Maldives Uncovered tour

Maldives Uncovered tour

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8 Days From

$1360

Maldives Uncovered tour

8 Days Starting and ending in Male, Maldives

Visiting: Male, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, Gulhi, Malé

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

52

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 10

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Tour operated in:

English
From: $1360

NB: Prices correct on 01-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the Maldives Uncovered tour for an unforgettable journey through the stunning islands of the Maldives. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with activities such as snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, exploring uninhabited islands, and enjoying picnics on secluded sandbars. Experience the rich Maldivian culture with beach barbecues, cultural shows, and dining with local families. Dive into the crystal-clear waters or take a dolphin cruise for a chance to see these magnificent creatures up close. Visit the bustling capital city, Male, to explore its historical sites. With comfortable guesthouse accommodations across Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi, and all transport and transfers included, this tour ensures a seamless and immersive experience in paradise. Enjoy the convenience of a 24-hour airport transfer service and the guidance of local experts throughout your stay.

Highlights

  • Explore the Maldives with boat trips and snorkelling over the coral reefs.

  • Enjoy picnics on uninhabited islands and sand bars.

  • Experience cultural shows and beach barbecues.

  • Dine with local families for an authentic Maldivian experience.

  • Discover diving options in the crystal-clear waters.

  • Visit the capital city, Male, and explore its historical sites.

  • Take a dolphin cruise and enjoy a picnic on a deserted sandbank.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Male, Transfer To Hotel

Location: Male

Accommodation Name: Hulhumale guesthouse

Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred by the airport shuttle taxi to your guesthouse on Hulhumale, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical paradise. The beach is 3 min walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a watersports centre. For guests arriving before 5.00pm there is an option to join your guide on the beach for coffee, a very popular daily activity for Maldivians and a chance to gain your first insight into the local side of this island paradise.

Day 2 : Male Tour, Ferry To Guraidhoo, Free Time & Dinner

Location: Male

Accommodation Name: Guraidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following breakfast served at the guesthouse you will transfer by public ferry to Male, a 20-minute journey, where a guide will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum and Sultan Park. After lunch transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to 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. Dinner this evening is at your guesthouse before your guide will give some information on how the local marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans. 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 : Snorkelling Trip, Free Time, Beach Bbq

Location: Guraidhoo

Accommodation Name: Guraidhoo guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following a local style breakfast we 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 colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! Your tour leader will provide a 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. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your tour leader time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque. Visit the harbour, maybe there will be fishermen with their catch. Watch children playing in the street. Discover local fruit trees as you wander the narrow maze of sandy roads. Finally, stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea. This evening while you listen to the sound of the waves enjoy a Maldives style beach BBQ under the stars.

Day 4 : Ferry To Maafushi, Coral Nursery Visit

Location: Maafushi

Accommodation Name: Maafushi guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Start early today to transfer by local ferry to the local island of Maafushi, just 20 minutes away, where after checking into the guesthouse you will be able to enjoy a relaxed breakfast before exploring the island to get yourself acquainted with the layout and uncover the best spots to take lunch or enjoy a refreshing juice with a view. Your tour leader will explain the history of local island tourism including the positive and negative impacts on the islands and local communities
This afternoon, with your tour leader discover the story of Renee’s Coral Garden and why coral rehabilitation projects are important in the Maldives. On route to the coral rehabilitation site snorkel the seagrass beds with your guide and discover their importance to the Maldives ecosystem. Despite being one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, sea grass is considered unsightly, and is often deliberately removed. Your Tour Leader will help you understand the importance of sea grass and why we call it the hero of underwater protection.
After dinner at a local cafe, your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley project. Providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies preparing you for our turtle snorkeling tomorrow!

Day 5 : Snorkelling, Sandbank And Dolphin Cruise

Location: Maafushi

Accommodation Name: Maafushi guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the guesthouse you'll take a boat trip, which will stop at a deserted sandbank for a picnic lunch with time to swim or lie back and relax.
On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. Your tour leader and crew familiar with the habits and behavior of dolphins will keep a keen lookout for any signs of these graceful creatures. They will share stories about the different species of dolphins found in the region, their social dynamics, and the role they play in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.

Day 6 : Visit Gulhi For A Change Of Pace, Snorkelling, Island Tour And Family Dinner

Location: Gulhi

Accommodation Name: Gulhi guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Following an early breakfast we 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 join your guide for a final snorkelling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi. Optional watersports and diving trips can be organised for certified divers.
Dinner this evening is prepared by a local family, just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!

Day 7 : Free Day For Relaxation Or Optional Activities

Location: Gulhi

Accommodation Name: Gulhi guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After an acitve week, today is a rest day where you can head to the Bikini Beach for sunbathing or join one of the various watersports activities available on the island.
This evening we'll enjoy a farewell dinner together, in the quant courtyard of your guesthouse.

Day 8 : Transfer To Male Airport For Departure

Location: Malé

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast you are transferred back to Male by public ferry (approx. 07.30), across town, and on to Male airport where the tour ends. You should expect to arrive at the airport by around 10.30am. If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier speedboat transfer from Gulhi 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).
Alternatively, you can take an unassisted speedboat transfer from Gulhi to the airport (at extra cost). 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.

Those travellers booking a resort extension will transfer from Male airport on to their resort via the resort's own transfer boat. Our guide will assist you with meeting this transfer though there may be a short wait depending on the resort boat's schedule.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable guesthouse accommodation, including 1 night in Hulhumale, 2 nights in Guraidhoo, 2 nights in Maafushi, and 2 nights in Gulhi, offering a cozy and authentic local experience.

  • Transport and Transfers

    All transport and transfers are included, featuring local ferries and a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, ensuring seamless travel throughout the Maldives.

  • Meals

    Meals include 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners, providing a taste of local and international cuisine.

  • Visa

    A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available to all nationalities.

  • Local Guides

    Local guides are included in the tour to enhance your experience and provide insights into the local culture and environment.

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included in the tour package but are available on request.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory and not included in the tour package.

  • Additional Meals

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included in the tour package.

  • Unmentioned Items

    Any other items not mentioned in the inclusions are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

All transport and transfers are included, featuring local ferries and a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, ensuring seamless travel throughout the Maldives.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights of comfortable guesthouse accommodation, with stays in Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, and Gulhi, offering a cozy and authentic local experience.

  • Are airport transfers included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, ensuring seamless travel throughout the Maldives.

  • What meals are included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners.

  • Is a visa required for the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    A free 30-day tourist visa is provided on arrival to all nationalities.

  • What activities are included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    The tour includes activities such as boat trips, snorkeling over coral reefs, picnics on uninhabited islands and sand bars, cultural shows, beach barbecues, dining with local families, and diving options.

  • Are international flights included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    No, international flights are not included but are available on request.

  • Is travel insurance included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour.

  • What is the policy on meals not indicated in the itinerary for the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included in the tour.

  • What kind of transport is used during the Maldives Uncovered tour?

    All transport and transfers are included, featuring local ferries.

  • 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).

  • 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.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • 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

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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