Conscious Travel

Engage with the locals

Positive Impact

Embark on a journey to discover the tranquil beauty of Goidhoo Atoll. Snorkel a vibrant marine ecosystem, encountering an array of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Delve into the captivating history and rich culture of three local islands, immersing yourself in their way of life. Learn the art of cooking Maldivian cuisine, as local ladies guide you through the flavors and techniques that make their dishes unique. 

Witness incredible biodiversity as you explore mangroves, seagrass beds, and island lakes. Engage with inspiring NGOs and connect with friendly locals, gaining insights into their sustainability efforts and community initiatives. This purposeful journey will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the Maldivian culture and environment.

Trip Details

Trip Details

Price

  • Private Double Room from USD3998
    Comfort and privacy, a room just for the two of you
  • Private Single Room USD2499
    Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room
  • Twin Share Room USD1999 per person
    Make new friends by sharing with same-gender solo travelers

Availability

  • Group Tour departs every third Sunday every month
  • Private tours available – contact us to confirm availability and price

Start

  • Arrival on day 1 by midday

Meeting point

  • Velana International Airport (MLE)

Duration

  • 8 days & 7 nights

Group size

  • Minimum 1 person
  • Maximum 8 persons

Included

  • 7 night Deluxe room guesthouse accommodation
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners
  • Airport assistance
  • Return transfer by vehicle & public speedboat
  • Villimale Walking Tour
  • Island tours and Hedika Experience
  • 2 Snorkeling tours included equipment
  • Mangrove kayaking
  • Maldivian Cooking Experience
  • Coral Nursery Experience
  • Sandbank hopping including snorkeling equipment
  • Secret Paradise Tour Leader
  • Local tax ($3 green tax per person per night, 10% service charge, and 16% GST)

Not included

  • 7 Lunches
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance

What to bring

  • All this together with full details on everything you need to know about travel within the Maldives will be provided in our welcome information pack.

Your Impact

  • Your travel spend sustains the local economy and the livelihoods of locals, including your tour leader and our local suppliers.
  • Contribute to the protection of coral reefs and marine life by learning about the Green Fins code of snorkeling conduct.
  • 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.
  • Contribute to the manta ray and turtle data base through citizen science.
  • Through interactions with local communities help preserve traditional customs, crafts, and cuisines.
  • Contribute to the income of island families, when you enjoy hedikaa – evening tea at a local cafe.
  • Foster cultural exchange and mutual respect during the cooking experience with  islanders.
  • Become an advocate for the protection of vital ecosystems, helping preserve mangroves & seagrass meadows and their crucial role in mitigating climate change.
  • Participate in a beach clean-up, directly removing debris and protecting marine life from pollution.
  • Using the provided reusable water bottles reduce the amount of plastic waste in the Maldives.

Carbon Footprint

1755Kg 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 local tour guides will accompany you for the duration of the activity. All our guides hold First Aid and Lifeguard qualifications and have completed Travelife Online Sustainable Tourism Certification.

Meet the team


Important note

  • The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands.
  • Bikinis are  not allowed to be worn on local island beaches; however, all of our guesthouses offer either private gardens, balconies or tourist beach areas for guests where bikini swimwear can be worn.

WHAT ARE THE MALDIVES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?

  • Travelers must have a confirmed accommodation/tour booking.
  • Travelers must have a passport or travel document valid for a minimum 30 days from date of entry to the Maldives.
  • Travelers must have a return flight ticket.
  • The online traveler declaration form IMUGA must be completed within the 96 hour period prior to arrival in country.

Highlights

Snorkel marine rich tropical waters

Learn how to make mashuni roshi

Discover mangroves, seagrass and lakes

Delve into the history and culture of the people

Make an impact. Complete a community beach clean

What to Expect

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you will be welcomed by your Maldivian guide who will assist with your transfer to Hulhumale. After settling into your guest house, we journey across Male to the smaller neighbouring island of Villimale, to discover the quieter side of city life. Accompanied by your guide, wander the quiet streets with their pastel coloured local houses, witness how development is impacting coral reefs and learn more about the challenges faced by our island nation. Whilst on the island you will also learn about the conservation efforts of Save the Beach. This inspiring NGO is working to maintain the Maldives aquatic ecosystems. The project monitors nearby reefs, organises beach cleans and engages locals through their education.

Spend the morning exploring Male on foot with your guide. Learn the stories of Hukuru Miskiy – The Friday Mosque, visit key points of interest that weave their history into the story of this unusual capital city and take in the smells and flavors at the local markets.

After time for lunch board a speedboat for the two-hour journey to the island of Goidhoo. Goidhoo retains a cultural feel with ancient mosques and wells. The island’s natural wonders include freshwater lakes, which are quite unusual in the Maldives, mangroves and a beautiful beach, as well as many vegetable and fruit farms.

After checking into a local island hotel drop by a local cafe to sample traditional hedika. This afternoon tradition is best described as the Maldives equivalent of tapas! Walk into any café between 3pm and 5pm and you will find an array of bite size savoury and sweet delights, served with black tea. Then it’s time to hit the beach for a sunset swim.

This morning immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives as you embark on your first underwater adventure. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ during the experience, pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. A vibrant tapestry of ocean life will unfold before your eyes, from shimmering schools of tropical fish to elusive creatures tucked within the coral, each one adds to the symphony of hues that paint this underwater landscape.

Back on dry land, in the afternoon you will explore the island of Goidhoo. In the 19th century, a female African slave who had been bought by the king on his Hajj trip to Mecca was formally released from slavery. A house and a well were built for her to settle on Goidhoo.

The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Now there are some families from Goidhoo that can trace their decadency to this African ancestor.

This morning we kayak one of the island’s mangrove lakes and learn why the mangroves play such an important role in the Maldives. Your guide will coach you on how to paddle and manoeuvre the kayak before we set off to explore this unique Maldives ecosystem. As you navigate the waterway, your guide will provide valuable insights, sharing stories of the delicate balance between the mangroves, the surrounding marine environment, and the local communities. They will emphasize the need to preserve and protect these invaluable habitats, highlighting the vital role each of us play in conserving the natural wonders of the Maldives.

Late afternoon, take a speedboat transfer to Fehendhoo, one of the least populated islands in the Baa Atoll. On arrival, your guide will take you on an exploration of the island. In 1602, Frenchman Francois Pyrard found himself wrecked on the reef here, before his attempts to learn the language won him favour with beyfulhun, who subsequently took him to the capital.
Pyrard’s account of his time in the Maldives would be the world’s only real glimpse into the mysterious atolls between the 14th and 19th centuries. The wreck of his ship, the Corbin, can still be found on the reef but the treasures within are still to be located. Maybe you will get lucky!

Once again we head out for a guided snorkeling tour this morning. Why? Because you are in the Maldives, which is 99% ocean, and each snorkeling experience is unique! Fehendhoo is surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs that are teeming with colourful fish and various sea mammals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays.

Late afternoon, transfer by speedboat to Fulhadhoo, arguably one of the most beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll. After checking into your local accommodation we take a tropical forest walk to enjoy sunset at the island beach which has been ranked in the world’s top 25 beaches. Don’t forget your torch!

This morning you will meet the ladies of the local Womens Development Committee (WDC). Island WDCs play an important role in mobilising local women, and providing an avenue for women to network, collaborate and implement initiatives for community development. Under their watchful gaze, you will prepare breakfast, learning how to make mashuni (a typical Maldivian breakfast dish comprising of tuna, onion, coconut, and chilli) and roshi (flatbread). Sit together to share 

After lunch, enjoy an idyllic journey through Goidhoo Atoll, where a series of stunning sandbanks await your discovery. But the ultimate destination awaits—an uninhabited Robinson Crusoe island. As you step onto its shores, you will feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels like it belongs only to you. The island’s beaches will invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. As the sun starts to set, casting hues of gold and orange across the sky, savour the local flavors of a traditional fish and coconut BBQ!

After breakfast, visit Fulhadhoo’s coral nursery where you will learn the story behind the project and understand why coral rehabilitation projects are extremely important in the Maldives. You will witness firsthand the intricate process of coral propagation. The techniques used, such as fragment collection, nurturing, and monitoring the growth of new coral colonies. 

In the afternoon, spend time giving back to the community that has welcomed you by participating in an island clean. The act of cleaning is a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Your reward will be a refreshing ocean swim

This evening, enjoy a cultural dinner consisting of traditional Maldivian dishes beneath the stars.

Transfer to Velana International Airport by scheduled speedboat arriving by 10:00.

Your Trip Accommodation

Hulhumale – Newtown Inn
This 10-room property is located in the heart of Hulhumale, but just a short walk from the beach. Rooms are comfortable and offer all the facilities required following your flight for a comfortable overnight stay. All rooms offer an en-suite bathroom, AC and fan, flat-screen satellite TV, an in-room safety deposit box, and Wi-Fi.

Goidhoo – Olive Goidhoo
Olive Goidhoo is a 12-bedroom guest house with an outdoor terrace, that overlooks the island’s vast agricultural fields and the ocean. All rooms are furnished with king-size beds. Garden View Rooms feature a balcony facing the lavish island greenery. Omala Café & Restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining facilities. All rooms offer an en-suite bathroom, AC and fan, in-room safety deposit box, Wi-Fi and tea and coffee making facilities.

Fehendhoo – Island Luxury
Set on the quiets lanes of Fehendhoo,Island Luxury Guesthouse offers 5 comfortably furnished rooms and a pretty gadren area for outdoor dining. All rooms offer an en-suite bathroom, AC and fan, in-room safety deposit box, and Wi-Fi.

Fulhadhoo – Island Luxury Dive Hotel
Island Luxury Dive Hotel is located just a short walk from the island’s tourist beach. The hotel provides 8 comfortable deluxe rooms, with spacious bathrooms and a kitchenette located on the first floor where guests can prepare snacks and beverages independently if they wish. This premium property is situated facing the stunning forest, showcasing the lush greenery that that is abundant on the island.

We require a minimum number of 6 persons for cruises to operate.

There is no minimum number for any of our land based tours.

Accommodation is offered on a twin/double room share basis.

If you are a single traveler and prefer a private single room to yourself throughout the tour/cruise, this can be arranged. A single supplement is charged on all our multi day tours except the following:

Yes, we can assist with organising pre and post tour accommodation, including a transit night in the capital area or a longer independent stay on a local island or resort island.

Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather patterns are changing and historical data is becoming less reliable as an indication of what to expect. With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30°C throughout the year, there is never a really bad time to visit the Maldives. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November. ‘Wet season’ doesn’t mean it rains all the time, but during this period there is a higher probability of rain. However, in today’s world we do experience rain even during the ‘dry’ season.

More detailed weather information can be found here

The Maldives are a Muslim nation, therefore care needs to be taken regarding dress on small islands and in local communities.

While it is acceptable for men to wear t-shirts and shorts/swim shorts, women should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach. T-shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders, loose shorts that cover the thighs, or sundresses with a sarong around shoulders are advised.

All the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, but women should NOT wear swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, sandbank, private tourist bikini beach (available on all islands you’ll stay on) or on board our cruises and snorkeling boats. Your tour leader will advise when and where this is possible.

No previous experience is needed for any of the included activities – just an average level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The activities aren’t strenuous, the only requirement is that you must be able to climb a ladder to exit the water, be comfortable in the water and be able to swim to participate in snorkeling activities.

We strongly recommend you bring along your own mask and snorkel wherever possible. Not only will you be assured the mask fits your face properly (making it more comfortable and less likely to leak), it’s also more hygienic. A mask and snorkel are small and light, so they should take up very little space in your suitcase! Due to the ocean current and wind conditions in the Maldives, the use of fins is essential for almost all snorkelling and these are included in all snorkelling activities we provide on tour. However, if you want to ensure a perfect fit, you are always welcome to bring your own.

On board our cruises we can cater to most diets providing we are advised at time of booking.  If there is something particularly you eat within your diet that you can’t live without we would encourage you to pack some and be prepared for perhaps more repetition of meals than you would be used to back home. For further clarification drop us a message.

Note to support our sustainable approach to cruises we do not offer beef products on board.

When traveling on land based tours properties can cater for vegan and vegetarian diets but it is worth noting in regard to food on local islands, over 95% of products are imported and then from Male they are transferred once or twice a week to outer islands.

Fruit and vegetables whilst available can be limited and they do not form part of the traditional Maldivian diet in the way you may be used to back home with your 5 a day! Given that tuna is a key component of our diet as vegetarians you will find your diet quite limited in comparison to what you are used to, even a potato curry is likely to have dried tuna added. On local islands you can’t just pop out to the supermarket and what you may see in the convenience store one week is not seen again for months!

Maldivians, as Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol; hence there is a total restriction on alcohol being available on inhabited local islands, this includes the capital Male. Please do not bring alcohol through the airport as it will be confiscated and returned to you at time of departure.

Alcoholic beverages are available on our cruise itineraries and are purchased on board. Payment is required in USD cash or local currency to the boat captain.

When staying on local islands, visits to tourist resorts and bar boats in certain areas can be arranged.

 

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our multi day tours. You need to be covered for medical expenses abroad, including any emergency transportation costs to the nearest hospital and any emergency repatriation that may be required due to illness/injury. We recommend your insurance covers flight delays, missing flight connections and lost/delayed luggage.

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Two peoople relax on a chair in the shallows of the ocean
Three snorkelers pose for a photo
Three woman do the peace sign on a tropical sandbank