Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

Assalaamu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive at the airport in Male, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Hulhumale. Your adventure begins this evening with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out to the beach to relax under the blue sky. After your meeting, maybe take a sunset walk around Hulhumale with the other travellers in your group.

After breakfast, hop on a local bus for a short ride to Male City, the bustling capital of the Maldives. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets, local fish and produce markets and highlights like the Male Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace. After, head to the Male jetty for a high-speed ferry ride to the island of Goidhoo, where life slows to a gentle pace. Settle into your guesthouse, then spend the evening discovering the village on foot. Enjoy a traditional Maldivian high tea and hedhika (finger foods), like bajiya (fish samosas) and caramel folhi, as you unwind into the rhythms of island living.

Today, head out on a guided snorkelling trip and get familiar with the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Maldives. Stop at two reef spots, giving you plenty of time in the water with the kaleidoscopic fish – along the way, learn about the Maldives' coral and marine life conservation practices, and how global warming and El Nino are impacting the region. After, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace – perhaps relax by the beach with a good book. This evening, visit a local vegetable farm before sharing a traditional, homecooked dinner with a Maldivian family in their home. After, head back to Hulhumale to spend the night.

This morning, set out to Thuladhoo, a nearby island known for its skilled artisans and traditional way of life. Explore the island on a walk with your local guide, visiting a lacquer workshop (liyelaa jehun) and a local dry fish production area and see the open-air yards where the fish is traditionally sun-dried. After, head to a fishermen’s village for a cooking demo and home-style lunch. Get to know the local anglers and hear the myths and stories of their lifestyle and island customs. Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Maybe head to the beach for some chill time, then enjoy another beautiful sunset this evening.

Get a yummy start to the day with a hands-on cooking demo. Learn how to prepare classic Maldivian breakfast dishes like roshi and masuni, then fill up on the fruits of your labour for the day ahead. After breakfast, jump in a speedboat for the ride to the island of Thoddoo, known for its lush farms and laid-back vibe. When you get there, settle into your guesthouse then head out to explore the island by bicycle along village lanes and coastal paths. After your spin, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.

Enjoy a free day, maybe heading to the sand with a good book. If you like, you could go kayaking on Thoddhoo lagoon. As the sun sets, come together with your group for a traditional farewell Bodu Beru performance – the rhythmic drumming and dancing will bring your Maldivian journey to a memorable close. If you like, head out to dinner with your group after the celebration and toast to new friends and memories.

Your Maldivian journey comes to an end today with an early-morning local speedboat ferry transfer to Velana International Airport. If you want to extend your stay in Hulhumale, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.