Maldives Tours
Undiscovered Maldives Tour
Explore the Maldives away from the beaten track. We visit the deep north on this 7 day escorted tour of the Maldives.
Explore Off the Beaten Track Maldives
Discover the history, culture and joys of the beautiful islands of the Maldives. From fishing villages to ancient Buddhist temples, you'll find something new every day on this unique tour. You also explore the beautiful, untouched forests and mangroves of the Maldives. For example, you walk in the jungle, take a canoe ride on the lagoon and spend an evening stargazing.
There are opportunities to relax on quiet white sandy beaches and snorkel tropical waters. You can also enjoy uninterrupted views of Maldivian sunsets. Therefore, this is a Maldives island-hopping experience not to be missed. Above all, local travel experts design and lead it for a truly innovative travel experience.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to the Maldives
On arrival at Male Velana International Airport, your tour guide will assist with boarding your domestic flight to Hanimaadhoo. The flight takes just under an hour. Then a 30-minute speedboat journey takes you to Kelaa, a unique island in the Haa Alif atoll. Kelaa has over 1,600 residents and one of the Maldives' largest lagoons. After dinner, your guide gives a presentation on waste management in the Maldives.
Overnight in Deluxe Room, Beach Home Kelaa · Meals included: Dinner
DAY 2
Local Village Experience
First, take a walking tour of the village. You discover a mosque built during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Ibn Ali (1692-1701). Then join a local lady for a cookery demonstration, learning to make mashuni and roshi for lunch. In the afternoon, walk with a member of IDEAS NGO through the mangroves of Kelaa. This is one of the biggest small-leafed orange mangrove areas in the Maldives. Finally, an evening presentation covers the importance of seagrass.
Overnight in Deluxe Room, Beach Home Kelaa · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 3
Coral Reefs and Marine Life
First, hear a presentation on Maldives coral reefs and marine life. Then take a speedboat trip to nearby reefs in search of turtles, reef sharks and other tropical marine life. You snorkel here with equipment provided. Afterwards, spend time on a beach clean, rewarded with hedikaa. This is a traditional afternoon treat of black tea served with savoury and sweet bites.
Overnight in Deluxe Room, Beach Home Kelaa · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 4
Relaxing and Reefs
Take a speedboat journey back to Hanimaadhoo to check in at the Barefoot Eco Hotel. You then have a free morning to relax, enjoy watersports, or visit the spa. In the afternoon, a boat ride takes you to a nearby reef. The aim is to see turtles, reef sharks, sting rays and colourful fish. Finally, end with sunset at a deserted sandbank.
Overnight in Beach Front Room, Barefoot Eco Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5
Utheemu
Visit the historical island of Utheemu to explore the well-preserved wooden palace of Ganduvaru and Kandhuvalu Mosque. Utheemu is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, who fought an eight-year war to drive out Portuguese invaders. Then, in the afternoon, tour the Barefoot Eco Hotel's vegetable garden. There is also the chance to plant a few coconut palms.
Overnight in Beach Front Room, Barefoot Eco Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 6
Sunset Fish BBQ
Take a guided tour of the Hanimaadhoo Agricultural Centre. It grows local favourites like watermelon, banana and papaya alongside more exotic varieties. Then, just before sunset, head out by dhoni to learn traditional Maldivian line fishing. Finally, your catch is served via BBQ for dinner.
Overnight in Beach Front Room, Barefoot Eco Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 7
Return to Male
Head back to the airport for your departure flight to Male, or your onward transfer to your next destination.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Return domestic flight transfer: Male – Hanimaadhoo – Male
All speedboat transfers as detailed in the itinerary
6 nights accommodation including breakfast, beverages and dinner, based on twin/double share
All activities and presentations detailed in the itinerary
Local English-speaking guide
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
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
Private departures, arranged as required.
From £2,655 per person, based on two people sharing
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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