Maldives Off the Beaten Track I Experience Travel Group

The ultimate authentic holiday to The Maldives, this itinerary lets you get an unparalleled insight into local life with accommodation in comfortable guesthouses.

Most visitors to the Maldives stay on resort islands. These are not inhabited permanently, except by hotel staff. Generally, tourists and locals are kept apart. Since 2009 though, it has been possible to stay on inhabited Maldivian islands. It's an incredible opportunity which will appeal to discerning travellers who want to balance the classic Maldives picture-postcard resort with the opportunity to meet the locals and get to know the extraordinary way of life in this utterly unique country.

Highlights include:

A guided cultural tour of Male, including a visit to the local markets, 17th century mosque and 3rd November 1988 Memorial
Fishing for your own incredibly fresh BBQ dinner cooked at your comfy guesthouse
Breakfast with a local family who'll share stories from their everyday life
Maldivian crafting lesson including woodwork and palm weaving - you can take the pieces home with you as a beautiful memento
Cookery lesson with a Maldivian family where you'll learn how to prepare traditional dishes, perfect for wowing friends back home

As with all of our suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive 'Journey Planner' here.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

DAY 1 DEPARTURE

Depart and fly to Male.

DAY 2 VILLImale local welcome and orientation

On arrival, transfer to your hotel on Hulhumale and relax after your flight. Once settled, you can visit Villimale island and sample some delicious local hedikaa canapes, or 'short eats'. You'll travel to Villimale by local ferry via Male, through the bustle of the city and onward to the more tranquil shores of this quieter nearby island.

The cafe where you'll enjoy your hedikaa overlooks the capital, and it's a great place to begin your adventure. Wander through pastel-coloured streets and see everyday life where you're unlikely to meet any other tourists.

DAY 3 MALE & HURAA introduction to the capital

See the highlights of Male on a guided walking tour through the city. Starting from the ancient heart of the capital, learn about the founding father of the country, Abu Al Barakat, who brought Islam to the once Buddhist island nation from Morocco in the 14th century. Explore ancient mosques with beautiful gravestones dating to before Napoleonic times, visit the bustling fish market and see how the locals de-bone huge freshly caught tuna fish.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at The SeaHouse Cafe, ideally situated near the ferry terminals. The smoothies are delightful and the views rather beautiful over the capital island.

After lunch, hop on a boat and travel to your first local island, Huraa. Settle into your local guesthouse, enjoy a dip at a local or a 'bikini' beach (whichever you prefer, but note you will need to be appropriately covered at the local beach), and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant nearby.

DAY 4 HURAA discover local life

This morning, your guide will take you on a tour of the island, where you can meander through the beautiful pastel-coloured streets. Make your way to a mangrove and kayak in this unique ecosystem before moving on to a shipyard to see where fibreglass boats are made for local fishermen. You'll also visit a rihaakura business - this is an incredibly popular Maldivian fish paste akin to marmite.

Enjoy a free period around lunchtime to refresh and relax on the beach. Late afternoon, board a fishing boat and try to catch something for your dinner — don't worry, seasoned fishermen'll accompany you in case you don't hook anything. In the evening, enjoy the fruits of your labours and tuck into delicious fresh fish.

DAY 5 HURAA TO DHIFFUSHI music and delicious food

After breakfast at your local guesthouse, enjoy a morning snorkelling trip and swim with the beautiful multi-coloured marine life. Leave Huraa late afternoon to travel to Dhiffushi. Dinner is at your guesthouse.

DAY 6 DHIFFUSHI Cookery lesson and leisure time

After breakfast, take a tour of Dhiffushi and spend some time learning how to cook a proper Maldivian lunch with the ladies of a local family. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy at your leisure, relaxing on the beach or there are plenty of watersports, diving centres and snorkelling opportunities to be had.

DAY 7 – 10 RESORT indulge in luxury

After an early breakfast, travel back to Male and transfer by speedboat to a resort island. Enjoy three full days at your leisure, relaxing in the Maldives. Here you'll be able to indulge in a well-deserved G&T or glass of wine and relax in luxurious surroundings. There are various activities to enjoy, including diving lessons, tennis games and excellent spa treatments.

DAY 11

Return to the UK.

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Cool Trip, North Male Atoll

A small homely guest house on the island of Huraa, Cool Trip is a relaxing place to stay for those wanting insight into Maldivian culture.

Newtown Inn, North Male Atoll

A very comfortable hotel ideally situated near Hulhumale's long stretch of beach with nearby restaurants and cafes.

OBLU Nature Helengeli by Sentindo, North Male Atoll

Relax and unwind in this wonderful all-inclusive resort, with delicious food, a well-maintained house reef and dive centre.

Rashu Hiyaa Guesthouse, North Male Atoll

Stay at the luxurious guesthouse, Rashu Hiyaa, with beautiful views over the sea and a short walk from the jetty.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

Boduberu drumming lesson, North Male Atoll

With influences from Africa, brought over by Indian Ocean sailors , Boduberu is an ancient musical form you can learn.

Breakfast at a local home, North Male Atoll

Enjoy breakfast in a local home with traditional food like Roshi and fresh tuna cooked on open ovens.

Chess with the locals, North Male Atoll

Challenge your guide to the best of three as the sun goes down and locals engage in their own games.

Cooking lesson at lunch, North Male Atoll

What better way to have lunch in The Maldives than by learning how to make traditional dishes from the locals themselves?

Coral Reef Snorkelling, North Male Atoll

Enjoy a snorkel under the sea and try to spot turtles, clown fish and rays under the water with expert local swimmers.

Dhiffushi Island Tour, North Male Atoll

Explore the island of Dhiffushi with an expert local guide. The town is small and sleepy with locals enjoying their stunning surroundings in peace.

Fishing and BBQ, North Male Atoll

Catch fresh fish for your dinner with a local group of men who can help you with your line.

Huraa Half Day Tour, North Male Atoll

Explore the pastel coloured homes, locally used beaches, small shops and workshops of this typical local island.

Male City Tour, North Male Atoll

Explore the historic city of Male, capital of the Maldives and get a sense of ordinary life for the locals.

Sampling Hedikaa, North Male Atoll

Tuck in to some absolutely delicious tapas style dishes, from samosas, to crunchy tuna balls to coconut rice pieces.

The SeaHouse Male, North Male Atoll

Enjoy a delicious buffet style lunch at one of the most interesting spots in the capital, overlooking the ferry terminal: watch life go by.

Villimale Island Tour, North Male Atoll

Visit the quiet island of Villingili, just a short boat ride from the capital, Male.

Woodcrafting, North Male Atoll

Learn the local art of wood and coconut carving under the expert supervision of a local craftsman.

Maldives Off the Beaten Track