fbpx

Peregrine Travel Centre

Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

From $ 3,645 AUD

Book Now Request a callback
Email Us Print
,

Description

Venture beyond the sand on this island-hopping Maldivian adventure that takes you into the homes, villages and underwater worlds of this gorgeous archipelago. Explore bustling Male, then shift gears for a slower pace on the island of Goidhoo. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs and learn about local marine life conservation practices. On Thuladhoo, meet the artisans keeping lacquer work traditions alive and learn about the local fish-drying industry. Share homecooked meals with a Maldivian family and island fishermen – and learn to cook some breakfast specialties. In between it all, there’ll be plenty of time for lazing on the beach, too. With local boat rides, guesthouse stays and lots of time spent with the islanders, you’ll get to know a side of the Maldives that goes far beyond the white sand.

Trip Name
Maldives: Beyond the Beaches
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Get to know a more authentic side of the Maldives as you visit slow-paced islands, stay in locally owned guesthouses and engage directly with island communities.
  • Snorkel with the colourful marine life that makes the Maldives so special and learn about the islands' biodiversity, conservation practices and the impacts of global warming and El Nino.
  • Get a taste for Maldivian cuisine as you enjoy a homecooked meal with a local family in their home in Goidhoo, share lunch with Thuladhoo fishermen and learn to make traditional dishes like mashuni and roshi.
  • Unwind on beautiful beaches, soak up the relaxed island atmosphere at your own pace, and witness spellbinding sunsets.
  • Feel the rhythm of the islands through folk dancing and music during a traditional Bodu Beru drumming performance.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Hulhumale
Assalaamu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive at the airport in Male, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Hulhumale. Your adventure begins this evening with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not head out to the beach to relax under the blue sky. After your meeting, maybe take a sunset walk around Hulhumale with the other travellers in your group.
Day 2 - Male to Goidhoo
After breakfast, hop on a local bus for a short ride to Male City, the bustling capital of the Maldives. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets, local fish and produce markets and highlights like the Male Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace. After, head to the Male jetty for a high-speed ferry ride to the island of Goidhoo, where life slows to a gentle pace. Settle into your guesthouse, then spend the evening discovering the village on foot. Enjoy a traditional Maldivian high tea and hedhika (finger foods), like bajiya (fish samosas) and caramel folhi, as you unwind into the rhythms of island living.
Day 3 - Goidhoo
Today, head out on a guided snorkelling trip and get familiar with the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Maldives. Stop at two reef spots, giving you plenty of time in the water with the kaleidoscopic fish – along the way, learn about the Maldives' coral and marine life conservation practices, and how global warming and El Nino are impacting the region. After, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace – perhaps relax by the beach with a good book. This evening, visit a local vegetable farm before sharing a traditional, homecooked dinner with a Maldivian family in their home. After, head back to Hulhumale to spend the night.
Day 4 - Goidhoo
This morning, set out to Thuladhoo, a nearby island known for its skilled artisans and traditional way of life. Explore the island on a walk with your local guide, visiting a lacquer workshop (liyelaa jehun) and a local dry fish production area and see the open-air yards where the fish is traditionally sun-dried. After, head to a fishermen’s village for a cooking demo and home-style lunch. Get to know the local anglers and hear the myths and stories of their lifestyle and island customs. Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Maybe head to the beach for some chill time, then enjoy another beautiful sunset this evening.
Day 5 - Thoddhoo
Get a yummy start to the day with a hands-on cooking demo. Learn how to prepare classic Maldivian breakfast dishes like roshi and masuni, then fill up on the fruits of your labour for the day ahead. After breakfast, jump in a speedboat for the ride to the island of Thoddoo, known for its lush farms and laid-back vibe. When you get there, settle into your guesthouse then head out to explore the island by bicycle along village lanes and coastal paths. After your spin, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Day 6 - Thoddhoo
Enjoy a free day, maybe heading to the sand with a good book. If you like, you could go kayaking on Thoddhoo lagoon. As the sun sets, come together with your group for a traditional farewell Bodu Beru performance – the rhythmic drumming and dancing will bring your Maldivian journey to a memorable close. If you like, head out to dinner with your group after the celebration and toast to new friends and memories.
Day 7 - Thoddhoo to Male
Your Maldivian journey comes to an end today with an early-morning local speedboat ferry transfer to Velana International Airport. If you want to extend your stay in Hulhumale, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 3,645-
14-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 3,645-
28-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 3,645-
11-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 3,645-
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,645-
26-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
24-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 3,645-
14-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 3,645-
28-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 3,645-
05-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 3,645-
19-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 3,645-
26-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,645-
16-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 3,825-
23-01-202829-01-2028AUD $ 3,825-
30-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 3,825-
12-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 3,825-
26-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 3,825-
09-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 3,825-
23-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 3,825-
24-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 3,825-
22-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 3,825-
12-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 3,825-
26-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 3,825-
03-12-202809-12-2028AUD $ 3,825-
17-12-202823-12-2028AUD $ 3,825-
24-12-202830-12-2028AUD $ 3,825-

Accommodation

Guesthouses (6 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Speed boat

Map

Related products

Recent Blog Posts

Browse Trips in

Intrepid Maldives
More of activity:
Walking & Trekking