Male & Maldives Express

Male - Guraidhoo. Arrive at Male International Airport before 9 AM. Once you have arrived, you will be met by your guide and taken on a tour of Malé at 9:30 AM. You’ll visit key landmarks including the fish market, local market, the President’s Palace, and the historic Friday Mosque. As you wander through the capital’s narrow streets, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of local life, culture, and history.

After your tour, you’ll have some time for lunch before taking a local ferry to the island of Guraidhoo in South Malé Atoll – a scenic journey of around two hours. Enjoy views of nearby islands as you travel and keep an eye out for dolphins along the way.

On arrival, you’ll have time to settle into your guesthouse before choosing how to spend the evening – relaxing in the garden or heading to the beach to watch the sunset.

Please note: Please ensure that you arrive before 9:30 AM at Velana International Airport. There are no ferry transfers on Fridays and public holidays. 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 head out with your guide for an underwater experience. Before you enter the water, you’ll receive a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling. Your guide will remain on the boat as your spotter, helping you identify marine life you might otherwise miss. You’ll learn how to minimise your impact on the reef and understand how development affects these fragile ecosystems. If you’re new to snorkelling, your Tour Leader will be in the water to support you, ensure your equipment fits well and help you feel safe.

Later in the day, you’ll explore Guraidhoo and experience daily life on the island. You can visit the harbour as fishermen return with their catch, chat with children playing in the streets and watch locals preparing their evening meals. At a nearby café, you’ll have the chance to try ‘hedika’ – Maldivian sweet and savoury snacks served with black tea.

After dinner, you can join your tour leader for coffee, where you’ll hear about the environmental challenges facing marine life in the Maldives and what you can do to help reduce your impact.

After a local-style breakfast, you’ll join a speedboat expedition to two nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are home to an incredible variety of marine life, teeming with colourful fish and vibrant coral. Keep your eyes open for turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

After returning to Guraidhoo, you’ll have some free time to take part in optional activities such as water sports, diving, or surfing.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll give back to the community by planting a palm tree. In the Maldives, trees play a vital role in controlling erosion by stabilising the soil and protecting the islands from storm surges. You’ll be rewarded with a fresh kurumba (coconut water) and a swim in the ocean. This evening, you’ll share dinner with a local family – a chance to experience Maldivian hospitality, where meals are traditionally eaten by hand.

Guraidhoo - 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!