I’m so happy to join such a meaningful Eco Tour to Villimale. I heard the detailed explanation from the founder of the NGO “Save The Beaches Maldives” what they have been doing to save the beaches and ocean of Maldives. We walked around Villimale and learned how the place changed. I also learned how they conserve the corals and educate people to protect the environment. Together with the guide of Secrete Paradise Shark, we had a tea time, enjoyed some local Maldivian snacks and talk of exchanging each other’s cultures. What a wonderful experience!
I will come back to Maldives and hope to see you guys again!
Eco Friendly
Departs Daily
Educational Experience
Explore Island Life & Conservation on Villimalé
Join us for a four-hour Villimalé tour to get a taste of island life, meet and chat with locals, explore conservation projects, and sample local delicacies. We’ll finish our culture-filled afternoon by gathering on the picture-perfect beach to watch the sunset.
Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
- USD 80 per person
Departure time
- Daily 14:00 – 18:00
Meeting point
- Villimale Ferry Terminal Entrance (Male side in front of ticket booth).
- Collection from the airport, hotels in Malé, Hulhumale or the cruise tender jetty available upon request and is offered free of charge.
We are only able to collect from private resort islands in North and South Male Atolls. Permission must be gained from the resort to enable us to use their private jetty. Not all resorts will allow this service so please do confirm with the resort prior to booking. Charges for return transfer will be based on the distance the resort is located from Male.
Duration
- 4 hours
Group size
- Maximum 8 persons
Included
- Services of a Secret Paradise guide
- Hedhika experience
- $25 Donation to NGO Save the Beach
- All transfers to/from Male Villimale terminal
- Local tax (10% service charge and 16% GST)
Not included
- Personal expenditure eg souvenirs and snacks
What to bring
- Refillable water bottle, sun glasses, sun hat, insect repellent, camera, snacks, money for personal expenditure.
Your Impact
- Your travel spend sustains the local economy and the livelihoods of locals, including your tour leader and our local suppliers.
- $25 of your payment is donated to NGO Save the Beach to support their projects and community programs.
- Increase your awareness of how you can make a positive impact on coral reefs even by your actions back at home or when you travel to other destinations.
- Participate in a beach clean-up, directly removing debris and protecting marine life from pollution.
- Engaging with local guides fosters mutual understanding and respect, promoting cultural preservation and appreciation.
- Walking tours are eco-friendly, minimizing your carbon footprint.
- Using the provided reusable water bottles reduce the amount of plastic waste in the Maldives.
Carbon Footprint
20Kg of CO₂e – average carbon emission per person
Find our more about our Carbon Management here
About your guide
One of our experienced and professionally trained Maldivian tour guides will accompany you for the duration of the activity. All our guides hold First Aid and Lifeguard qualifications and have completed Travelife Sustainable Tourism training.
Highlights
Explore the quiet streets of Villimalé.
Gain an insight into Save The Beach’s marine conservation work in Villimalé.
Learn about the unique Maldivian ecosystem and the conservation challenges.
Experience traditional evening tea.
Includes a donation to support the work of Save the Beach.
What to Expect
Experience the hustle and bustle of the ferry terminal, local people will be coming and going between their home island and Malé. Observe the variety of items that are being transported after a day’s shopping in the capital. The ferry journey to Villimalé 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 prison, was developed to assist with the ever-growing population of Malé. It offers the ideal escape from the ever-busy capital city. Wide, open streets, an abundance of greenery so unlike Malé, two local beaches, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Stepping off the ferry in Villimalé, you may not be stepping back in time but you will be able to understand and visualize how the city islands would have been prior to urban modernization. A 60-minute walking tour of the island will allow you to understand and appreciate the local way of ‘city’ life as well as learning how the local community, together with NGO Save the Beach, works to protect both their island and ocean environment.
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 willingly share information and insights into how improvements are progressing in these areas throughout the Maldives.
Sample ‘hedhika’ local savory 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 colors fill the sky.
Be prepared! Learn more about NGO Save the Beach projects here
Hear From Our Previous Guests
We are very happy about our excursion with Secret Paradise! Both Ruth and Kokko are SO professional and kind, we got more than what we expected! The price was worth the excursion and we felt everybody was really taking care of us! Totally satisfied with the service!
Easily the best tour operator for Maldives. Prompt responses, good rates, and excellent service. Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Maldives.
