Maldives Gulhi Explorer

Male - Gulhi. Arrive at Velana International Airport before 9 AM, your tour leader will take you on a guided tour of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. You’ll visit the lively fish market, the colourful local market filled with tropical produce and spices, the President’s Palace, and the 17th-century Friday Mosque, famed for its coral stone architecture. As you wander through the narrow streets, you will enjoy a vivid glimpse into the city's culture and daily life.

You will then have some time for lunch before taking a 45-minute ferry to the island of Gulhi in the South Malé Atoll. As you cruise across the turquoise waters, enjoy the scenic views of nearby islands and keep a lookout for dolphins along the way. On arrival, settle into your guesthouse and unwind before heading out for a refreshing swim in the sea as the sun begins to set.

Over coffee, your tour leader will share how human activity is threatening the Maldives’ rich marine life and discuss simple steps you can take to help protect this fragile ecosystem.

Please note: Please ensure you arrive before 9 AM. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so alcohol is unavailable on local islands. Bikinis are not permitted on local beaches but can be worn in private guesthouse areas such as gardens, balconies, or designated tourist beaches. We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

This morning, you'll travel by speedboat to a nearby reef, where your tour leader will provide a briefing on safe and respectful snorkelling. Coral reefs are fragile environments, so learning how to move gently through the water helps protect their delicate ecosystems. Your tour leader will also guide you in the water, spotting marine life you might miss and supporting less experienced snorkellers to ensure everyone feels confident and comfortable.

In the late afternoon, join your tour leader for a relaxed walk through the island. You will explore the boat yard, where large wooden vessels are crafted and restored by hand, and have the chance to connect with locals along the way. The walk ends at a small café, where you’ll sample traditional hedika – a selection of Maldivian sweet and savoury snacks served with black tea.

Later, you’ll have dinner before learning about the Olive Ridley Project from your tour leader. This engaging introduction to their turtle research and marine conservation work sets the scene for your upcoming snorkelling adventure.

After breakfast, you’ll board a speedboat for a morning of snorkelling with the chance to spot sea turtles grazing among the reef’s soft corals. Before entering the water, your tour leader will explain how to interact responsibly with marine life to ensure a respectful and rewarding experience.

Later, you’ll visit an idyllic sandbank – a sliver of white sand rising from the sea, surrounded by vivid blue waters. Whether you choose to swim, explore the shallows with a mask and snorkel, or simply relax on the warm sand, it’s a moment of pure island serenity.

On the journey back to Gulhi, enjoy a leisurely cruise across the Indian Ocean with the chance to spot dolphins in their natural habitat. With the crew and your tour leader keeping watch, you'll learn about the different species found in the area, their behaviour, and their importance to the marine environment. It's a relaxed and informative experience that brings you closer to these remarkable animals.

Once you have arrived back in Gulhi, you will venture out to plant a coconut palm with your tour leader, leaving a small but lasting contribution to the island.

Gulhi - Maafushi - Gulhi. Today, you will head to Maafushi, where you’ll snorkel over seagrass beds and learn about their vital role in the marine environment. Often misunderstood and removed for aesthetic reasons, seagrass is one of the ocean’s most valuable ecosystems. Your tour leader will explain why this overlooked habitat is essential for marine life and why it's known as the unsung hero of ocean conservation.

You’ll then have time to enjoy lunch on Maafushi before continuing on to Gulhi. Once there, you can choose to relax at the tourist beach or join your tour leader for a final snorkelling excursion at Gulhi’s house reef.

As the afternoon cools, you’ll have the option to give back to the community by taking part in a beach clean. Afterwards, enjoy a well-earned fresh kurumba (coconut water) and a refreshing swim in the sea. Later, you will enjoy dinner at a local family's house, dining the traditional Maldivian way – without cutlery and full of flavour.

Gulhi - Male. You will enjoy an early breakfast before taking a public ferry back to Male. Once you have arrived in Male, you will be transferred to Male International Airport at approximately 10 AM, where you will greet your guide and fellow travellers before departing. Safe travels!