Maldives Culture and Beach break - 04 Nights
Starting from $687 per person - Private Guided
Starting from $624 per person - Set Departure Guided
Our short stay packages are ideal for those looking to experience the Maldives on a budget or for travelers who also wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning a vacation in Sri Lanka or India. They offer an excellent way to combine both styles of vacation, particularly as all packages start and finish at Male International Airport and should a package not entirely suit we are able to customize.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary WiFi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story comprised of a maximum of 10 rooms. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Maafushi was once a very typical Maldivian local island but since the introduction of local tourism Maafushi is proving a popular destination for those wishing to experience the Maldives without paying resort prices. Maafushi is located in South Male Atoll and is only 90 minutes away from Male by ferry boat or 30 minutes by speedboat. There are two beaches on opposite sides of the island, one of which is a tourist bikini beach. With over 70 guesthouses some with 6 floors there are plenty of accommodation options to meet all budget needs. There are a variety of local cafes and guesthouse restaurants, some situated on the harbor and with water sport and excursion providers all eager for your business Maafushi provides the ideal destination to discover the Maldives on a budget and mix with other tourists
Transfer Options
- Arrival in Maldives required by midday in order to take arrival ferry option included
- Departure from Maldives required after 11:00 in order to take departure ferry transfer option included
- No ferry transfers on Friday
- Private speedboat transfer $200 one way up to 8 pax
- Shared speedboat transfer $30 one way per person
Accommodation Options
- Includes deluxe room at Lily Rest or similar
- Upgrades available at Arena Hotel available
Included
- 4 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
- 3 Dinners including local dinner and beach dinner
- 1 Picnic Lunch
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- Return transfer by public ferry
- Hedika Experience
- Sandbank visit, snorkeling and dolphin cruise
- Male City Tour and Island tours
- Services of English speaking guide
- All Local Tax
Day 1
Arrive Male International Airport where you will be greeted by our representative or your guide, who will assist you with your public ferry transfer to your local island in South Male Atoll. The ferry operates every day excluding FRIDAY and takes 90 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi. You can choose to sit up top and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins or sit inside and chat with the locals.
Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe Maldives local life. Experience traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local cafe. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse.
Day 2
Breakfast this morning is served at your guesthouse before being taken out by boat to enjoy a 90 minute guided snorkeling trip to nearby reefs to discover the underwater world of the Maldives. The afternoon is yours to relax or for those feeling a little more energetic take advantage of the many water sport options available including surfing and diving. This evening dinner is taken in the home of a local family allowing you true access to local life.
Day 3
Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to an idyllic sandbank just a short distance from Maafushi. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax. A picnic lunch will be served before we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean its lunchtime all the time for turtles! On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. This evening subject to weather conditions dinner will be served on the beach under the stars!
Day 4
Following an early breakfast we take a short 20 minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi, where your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boat yard to stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut) watching the comings and goings at the harbour. Ready for relaxation you can choose to head to the bikini beach or for the more energetic join your guide for a final snorkeling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi.
Day 5
Following an early breakfast you will transfer on the early morning public ferry to Male and accompanied by a local guide you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum (entrance fee not included) and Sultan Park.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Male, enjoy lunch, buy souvenirs or just watch the world go by from a local coffee house. Transfer to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
End of tour
End of tour
Our short stay packages are ideal for those looking to experience the Maldives on a budget or for travelers who also wish to experience resort life in the Maldives or are planning a vacation in Sri Lanka or India. They offer an excellent way to combine both styles of vacation, particularly as all packages start and finish at Male International Airport and should a package not entirely suit we are able to customize.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary WiFi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story comprised of a maximum of 10 rooms. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Maafushi was once a very typical Maldivian local island but since the introduction of local tourism Maafushi is proving a popular destination for those wishing to experience the Maldives without paying resort prices. Maafushi is located in South Male Atoll and is only 90 minutes away from Male by ferry boat or 30 minutes by speedboat. There are two beaches on opposite sides of the island, one of which is a tourist bikini beach. With over 70 guesthouses some with 6 floors there are plenty of accommodation options to meet all budget needs. There are a variety of local cafes and guesthouse restaurants, some situated on the harbor and with water sport and excursion providers all eager for your business Maafushi provides the ideal destination to discover the Maldives on a budget and mix with other tourists.
Day 1
Arrive Male International Airport where you will be greeted by our representative or your guide, who will assist you with your public ferry transfer to your local island in South Male Atoll. The ferry operates every day excluding FRIDAY and takes 90 minutes to journey across the Indian Ocean to Maafushi. You can choose to sit up top and view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins or sit inside and chat with the locals.
Upon arrival at your guesthouse you will have time to settle in before exploring the island with your local guide to get yourself acquainted with the layout and to observe Maldives local life. Experience traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet snacks served with black tea at a local cafe. Dinner will be served at your guesthouse.
Day 2
Breakfast this morning is served at your guesthouse before being taken out by boat to enjoy a 90 minute guided snorkeling trip to nearby reefs to discover the underwater world of the Maldives. The afternoon is yours to relax or for those feeling a little more energetic take advantage of the many water sport options available including surfing and diving. This evening dinner is taken in the home of a local family allowing you true access to local life.
Day 3
Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to an idyllic sandbank just a short distance from Maafushi. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax. A picnic lunch will be served before we head off to snorkel in search of turtles. The soft corals available on this reef usually mean its lunchtime all the time for turtles! On the return journey to Maafushi cruise the Indian Ocean and hopefully spot dolphins. This evening subject to weather conditions dinner will be served on the beach under the stars!
Day 4
Following an early breakfast we take a short 20 minute public ferry journey to the quiet local island of Gulhi, where your guide will accompany you on a tour of the island. Visit the boat yard to stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut) watching the comings and goings at the harbour. Ready for relaxation you can choose to head to the bikini beach or for the more energetic join your guide for a final snorkeling opportunity on the house reef of Gulhi.
Day 5
Following an early breakfast you will transfer on the early morning public ferry to Male and accompanied by a local guide you will discover the history of the capital city and visit places including The Friday Mosque, The National Museum (entrance fee not included) and Sultan Park.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Male, enjoy lunch, buy souvenirs or just watch the world go by from a local coffee house. Transfer to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
End of tour
End of tour
Transfer Options
- Arrival in Maldives required by midday in order to take arrival ferry option included
- Departure from Maldives required after 11:00 in order to take departure ferry transfer option included
- No ferry transfers on Friday
- Private speedboat transfer $200 one way up to 8 pax
- Shared speedboat transfer $30 one way per person
Accommodation Options
- Includes deluxe room at Lily Rest or similar
- Upgrades available at Arena Hotel available
Included
- 4 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
- 3 Dinners including local dinner and beach dinner
- 1 Picnic Lunch
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- Return transfer by public ferry
- Hedika Experience
- Sandbank visit, snorkeling and dolphin cruise
- Male City Tour and Island tours
- Services of English speaking guide
- All Local Tax
Photo Credit - @blissdhigurah
Your Trip Map
Why Us ?
100% locally owned
Monies you pay us, stays in Sri Lanka, benefiting local economy.
Local knowledge
We know Sri Lanka well. We offer your you "Insider secrets" which could only come from locals. We are not the regular travel agent who promotes big chain hotels and taking you from one monument to another. We provide you an experiential journey to remember.
Responsible Travel
We source local expertise and knowledge from the villages which benefits their livelihood when you patronize our services.
Authentic Experiences
We only promote authentic travel experiences hosted by fellow locals to give you the most authentic Sri Lankan experience. No fake or staged experiences, no visits to tourist traps, no shopping unless you decide to do so.
No animal exploitation
No Elephant back rides; No Turtle Farm visits and no visits to chained animal complexes.
100% Tailor made
we design your trip with expert insider suggestions to suite your taste and budget.
