7N Island Hopping Discovery
About this tour
Coconut palm fringed islands, sparkling white beaches, tranquil lagoons, turquoise blue waters studded with coloured corals and an abundance of marine life all combine to form breathtaking beauty that is the Maldives and sets the backdrop to our adventure packages.
The best way to experience this natural beauty and to gain an insight into the culture and tradition of Maldivian life is to travel to an inhabited island. This provides the opportunity to combine local island life with water sports and a little relaxation.
Travel to local islands and stay in local guesthouses; visit family homes, mosques and boat yards, All combined with plenty of snorkeling opportunities allowing discovery of the underwater beauty of the Maldives.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Velana International Airport, Maldives to Planktons Beach, Hulhumale, Maldives
Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by your guide and transferred by vehicle to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this suburban tropical paradise. The beach is 3 minute walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a water sports centre. So, there is plenty to keep you busy! For guests arriving before 5.00pm there is an option to join your guide at a beach-side cafe for coffee, a very popular daily activity for Maldivians and chance to gain your first insight into the local side of this island paradise.
Day 2: Malé, Maldives to Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives
Following breakfast served at the guesthouse you will transfer by public ferry to Male, a 20-minute journey, where a guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum and Sultan Park. After lunch transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) 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 on the roof terrace 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 3: 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 accompanied by your guide 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.
Day 4: Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives
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! On return to Guraidhoo the afternoon is free for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing. As the afternoon cools down there is the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by supporting a beach clean. Our reward will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water) followed by an ocean swim! This evening enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ under the stars.
Day 5: Guraidhoo Palm Inn, Guraidhoo, Maldives to Stingray Beach Inn, Maafushi, Maldives
Start early today for breakfast and then transfer by local ferry (07.00) to the local island of Maafushi, just 20 minutes away. After checking into the guesthouse you will have the chance to once again enjoy the underwater beauty of the Maldives. We stop at a sandbank for a picnic lunch with time to swim and snorkel in the lagoon or just lie back and relax. Heading back to Maafushi we will cruise the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins. This evening following dinner at your guesthouse 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 café.
Day 6: Stingray Beach Inn, Maafushi, Maldives
Friday is a public holiday in the Maldives and therefore we also allow you to take a rest day! Relax on the bikini beach, choose to visit a resort for the day or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional diving trips can be organised for certified divers. This afternoon, there is the option to join Maafushi Eco Dive and 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.
Day 7: Stingray Beach Inn, Maafushi, Maldives to Tropic Tree Hotel Maldives, Gulhi, Maldives
Following an early breakfast we take a short 20 minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi. Once checked in to your guesthouse, your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boat yard to stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut) watching the comings and goings at the harbour. Ready for relaxation you can choose to head to the bikini beach or for the more energetic join your guide for a final snorkeling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner in the peaceful courtyard of your guesthouse.
Day 8: Tropic Tree Maldives, Gulhi, Maldives to Velana International Airport, Maldives
After breakfast you are transferred back to Male by public ferry (approx. 07.30), across town, and on to Male airport where the tour ends. You should expect to arrive at the airport by around 10.30am. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier speedboat transfer from Gulhi to the airport (at extra cost).
What's included
Accommodation is a local island guesthouse
Insurance Meals that are not detailed as included 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 most of our guesthouses offer private gardens or private beach areas for guests.
Route & locations
Velana International Airport, Maldives to Planktons Beach, Hulhumale, Maldives