Maldives Tours
North Ari Island Hopping Tour
Experience the real Maldives as you island-hop through North Ari Atoll. You snorkel alongside manta rays and turtles while discovering authentic local culture far from the resorts.
Island Hop Through North Ari Atoll
Our North Ari Atoll Island Hopping Tour is designed for ocean lovers, snorkelling enthusiasts and curious travellers. It is ideal if you are eager to experience authentic island life in the Maldives. This unforgettable journey takes you beyond luxury resorts and into the heart of local island culture. You also explore the crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs of North Ari Atoll. In fact, the atoll is home to an extraordinary variety of marine life. This includes manta rays, turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish.
Stay on three unique local islands: Mathiveri, Ukulhas and Rasdhoo. Each offers a different perspective of Maldivian life. For example, you find eco-conscious communities, traditional fishing heritage and world-class snorkelling reefs. As a result, the tour blends adventure, relaxation and meaningful cultural experiences.
You will stay in comfortable, locally owned guesthouses across three islands. They have air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms and modern amenities. The tour also includes guided snorkelling trips, conservation insights and opportunities to connect with local communities. Therefore, this is more than just a holiday. In short, it is an immersive Maldives island experience.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Hulhumalé
Arrive at Malé International Airport, where your tour leader meets you. Then transfer to your guesthouse in Hulhumalé (around 15 minutes). The beach is just steps away, with cafés, restaurants and a relaxed local vibe. If you arrive before 5pm, also join your guide for a traditional Maldivian coffee experience at a local café.
Overnight in Planktons Beach or similar, Hulhumalé
DAY 2
Transfer to Mathiveri and First Snorkelling Experience
First, travel by speedboat to Mathiveri in North Ari Atoll. After lunch, enjoy your first guided snorkelling session on the house reef, with a safety briefing. Then, in the afternoon, explore the island and sample local hedika snacks with black tea. Meanwhile, you learn about manta rays and conservation from the Manta Trust.
Overnight in Eco Palm or similar, Mathiveri · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 3
Snorkelling Adventure and Island Exploration
Head out by boat to explore nearby reefs teeming with marine life. For example, look for turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish and possible seasonal manta ray sightings. In the afternoon, relax or visit a nearby uninhabited sandbank island. Later, evening discussions cover marine conservation and reef protection.
Overnight in Eco Palm or similar, Mathiveri · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 4
Ukulhas Island and Turtle Conservation
Transfer to Ukulhas, known for its environmental initiatives. Then take a guided island tour covering sustainable practices and traditional fishing. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided snorkel on the house reef, where turtles are frequently spotted. There is also an introduction to the Olive Ridley Project. In addition, you learn how your photos can contribute to conservation research.
Overnight in Ostrov Hotel or similar, Ukulhas · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5
Free Day or Optional Activities
This is a day to explore at your own pace. For example, choose optional diving or additional snorkelling trips, sandbank picnic excursions or watersports. Alternatively, simply relax on Ukulhas' stunning white sand beach. There is also optional house reef snorkelling with your tour leader.
Overnight in Ostrov Hotel or similar, Ukulhas · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 6
Rasdhoo and Dolphin Cruise
Travel to Rasdhoo, famous for its dive and snorkelling sites. Then join a guided snorkelling trip, encountering large schools of reef fish, tuna and parrotfish. The trip also features blacktip and whitetip reef sharks. In the afternoon, explore the island before a sunset dolphin cruise. During the cruise, playful dolphins are often seen swimming alongside the boat.
Overnight in Fins Dive & Adventure or similar, Rasdhoo · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 7
Snorkelling and Sunset Kayaking
Enjoy a final snorkelling experience at two spectacular reef sites. Together, they showcase the best of the Maldives' marine biodiversity. In the afternoon, relax on the beach or join a community beach clean. Finally, experience sunset kayaking, paddling through calm lagoons as the sky changes colour.
Overnight in Fins Dive & Adventure or similar, Rasdhoo · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 8
Return to Malé
After breakfast, transfer by speedboat back to Malé International Airport for your departure.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
7 nights accommodation in deluxe local guesthouses
Daily breakfast plus 6 dinners
Return airport transfers
Inter-island transport (speedboat and public ferry)
Guided island tours and cultural experiences
1 guided house reef snorkel (with equipment)
4 guided snorkelling trips by boat (with equipment)
Dolphin cruise
1-hour guided sunset kayaking
Local tour leader throughout
All local taxes and green tax
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Lunches, to be paid for locally
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Alcoholic drinks – the Maldives is a Muslim country and alcoholic drinks are not available on this tour
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
This tour departs every Sunday throughout the year, with a maximum of 8 people. A Christmas/New Year supplement (21st December – 10th January) of £235 per person applies. Contact us for private versions of this tour.
£1,355 per person, based on two people in a twin/double room
Single Supplement – £349
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination. For example, it covers safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for the Maldives.
If you enter the Maldives as a UK tourist, you'll be granted a 30-day visa on arrival. Your passport must also be valid for a minimum of one month. However, most airlines require at least 6 months' validity from your date of entry. Therefore, check with your transport provider. Finally, ensure your passport has no damage, or immigration may stop you.
The Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. In fact, severe penalties include life imprisonment for importing or possessing drugs. Because this is an Islamic country, public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Same-sex relations are also illegal and carry lengthy prison sentences. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and dress codes at all times, especially during Ramadan or near mosques. Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands, so do not take them elsewhere.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should cover the body appropriately when you are in the company of local communities. In other words, it doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful, particularly on local islands. Sandals and flip-flops are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. You're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself. For example, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle and a power adapter. The Maldives mostly uses UK 3-pin sockets. Finally, pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
While You're There
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is a non-convertible currency, so you cannot purchase it beforehand. However, you can easily exchange major international currencies at the airport on arrival. The US Dollar is also widely accepted as legal tender. In addition, you can use all major credit cards at resorts, hotels and shops. On local islands, though, cash is generally preferred.
The Maldives has a tropical climate year-round. The dry season (northeast monsoon) runs from January to March. Meanwhile, the wet season (southwest monsoon) runs from mid-May to November. However, rain showers tend to be short rather than prolonged. The Maldives is on GMT+5, and wifi is available at most guesthouses. Signal strength can vary, though, given the island cabling.
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