Secluded Goidhoo From Male

Male - Goidhoo. Arrive at Male International Airport and meet the local representative for assistance with the scheduled speedboat transfer to the island of Goidhoo, a two -hour journey north-west into the southern section of Baa Atoll.

After settling into the guesthouse, head to a local café to try hedhika - an afternoon tradition across the Maldives. Between 3pm and 5pm, cafés serve a colourful assortment of bite-sized savoury and sweet treats, enjoyed with a cup of strong black tea.

As evening approaches, take a swim at the beach under the fading light before dinner. Over coffee, learn about the threats facing the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems and the small steps that can help reduce human impact.

Please note: We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

After breakfast, head out for a guided snorkelling trip. Receive a safety briefing and guidance on how to snorkel responsibly, helping to protect the reefs and marine life. With luck, there may be sightings of turtles, reef sharks, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

Later in the day, explore the island on foot. Visit key cultural sites and discover Goidhoo’s unique Afro-Maldivian heritage. Spot forest crabs known locally as Kadoofa Kakuni, hear the story behind the name ‘Horsburgh Atoll’, and learn about the Frenchman Francois Pyrard and his connection to the area.

After dinner, return to the beach where the night sky, free from light pollution, reveals a dazzling display of stars.

Begin the day with a visit to a local farm, gaining insight into small-scale agriculture in the Maldives and helping to harvest fresh produce.

Then join a local family in their home for a hands-on cooking experience. Try traditional techniques, such as grating coconut with a huni gondi, and help prepare a home-cooked meal highlighting local ingredients like tuna, coconut, and chilli.

In the afternoon, kayak through Goidhoo Koaru, one of the Maldives’ largest fringing mangrove ecosystems, protected since 2011. This biodiverse area is also a key roosting site for migratory birds. Before setting out, receive paddling tips and guidance on navigating the mangrove channels.

This evening includes a short introduction to the conservation efforts of the Manta Trust, providing helpful background ahead of the next day’s snorkelling.

Spend the day exploring the surrounding atoll by boat. Visit Fulhadhoo, a narrow, forested island with one of the most unspoilt beaches in the Maldives. A short walk beneath the forest canopy reveals native flora and some of the island’s lesser-seen fauna.

Stop at remote sandbanks and snorkel quiet reefs that flourish with marine life. Depending on the season and sea conditions, manta rays may be spotted in the area. Before entering the water, receive a briefing on how to snorkel respectfully around mantas, should an encounter occur.

Return to Goidhoo in the afternoon and enjoy some free time, either relaxing or trying out optional watersports before sunset.

Goidhoo - Male. Enjoy an early breakfast before transferring by scheduled speedboat to Male International Airport for onward travel.