Island Hopping Adventure in the Real 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.

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).

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.