Introduction
Our three night breaks are designed to either work as a self-contained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago
Join TripAdvisor's leading Maldives tour company on the local island of Guraidhoo located in South Male Atoll, it is a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, with sandy roads and palm trees. A 30 minute walk around the island highlights locals going about their daily routine; carpenters at the small boatyard traditionally constructing typical dhoni boats, locals drinking coffee in the many small coffee shops and children playing simple games in the street. Sit and watch the sunset alongside the locals on the public beach or kick back in a traditional seat called a ‘jolie’ and watch the world slowly pass by. Guraidhoo is a regular stopping point for safari boats and local shops have quickly adapted by offering all kind of souvenirs and a handful of local restaurants and coffee shops. Guraidhoo offers an insight in to the ‘real Maldives’.
Note: The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands. Subject to availability day/evening visits to resorts can be arranged. Bikinis are also not allowed to be worn on local island beaches; however all of our guesthouses offer private gardens or private tourist beach areas for guests.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary WiFi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Guide
- COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
- Meals
- Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
- Flights
- Insurance
- Optional
- Additional Services
- Visit to the fish market,
- Visit to Presidents Palace
- Visit to Friday Mosque
Day 1
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque.
After lunch transfer by local ferry to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!
Day 2
Following breakfast, accompanied by your guide, take a few steps from the beach into the ocean to explore the
House-reef of Guraidhoo for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ 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.
As the afternoon cools down time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life. Stop, by the harbour where fishermen may be bringing in their catch. Chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.
Day 3
Following a local style breakfast travel by speedboat to two of the best nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colorful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! On return to Guraidhoo there is free time for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing.
Late afternoon there is the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by supporting a clean beach. Our reward will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water) followed by an ocean swim!
This evening enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ under the stars with the option to add on traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo
Day 4
Following an early breakfast you will transfer by early morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
