Our short stay package is based on the local island of Maafushi. Maafushi was once a very typical Maldivian local island but since the introduction of local tourism Maafushi is proving a popular destination for those wishing to experience the Maldives without paying resort prices. Maafushi is located in South Male Atoll and is only 90 minutes away from Male by ferry boat or 40 minutes by speedboat. There are two beaches on opposite sides of the island, one of which is a tourist bikini beach. There are a variety of local cafes and guesthouse restaurants, some situated on the harbor and with water sport and excursion providers all eager for your business Maafushi provides the ideal destination to discover the Maldives on a budget and mix with other tourists.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Male

Arrive Male International Airport where you will be greeted by your guide, who will assist you with your public ferry transfer to the local island of Maafushi in South Male Atoll. The ferry operates every day excluding FRIDAY and takes 90 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi. You can choose to sit up top and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins or sit inside and chat with the locals.

Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe Maldives local life. Experience traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local cafe.

Day 2: Snorkeling Tour

Breakfast this morning is served at your guesthouse before being taken out by boat to enjoy a 90 minute guided snorkeling trip to nearby reefs to discover the underwater world of the Maldives. This afternoon join Maafushi Eco Dive and discover the story of Renee’s Coral Garden. On route to the coral nursery snorkel the seagrass beds with your guide and discover their importance to the ecosystem. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or for those feeling a little more energetic take advantage of the many water sport options available including surfing and diving. This evening dinner is taken in the home of a local family allowing you true access to local life.

Day 3: Snorkeling + Beach Day

Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to an idyllic sandbank just a short distance from Maafushi. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax. A picnic lunch will be served before we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean its lunchtime all the time for turtles! On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. This evening dinner is taken at a local café.

Day 4: Island Hop

Following an early breakfast we take a short 20 minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi, where 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. Returning to Maafushi late afternoon to freshen up before dinner, which will be served on the beach under the stars! (Weather permitting)

Day 5: Transfer to Male

Following an early breakfast you will transfer on the early morning public ferry to Male and accompanied by a local guide you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum (entrance fee not included) and Sultan Park. (Male tour can be taken on day one if required and advised at time of booking). Transfer to Male International Airport or your onward destination.

Included:

• 4 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
• 3 Dinners including local dinner and beach dinner
• 2 Lunch including picnic lunch
• Airport and domestic transfer assistance
• Return transfer by public ferry
• Island orientation tour and Hedika Experience
• 2 Point Snorkeling tour included equipment
• Coral Nursery and Seagrass snorkeling tour including equipment
• Sandbank visit, snorkeling and dolphin cruise
• Day visit to Gulhi including island tour, lunch and return transfer
• Male City Tour and Island tours
• Services of English speaking guide
• All Local Tax (10% service charge, 12% GST and $6 Green Tax per person per night)

Accommodation Options:

• Includes deluxe room at Stingray Beach Inn or similar
• Upgrades available at Triton Beach

Transfer Options:

• Arrival in Maldives required by midday in order to take arrival ferry option included
• Departure from Maldives required after 11:00 in order to take departure ferry transfer option included
• No ferry transfers on Friday.
• Private speedboat transfer $200 one way up to 8 pax
• Shared speedboat transfer $30 one way per person

Scheduled Tours:

Scheduled tour departs every Sunday