How To Go Island Hopping In The Maldives
The Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean that has long been considered paradise. The Maldives is famous for being one of the top tropical beach holiday destinations in the world. But the Maldives is a country with its own history and culture. It’s not just about beaches and swimming, and the cultural side of the Maldives is a part of the country that few visitors with their all-inclusive hotels get to see.
One of the best ways to explore the Maldives is island hopping with a guided tour. A week is a good time to get a feel for the Maldives, get a glimpse of the country’s culture, relax on the beaches and dive into the coral reefs. Over a million people from all over the world flock to these beaches each year and there is plenty to see.
The Maldives – the tropical island paradise in the Indian Ocean
The Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls. While the territory covers around 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 sq mi), most of it is sea, with only 298 square kilometers or 115 sq mi being land. Being atolls, the islands are very low-lying, with the average height being just 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) and the highest natural point being just 2.4 metres.
The Maldives is a place of stunning white sandy beaches and amazing marine life. Some consider the Maldives to have some of the best beaches in the world. Remarkably consistent, they are among the white powder-sand beaches with bright blue water (bring a good pair of sunglasses).
Under water the story is the same. The Maldives offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world, with plenty of coral walls, underwater caves and an impressive array of colorful tropical fish. See manta rays, turtles, sharks and even whale sharks.
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Take an 8-day island hopping tour in the Maldives
An 8-day island hopping tour delves into the real land of the Maldives, exploring many of the most iconic locations on some of the most important islands. The tour departs from Hulhumale and arranges everything in advance so visitors can look forward to a hassle-free island hopping tour.
Guests can choose to travel in a small group or privately.
During the tour, guests will meet local residents, go snorkeling, learn about the islands, and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the islands.
- Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
- Price: Starting at $999.00
The tour includes some meals, all accommodation, transport, some activities and a guide. International flights and travel insurance are not included in the travel package.
Visiting the Maldives is easy and tourists are issued a 30-day visa upon arrival.
8 Day Island Hopping Route
Day 1:
Arrive at Male International Airport and transfer to the guest house on Hulhumale.
Day 2:
Go with the guide and see the capital city before embarking on the island hopping adventure by taking the ferry to Guraidhoo Island in South Male Atoll.
Day 3:
Ride the speedboat and explore the nearby coral reefs and experience the first underwater encounter. Keep an eye out for turtles, sharks and lots of other marine life. The afternoon is free and there are opportunities for surfing, diving and other water sports.
Day 4:
Visit a local family and see life in the Maldives. Explore Guriadhoo with guide and enjoy optional water sports. Interact with locals in the community and visit a local cafe and taste the traditional “Hedika” – Maldivian savory and sweet short dishes served with black tea.
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Day 5:
Transfer to Maafushi Island and check-in at a guest house. Explore the island and take a cruise in search of dolphins.
Day 6:
This is a free day. There are many water sports and beaches to enjoy.
Day 7:
Take a ferry to Gulhi Island and cruise to Bikini Beach or go snorkeling. Relax in the local cafes and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 8:
Take the ferry back and arrive at Male International Airport at 10:00 AM.
It’s also possible to explore the Maldives on a self-guided tour, but an organized tour has the advantage of being hassle-free and worry-free.