Maldives Uncovered tour
Maldives Uncovered tour
Maldives Uncovered tour
8 Days Starting and ending in Male, Maldives
Visiting: Male, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, Gulhi, Malé
Tour operator:
Tour code:
52
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 10
Age range:
8-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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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.
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Meals
Meals include 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners, providing a taste of local and international cuisine.
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Visa
A free 30-day tourist visa on arrival is available to all nationalities.
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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
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International Flights
International flights are not included in the tour package but are available on request.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included in the tour package.
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Additional Meals
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, tips, and other personal expenses such as laundry are not included in the tour package.
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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
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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.
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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.
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What meals are included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 6 dinners.
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Is a visa required for the Maldives Uncovered tour?
A free 30-day tourist visa is provided on arrival to all nationalities.
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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.
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Are international flights included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?
No, international flights are not included but are available on request.
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Is travel insurance included in the Maldives Uncovered tour?
Travel insurance is compulsory but not included in the tour.
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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.
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What kind of transport is used during the Maldives Uncovered tour?
All transport and transfers are included, featuring local ferries.
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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.