MALDIVES TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1:
Meet with your guide at Velana International Airport. on a tour of the capital city, visiting key places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque. Wandering through the narrow roads of Male provides a wealth of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding about the culture, history and daily life of this unique capital city and its people.
After lunch transfer by local ferry to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. 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.
Day 2:
Following breakfast, accompanied by your guide, we head out for your 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. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimize your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life. This snorkel will also provide the opportunity to understand firsthand how development and reclamation impacts coral reefs.
Your Tour Leader 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 and immerse yourself in 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.
The Maldives is rich in marine life but unfortunately, our marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans. Following dinner over a coffee your tour leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the eco system and what we can do to limit the impact.
Day 3:
Following a local style breakfast served at your guesthouse, 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 there is free time for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing.
Late afternoon we spend time giving back to the community that has welcomed us by planting a palm tree. In the Maldives trees play a crucial role in controlling erosion by stabilizing the soil with their roots and preventing soil from washing away during storms and tidal surges. Our reward will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water) followed by an ocean swim!
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 4:
Following an early breakfast you will transfer by morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport.
INCLUDED
i) 3 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
ii)3 Dinners
iii)Airport and domestic transfer assistance
iv)Return transfer by public ferry
v)Male City Walking Tour
vi)Island tour and Hedika Experience
vii) 2 Snorkeling Trips by boat including equipment
viii) Tree Planting and kurumba
ix) Services of English Speaking Secret Paradise Tour Leader
x) All Local Tax (10% service charge, 17% GST and $6 Green Tax per person per night)
Accommodation Options:
Deluxe Room, Ocean Retreat, Guraidhoo
Tour Starts:
Male International Airport
Tour Ends:
Male International Airport
Transfer Options:
Public ferries do not operate on Fridays and public holidays
Scheduled Tour:
NA, Private tour only