Maldives Island Explorer
Maldives Island Explorer
Maldives Island Explorer
8 Days Starting and ending in Male, Maldives
Visiting: Hulhumale, Rasdhoo Island, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, Ukulhas Island, Mathiveri, Male
Tour operator:
Tour code:
396
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 14
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Request dietary needs
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Canoeing-Kayaking, Dolphin Watching, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
Tour Overview
Embark on the Maldives Island Explorer tour and immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of the North Ari Atoll. This adventure takes you to the picturesque islands of Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri, where you can enjoy guided snorkeling tours, island explorations, and the unique Hedika experience. With opportunities for sea-kayaking, paddle-boarding, and scuba diving, this tour offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy seamless travel with all transport and transfers included, and unwind in comfortable guesthouse accommodations. Delight in the local culture with a knowledgeable guide, and savor the tranquility of beach relaxation. Whether you're exploring vibrant marine life or engaging with friendly local communities, this tour promises an unforgettable Maldivian experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To The Maldives! Transfer To Your Hotel.
Location: Hulhumale
Accommodation Name: Hulhumale Guesthouse
Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by your guide and transferred by vehicle to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this suburban tropical paradise. The beach is 3 minute walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a water sports centre. So, there is plenty to keep you busy! For those arriving on early flights today, there is the option of joining a eco-walking tour of the island of Vilimale, generally considered the quieter side of Male, situation on the west side of the capital.
Day 2 : Boat To Rasdhoo Island. Island Exploration.
Location: Rasdhoo Island
Accommodation Name: Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning your tour leader will assist you with your local ferry or speedboat transfer to the local island of Rasdhoo in North Ari Atoll. Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before taking lunch. As the afternoon cools down, accompanied by your guide, time is down spent exploring Rasdhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, stop and chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. You'll also visit a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea. Rasdhoo is close to some of the best dive sites in the Maldives so if you’re a diver, or would like to try out this magical experience, get yourself signed up at the local dive centre. Your guide and your hotel will be happy to assist with this as well. Divers may wish for an early start tomorrow and opt to join a dive to Hammerhead Point. During the manta season (November to April) there are opportunities for spectacular close encounters with these majestic large rays.
Day 3 : Snorkelling On Rasdhoo Reef, Sunset Kayaking
Location: Rasdhoo
Accommodation Name: Rasdhoo Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast accompanied by your guide you'll explore the Rasdhoo house reef for your first underwater encounters. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling, providing information about any local currents and tides, 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. Once you have your confidence there are irregular snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs giving non divers the opportunity to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs in this area. Later in the afternoon you'll head out with your guide for a sunset kayaking trip. Here you can take a gentle kayak through the beautiful lagoon to a nearby sandbank, from where you can enjoy the sun set in the ocean.
Day 4 : Boat To Ukulhas. Island Exploration.
Location: Ukulhas
Accommodation Name: Ukulhas Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Rasdhoo today and transfer by ferry or speedboat to our next local island destination, Ukulhas. As the afternoon cools down explore the island with your guide and learn more about the tradition of fishing in the Maldives and discover why it was the island to lead the way for environmental practices. Not only does Ukulhas have some beautiful beaches, the local community here are particularly friendly and will be delighted to engage in conversation with you and show off their home island.
Day 5 : Free Day (Various Options Available)
Location: Ukulhas Island
Accommodation Name: Ukulhas Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free for you to enjoy as you please. You can relax on the tourist 'bikini beach', choose to visit a resort for the day or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional scuba-diving trips can be organised for certified divers. Other options include a picnic lunch on a deserted sandbank or uninhabited island, a visit to a local coral rehabilitation project or even visit the whale sharks in South Ari Atoll.
Day 6 : Ferry To Mathiveri, Afternoon Island Tour And Evening Dolphin Watching
Location: Mathiveri
Accommodation Name: Mathiveri Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
You'll have the morning free to explore Ukulhas further or spend time relaxing before boarding a lunch time ferry to our third island destination of Mathiveri. As with our previous visits, you'll be provided with a briefing on the island and the activities available whilst here. You'll spend the remainder of the day exploring the island with your guide which will include a workshop on how to weave a traditional joali seat, a visit to a local cafe and learn other interesting facts about the island. In the evening, before the sun sets, we'll head out in search of dolphins which are often found around the island, jumping, spinning and dancing - a perfect end to a perfect week!
Day 7 : House Reef Snorkelling, Optional Beach Clean Up
Location: Mathiveri
Accommodation Name: Mathiveri Island Guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast today, a guided house reef snorkelling tour is available for those who wish to join. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of turtles or even Manta Rays. The afternoon is free, perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a private uninhabited island fringed with white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. As this is an uninhabited island, swim wear is not a problem. As the afternoon cools down we offer the option of giving back to the local community by participating in a beach clean, after which our reward will be a refreshing glass of Kurumba (coconut water).
Day 8 : Return Boat Trip To Male And Transfer To The Airport
Location: Male
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following an early breakfast take the speedboat for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at approximately 9am, you will be assisted with your transfer onto Male International Airport where your trip ends. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier private speedboat transfer to the airport (at extra cost). If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Newtown Inn (price includes an airport departure transfer to meet your flight). There are also day package options at Hulhule Airport hotel to use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc. or an optional half day visit to Vilimale island which is 15 minutes from Male. Other snorkelling trips or other watersport activities are also available. For those passengers with an evening flight, a complimentary walking tour of Male is available today.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation across the Maldives, including stays at guesthouses in Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri islands.
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Transport and Transfers
Experience seamless travel with all transport and transfers included, featuring local ferries and speedboats.
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Airport Transfer
A 24-hour airport arrival transfer service is provided for a hassle-free journey.
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Meals
Meals include 7 breakfasts, with no lunches or dinners provided.
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Visa
A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available to all nationalities.
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Local Guide
A local guide is provided throughout the tour to enhance your experience.
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Guided Tours
Guided snorkelling and island tours are included in the itinerary.
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Water Sports Equipment
Sea kayak or stand-up paddleboard hire is included for your enjoyment.
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Cultural Experience
The Hedika experience, a taste of Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats, is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but can be arranged on request.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and can be arranged on request.
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Additional Meals
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
More Info
Our Maldives on a Shoestring gives you the opportunity to explore the Maldives, without the high price tag. We'll start our time in the capital city of Male, where we'll spend the night in nearby Hulhumale. We'll then make use of local ferries or scheduled speedboats to explore the beautiful islands of Rasdhoo and Ukulhas where you'll get to experience the 'real Maldives'. We take time to explore the local communities, see the local fishermen and of course, you'll have diving and snorkelling opportunities where you can explore the house reefs. If you'd like to extend your time in the Maldives, speak to us about island resort extensions.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with all transport and transfers included, featuring local ferries and speedboats, along with a 24-hour airport arrival transfer service for a hassle-free journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation across the Maldives, including stays at guesthouses in Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri islands, offering a blend of local charm and modern amenities.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the Maldives Island Explorer tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of comfortable accommodation across the Maldives, with stays at guesthouses in Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri islands. These guesthouses offer a blend of local charm and modern amenities.
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Are meals included in the Maldives Island Explorer tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, but no lunches or dinners are provided. Participants will need to arrange their own meals for lunch and dinner.
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What kind of transport is included in the tour?
All transport and transfers are included in the tour, featuring local ferries and speedboats. Additionally, a 24-hour airport arrival transfer service is provided for a hassle-free journey.
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Is there a local guide provided during the tour?
Yes, a local guide is provided throughout the tour to assist with activities and provide insights into the local culture and environment.
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What activities are included in the Maldives Island Explorer tour?
The tour includes guided snorkeling tours, island tours, a Hedika experience, and the hire of sea kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. There are also opportunities for scuba diving and beach relaxation.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package, but it is compulsory. It is available on request.
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What is the visa requirement for the Maldives Island Explorer tour?
A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is provided to all nationalities participating in the tour.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.