Half-Day Original Eco Tour to Villimale From Malé
From$70
4 hours
Max 6 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Male, Maldives
About this activity
Join “Save the Beach” and discover the quieter side of city life by exploring the smaller island of Villimale’, located south west of Male’. Our guide will meet you and travel with you by public ferry to Villimale’. Wander the quiet streets, learn the names of local trees and learn more about the conservation work being carried out by “Save The Beach”. Before returning to Male we take time to sample traditional ‘hedika’ at a local café on the beach. Hedika is traditional sweet and savory snacks traditionally served with black tea and taken between 3.00 and 5.00pm. A percentage of the rate is donated to Save the Beach.
Highlights
- Explore the quiet streets of Villimale.
- Gain insights into Save The Beach’s marine conservation work in Villimale.
- Learn about the unique Maldivian ecosystem and the conservation challenges.
- Experience traditional evening tea.
- Includes donation to support Save the Beach
Full description
Discover the quieter side of city life by exploring the smaller island of Villimale, located southwest of Male on the original Villimale eco-tour with TripAdvisors' leading Maldives tour company. Travel with your guide by public ferry from Male to Villimale. Wander the quiet streets, learn the names of local trees and spend time with an NGO conservation group to learn about the work they carry out and how you can support the environment during your stay in the Maldives. Sample traditional ‘hedika’ at a local café on the beach and enjoy the sunset before returning to Male.
Safety has always been important to our business, this is why our guides are Emergency First Responders & Life Guard Certified. We are now working on ensuring our tours will meet the criteria required in a post COVID world including but not limited to social distancing and sanitation.
From the meeting point, jump into a taxi with your guide in order to reach the terminal where your ferry departs to Villimale from.
Experience the hustle and bustle of the ferry terminal, local people will be coming and going between their home island and Male. Observe the variety of items that are being transported after a days shopping in the capital. The ferry journey to Villimale is a short 15 minute crossing but don't be afraid to start up a conversation with those sitting next to you. They will be interested to know where you have come from and what you think of the Maldives.
The island, once a resort and also a prison, was 'developed' to assist with the ever growing population of Male. It offers the ideal escape from the ever busy capital city. Wide, open streets, an abundance of greenery so unlike Male, two local beaches and peaceful almost tranquil atmosphere.
Stepping off the ferry in Villimale, you may not be stepping back in time but you will be able to understand and visualise how the city islands would have been prior to urban modernisation. After an introduction to the NGO Save the beach representative, they will conduct a 60-minute walking tour of the island, which will allow you to understand and appreciate the local way of 'city' life.
Learn about the Maldivian ecosystems and conservation challenges arising from coastal development, unique to small island nations. Observe the before and after of reclamation works and harbor development. Identify trees and learn the Dhivehi names for species that may be common to you back home.
Traditional evening tea at one of the local cafes on the beach provides time to chat further with your guide and the NGO representative. Save the Beach is passionate about conservation, waste management, coral planting and more and they will willing share information and insights into how improvements are being made in these areas throughout the Maldives.
Sample 'hedika' local savoury snacks served with black tea and allow your taste buds to discover Maldivian flavors. Before returning to the 'big city,' we take time to sit back and relax in true Maldivian style and watch the sunset colours fill the sky.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip shared transfer from Male to Villimale
- Local guide
- Afternoon tea and snacks
- Local taxes
- Donation to Save the Beach NGO
- Gratuities
- Personal expenditure ( souvenirs, snacks etc)
- Food and drinks, unless specified
Meeting point
Start Location
Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, MV
Jetty 5 (opposite Bank of Ceylon)
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
- Insect repellent
- Camera
- Money for personal expenditures
Health & restrictions
Dress code
Loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable shoes for walking tours. 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 and during Taste of Local where we will be visiting the local community and the home of a local family. Should you wish to enter the mosques particularly on the Male City Walking tour long trousers are required by both male and female guests.
Food & drinks
- Food: Local Snacks
- Drinks: Tea/Coffee Water 500ml
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours 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.