Company :Secret Paradise Maldives Location : Kaafu Atoll Duration: 1 week to 1 week Approx Costs: 1250 to 1750 $ Dollars (US) Group Size 5-10 Tour Code : OW365/001
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!
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.
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.
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, 19% 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.
