3 Nights Cultural Stay
About this tour
For a long time the Maldives has not been considered a destination suitable for an affordable stay. But since the introduction of local island guesthouses, the Maldives is beginning to find itself on the backpacker map. Our 3 night breaks are designed to either work as a self-contained Maldives experience, an add on to a resort stay or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago.
Staying on Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll, explore this quiet typical fishing island with sandy roads and palm trees. Discover locals going about their daily routine and carpenters at the local shipyard traditionally constructing typical local dhoni boats. Make friends with a local family over a traditional local dinner in their home.
Snorkel the aqua marine waters and encounter a myriad of marine life or for those feeling energetic participate in Scuba diving, surfing, kiting and windsurfing for which the conditions in this area are excellent in season.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Velana International Airport, Maldives to Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque. After lunch transfer by local ferry to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your eyes open for dolphins! Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!
Day 2: Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives
Following breakfast, accompanied by your guide, take a few steps from the beach into the ocean to explore the House-reef of Guraidhoo for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. 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 time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life. Visit the boatyard to learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built. Stop, by the harbour where fishermen may be bringing in their catch. Chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.
Day 3: Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives
Following a local style breakfast 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 colorful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! On return to Guraidhoo the afternoon is free for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing. This evening enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ under the stars with the option to include traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.
Day 4: Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives to Velana International Airport, Maldives
Following an early breakfast you will transfer by early morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
What's included
Accommodation - Local Island Guesthouse
Insurance Any Meals not detailed in itinerary
What to know
The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands. Subject to availability day/evening visits to resorts can be arranged. Bikinis are also not allowed to be worn on local island public beaches; however our guesthouses offer private gardens or private beach areas for guests.
Route & locations
Velana International Airport, Maldives to Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives