arrow_back

8 Day itinerary in Maldives, Asia

Maldives Culture & Beaches Private Island Hopping 8D/7N

Discover the enchanting Maldives with an unforgettable private island-hopping adventure. This exclusive journey immerses you in the rich local culture and unveils stunning beaches. Highlights include guided snorkeling excursions, visits to charming fishing villages, cultural interactions, and pristi... Read More

1 / 18
All Photos
Ruth

By Ruth

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Malé

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Nature & Adventure

Start

Night

End

Highlights

1

Island-hop around the breathtaking South Male Atoll

2

Dine with local families to immerse yourself in local culture

3

Enjoy tropical paradise to its fullest with plenty of free time

Itinerary

expand_more

Day 1

place Day 1: Hulhumale, Maldives

Velana International Airport Pick-Up & Transfer to Hulhumale

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale Island. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this urban tropical paradise. For those arriving early there is an optional tour to Male to enjoy sunset mocktails on the roof of one of the tallest buildings providing a bird's eye view of the surrounding islands. Overnight in Hulhumale.

Day 2

place Day 2: Guraidhoo, Maldives

Male Tour, Ferry to Guraidhoo & Dinner with a Local Family (B/D)

This morning your guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city. Visit the fish market and local market, President’s Palace, Sultan Park and Friday Mosque before transferring by local ferry to the island of Guraidhoo, in the South Male Atoll. Upon arrival in Guraidhoo you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local public beach to watch the sunset. This evening you will dine with a local family to discover traditional Maldivian food and culture. Expect great company, but don’t expect silver service, as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork! Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

place Day 3: Guraidhoo, Maldives

Snorkelling Day Trip (B/D)

Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to nearby coral reefs for your first underwater encounter! The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by an incredible diversity of marine life. Snorkel through waters teeming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays! Upon return to Guraidhoo, enjoy a free afternoon to relax on your own or participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing. This evening you’ll enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ dinner. Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

place Day 4: Guraidhoo, Maldives

Island Life Tour (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast with a local family, allowing you access to authentic Maldivian culture and cuisine. Enjoy the rest of the morning at your leisure. As the afternoon cools down, head back on land to explore Guraidhoo accompanied by your guide for the opportunity to learn about the local way of life. Visit the local Mosque, the boatyard where you can see how the local boats are built, stop and 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 ‘hedhika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea. This evening enjoy a beach dinner under the stars accompanied by a performance (optional extra) of 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. Overnight in Guraidhoo.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

place Day 5: Maafushi, Maldives

Ferry to Maafushi, Sandbar Day Tour & Dolphin Cruise (B/L/D)

Enjoy an early breakfast before ferrying to the island of Maafushi. After checking into the guesthouse, we will head out snorkelling where you will have another chance to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Maldives. We will stop at a sandbank for a picnic lunch and time to swim or lie back and soak up the sun. Heading back to Maafushi, we will cruise the Indian Ocean in search of dolphins. Enjoy dinner at your guesthouse. Overnight in Maafushi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

place Day 6: Maafushi, Maldives

Maafushi Free Day (B)

With so many activities and excursions available from Maafushi, we leave today for you to enjoy as you please. Relax on the beach, choose to visit a resort for the day, or for those feeling energetic there are many optional watersport activities available locally. Optional diving trips can also be organised for certified divers. Overnights in Maafushi.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 7

place Day 7: Gulhi, Maldives

Discover Gulhi (B)

Following an early breakfast you’ll 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 snorkel from the island beach. Optional watersports and diving trips can be organised for certified divers.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8

place Day 8: Male, Maldives

Velana International Airport Drop-Off (B)

After breakfast you will take a ferry back to Male. You will be dropped off at Velana International Airport by 10:00am. We wish you safe travels for your journey onward!

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Breakfast (7)
  • Dinner (4)
  • Lunch (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport transfers & all ferry transport as per itinerary
  • Velana airport pick-up & drop-off
  • Ferry transfers

Activities expand_less

  • Ocean excursions
  • Snorkelling day trip
  • Island life tour
  • Sandbar day tour & dolphin cruise

Not Included expand_less

  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities/upgrades
  • Tips
  • Other meals/drinks
  • Travel insurance

About Ruth

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (8 reviews)

Expertise: 

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Travel with Purpose

Outdoors & Nature

I discovered the Maldives almost 20 years ago, visiting as a scuba diver in search of mantas and whale sharks. Following 30 visits in 10 years I made the Maldives my home in 2012.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$0 USD