Maldives Magical Vacation

8 Days, 7 Nights, Local Island Hopping + Water Villa Luxury Resort

Feb 9 - 19, 2025

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh + Sapa Hills

Arrival

Welcome to paradise! - Pick up from Velana International Airport (MLE) by Speedboat
Check-in between 1pm - 4pm at our first island stop - Dhangethi
Accomodations: Beach Front Deluxe Room, Dhangethi
Included meals: Dinner
Other Inclusions: Meet and greet, speedboat transfer, Sunset Swim

Activities

Upon arrival at Malé International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour leader and transferred by public speedboat to the island of Dhangethi, located in the heart of South Ari Atoll, approximately 90km from Malé.

Dhangethi is a charming local island known for its warm hospitality, pristine white sand beach, and vibrant coral reefs. The island offers direct access to an incredible house reef, where you may encounter colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and even reef sharks. With its laid-back vibe and strong connection to local Maldivian culture, Dhangethi is a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and authenticity. It’s a favorite for travelers seeking an immersive Maldivian experience on a more accessible budget.

Settle into your guesthouse and take in the serene island atmosphere before heading to the beach for your first sunset swim in paradise. Let the turquoise waters and golden skies welcome you to your island escape.

Dhangethi

Accomodations: Beach Front Deluxe Room, Dhangethi
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Other Inclusions: 2 Hour Snorkeling, Island Tour & hedikaa

Activities

Snorkeling and local island tour

Following breakfast, it’s time to explore the reefs close to Dhangethi 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.

Late afternoon spend time exploring the island, to get yourself acquainted with the layout and uncover the best spots to take lunch. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea and familiarize yourself with island life.

Following dinner your tour leader will introduce you to the work of the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. Gain an insight into their environmental monitoring and whale shark studies, preparing you for our whale shark safari tomorrow!

Dharenghathi Whale Sharks, Reefs & Manta Magic

Overnight: Antares, Deluxe Room, Dhangethi
Included meals: Breakfast (07:00-08:00), dinner (19:00)
Other Inclusions: 4-hour whale shark snorkeling safari (08:30-12:30)

Activities

Whale Shark Snorkeling

South Ari Atoll is well known for the possibility of encountering whale sharks within South Ari Marine Protected Area. There is only one way we can spot them and that’s the old fashioned way of being out on the boat and looking! This morning, we head out in search of the ocean’s largest fish. We may see 1 or 2 sharks or maybe not even one for the whole time we are searching, but the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! When we do spot them, we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them following the Code of Conduct, a truly magical experience.

Today is nothing short of unforgettable. After breakfast, we set out on a 4-hour whale shark snorkeling safari—one of the most awe-inspiring experiences the Maldives has to offer. Drift through turquoise waters alongside these gentle giants, as you explore coral reefs alive with vibrant fish and colorful marine life. Keep watch for curious turtles and sleek reef sharks. Your Tour Leader will also introduce the important conservation work of the Manta Trust, giving you a meaningful look into their research and protection of these graceful creatures. If nature is on our side, we may even encounter manta rays gliding through the water—an extraordinary moment that will leave you breathless. Should we be lucky enough to meet them, we’ll follow the Manta Trust’s code of conduct to ensure a respectful and responsible interaction.

Ukulhas Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise

Overnight: Ostrov, Deluxe Room, Ukulhas
Included meals: Breakfast (07:30-08:30), dinner (19:00)
Other Inclusions: Speedboat Transfer (09:00) 2 Point Snorkeling (11:30 -12:23) Island Tour (15:00-16:30)
Sunset Cruise (17:30-18:30)

Activities

Transfer to Ukulus

Snorkeling, Dolphins, & Sunset Cruise

Today we transfer by private speedboat to our final island destination of Ukulhas. Once settled in join your Tour Leader to snorkel the house reef reef. Spend time this afternoon exploring the island with your tour leader, stop for refreshing drink at a local café or just relax by the ocean listening to the gentle lap of the waves on the shore. Ukulhas has a beautiful large white sand tourist bikini beach that stretches almost the circumference of the island. The house reef is accessible directly from the island where you may be lucky enough to encounter turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, reef sharks and a host of tropical fish life. Ukulhas provides the ideal location to relax or get active and has become a popular location for families, couples and solo travelers as it offers everything you may be looking for from a Maldives holiday location on a budget.

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. Your tour leader and crew familiar with the habits and behavior of dolphins will keep a keen lookout for any signs of these graceful creatures. They will share stories about the different species of dolphins found in the region, their social dynamics, and the role they play in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.

This evening your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust. Providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and manta ray studies!

Escape to an Uninhabited island & Beach Clean Up (optional)

Overnight: Ostrov, Deluxe Room, Ukulhas
Included meals: Breakfast (07:30-08:30) Picnic lunch (while at sandbank) Beach Dinner (19:30)
Other Inclusions: Manta Snorkeling + Uninhabited Island Visit (09:30-13:30) Optional Beach Clean Day
(17:00)

Activities

Escape to an uninhabited island & Beach Clean Up

Let's give back!

There are more uninhabited islands in the Maldives than there are inhabited ones. Uninhabited islands are the closest you can get to your own Robinson Crusoe escape and today that’s where we will spend our day. Just a short speedboat journey from Rasdhoo our island is ideal for merely enjoying time sunbathing, snorkeling or swimming in the clear blue lagoon.

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!

This evening enjoy dinner under the stars.

Kurumathi Island

Accomodations: Over Water Villa at Luxury Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Other Inclusions: Private speedboat transfer to resort

Activities

Local island departure

Following an early breakfast, we take a private speedboat transfer and head to our next adventure at a luxury resort.

The Maldive Resort Experience - Over Water Bungalow Stay

These over the water retreats offer all creature comforts that you can wish for, combined with complete privacy.

These magnificent villas are also built on stilts, close to the house reef with its colourful myriad of marine life. The villa features an airy bedroom with king bed and a spacious bathroom with twin vanities and rainfall shower. The villas also include an oversized two-tiered sundeck with your whirlpool (hot tub), sunloungers and sun umbrella. Enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean with a bubbly drink in hand, and your favourite tunes playing the background.

Villa features include:

Over Water

King-Sized Bed

Indoor Daybed

Semi-Open Air Bathroom

Rainfall Shower

Whirlpool (hot tub)

Twin Vanities

Shaving/Make Up Mirror

Hot & Cold Water

Fan

Air Conditioning

Hair Dryer

Bath & Beach Towels

Bathrobes

Bathroom Amenities

Minibar

In-Room Safe

IDD Telephone

Espresso Machine

Flat Screen TV with Cable

Wi-Fi Internet

Split-level decks

Sun Umbrella

Sunloungers

Rechargeable torch

Kuramathi Island

The island is over 1.8km long, with acres of luxuriant vegetation surrounded by spectacular beaches tapering into an endless sandbank. Guest villas are scattered around lush gardens, facing secluded areas of long beaches or poised over water, and some feature additional luxuries such as whirlpool (hot tubs) or private pools.

Kurumathi Island

Accomodations: Over Water Villa at Luxury Resort
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activities

Enjoy your Over Water Villa and dangle your feet to your hearts content! The day is ours to explore our magnificent luxury resort set with a backdrop of turquoise blue water.

Set in Rasdhoo Atoll, on one of 5 islands located in this tiny archipelago, Kuramathi offers a naturally Maldivian holiday experience, with unique twists to suit everyone. Whether you prefer undersea activities to overwater, whether you would rather indulge in sensual spa therapies than play a game of outdoor tennis, there is literally something for everyone.

Relax, get comfortable and enjoy the beautiful island: sun, sand, surf, mouth-watering food, range of villas to suit all budgets, diverse facilities and, of course, welcoming and friendly service that the Maldives is known for.