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Male · North Central · Maldives
Private: North Ari Atoll Island Hopping - 8D/7N
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From $2,174.35 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Part of the excitement of traveling is arriving at a new destination and exploring. We are also aware that on some days you may wake up and decide today ‘I fancy doing nothing’. So on this tour, we will book all accommodation and breakfast, organize and assist with your transfers and activities but leave you plenty of free time to do as you please. There is always a Secret Paradise guide on hand to offer advice and assistance and provide you access to unique cultural experiences. There are plenty of activities for you to select from including but not limited to cultural experiences, SCUBA diving, sunset cruises, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, evening fishing trips, sandbank visits, catamaran sailing, resort day visits, and beach BBQs. All of which can be organized during your trip or in advance if you prefer a more scheduled itinerary. The islands of Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri are surrounded by the breathtaking Indian Ocean. This area of North Ari Atoll is widely regarded as one of the best diving spots in the world and when the season is right it is possible to snorkel or swim with manta rays. With an abundance of green vegetation and beautiful white sandy beaches, this tour provides the ideal opportunity to indulge in the activities the Maldives is famous for as well as brushing shoulders with local culture and people.
Highlights
Why travelers choose this experience
- Relax on beautiful white sandy beaches
- Snorkel the underwater world of the Maldives
- Learn about the culture and traditions of the island
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Male
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’.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2
Male
Sightseeing at Rasdhoo. This morning your tour leader will accompany you to Male to transfer by early morning local ferry to the local island of Rasdhoo, North Ari Atoll. Upon arrival, you will have time to settle in before taking lunch. Following a briefing on the island and activities available the rest of the day is yours to do as you please. 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.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3
Male
Snorkeling at 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 allowing non-divers to discover the colorful marine life and coral reefs in this area.
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Male
Kayaking at Rasdhoo. Late afternoon you will head out for sunset kayaking tour. Kayak through the beautiful lagoon to a nearby sandbank, from where you can enjoy the sunset in the ocean.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4
Male
Today transfer by public ferry late morning to the next local island destination of Ukulhas. You will arrive just in time for lunch.
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Male
Sightseeing at Ukulhas. 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.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5
Male
Leisure at 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 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.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 6
Male
Today the morning is yours to enjoy as you please. Lunch will be taken before boarding the local ferry to head to our third island destination of Mathiveri.
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Male
Leisure at Mathiveri (Alif Alif Atoll). 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, browse the souvenir shops. 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.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 7
Male
Snorkeling at Mathiveri (Alif Alif Atoll). Following breakfast a guided house reef snorkeling tour is available. Keep your eyes open for turtles and if you are lucky manta rays. The afternoon 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.
Continued
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8
Male
Following an early breakfast join the public ferry for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at 14:00
Planning Details
Before you go
Included
Airport and domestic transfer assistance Island tours & Hedikaa experience Guided house reef snorkeling Dolphin Cruise Sunset Kayaking Secret Paradise Guide Local tax ($3 Green tax per person per night, 10% service charge, and 17% GST)
Meeting & Pickup
Meet up at Velana International Airport (MLE).
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business
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