I could not have done this trip without Secret Paradise! As tourism outside of resorts, is relatively new to the Maldives, logistics/transfers/directions are still a bit unclear.
Off the Tourist Trail
Private Guided Tour
Rich Cultural Experience
A Maldives Experience Without Resort Prices
Thoddoo is truly a unique island paradise and is waiting to be explored. Experience an island rich in culture with vast agricultural resources, not at all what you expect from a Maldivian island. With two beautiful white sandy beaches a short bicycle ride away from the village center, Thoddoo offers the ideal location to venture away from the capital area of the Maldives and discover that there is more to Maldives islands than beaches and palm trees!
Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
- USD 849 per person based on double/twin share
- Single supplement: USD 525
- Child (2 -11 years): USD 449
Availability
Available all year round
Start
Arrival on day 1 by midday
Meeting point
Velana International Airport (MLE)
Duration
6 days & 5 nights
Group size
Minimum 1 – No maximum for private bookings
Participation requirements
At present all guests staying on local islands are required to take a PCR prior to departure.
Included
- 5 nights in deluxe-room accommodation
- 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- Return transfer by public speedboat
- Island tours
- Hedhika experience
- Sandbank visit
- Snorkeling tour
- Sunset cruise
- Malé city tour
- Services of an English-speaking Secret Paradise guide
- All local tax
Not included
Lunches
What to bring
Full details will be provided in our welcome information pack
Important note
- The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands.
- Subject to availability, day/evening visits to resorts can be arranged.
- Bikinis are not allowed to be worn on local island beaches; however, all of our guesthouses offer either private gardens or balconies and tourist beach areas for guests where bikini swimwear can be worn.
- Some activities may be subject to change due to Maldives safe tourism guidelines.
Highlights
Snorkel nearby reefs and spot an array of sea life including turtles and mantas.
Experience the local tradition of hedhika -- afternoon tea.
Cruise the Indian Ocean in search of wild dolphins.
Relax on a sandbank that’s home to a perfect beach and great snorkeling opportunities.
Tour local farms and pick fresh produce for your dinner.
Take a tour of famous landmarks and off the beaten path secrets in Malé.
What to Expect
Arrive at Malé International Airport for the start of your Taste of Thoddoo Tour. Here you will be greeted by your guide who will assist you with your public speedboat transfer to your local island in North Ari Atoll. The speedboat operates every day excluding Friday and takes 60 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Thoddoo. Sit back and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins.
Upon arrival at your guesthouse, you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe local life in the Maldives, before trying hedhika. This is a very traditional part of daily life, similar to the western culture of afternoon tea. Enjoy savory and spicy, as well as sweet bite-size snacks served with black tea in one of the local cafes.
Breakfast on day 2 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. Your guide will provide a safety briefing and highlight how to protect the reefs by being a responsible snorkeler, they will also act as your ‘spotter’ to ensure you don’t miss out! There is always the opportunity to encounter sharks, turtles, groupers, mantas, and a myriad of colorful fish. The afternoon is yours to relax, or for those feeling a little more energetic, take advantage of the many water sport options available including diving.
This evening enjoy a BBQ dinner cooked by your host!
Today is yours to enjoy as you please. Relax on the bikini beach or for the more active, participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. 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.
This evening’s experience is a relaxing cruise in search of wild dolphins while watching the sunset in a blaze of color over the Indian Ocean. The Maldives is home to several species of dolphins, which can be seen gracing the waters near Thoddoo. Watch them jumping and dancing as they frolic and play in the wake of the boat.
After breakfast on day 4, you will jet out to a nearby sandbank allowing you an idyllic escape. There will be plenty of time to relax on the beautiful white sands or to swim or snorkel the crystal clear waters.
Late afternoon as the day begins to cool, we’ll explore the agricultural side of the island and learn why Thoddoo is known as the home of the watermelon! When was the last time you dined with an abundance of freshly picked fruit and vegetables? Your evening meal will be prepared from produce fresh from Thoddoo’s farms.
Spend day 5 making the most of your last full day in an island paradise. Lie back on the white sand with a great book, go for a stroll along the picture-perfect coastline, or participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer.
Following an early breakfast on day 6, you will transfer on the early morning public speedboat to Malé, where, accompanied by your local guide, you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, local market, fish market, and Sultan Park.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Malé, enjoy lunch, buy souvenirs or just watch the world go by from a local coffee house. Transfer to Malé International Airport or your onward destination.
Evilia Inn
This family-run guest house sits around a private peaceful garden setting. The food they prepare for your meals comes from Thoddoo’s farms, you can’t get fresher than that! Its flower-adorned garden is a great place to relax after a day of activity. All rooms offer an en-suite bathroom, AC and fan, an in-room safety deposit box, and Wi-Fi.
We have handpicked the best guesthouses throughout the Maldives to provide you the greatest experience while enjoying your Taste of Thoddoo tour package. Personally selected to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere, and value for money. In each, you can be assured of a warm welcome and know that your holiday money is contributing directly to the local economy and increasing local employment
