Maldives Backpacker Breaks

For a long time the Maldives has not been considered a destination suitable for back packers, yet alone affordable. But now with the introduction of guesthouses and budget airlines flying from Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives is beginning to find itself on the backpacker map. 

Our backpacker breaks are designed to either work as a self-contained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago.

Our backpacker packages are based on the local island of Guraidhoo.

Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll, it is a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, sandy roads and palm trees. A 30 minute walk around the island highlights locals going about their daily routine and the carpenters at the local shipyard traditionally constructing typical local dhoni boats. Guraidhoo is a regular stopping point for safari boats and local shops have quickly adapted by offering all kind of souvenirs and a handful of local restaurants and coffee shops. Scuba diving is interesting in this area of Maldives Islands and during the season surfing, kiting and windsurfing here is excellent.

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 WiFi, 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.
 

DESIGN YOUR OWN!

Is our itinerary not quite what you are looking for?

Drop us an email and let us know what your preferred activities include and we will create a holiday especially for you!

Activities include:

Discover SCUBA diving, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, surfing, kite surfing, sunset cruises, evening fishing trips, sandbank visits, resort day visits, beach BBQs, just sitting back and chilling!

Itinerary

Day One:

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 Two:

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. 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 Three:

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 add on 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 Four:

Following an early breakfast you will transfer by 7:00 early morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport or your onward destination.