Maldives

Arrive Velana International Airport (MLE) where you will be greeted by your guide, who will assist you with your public speedboat transfer to your local island in South Male Atoll. The speedboat takes 40 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi where you can view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins. Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe Maldives local life. Your guide will explain the history of local tourism including the positive and negative impacts on the islands and local communities. Leave a positive impact by planting a palm tree with your guide. Afterwards, experience traditional ‘hedikaa’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local cafe. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse.

Maafushi Island

Breakfast this morning is served 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. Join your guide on a house reef snorkelling tour to discover the story of Renee's Coral Garden and discuss the importance of seagrass ecosystems. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax or for those feeling a little more energetic, take advantage of the many water sport options available including kayaking and diving. This evening after dinner, your guide will introduce you to the work of Olive Ridley Project to give you an insight on their studies on turtles, preparing you for a possible turtle encounter during snorkelling tomorrow.

Maafushi Island

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 its lunchtime all the time for turtles! On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. This evening dinner is taken at a local cafe.

Gulhi Island

Following an early breakfast we take a short journey by public ferry to the quiet local island of Gulhi where 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 snorkeling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi.

Male

Depart to Male by public speedboat. Your guide will accompany you on a city walking tour.