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4-Day Maldives Short Escape: Malé + Maafushi — Snorkel, Sandbanks & Local Life

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Day 1: Arrival & Beach

Malé → Maafushi, Maldives on August 20, 2025

8:30am

Arrive Velana Intl. Airport (MLE)

Arrive at Malé’s international airport, clear immigration and collect luggage — the island gateway for most Maldives trips.
USD0, 1h0m

10:00am

Speedboat transfer to Maafushi

Shared or private speedboat from the airport/Hulhumalé to Maafushi (approx. 30–45 minutes); prebook to match arrival time.
USD30, 0h45m

11:00am

Hotel check-in & settle

Check into your guesthouse or resort on Maafushi and orient yourself to the island; quick shower and beach gear prep.
USD0, 1h0m

12:15pm

Lunch — Kaani Restaurant (Maafushi)

Popular local restaurant at Kaani Beach Hotel serving fresh seafood and Maldivian curries — tasty, quick and beachfront.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Afternoon snorkeling trip (Coral Garden)

Half-day guided snorkeling to nearby coral gardens; see reef fish and turtles — ideal first-day activity to get wet and relaxed. Most operators run trips 1:30pm–4:00pm.
USD35, 2h30m

5:00pm

Beach walk & sunset at Maafushi public beach

Stroll along the sand, relax with sunset views and take photos of the classic Maldivian horizon.
USD0, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner — Arena Beach Hotel Rooftop

Rooftop dining with sea views; try the grilled fish or Maldivian mas huni for a local touch (restaurants on Maafushi generally open 7:00–22:00).
USD18, 1h30m

Day 2: Snorkel & Sandbank

Maafushi, Maldives on August 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel / guesthouse

Buffet or set breakfast offered by most guesthouses — load up on fruit, eggs and bread before a full day on the water.
USD8, 0h45m

8:30am

Full-day boat excursion (sandbank picnic + snorkeling + dolphin watch)

Depart for a full-day shared boat that visits three spots: a coral reef for snorkeling, a private sandbank for swimming and lunch, and a dolphin-spotting area at sunset. These trips usually run 8:30am–4:30pm and include lunch, snorkeling gear and guide.
USD70, 8h0m

1:00pm

Sandbank picnic lunch (included in excursion)

Lunch served on a picture-perfect sandbank — fresh fish, rice and salads with unlimited swimming and photo time.
USD0, 1h0m

4:45pm

Return & rest

Return to Maafushi, rinse off and relax before evening activities.
USD0, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Local beach BBQ (ask guesthouse to arrange)

Many guesthouses or beachside restaurants will arrange a grilled fish BBQ on the sand — great local atmosphere and fresh seafood.
USD20, 1h30m

9:30pm

Optional: Night swim for bioluminescence

If conditions are right, a short guided night swim may reveal phosphorescent plankton; availability varies by season and operators.
USD10, 0h45m

Day 3: Malé Culture Day

Maafushi → Malé, Maldives on August 22, 2025

8:00am

Early breakfast & check-out

Quick breakfast and check-out; prepare bags for transfer to Malé. Keep passports handy for island transfers.
USD8, 0h45m

9:30am

Speedboat to Malé

Return to Malé by scheduled speedboat (30–45 minutes) to do a cultural half-day in the capital.
USD30, 0h45m

10:30am

Malé city walking tour — National Museum & Sultan Park

Visit the National Museum (typically open ~9:00–16:00; hours may vary or close for holidays) for Dhivehi history, then stroll Sultan Park and Old Friday Mosque (note: mosques close to non-worshippers during Friday midday prayers).
USD8, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch — Seagull Café House or Local Fish Market eateries

Seagull Café House is a reliable Malé spot for seafood and local dishes; alternatively sample fresh-caught fish at nearby market stalls.
USD12, 1h0m

2:00pm

Artificial Beach & waterfront stroll

Relax at Artificial Beach (open daytime) and walk the waterfront; great for people-watching and local life snapshots.
USD0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Optional: Visit Hulhumalé (beach & cafés)

Short transfer to Hulhumalé for a modern beach promenade, cafés and a quieter shoreline if you prefer calm late afternoon time.
USD5, 1h30m

6:00pm

Return to Maafushi or stay Malé (depending on departure plans)

If your outbound flight is next day, you can return to Maafushi or stay overnight in Malé/Hulhumalé for airport convenience.
USD30, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner — Local Maldivian restaurant (Mas Huni and grilled fish)

Enjoy a dinner of Mas Huni (traditional shredded tuna and coconut) and grilled fish — many restaurants in Malé and Hulhumalé serve until ~22:00.
USD15, 1h15m

Day 4: Departure Day

Malé / Hulhumalé → Depart Maldives on August 23, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel / guesthouse

Grab a light breakfast and prepare luggage for airport transfer; confirm transfer time with your accommodation.
USD8, 0h30m

7:30am

Optional short morning snorkel or beach time

If time allows, a quick snorkel close to the island or a beach stroll to say goodbye to the sea — many operators offer short morning trips 7:30–9:00.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Transfer to Velana Intl. Airport

Speedboat or taxi to Hulhumalé/airport pier; allow at least 2–3 hours before international flight (Maldives recommends 2–3 hours processing time).
USD15, 0h45m

11:00am

Last lunch / coffee near airport (Hulhumalé cafés)

Have a final Maldivian meal or coffee near the airport — cafés in Hulhumalé are open from morning until evening.
USD12, 0h45m

2:00pm

Depart Maldives (flight time variable)

Check-in for your international flight and proceed through security; end of 4-day Maldives escape.
USD0, 0h0m
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