Maldives
Maldives Island-Hopping: North Ari Atoll
Overview
Answer the call of the ocean on an unforgettable 8-day Maldives island-hopping adventure through the heart of the North Ari Atoll. This scheduled deprture tour is crafted for those who dream of more than just white-sand beaches; it’s for the true marine life enthusiast eager to snorkel crystal-clear waters and connect with the vibrant ecosystem beneath the waves. Prepare to glide alongside graceful manta rays, swim with gentle sea turtles, and witness the quiet power of reef sharks in their natural habitat. This is more than a holiday in the Maldives—it’s an educational journey that offers profound insights into the delicate balance of our oceans and the importance of preserving this aquatic paradise
A journey into the underwater world of the Maldives, designed for the conscious traveller.
This trip takes you to join a small group of conscious-minded travellers to explore the underwater world of the Maldives. If you are seeking for a private exploration of the Maldives, contact us here to plan your private trip.
Day 1: Welcome to Paradise
Upon arrival at Male International Airport, you will be greeted by your tour leader and transferred to your guesthouse on the island of Hulhumale. Settle in and take your first steps onto the tropical sands. Later, you have the option to join your guide for a coffee at a beachside café, a popular local pastime and the perfect introduction to the Maldivian way of life.
Day 2: The Manta Rays of Mathiveri
This morning, a speedboat carries you to the charming local island of Mathiveri. After lunch, your guide will lead your first snorkelling exploration of the house reef, offering tips for responsible snorkelling and pointing out the hidden wonders of the coral. In the afternoon, you’ll delve into the world of manta rays, learning about the conservation efforts of the Manta Trust before heading out by boat for another chance to encounter these magnificent creatures.
Day 3: Marine Conservation & Island Beauty
The day begins with another boat trip to explore teeming coral reefs, keeping a keen eye out for turtles, sharks, and the majestic manta rays that frequent the atoll. The afternoon is yours to relax or perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a stunning uninhabited island where you can swim and sunbathe on pristine beaches. After dinner, your leader will host an engaging talk about the threats facing our oceans and the vital work being done by local conservation organisations.
Day 4: Ukulhas & The Turtle Quest
Today, we journey to the green island of Ukulhas, a leader in environmental practices. You’ll learn about the Olive Ridley Project and its turtle conservation studies, preparing you for unforgettable encounters. In the afternoon, your guide will lead a snorkel on the island’s beautiful house reef, easily accessible from the beach and a favourite spot for resident sea turtles.
Day 5: Adventure on Your Terms
Today is completely yours to design. Choose an adrenaline-fueled dive, book a romantic picnic on a secluded sandbank, or simply relax on the beach. For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider the full-day excursion to South Ari Atoll, one of the few places in the world with a year-round whale shark population. Later, join a guided sunset kayaking tour and watch for eagle rays and sharks gliding through the calm lagoon as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 6: Rasdhoo’s Famous Sharks & Dolphins
Our final island destination is Rasdhoo, the capital of the atoll. We’ll head out to snorkel a nearby reef famous for its incredible schools of fish and resident black and white tip reef sharks. This evening, we embark on a magical dolphin cruise, searching for pods of playful dolphins that often leap and spin at sunset.
Day 7: A Final Farewell to the Reefs
Enjoy one last morning dedicated to the water with guided snorkelling at two final sites, a farewell celebration of the Maldives’ breathtaking marine beauty. In the afternoon, you have the option to give back to the island community that has welcomed us by participating in a beach clean, rewarded with a refreshing coconut water and a final ocean swim.
Day 8: Departure
After an early breakfast, you will board the public speedboat for your return journey to Male International Airport, filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Throughout this Maldives island-hopping tour, you will be accommodated in handpicked, locally operated guesthouses that provide a perfect balance of comfort, authentic atmosphere, and friendly service.
These properties are chosen for their cleanliness, warm welcomes, and proximity to the beach. Every room features an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, and complimentary Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable and connected stay.
Expect a stay at properties like:
- Planktons Beach in Hulhumale,
- Royal Reef Inn in Mathiveri,
- Hotel Ostrov in Ukulhas,
- Fins Dive & Adventure in Rasdhoo (or similar)
What is included
- 7 nights in a deluxe room at the selected guesthouse.
- Daily breakfast and 6 dinners.
- Local island tours and a traditional 'Hedika' culinary experience.
- Guided snorkeling on house reefs.
- 4 guided snorkeling trips by boat.
- A sunset dolphin cruise.
- A 1-hour guided sunset kayak tour.
- Snorkeling equipment is provided.
- All local taxes and green fees are included. (10% Service Charge, 17% GST, and $6 Green Tax per person, per night).
- Local host during the trip