily rhythm of island living, from delicious local cuisine to hands-on participation in environmental  projects. Balancing adventure with relaxation, enjoy watersports and guided trips together with precious moments of tranquility against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. This immersive tour promises an unparalleled blend of cultural enrichment, environmental awareness, and the sheer bliss of the Maldivian paradise.

All the guesthouses chosen for this small group tour are run by local Maldivian hosts and  provide comfort, good service and local atmosphere. A warm welcome is waiting for you and you can rest assured that you are contributing directly to the local economy of the islands.

The adventure starts on Sunday, weekly through the year. If you would like to arrange this experience for a small private group with your family or friends please click here.

This adventure is suitable for children from age 12 – if you are interested in travelling with children please get in touch to obtain a price.

*From price based on travel for 2 people during May to July.

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

Arrival

Arrive at Malé International Airport for the start of your South Malé Island Hopping Tour. Here you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical paradise.

Join your guide at the beach side for coffee, a very popular daily activity for Maldivians, and a chance to gain your first insight into the local side of this island paradise.

Accommodation: Planktons Beach

Meals: Dinner

Walking tour of Male & Dinner with a local family

Today you will have chance to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Malé, exploring its bustling markets, historical landmarks, and cultural gems, you will visit iconic sites like the President’s Palace, Sultan Park, and the Friday Mosque.

There will be a stop for lunch at one of the many waterfront restaurants, where you can savour the local flavours before boarding the afternoon ferry to the charming island of Guraidhoo, approximately 2 hours journey, on the way you will pass by many beautiful islands, make sure you keep your eyes open for dolphins!

On arrival you will have time to settle in and unwind on the guesthouse rooftop or the local beach, and take in the mesmerizing sunset.

This evening you will share a traditional Maldivian dinner with a local family in their home immersing yourself in authentic island hospitality and culinary customs, and perhaps learn a few words of Maldivian (or Dhivehi).

Accommodation: Ocean Retreat and Spa

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Snorkelling and island discovery

Following a local style breakfast we travel by speedboat to two of the best nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue!

Your tour leader will provide a briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye.

Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimize your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water.

As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your tour leader time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque. Visit the harbour, maybe there will be fishermen with their catch. Watch children playing in the street. Discover local fruit trees as you wander the narrow maze of sandy roads.

Finally, stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.

This evening while you listen to the sound of the waves enjoy a Maldives style beach BBQ under the stars.

Accommodation: Ocean Retreat and Spa

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Speedboat trip to the reefs

Today you will start early and transfer by local ferry to the local island of Maafushi, just 20 minutes away, where after checking into the guesthouse you will be able to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring the island to get yourself acquainted and to uncover the best spots to take lunch or enjoy a refreshing juice with a view.

This afternoon, discover the story of Renee’s Coral Garden and why coral rehabilitation projects are important in the Maldives. On route to the coral nursery, snorkel the seagrass beds with your guide and discover their importance to the Maldives ecosystem.

After dinner at a local café, your guide will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley project. Providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies preparing you for our turtle snorkeling tomorrow!

Accommodation: Stingray Beach Inn

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Snorkelling, Dolphin spotting and Sandbank picnic

Today will start with an early breakfast and then we will go by speedboat to an idyllic sand bank just a short distance from Maafushi. Maldives sandbanks are a natural wonder that epitomizes the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise. Picture a pristine stretch of glistening white sand emerging from the crystal-clear turquoise waters, forming a tiny, isolated island in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

We will stop at a sandbank for a picnic lunch with time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon or just lie back and relax. Then we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef attract the turtles, and before entering the water your guide will share the turtle snorkeling code of conduct, ensuring the experience is memorable for both you and the turtles.

In the afternoon heading back to Maafushi, we will cruise the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins.Your guide and  crew are very familiar with the habits and behaviour of dolphins will keep a keen lookout for any signs of these graceful creatures.

They will share stories about the different species of dolphins found in the region, their social dynamics, and the role they play in the ecosystem, an  enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these beautiful mammals.

Following dinner, join your guide for a stroll through the island and learn how Maafushi led the development of local tourism. Complete your day in the traditional way with coffee at a local cafe.

Accommodation: Stingray Beach Inn

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Local Life

Following an early breakfast you will take a short speedboat journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi.

Once you have checked in to your guesthouse, your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boatyard and see the  huge boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).

Over your refreshment your guide will share with you how  plastic is being dealt with in the Maldives and the work being done by Parley of the Oceans to deal with plastic waste in the sea.

Ready for relaxation? You can choose to head to the bikini beach or for the more energetic join your guide for a snorkeling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi.

As the afternoon cools down there is the option to spend time on the beach, supporting the local community in a beach clean. Our reward will be a refreshing ocean swim!

Dinner this evening will be prepared by a local family,you will enjoy the delicious local recipes passed down through the generations and traditionally eaten without any cutlery!

Accommodation: Tropic Tree

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Free Day

With so many activities and excursions available, we leave today free for you to enjoy as you please. Relax on the bikini beach, or embark on an aquatic adventure like SUP, kayaking, and much more.

Optional diving trips can also be organized for certified divers.

This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner in the peaceful courtyard of your guesthouse.

Accommodation: Tropic Tree

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

 

Departure Day

Today after your last breakfast at the guesthouse, you will be transferred to Male by Ferry boat, arriving at Velana airport at 10 am.

From here you can take your flight home, or continue your Maldives island adventure by transferring to your next destination.

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers
  • All transfers between islands and accommodation
  • 7 nights accommodation
  • 1 night Hulhumale HB*
  • 2 nights Guraidhoo HB
  • 2 nights Maafushi HB
  • 2 nights Gulhi HB
  • Picnic lunch on day 5
  • Island tours and hedhika experience
  • Snorkelling, sandbank and dolphin cruise
  • Snorkelling tour and guided house reef snorkelling including equipment
  • Beach clean, seagrass and Coral Nursery Visit
  • Male City guided walking tour
  • Experienced and passionate local guide for all activities
  • All local taxes
  • *HB - Breakfast and dinner included

Accommodation

Planktons Beach (or similar)

This property is located on the beachfront with amazing views of the lagoon and sea. There are 10 modern, well-appointed rooms.

The hotel has a terrace and water sports facilities. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

Ocean Retreat & Spa (or similar)

The Ocean Retreat & Spa is located near a private beach.

It has a rooftop terrace, coffee shop/cafe, snack bar, picnic and BBQ area. The on site restaurant serves international cuisine.

Stingray Beach Inn (or similar)

Located on Maafushi Island, Stingray Beach Inn offers a relaxing atmosphere, with a restaurant serving local and international dishes, a swimming pool and hammocks in the garden, where guests can relax.

Tropic Tree (or similar)

The tropic Tree has 10 rooms, tastefully decorated in authentic style using coconut timber.

It’s just a few minute’s walk from the sandy shores of Gulhi Island.

There is a lovely garden courtyard with lush palm trees palms and a panoramic roof terrace. There are also barbecue facilities.

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

You will meet your host at Velana International Airport (MLE).

This is a small group tour (maximum 8 people) which departs on Sunday.

The tour will take you to from  Male to Guraidhoo to sample to the local life, culture and cuisine, and of course the marine life, then on to Maafushi with its stunning beaches and coral reefs and deserted sandbanks, you’ll hop to Gulhi and meet local fishermen and boat builders, before returning back to Male on Sunday morning arriving at the airport at 10am for your onward transport.

FAQs

Is alcohol allowed in the Maldives?

No. Alcohol consumption in the Maldives is illegal. In private hotel resorts alcohol can be consumed, however on this trip we are staying in locally run guesthouses and no alcohol is allowed here. Subject to availability visits to resorts, where alcohol can be served legally, can be arranged.

Are bikinis allowed to be worn in the Maldives?

Bikinis are not allowed to be worn on local public beaches in the Maldives, however all of the accommodation offer private gardens and balconies and there are tourist beach areas on the islands where bikinis may be worn.

What time is the hotel check in on day one?

Check in is at midday on day one, but if you are arriving early we will try to arrange an early check in for you subject to availability.

Are children able to come on this trip?

Yes we are happy to accommodate children from age 12.

The rooms at the guest houses are single or twin/ double share, we may be able to arrange for a triple room - please contact us to request this if needed.

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