Maldives Island Hopping: Culture, Reefs & Relaxation

Day 1/2 - Departure the UK on an overnight flight and arrive in the Maldives

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you will be welcomed by your Maldivian guide who will assist with your transfer to Hulhumale and complete an introductory briefing

Overnight: Ocean Grand, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Dinner

Day 3 - Male City Tour. Transfer to Goidhoo, traditional afternoon tea

Spend the morning exploring Male, the Maldives capital city, on foot capital city with your guide. Learn the stories of Hukuru Miskiy- The Friday Mosque and take in the smells and flavors at the local markets.

Early afternoon board a speedboat for the two-hour journey to the island of Goidhoo. Goidhoo retains a cultural feel with ancient mosques and wells. The island’s natural wonders include freshwater lakes, which are quite unusual in the Maldives, mangroves and a beautiful beach, as well as many vegetable and fruit farms.

After checking into a local island hotel drop by a local cafe to sample traditional hedika. This

afternoon tradition is best described as the Maldives equivalent of tapas! Walk into any café

between 3pm and 5pm and you will find an array of bite size savoury and sweet delights, served with black tea. Then it’s time to hit the beach for a sunset swim

Overnight: Olive, Goidhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 4 - Guided snorkelling and island tour

Following breakfast, take your first Maldives underwater encounter. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ during the experience, 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. There will be the opportunity to see turtles, reef sharks and rays, as well as a multitude of colourful fish.

Back on dry land, in the afternoon you will explore the island of Goidhoo. In the 19th century, a female African slave who had been bought by the king on his Hajj trip to Mecca was formally released from slavery. A house and a well were built for her to settle on Goidhoo. The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Now there are some families from Goidhoo that can trace their decadency to this African ancestor.

Overnight: Olive, Goidhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 - Mangrove kayaking & Free Afternoon

This morning we kayak one of the island’s mangrove lakes and learn why the mangroves play such an important role in the Maldives. Your guide will coach you on how to paddle and manoeuvre the kayak before we set off to explore this unique Maldives ecosystem.

This afternoon choose to relax on the bikini beach, or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional diving trips can be organised for certified divers.

Overnight: Olive, Goidhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 6 - Transfer to Fehendhoo and Island Tour

After a leisurely breakfast transfer to Fehendhoo, one of the least populated islands in the Baa Atoll.

Mid-afternoon as the heat of the day begins to drop your guide will take you on an exploration of the island. In 1602, Frenchman Francois Pyrard found himself wrecked on the reef here, before his attempts to learn the language won him favour with beyfulhun, who subsequently took him to the capital. Pyrard’s account of his time in the Maldives would be the world’s only real glimpse into the mysterious atolls between the 14th and 19th centuries. The wreck of his ship, the Corbin, can still be found on the reef but the treasures within are still to be located. Maybe you will get lucky!

Overnight: Isla Retreat, Fehendhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 - Guided snorkelling & Free Afternoon

Once again we head out for a guided snorkelling tour this morning. Why? Because you are in the Maldives, which is 99% ocean, and each snorkelling experience is unique! Fehendhoo is surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs that are teeming with colourful fish and various sea mammals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays.

This afternoon choose to relax on the bikini beach, or for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional diving trips can be organised.

Overnight: Isla Retreat, Fehendhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Fulhadhoo, forest walk

Following a relaxed morning in Fehendhoo transfer by speedboat to Fulhadhoo, arguably one of the most beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll. After checking into your local accommodation we take a tropical forest walk to enjoy sunset at thundi. Don’t forget your torch! Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this tropical vegetation, learn about the forest ecosystem and the important role vegetation plays in the Maldives. Be ready to get hot and sweaty but your reward will be a beautiful sunset and if you wish a refreshing dip in the ocean.

Overnight: Island Luxury Dive Hotel, Fulhadhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Cooking class, sandbank hopping and Robinson Crusoe BBQ

This morning you will meet the ladies of the local Women's Development Committee (WDC). Island WDCs play an important role in mobilising local women, and providing an avenue for women to network, collaborate and implement initiatives for community development. Under their watchful gaze you will learn how to make mashuni (a typical Maldivian breakfast dish consisting of tuna, onion, coconut, and chilli) and roshi (flatbread). After preparing the food you will sit down together to chat and eat.

After lunch, enjoy an idyllic journey through Goidhoo Atoll, hopping from one sandbank to the next. Final stop will be on an uninhabited Robinson Crusoe island, where there will be time to relax or stroll along the powder white beaches before enjoying a traditional fish and coconut BBQ as the sun sets.

Overnight: Island Luxury Dive Hotel, Fulhadhoo, Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 - Coral nursery visit, beach clean, cultural evening

After breakfast, visit Fulhadhoo's coral nursery where you will learn the story behind the project and understand why coral rehabilitation projects are extremely important in the Maldives. If you’re lucky and he is in town you will meet Sendi, the Maldives first ever Dive Instructor and an international diving celebrity!

In the afternoon, spend time giving back to the community that has welcomed you by participating in an island clean. Your reward will be an ocean swim!

This evening, enjoy a cultural dinner consisting of traditional Maldivian dishes. Dinner will be

accompanied by live music under the stars.

Overnight: Island Luxury Dive Hotel, Fulhadhoo Deluxe Room

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Depart Maldives

Transfer by early morning speedboat to Velana International Airport and your return flight,

Included meals: Breakfast

Night 1: Ocean Grand Maldives

Begin your Maldivian journey with an overnight stay at the Ocean Grand, a stylish boutique hotel set on the beachfront of Hulhumalé. Just a short transfer from the airport, it offers modern, comfortable rooms with ocean views, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere—an ideal place to rest and refresh before heading deeper into the islands.

Night 2, 3 & 4: Olive Goidhoo

Over the next three nights, you’ll stay at Olive Goidhoo, a serene resort nestled on the tranquil Goidhoo Island. Surrounded by clear lagoons and lush tropical greenery, it features stylish overwater and beach villas designed for comfort and privacy. With spacious interiors, modern amenities, and calming views of the ocean, Olive Goidhoo provides a relaxed, perfect place to soak up island peace and recharge.

Night 5 & 6: Isla Retreat Maldives

Spend night five at Isla Retreat, an elegant resort where luxury meets tranquillity. Located on a lush, secluded island, it offers beautifully designed villas—many with sea views—private, spacious surroundings, and sophisticated touches that emphasise comfort and style. With serene natural settings and relaxing ambience, this stay invites a deeper connection with the islands and a peaceful pause in your journey.

Night 7, 8 & 9: Island Luxury Dive Hotel Fulhadhoo

During the final three nights, you’ll unwind at Island Luxury Dive Hotel in Fulhadhoo. Nestled on one of the Maldives’ most peaceful islands, the hotel offers relaxed beach-side villas and over-water-style beachfront cottages with modern comforts, calm décor, and a mellow, intimate atmosphere. With expansive views of the Indian Ocean and spacious surroundings, it’s the perfect place to disconnect and savour your last days in paradise.

Provisional Flight Information

21/11/2026 London Heathrow to Male Dep: 1815 Arr: 0940(+1)

01/12/2026 Male to London Heathrow Dep: 1140 Arr: 1805

Hold Baggage allowance - 22kg

Flight upgrades - It is possible to upgrade your flights for additional cost. If you would like to do this please email team@spiceuk.com and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Flight upgrades - It is possible to upgrade your flights for additional cost. If you would like to do this please email team@spiceuk.com and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Passport validity

For UK passport holders your passport must be:

• Issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Travel Insurance

Please ensure that you have adequate personal travel insurance to suit your requirements in place before you travel.

Visas

You will be issued a 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives to enter as a tourist. For further information on entry requirements and visas, contact the Maldives immigration department

Traveller declaration form

You must complete a traveller declaration form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before your flight arrives in the Maldives.

Health

Make sure you visit your local health centre at least 2 months before departure, to be advised on any vaccinations needed. Your doctor will also have access to the most up to date information on vaccinations and medical precautions for the country you are about to visit. We recommend bringing a personal first-aid kit containing the following: high factor sun cream, lip salve, moisturiser, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent, cold/flu tablets, throat lozenges, electrolyte powder, aspirin or equivalent, muscle rub, nail scissors, 100mm elastic bandage, knee/ankle supports if needed, and wet wipes. For more information we recommend visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives/health

Electricity

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

http://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plugs-and-sockets/

Transfers - At any time of year weather/ocean conditions may impact speedboat transfers. Transfers are operated by independent third party companies and operational times remain subject to the change by the operator and are not confirmed until the evening prior to transfer date. Services can at times get delayed or cancelled even at short notice due to ocean/ weather conditions, public holidays or mechanical failure.

In the event alternative transfer arrangements are not available your guide or guesthouse representative will assist you to make alternative accommodation arrangements.