Maldives Tour – North ARI Local Island Hopping

Day 1: Arrival at Male International Airport

Upon arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical urban paradise. For those arriving early there is an optional walking tour to the island of Villimale situated on the west side of Male which is often described as the ‘quieter side of Male’.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Point Inn Hulhumale or similar.

Day 2: Rasdhoo Island

This morning your tour leader will accompany you to Male to transfer by early morning public sppedboat to the local island of Rasdhoo, North Ari Atoll. Upon arrival, you will have time to settle in before taking lunch. As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your guide time is spent exploring Rasdhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, stop and 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 savory and sweet short eats served with black tea.
Rasdhoo is close to some of the best dive sites in the Maldives so if you’re a diver get yourself signed up at the local dive center. Divers may wish for an early start tomorrow and opt to join a dive to Hammerhead Point. During the manta season (November to April) there are opportunities for spectacular close encounters with these majestic large rays.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Holiday Garden Rasdhoo or similar.

Day 3: Snorkeling & Kayaking Tour in Rasdhoo

Following breakfast accompanied by your guide explore the Rasdhoo house reef 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. Once you have your confidence there are regular snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs giving non-divers the opportunity to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs in this area.
Late afternoon you will head out for a sunset kayaking tour. Kayak through the beautiful lagoon to a nearby sandbank, from where you can enjoy the sunset in the ocean.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Holiday Garden Rasdhoo or similar.

Day 4: Rasdhoo to Ukulhas

Today transfer by public ferry late morning to the next local island destination of Ukulhas. You will arrive just in time for lunch. After lunch takes time to explore the island with your guide and learn more about the tradition of fishing in the Maldives and discover why it was the island to lead the way for environmental practices. Not only does Ukulhas have some beautiful beaches the local community here are particularly friendly and will be delighted to engage in conversation with you and show off their home island.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Ukulhas Inn or similar.

Day 5: Watersport in Ukulhas

Following breakfast, the day is yours to do as you please. For the energetic enjoy the many excursions available including diving, snorkeling, and a variety of watersports. For those less active perhaps an excursion with a picnic lunch to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island suits. The house reef at Ukulhas is worth getting in the water for and can be accessed easily from the beach, your guide will be happy to accompany you on a guided house reef snorkel.
Why not book a whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll? South Ari Atoll is 90 minutes by speedboat and is very lucky to have a probable unique year-round population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. You may encounter 1 or 2 sharks in half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However, the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Ukulhas Inn or similar.

Day 6: Ukulhas to Mathiveri

Today the morning is yours to enjoy as you please. Lunch can be taken before boarding the local ferry to head to our third island destination of Mathiveri. Once again you will be provided with a briefing on the island and activities available. Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the island with your guide, stop for a refreshing drink at a local café or just relax by the ocean listening to the gentle lap of the waves on the shore. This evening before the sun sets we head out in search of dolphins which can often be seen jumping and spinning as the sun sinks on the horizon.

🏚️ Hotel Option: Royal Reef Inn Mathiveri or similar.

Day 7: Mathiveri Finolhu – Leisure Time

Today is yours to do as you please. Perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a private uninhabited island fringed with a white sandy beach and surrounded by crystal clear water. As this is an uninhabited island, it is possible to wear a bikini.
As the afternoon cools down there is the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by supporting a beach clean. Our reward will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water) followed by an ocean swim!

🏚️ Hotel Option: Royal Reef Inn Mathiveri or similar.

Day 8: Departure from Male International Airport

Following an early breakfast join the public speedboat for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at 10:00 For guests with a night flight, a complimentary Malé walking tour is offered.