Maldives Short Stay Local Experience

Our short stay packages are ideal for those looking to experience the Maldives on a budget or for travellers who also wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning a vacation in Sri Lanka or India.

Our short stay taster packages offer an excellent way to combine both styles of vacation, particularly as all packages start and finish at Male International Airport and should a package not entirely suit we are able to customize.

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.

Our short stay packages are based on the local island of Maafushi.

Maafushi is a very typical Maldivian local island, and 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, which has been inhabited for a very long time and is a well-known fishing island. Only 90 minutes away from Male by ferry boat or 30 minutes by speedboat. There are two beaches on opposite sides of the island, one of which is a tourist bikini beach and you can see the ocean from almost any spot on the island. With a variety of local cafes and guesthouse restaurants, some situated on the harbour, Maafushi provides the ideal destination to discover the Maldives on a budget.

Itinerary

Day One:

Arrive Male International Airport where you will be greeted by your guide, who will assist you with your public ferry transfer to your local island 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. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse.

Day Two:

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 Three:

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.

Day Four:

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 Five:

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.                                  

Transfer to Male International Airport or your onward destination.