Malé: Visit A Local Cat Island with Guided Snorkeling
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore the charming Villingili Island on this guided tour from Malé, where history and nature intertwine. Discover the island's intriguing haunted past while enjoying the company of its hundreds of friendly stray cats. After a leisurely walk to meet and feed the cats, dive into the crystal-clear waters for a guided snorkeling experience at the house reef, equipped with all necessary gear. For those opting for the afternoon tour, indulge in traditional Maldivian 'short eats' at a local café. This 3-hour adventure offers a unique blend of cultural insight and aquatic fun.
Guided tour of Villingili Island focusing on its history and cat population
Snorkeling at the house reef with all gear included
Opportunity to taste local Maldivian snacks (afternoon tours only)
Suitable for participants aged 10 and above who can swim
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for travelers who cannot swim
Not recommended for travelers under 10
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Meet your guide at the Villingili ferry terminal in Malé (or in Villingili, for guests staying in Villingili). Begin your tour with a walk around the island and learn about its unique history and haunted reputation! As you walk, you'll meet the island's friendly stray cat population and feed them with the cat food provided by your guide. Next, you'll cool off with a guided snorkel of the house reef. Get fitted with your rental gear and follow your guide into the water. After your snorkel, stop by a local cafe and grab a coffee or try traditional Maldivian "short eats" (available during the afternoon tour only). Finally, wrap up the experience and get help navigating back to your accommodations. Please be aware that only modest swimwear may be worn on Villingili (nothing more revealing than a tank top and shorts). Suggested dress for snorkeling is a rash guard and shorts or leggings. Wet clothes cannot be worn on the Villingili ferry, so please pack a change of clothes or plan enough time to dry off before boarding the ferry.
What‘s Included
Shower and changing facilities
Cost of ferry tickets included in tour
Cat food
Available for the afternoon tour only. Not available during the month of Ramadan.
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Bottled water
Transportation to and from the departure point not included
Swimming lessons (guests must be able to swim)
Gratuities
Options
Malé: Visit A Local Cat Island with Guided Snorkeling
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Cats and Snorkeling--The Best!
andrewz995,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Villingili Island is a hidden gem—and a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of Malé. But what really elevated this experience for us was the tour guide. As a native, he brought a genuine connection to the island. His soft spot for cats was also very apparent! Being PADI-certified, he also inspired confidence and safety in the water for the beginners in our group. The snorkeling was easily accessible—just a short swim from the shore. Within minutes, we were surrounded by tons of beautiful marine life in amazing colors—it felt like stepping into a nature documentary! If you’re looking for a serene escape paired with unforgettable snorkeling, Villingili Island absolutely delivers.
Cats, cats, cats (and snorkeling too!)
Inspire33253756382,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fun way to see the island through the eyes of a cat lover. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the island and the snorkeling at the end, but the highlight was the feeding of the local friendly cats. Good group size, good price, good length of tour. Our local guide was safety conscious and highly experienced with snorkeling, and clearly knows the reef and the island. You can't go wrong with this tour. I highly recommend it.
Great hospitality, cats are the best part
terepham,Mar 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I went with my boyfriend during one of our free days in the Maldives. The tour guide spoke great English and appeared local to the area so was able to show us around the various cafes and stores on the island. My favorite part of the trip was of course being able to feed the cats (all of which the tour guide seemed to have nicknames for ). The tour had a very relaxed pace and it was nice not having to worry about booking the ferry to the local island. After I was satisfied with feeding as many cats as possible, we went to the beach for snorkeling. The tour guide took care of renting all the equipment and was able to arrange storage for our personal belongings at the shop. My boyfriend ventured farther into the ocean and saw much more fish than I did, but the guide said you may be able to see turtles.
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Operated by Atholhu Excursions Maldives