4-Night Maldives Guided Local Experience from Male' Airport
From$949
5 days
Max 6 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Multi-day · accommodation included
Male, Maldives
About this activity
Maafushi was once a very typical Maldivian local island but since the introduction of local tourism Maafushi is proving a popular destination for those wishing to experience the Maldives without paying resort prices. Maafushi is located in South Male Atoll and is only 90 minutes away from Male by ferry boat or 30 minutes by speedboat. There are two beaches on opposite sides of the island, one of which is a tourist bikini beach. With over 70 guesthouses some with 6 floors there are plenty of accommodation options to meet all budget needs. There are a variety of local cafes and guesthouse restaurants, some situated on the harbor and with water sport and excursion providers all eager for your business Maafushi provides the ideal destination to discover the Maldives on a budget and mix with other tourists
Highlights
- Explore the Maldivian capital and Local Island with a comprehensive walking tour.
- Experience Maldivian savoury and sweets snacks at a local cafe.
- Opportunities to encounter Dolphins, turtles, reef sharks, sting rays and tropical fish life.
- Explore a local island and relax at a paradise sandbank.
- Insight in to a local home and experience local food with a family
Full description
Your 4-night Maldives experience provided by TripAdvisor's leading Hulhumale based tour company, allows you to travel inexpensively or combine a local island stay with a traditional resort holiday.
View the beauty of the Maldives islands, snorkel, enjoy optional water sports, and become acquainted with local customs through food and interaction with locals. Your tour offers an excellent way to combine both styles of vacation, particularly because your tours begins and ends at the Male International Airport. Your guided small-group tour can accommodate 6 guests. Round-trip shared transfer from Male International Airport included. Private tours available upon request.
DAY ONE (Meals: D)
Arrive at Male International Airport where you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your speedboat transfer to your local island in South Male Atoll. The ferry operates every day, excluding Friday, and takes 90 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi. You can choose to sit up top and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands as you pass, keeping your eyes open for dolphins, or sit inside and chat with the locals.
Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to acquaint yourself with the layout and observe Maldives local life. Experience traditional afternoon tea known as ‘hedika’ and Maldivian savory and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local cafe. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse.
DAY TWO (Meals: B, D)
Breakfast this morning is served at your guesthouse before being taken out by boat to enjoy a 90-minute guided snorkeling trip to nearby reefs to discover the underwater world of the Maldives. The afternoon is yours to relax, or for those feeling a little more energetic, take advantage of the many water sport options available including surfing and diving. Enjoy a local dinner with the option of joining a local family in their home, allowing you to truly access Maldives life.
DAY 3 (Meals: B, L,D)
Following breakfast you have a free morning before being 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 you head off to snorkel. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean its lunchtime all the time for turtles! On your return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and possibly spot dolphins. Subject to weather conditions your dinner will be served alfresco.
DAY FOUR (Meals: B )
Today is yours to enjoy as you please. Relax on the beach or participate in the various optional water sport activities offered. Optional diving trips can be organized for certified divers and day visits to resorts are also available. All optional activities can be arranged prior to or during your stay.
DAY FIVE (Meals: B)
Following an early breakfast you will transfer on the early morning public ferry to Male. Accompanied by a local guide you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum (entrance fee not included) and Sultan Park.
The remainder of your day is free to explore Male, enjoy lunch, buy souvenirs, or just watch the world go by from a local coffee house. Your small-group tour concludes with transfer to Male International Airport.
Included / Excluded
- 4 nights Guesthouse accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
- Experienced English Speaking Local guide
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Round-trip shared transfer by public ferry
- All activities mentioned in itinerary
- All Local Tax
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
Airport Main Rd, Airport Main Rd, Velana International Airport
Velana International Airport Information Desk
Important information
Know before you book
- While participating in tours & activities provided by Secret Paradise Maldives social distancing must be practiced and face coverings worn at all times to reduce the risks of exposure to COVID-19. Secret Paradise has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19, however, Secret Paradise cannot guarantee that its guest's, partners, or others will not become infected.
- By joining the tour you knowingly and freely acknowledge all such risks related to illness and infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
- Guests agree to self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and contact Secret Paradise by email if he/she experiences symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days after participating in a Secret Paradise tour or activity.
Know before you go
- Face Mask
- Hand Sanitizer
- Re-fillable water bottle
- Beach towel
- Water resistant reef friendly sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera/ Underwater Camera
- Money for personal expenditure
- Snorkel and Mask
Health & restrictions
Dress code
Swimwear for water based activities, we recommend the use of a rash guard or t-shirt whilst snorkeling, loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable footwear. We would request female guests to dress with modesty (shorts/skirts/dresses should at the very least covering the upper thigh and shoulders/chests should be covered) when visiting local islands including Male. Should you wish to enter a mosque during a local island visit long trousers are required by both male and female guests.
Food & drinks
- Food: 3 Dinner 1 Picnic Lunch 4 Break Fast
- Drinks: Refreshments included as per itinerary.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 7 days before the activity starts
Up to 7 Days before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 7days before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Additional information
A maximum of 6 people per booking. Operates in all weather conditions. Please dress appropriately, The Maldives is a Muslim country therefore we would request female guests to dress with modesty in mind. For cruise ship passengers: at time of booking, passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name & docking time. Not wheelchair accessible. Safety has always been important to our business, this is why our guides are Emergency First Responders & Life Guard Certified. We offer safe travel and hygiene standards as required by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands.Bikinis are not permitted on local island beaches; however, our guesthouses offer access to bikini beach, private gardens or private beach areas for guests, The Maldives is a Muslim country and care needs to be taken in relation to the dress code on local islands. While it is acceptable for men to wear t-shirts and shorts or swim shorts, females should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach to clothes by wearing t-shirts, loose shorts or sarongs. While the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, females should avoid wearing bikinis and swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, picnic island, sandbank, screened off tourist beach, dive boat or resort island, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, Loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun hat and comfortable shoes for walking tours are recommended, No prior visa arrangements are required. Tourists are issued a 30-day visa on arrival. A passport valid for 6 months and travel documents (flight tickets) are necessary, Maldives +5 hours GMT.
The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands.Bikinis are not permitted on local island beaches; however, our guesthouses offer access to bikini beach, private gardens or private beach areas for guests, The Maldives is a Muslim country and care needs to be taken in relation to the dress code on local islands. While it is acceptable for men to wear t-shirts and shorts or swim shorts, females should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach to clothes by wearing t-shirts, loose shorts or sarongs. While the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, females should avoid wearing bikinis and swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, picnic island, sandbank, screened off tourist beach, dive boat or resort island, Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, Loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun hat and comfortable shoes for walking tours are recommended, No prior visa arrangements are required. Tourists are issued a 30-day visa on arrival. A passport valid for 6 months and travel documents (flight tickets) are necessary, Maldives +5 hours GMT.