I had the pleasure to go on the snorkeling tour, it was really a beautiful experience with super friendly guides. I particularly appreciated that the tour was authentic and also promoted environment friendly practices. Highly recommend!
Eco Tour
Citizen Science
Educational
Explore Villimalé house reef and contribute to Fish Identification Research
This a unique opportunity to connect with local marine experts Save the Beach, learn to identify various species of fish, gain insights into the role these species play in our ecosystem and participate in citizen science, contributing to a database that allows us to determine the health and well being of our coral reefs and marine life. Explore Villimalé house reef and contribute to Fish Identification Research on this educational tour based on the local island of Villimalé.
Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
- USD 100 per person
Departure time
- Daily 09:30-12:00 except Fridays
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
- 2.5hrs
Group size
- Maximum 8 persons
Included
- Snorkeling equipment
- $25 Donation to NGO Save the Beach
- Services of a Secret Paradise guide
- Return transfer from Malé to Villimalé
- Local tax (10% service charge and 16% GST)
We do provide snorkeling equipment on all our tours but please feel free to bring along your own mask and snorkel. Not only will you be assured your mask fits your face properly and is comfortable and less likely to have leakage, it will also lower any health associated risks. We find that peace of mind goes a long way.
Not included
- Personal expenditure eg souvenirs and snacks
What to bring
- Refillable water bottle, beach towel, sun glasses, sun hat, water resistant reef friendly sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, snacks, money for personal expenditure.
As we will snorkel from the beach of a local island, female guests will be required to wear a rash guard or t-shirt and shorts or leggings whilst snorkeling. For all water based activities we would advise wherever possible for your belongings to be in a ‘dry bag’ and to bring only the minimum requirement. It is also advisable if you intend to take a taxi or bus following your tour to carry a set of dry clothing.
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 fish ID data collection which assists in monitoring biodiversity and track changes in marine ecosystems.
- Using the provided reusable water bottles reduce the amount of plastic waste in the Maldives.
Carbon Footprint
50Kg 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
Spot an array of colorful fish species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, as they dart and weave through the reefs.
Participate in a low-impact, eco-conscious activity designed to support reef conservation efforts in the Maldives.
Count & conserve helping to monitor and protect the diverse species that call these reefs home.
Become a marine guardian contributing to the conservation of our underwater ecosystems.
Fun for All Levels, whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner.
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. 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. with two local beaches, and a more peaceful atmosphere.
We join a member of local NGO Save the Beach who will take us through the process of fish identification. Learn to identify key fish species, including important indicator species whose population trends can reveal vital information about the health of the reef. Understanding these species helps us monitor and protect the delicate balance of life within these underwater ecosystems.
Develop expertise in recognizing and distinguishing fish at the species level, differentiate between various fish families and their unique characteristics. Learn how data will be collected and recorded as we snorkel the reef just off the beach of Villimale. Discover the process of fish identification and how data will be recorded as we snorkel the reef just off the beach of Villimale.
Following a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling, put on your provided fins, mask, and snorkel and enter the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean with your fish ID chart, slate and pencil at the ready!
As you explore the reef, you’ll discover the critical roles that different fish play in maintaining biodiversity. From algae-eating fish that prevent overgrowth to predators that keep prey populations in check, each species contributes to the overall health of the reef. By participating in this tour, you’re not only gaining valuable knowledge but also supporting ongoing conservation efforts aimed at protecting these precious underwater environments.
Be prepared! Learn more about NGO Save the Beach projects here.
Hear From Our Previous Guests
My husband and I did a customised tour with Secret Paradise in April, and we could not have asked for anything better! The eco island and what Beybe has been able to achieve as a grassroots activist is awe inspiring. It is impressive that nearly every guide we met has also had the opportunity to join marine researchers in their activities and can speak with authority on these gracious creatures, the coral, the environment and much more.
We did two tours (Sandbank, snorkeling & sunset; Villimale Walking tour) with Ruth and her team and we couldn’t have made a better choice! We appreciate that Secret Paradise cares about the environment and about protecting the beauty of nature. Meeting with Beybe from “Save the beach” adds to that and it was both informative and impressive.
We highly recommend booking a tour at Secret Paradise! Thank you to everyone for making and enriching our stay!
