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5 Day itinerary in Maldives, Asia

Maldives Private Paradise & Local Life 5D/4N

Discover the ultimate Maldives adventure with a mix of luxury and local culture. This exclusive tour includes private island stays, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and visits to vibrant local communities. Indulge in authentic Maldivian cuisine, embark on a scenic sunset cruise, and savor serene ... Read More

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Ruth

By Ruth

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Easy
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Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Malé

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Adventure

Nature & Adventure

Nature & Wildlife

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Share a meal with a local family to discover Maldivian cuisine culture

2

Snorkel to discover the breathtaking marine life of the Indian Ocean

3

Soak up the sun with a sandbar picnic and a full free day in paradise

Itinerary

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Day 1

place Day 1: Male - Maafushi, Maldives

Male International Airport Pick-Up and Ferry to Maafushi (D)

Upon arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your ferry transfer to Maafushi, your local island in the South Male Atoll, a 90-minute journey across the Indian Ocean. You can choose to sit up top and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins. You can also opt to sit inside to chat with the locals.

Upon arrival at your guesthouse, you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe Maldives local life. Experience traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local café. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse. Overnight in Maafushi.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2

place Day 2: Maafushi, Maldives

Snorkelling Excursion and Dinner with a Local Family (B/D)

Enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse before being taken out by boat to enjoy a 90-minute guided snorkelling trip to nearby reefs to discover the underwater world of the Maldives. This afternoon, discover the story of Renee’s Coral Garden. On route to the coral nursery, snorkel the seagrass beds with your guide and discover their importance to the ecosystem. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or for those feeling a little more energetic take advantage of the water sport options available including surfing and diving. This evening dinner is taken in the home of a local family, allowing you true access to local life. Overnight in Maafushi.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

place Day 3: Maafushi, Maldives

Swim, Snorkel and Relax (B/L/D)

Following breakfast, you will be taken by speedboat to an idyllic sandbank just a short distance from Maafushi. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax. A picnic lunch will be served before we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean it's lunchtime all the time for turtles! On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. Dinner this evening is prepared by a local family. Remember, meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork! (Activity subject to Safe Tourism Guidelines) Overnight in Maafushi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

place Day 4: Maafushi, Maldives

Island of Gulhi (B)

Following an early breakfast, we take a short 20-minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi, where your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boatyard 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. Returning to Maafushi late afternoon to freshen up before dinner, which will be served on the beach under the stars! (Weather permitting). Overnight in Maafushi.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5

place Day 5: Maafushi - Male, Maldives

Ferry to Male, City Tour, and Male International Airport Drop-Off (B)

Following an early breakfast, you will take an early morning public ferry to Male. Accompanied by your local guide, you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum (entrance fee not included) and Sultan Park. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Male on your own, buy souvenirs, or just watch the world go by from a local coffee house. You will be transferred to the airport in time for your outbound flight.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Meals expand_less

  • Dinner (3)
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Lunch (1)

Transport expand_less

  • Airport Transfers and Ferry
  • Male International airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Round trip ferry Male - Maafushi

Activities expand_less

  • Active adventures
  • Island orientation tour and Hedika Experience
  • Coral Nursery and Seagrass snorkeling tour including equipment
  • Sandbank visit, snorkeling and dolphin cruise
  • Day visit to Gulhi
  • Male City Tour and Island tours

Extras expand_less

  • Payments
  • Local taxes

Not Included expand_less

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

About Ruth

TEAM LEAD

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 5 (8 reviews)

Expertise: 

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Meet local people

Purposeful Travel

Nature & Wildlife

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

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