Maldives Island Hopping in Paradise

Company : Secret Paradise Maldives
Location : Kaafu Atoll
Duration: 1 week to 1 week
Approx Costs: 1000 to 1000 $ Dollars (US)
Group Size 5-10
Tour Code : OW365/001

Coconut palm fringed islands, sparkling white beaches, tranquil lagoons, turquoise blue waters studded with coloured corals and an abundance of marinelife 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 watersports and a little relaxation. Travel to local islands and stay in local guesthouses; visit family homes, mosques and boat yards, All combined with SCUBA diving and snorkeling, allowing discovery of the underwater beauty of the Maldives.

Itinerary

DAY ONE:
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.

DAY TWO:
This morning your guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city before transferring by local ferry to the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male. Visit the fish market and local market, Presidents Palace, Sultan Park and Friday Mosque. Stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants overlooking the water front before boarding the afternoon ferry. Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing on the beach or on the terrace of your guesthouse to watch the sun go down, followed by dinner freshly cooked at the guesthouse.

DAY THREE:

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 FOUR:

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 FIVE:

Start early today for breakfast and then transfer by local ferry 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 SIX:

Friday is a public holiday in the Maldives and therefore we also allow you to take a rest day! Relax on the bikini beach, 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 SEVEN:

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 EIGHT:
Following breakfast you are transferred back to Male by the 07:30 public ferry and on to Male airport.

Travel

Airport Pickup
Boat / Ferry

Accomodation

Accomodation Included
Guesthouse

Meals

Breakfast
Dinner

Tour Price

INCLUDED: 7 Night standard deluxe room accommodation including breakfast 6 Dinners including local dinner subject to Safe Tourism Guidelines and BBQ dinner 1 Picnic lunch Airport and domestic transfer assistance Local Island Return transfer by ferry Hedika Experience Snorkeling, sandbank and dolphin cruise including equipment Snorkeling tour and guided house reef snorkeling including equipment Male Tour and Local island tours services of Secret Paradise Tour Leader Local Tax (10% service charge, 12% GST and $3 Green tax per person per night) EXCLUDED: International Flight Travel Insurance Personal expenditure ( souvenirs, tips, snacks, beverages)

Start Dates

Departs the first and third Sunday every month all year round

Requirements

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 beaches; however most of our guesthouses offer private gardens or private beach areas for guests.