This particular island hopping tour is designed to allow guests more flexibility and choice without having a meticulously planned and scheduled tour. Part of the excitement of traveling is arriving at a new destination and exploring. We are also aware that on some days you may wake up and decide today I fancy doing nothing. With this tour we will do the groundwork for you. We will book all accommodation and breakfast, organize and assist with your public ferry transfers and ensure there is always a guide on hand. This leaves you the responsibility of deciding what you want to do and when you want to do it. All of which can be organized during your trip or in advance if you prefer a more scheduled itinerary.

There are plenty of activities for you to select from including but not limited to discover SCUBA diving, diving, sunset cruises, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, evening fishing trips, sandbank visits, resort day visits and beach BBQs.

We are also happy to tailor-make your tour should you wish to shorten or extend your trip.

All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary Wi-Fi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story comprised of a maximum of 10 rooms. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.

Hulhumale, North Male Atoll, is a suburban island just a 10-minute taxi ride from Male International Airport. This artificial island was reclaimed from the sea to offer alternative living space outside of Male and whilst not a 5* resort Hulhumale provides the ideal base as a start or finishing point to Maldives holiday.

There are plenty of local coffee shops and restaurants. A small local shopping area, bank and hospital. The public beach located along the east side of the island is an endless stretch of sand and provides the ideal location to stretch your legs or just relax. The capital Male is just a 20 minute ferry journey away and for those who like to end their day with a beer the only hotel serving alcohol on a local island is a short bus journey close to the airport.

The island of Rasdhoo is surrounded by the breathtaking ocean and is approximately 60km from Male. Rasdhoo is an inhabited local island offering a great place to see the culture of Maldivian people with a population of around 600.

Ukulhas is situated in north Ari Atoll an area widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world. Ukulhas has an abundance of green vegetation as well as beautiful white sandy beaches and provides the ideal opportunity to discover Maldivian culture.

Mathiveri is a small island. A large part of the community is involved in yellowfin tuna fishing. There are a couple of local restaurants and a handful of souvenir and local shops. In the center of the island is a 500 year old Banyan tree which acts as a landmark from the ocean. The lagoon is large and clear and when the season is right it is possible to snorkel or swim with manta rays on the outside reef. The island has a private tourist beach with sun umbrellas and sun loungers.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Male

Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical urban paradise. For those arriving early there is an optional walking tour to the island of Villimale situated on the west side of Male which is often described as the ‘quieter side of Male’.

Day 2: Male Tour + Island of Mathiveri

Following breakfast served at the guesthouse you will transfer to Male, where your tour leader will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including The Friday Mosque, local markets and Sultan Park. Following time for lunch transfer by afternoon speedboat to the local island of Mathiveri, North Ari Atoll. Your guide will provide a briefing on the island and highlight activities available before a refreshing evening swim.

Day 3: Explore Mathiveri Reefs

Following breakfast explore the reefs close to Mathiveri 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. Once you have your confidence there are regular snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs giving non divers the opportunity to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs in this area. As the afternoon cools down wander this quiet island that still retains a local feel. Your tour leader will provide the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque. Stop and 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 4: Island of Ukulhas

Today transfer to our next local island destination of Ukulhas. Take time to explore the island with your guide and learn more about the tradition of fishing in the Maldives and discover why it was the island that led the way for environmental practices. Not only does Ukulhas have some beautiful beaches, the local community here are particularly friendly and will be delighted to engage in conversation with you and show off their home island. The house reef at Ukulhas is worth getting in the water for and can be accessed easily from the beach. This afternoon your tour leader will accompany you on a guided house reef snorkel, be sure to keep your eyes open for turtles. We will also visit the coral nursery where your tour leader will explain the process of coral reef rehabilitation.

Day 5: Free Day 

Following breakfast the day is yours to do as you please. For the energetic enjoy the many excursions available including diving, snorkeling and a variety of watersports. For those less active perhaps an excursion with a picnic lunch to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island suits. Why not book a whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll? South Ari Atoll is 90 minutes by speedboat and is very lucky to have a probable unique year-round population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. You may encounter 1 or 2 sharks in half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience Late afternoon head out for sunset kayaking or SUP tour. Kayak through the beautiful lagoon whilst enjoying the wonderful colours as the sun sets in the ocean.

Day 6: Island of Rasdhoo

Today we transfer to our final island destination of Rasdhoo. Once again you will be provided with a briefing on the island and activities available. Spend the afternoon exploring the island with your guide, stop for a refreshing drink at a local café or just relax by the ocean listening to the gentle lap of the waves on the shore. This evening before the sun sets we head out in search of dolphins which can often be seen jumping and spinning as the sun sinks on the horizon.

Rasdhoo is close to some of the best dive sites in the Maldives so if you’re a diver get yourself signed up at the local dive centre. Divers may wish for an early start tomorrow and opt to join a dive to Hammerhead Point. During the manta season (November to April) there are opportunities for spectacular close encounters with these majestic large rays.

Day 7: Snorkelling

Following breakfast we head out for our final 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.

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!

Day 8: Transfer to Male

Following an early breakfast join the speedboat for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at 09:00

Including:

• 7 Night Standard accommodation including breakfast
• Airport and domestic transfer assistance
• Local Island Return transfer by speedboat
• Inter-Island Transfers by public ferry
• Local island tours and Hedika Experience
• Guided house reef snorkeling including equipment
• 2 Guided snorkeling trips by boat including equipment
• Dolphin cruise
• 1 Hour Guided Sunset Kayak
• Tour Leader
• All Local Tax (10% Service Charge, 12% GST and $3 Green Tax per person per night)

Accommodation Options:

• Includes standard room at
• Point Inn Hulhumale
• Tranquila Maldives Rasdhoo
• Hotel Ostrov Ukulhas
• Royal Reef Inn Mathiveri or similar subject to availability

Transfer Options:

• Arrival in Maldives at any time day one
• No ferry transfers on Friday.

Scheduled Tours:

• Departs the FOURTH SUNDAY every month