Company :Secret Paradise Maldives Activities: Cultural Tours / Tours Location : Kaafu Atoll Duration: < 1 week to 1 week Approx Costs: 750 to 1500 $ Dollars (US) Group Size 5-10 Tour Code : OW365/005
Our style of guided tour offers much more than a conventional beach holiday and will immerse you in the culture and traditions of the Maldives, its amazing marine life, friendly local communities and provide you with a greater understanding and knowledge of our fragile environment.
Our guests travel responsibly, absorb, engage and explore, leaving the Maldives having trodden lightly on its environment and contributed in a meaningful way. If that sounds like you, read on!
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.
Travel
Airport Pickup
Boat / Ferry
Accomodation
Accomodation Included
Guesthouse
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Tour Price
INCLUDED
3 Night Standard Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
3 Dinners including 1 local dinner
Airport and domestic transfer assistance
Return transfer by public ferry
Island tours and Hedika Experience
House Reef Snorkeling Trip including equipment
Snorkeling trip by boat including equipment
Services of English Speaking Secret Paradise Guide
All Local Tax (10% service charge, 16% GST and $3 Green Tax per person per night)
EXCLUDED:
International Flight
Travel Insurance
Personal expenditure ( souvenirs, tips, snacks, beverages)
Start Dates
Available 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.