
DURATION
7 nights
LOCATION
Maldives
ANNUAL LEAVE
5 days off work
SEASON
Year round
GROUP SIZE
Up to 14 people
MEETING POINT
Male Velana International Airport
ACCOMMODATION
Classic
Guesthouse · Hotel
OVERALL RATING
0.0
DIFFICULTY
Easy
This adventure is for anyone with a basic level of fitness, plus a love for marine wildlife and being in the water
Explore an incredible marine world teeming with life – swim with whale sharks and snorkel kaleidoscopic reefs
Hike, kayak and SUP your way around these pristine tropical islands, discovering dazzling sandbanks and beaches
Uncover the real Maldives by hanging out with local islanders and participating in marine conservation projects
Kick back and make the most of this Indian Ocean paradise with beach barbecues and sunset sailing trips
Day 1
Welcome to the Maldives!
Touch down at the airport in Male and get straight into the action – soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the Maldives' capital, walking through local markets, Sultan Park and the Friday Mosque. Grab some lunch before boarding the scheduled afternoon speedboat for an exhilarating two-hour journey across the Indian Ocean to the tiny colourful island of Dhangethi. Keep your eyes open for dolphins and get the first glimpse of the vast archipelago. Arrive at your guesthouse, where you'll have time to settle in before enjoying sunset from the beach – maybe even jump in the water for your first swim.
Day 2
Kaleidoscopic reefs and Maldivian life
Snorkelling
3hrs
After breakfast, set off by boat for some guided snorkelling along the nearby reefs, which are teeming with marine life such as sharks, manta rays and turtles. Your guide will provide a briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’, pointing out incredible creatures that may not have caught your eye. Back in Dhangethi, join your local guide as the afternoon cools down to explore this tiny island on foot. Immerse yourself in the daily life of the island: visit the local mosque, learn how the local dhoni boats are built and meet the women of the community, busy with evening meal preparations. Stop at a local café for a quintessentially Maldivian experience – evening tea accompanied by hedhikaa (fried snacks).
Day 3
Another day in paradise
Wild Swimming
3hrs
Hop on a speedboat and travel to an untouched sandbank emerging from crystal blue waters, where you'll spend a few relaxed hours swimming, snorkelling and soaking up the sunshine. Later, you'll return to Dhangethi where the remainder of the day is free, giving you the chance to participate in optional watersports – including diving. If you do not already hold your PADI diving certification, you can choose to take your first steps by booking a Discover Scuba Dive experience – see the FAQ below on budgeting for extra activities. Come nightfall, you'll enjoy a beach barbecue under the stars, and maybe try some traditional dancing to the beat of the bodu beru, a typical Maldivian drum!
Day 4
The natural paradise of Dhigurah
Kayaking
2hrs
Hiking
3hrs · 6km
Let the speedboat take you to your next island: Dhigurah. The name translates to ‘long island’ because this island has the longest beach of the atoll (and one of the longest in the Maldives). Head out in kayaks to explore the huge turquoise lagoon, stopping to swim and snorkel along the way – you're likely to spot rare sea turtles, fish (of which there are over a thousand species), corals, starfish, molluscs and if you're lucky, you may even encounter some manta rays. This afternoon, swap the beach for the jungle and enjoy an exploration of the evergreen forest which covers two-thirds of the island. Be ready to get hot and sweaty as this is equatorial territory, but your reward will be a beautiful sunset and a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Day 5
Swim with whale sharks
This morning you'll head out in search of the ocean’s largest fish: the magnificent whale shark. Dhigurah is considered a year-round whale shark paradise – one of the best places in the world to see them, it's part of the South Ari Marine Protected Area. Over 350 individuals have been recorded in the region, but there are likely many more than that. The only way to find them is by going out on the boat and looking! If you are lucky you may see two or three sharks in half an hour, or maybe you'll see only one the whole time you're out searching, but the unpredictability all adds to the excitement. If you spot the whale sharks, you'll will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside these enormous creatures, a truly magical experience. Back on the island, kick back with a fresh kurumba (coconut water) or take a sunset swim in the ocean.
Day 6
SUP, sand and sunset sailing
Stand Up Paddleboarding
2hrs
Sailing
2hrs
If you were unlucky and didn't encounter a whale shark yesterday, there is a discounted rate offer if you choose to try again this morning. Otherwise, you'll head out in the protected lagoon to master your balance skills on an SUP, paddleboarding along the idyllic beaches and pristine waters that fringe Dhigurah. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore as you wish – perhaps kayak, snorkel or walk to the spit of sand at the island's tip. Before dinner, you'll head out by boat for a sunset cruise to enjoy the brilliant hues of the sinking sun as it dips below the horizon. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, as they are often seen at dusk.
Day 7
Snorkel the coral nursery of Villimale
Snorkelling
1hr
You'll rise early this morning to catch the 06:30 scheduled speedboat back to Male. From there, you'll head to Villimale by ferry for a tour of the island, led by some inspirational guides from 'Save the Beach Maldives' – a local NGO who are educating people on Maldivian ecosystems and the conservation challenges arising from coastal development in small island states. You'll also get the chance to snorkel above a coral nursery with conservationists, actively contributing to their ambitious reef project. You'll check in to your guesthouse in Hulhumale mid-afternoon, with time to freshen up and relax before joining your fellow adventurers for a farewell dinner.
Day 8
Farewell, paradise
Your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Unless you're extending your trip, your host will transfer you to Male International Airport in time for your flight home.
Included
Guides
Certified, English-speaking local guide
Accommodation
7 nights in locally owned hotels and guesthouses
Meals
All breakfasts, 1 picnic, 5 dinners
Transfers
Airport transfers and boat transfers between islands
Equipment
All snorkelling, kayaking and SUP equipment
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips for your guides
Some meals as described
Visas where required
Day 1
Guesthouse · Twin share
Day 2
Guesthouse · Twin share
Day 3
Guesthouse · Twin share
Day 4
Hotel · Twin share
Day 5
Hotel · Twin share
Day 6
Hotel · Twin share
Day 7
Guesthouse · Twin share
Day 8
What is the food like?
Traditional Maldivian food usually involves fish (particularly tuna), chilli and coconuts. White rice and roshi (a flour-based flatbread) are also staple items. You'll get the chance to taste some delicious local specialities, as well as the typical evening tea called hedhikaa, which includes strong black or milk tea with savoury fried snacks. Lunches are not included but these will be readily available in the restaurants or cafés of the guesthouses, which often serve Western food too. On the smaller islands local supermarkets/convenience stores may have limited items, so if there is something particular you are going to want, we would encourage you to bring it with you. Be prepared for perhaps a little more repetition of meals than you would be used to back home.
Please note: Maldivians, as Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol. This means that there is a restriction on the availability of alcohol, even in Male. Please do not bring alcohol through the airport, as it will be confiscated and returned to you when you depart. Visits to private resorts to purchase alcohol can be arranged, however, this is subject to authorisation, based on occupancy at the resort, and an entrance fee and transfer charge will apply.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for but it is worth noting that over 95% of these products would be imported. Fruit and vegetables, whilst available, are limited and given that fish is a key component of the local diet, you will find your vegetarian or vegan diet quite limited.
What is the accommodation like?
Dhangethi
You'll spend the first three nights in Dhangethi, an authentic local island untouched by mass tourism, dominated by exotic tropical flora, fringed with turquoise waters, and home to a maze of narrow streets and colourful houses. You'll stay at the locally owned guesthouse Endheri Sunset, located just a few steps from the white sands. Accommodation will be in twin-share rooms equipped with air conditioning, free WiFi and a private bathroom. The beachfront restaurant serves delicious local and Western cuisine, as well as snacks and drinks.
Dhigurah
You'll spend another three nights in Dhigurah. Located in the South Ari atoll it's one of the most picturesque locations in the Maldives with its long beach, protected lagoon and pristine sandbar. You'll stay at the stylish beach hotel TME Retreats Dhigurah. All rooms are twin-share and come with free WiFi, air conditioning, TV and tea/coffee facilities. The hotel also has a great in-house restaurant.
Hulhumale
Your final night will be spent in Hulhumale, a suburban island just a 10-minute drive away from Male International Airport. Here you'll stay at Newtown Inn, a comfortable guesthouse offering modern, air-conditioned rooms on a twin-share basis with free WiFi, TV and private bathrooms.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Male Velana International Airport
10:00 on Day 1
Ends
Male Velana International Airport
Any time on Day 8
Transfers
On Day 1 your host will collect you from Velana International Airport in Male. Most international flights land in the morning and if you wish to join the scheduled city tour with your guide and group, please book a flight which lands in Male before 10:00. Your scheduled speedboat to Dhangethi will depart Male at 16:00, so even if you don't join the city tour, you'll need to arrive by 12:00 at the latest to allow enough time to make the scheduled onward journey by boat. Alternatively, if the schedules don't fit the itinerary planned on Day 1, we recommend you consider arriving one day prior to the start of the trip. On the last day of the trip, your host will return you to the airport in time for your onward flight. Free transfers are included any time you choose to depart on Day 8.
If you wish to arrive before the trip start date or stay longer at the end, your host can arrange private airport transfers and pre/post-trip accommodation. See Optional Extras for prices.
Travel options
There are direct flights to Male International Airport from London Heathrow with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as direct routes from other airports across Europe.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
All equipment for kayaking, SUPing and snorkelling.
Although snorkelling gear is included/available for Days 2 and 7, we strongly recommend that you bring your own mask and snorkel – not only for better comfort, but you'll also be able to use them during your free time throughout the itinerary.
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Overnight duffel bag or luggage
- Daypack (20 litres)
- Drybag for all water-based activities
CLOTHES
- Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cottons and natural fibres are best) which appropriately cover the body when in company of the local communities. For more detail, see clothing section in the FAQs.
- Cool footwear (flip flops/sandals are best)
- Trainers
- Swimwear – rash vests or t-shirts are recommended for snorkelling, to avoid sunburn
- Light waterproof jacket
- Underwear and socks
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
OTHER
- Sea sickness tablets or wristbands
- Universal travel plug adapter (the Maldives uses mostly UK 3-pin style sockets)
- Camera and/or underwater camera
- Powerbank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Plenty of high-factor, reef-friendly sunscreen (pack more than you would for a normal beach holiday), aftersun lotion and personal hygiene products. Check out this blog for more information.
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc). Please note that tampons in particular are not readily available outside of the capital.
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags to carry paper out to dispose of)
- Dive certification card and log book, if you intend to participate in SCUBA diving.
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x1.5 litre
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
- Water purification tablets/treatment system
Additional Night in Hulhumale Twin/Double/Single Room
Payable Before Departure
Additional Night in Hulhumale Twin/Double/Single Room
… Per Night
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Jan-Apr/Aug-Oct 2024) From...
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Jan-Apr/Aug-Oct 2024) From...
…
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (May-Jul) From...
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (May-Jul) From...
…
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Nov-Dec 2023) From...
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Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Nov-Dec 2023) From...
…
Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Oct 2023) From...
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Optional Private Rooom Upgrade (Oct 2023) From...
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We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 956kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal for 2023 to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
No previous experience is needed for any of the included activities – just an average level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The activities aren't strenuous, the aim of this trip is to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the Maldives. An introductory briefing will be provided for snorkelling, kayaking and SUPing – the only requirement is that you must be comfortable in the water and able to swim.
The hot, humid weather can be challenging to adapt to, so plenty of free time has been built into the itinerary to allow you to rest and avoid too many hours of sun exposure. However, if you are feeling energetic there are plenty of options to fill your day, including extra kayaking, snorkelling or other water-based activities such as diving.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
USD $30-$40 for the week
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
The tap water in the Maldives is not always friendly on the stomach and therefore it's not safe drink, especially on the smaller islands where infrastructure is lacking. Filtered water refill stations are available in Male and Dhangethi, but access to these is not always guaranteed. For this reason, we recommend that you bring your own refillable water bottle and a water purification system (tablets or a UV handheld device, such as a Steripen). Please find more info here. Alternatively, your guide may recommend that 5L bottles of water are purchased and used to fill reusable water bottles. In this case, these bottles will all be returned to Male and handed over to a trusted local recycling project run by Parley.
With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30°C throughout the year, there is never a really bad time to visit the Maldives. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November. 'Wet season' doesn't mean it rains all the time, but during this period there is more rain than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower but it's very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even for a full 24 hours. There is usually more wind during this season, but this helps keep the temperatures at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.
Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather patterns are changing and historical data is becoming less reliable as an indication of what to expect. As the islands are situated so close to the equator it is possible to get sunburn even on a cloudy day, so sunscreen should be applied as a matter of course.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
Your local host will do their best to operate the itinerary as communicated, however, for your safety and comfort some changes may be required based on the weather and or sea conditions. All boat transfers are operated by independent companies and although they operate at scheduled times, services can occasionally get delayed or cancelled at short notice due to weather conditions, public holidays or mechanical failure. In the event of a cancellation, your guide will make alternative arrangements and reschedule any of the inclusions whenever possible.
In the unlikely event of significant itinerary changes which involve substantial extra costs (such as extra nights in hotels etc.), this would need to be borne by the customer to be claimed back via your travel insurance.
High temperatures and ever-present sunshine mean that locals and visitors alike prefer dressing in lightweight materials. Cotton t-shirts, skirts and shorts with sandals or flip-flops are the best options for staying cool.
Please note that the Maldives are a Muslim nation, therefore care needs to be taken regarding dress on small islands and in local communities. Whilst it is acceptable for men to wear t-shirts and shorts/swimshorts, women should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach. T-shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders, loose shorts that cover the thighs, or sundresses with a sarong around shoulders are advised. Whilst the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, women should NOT wear swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, sandbank, private tourist bikini beach (available on all islands you'll stay on) or snorkelling/dive boats. Your guide will advise when and where this is possible. It is common practice for both local women and female visitors to swim from local public beaches wearing a t-shirt or rash vest with shorts or leggings.
When visiting the home of a local family or during the city tour in Male, where you may have access to mosques, shoulders and legs should be covered fully by both men and women out of respect for local customs.
Whilst snorkelling equipment is included on this trip, we would advise bringing along your own mask and snorkel where possible. Not only will you be assured the mask fits your face properly (making it more comfortable and less likely to leak), it's also more hygienic. A mask and snorkel are small and light, so they should take up very little space in your suitcase!
Due to the ocean current and wind conditions in the Maldives, the use of fins is essential for almost all snorkelling and these are included in all snorkelling activities. However, if you want to ensure a perfect fit, you are always welcome to bring your own.
It's advisable to exchange a small amount (around $50) at the exchange desk in the airport. Please note that it is not possible to exchange currency to USD, only to MVR. MVR can only be exchanged back to the original currency prior to your departure if you have a receipt for an arrival exchange from the Bank of Maldives exchange counter in the airport.
The US Dollar is generally accepted as legal tender. All major credit cards can be used (and are preferred) at resorts, hotels and shops. On smaller islands, it is usually only hotels, guesthouses, shops and larger restaurants which accept credit cards, and cash is generally preferred. Small restaurants, cafes and activity providers will generally request payment in cash. Most restaurants and shops will accept USD in payment, but will provide change in local currency.
It is impossible to say exactly what you will need during your island visits as this varies depending on personal preference, the number of extra optional activities you choose and any souvenirs you may like to purchase. While on the islands, approximate prices are as follows:
- Snack lunch: $5 – $10
- Evening meal in guesthouse or local restaurant: $10 – $25
- Tea/coffee: $1 for Nescafe, to $5 for barista-style coffee
- Soft drinks: $1.50
- Water 1.5L: $0.50
- General excursions: from $25 – $100 per person
- Watersports: from $10 per person for 60-minute non-motorised rentals
Optional activities in Dhangethi:
- Discover Scuba Dive: $85 per person, including equipment
- Certified Dive: $70 per person, including equipment and tax
- Night Snorkelling: $60 per person, including equipment
Optional activities in Dhigurah:
- Discover Scuba Dive – two dives: $180 per person, including equipment
- Certified Dive: $100 per person, including equipment
- Two-hour Guided Snorkel: $60 per person, including equipment
*rates for services provided locally and payable direct to the provider remain subject to change.
Yes, free WiFi is available at all the guesthouses. However, this is an island nation where cabling is laid along the sea bed and there is only one antenna per island, so you should not expect the signal strength and speed of the internet to be at the level you are accustomed to back home. Weather can also impact the quality of the connection at times.
Your guide will provide a full briefing on responsible snorkelling prior to your trip. As a general rule, fish, ray or shark feeding should be avoided. It is harmful to marine life, to the ecosystem, and potentially to the people in the water (whether it be snorkellers, swimmers, or divers). Hand-feeding marine life promotes a behaviour called conditioning, where the animals learn to associate humans with food. When fish start to anticipate meal times with humans, it interferes with their natural feeding cycles. As a result of behavioural conditioning through fish feeding, unprovoked marine animals may attack (bite) humans, thinking they will receive food or mistaking fingers and other body parts for food.
Please also make sure you do not touch corals or marine life. Simply touching animals or coral can be as damaging in the long run as intentionally killing or catching them. Many animals, including turtles, rays and many species of sharks, can become vulnerable to harmful bacteria through human contact, leaving them susceptible to disease.
Unfortunately, like many coral reefs around the world, the Maldives reefs have been impacted by bleaching. However, there is still an abundance of marine life and in areas not subject to high levels of reclamation and development (which adds stress to the reef's rejuvenation) there is positive evidence of coral rehabilitation. The impact of bleaching varies from atoll to atoll, therefore you may observe great corals in one location but poor ones in another. Your local host is involved in a number of coral reef projects with NGOs, including Coral Doctors, Save the Beach and Maafushi Eco Dive, who support coral planting in areas where the reefs have been significantly impacted. On this trip you'll get the chance to visit and learn about one of these incredible projects.
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.