5-Day Itinerary in the Maldives

  • Day 1: Snorkeling and Island Hopping in Kaafu Atoll
    40 minutes (27 km) speedboat ride from Male

    Start your Maldives vacation with an exciting island-hopping adventure in the picturesque Kaafu Atoll. Swim with tropical fish and colorful corals as you snorkel at the best spots in the area. Explore the charming local islands and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on the white sandy beaches of Thulusdhoo.

  • Day 2: Scuba Diving and Sandbank Picnic on Ari Atoll
    2 hours (82 km) speedboat ride from Male

    Dive into the most magnificent underwater landscapes in the world as you explore the coral reefs of Ari Atoll. Get up close and personal with manta rays and whale sharks. Afterwards, unwind on an isolated sandbank in the middle of the turquoise lagoon while enjoying a private picnic with your loved ones.

  • Day 3: Dolphin Watching and Spa Session in Baa Atoll
    3 hours (144 km) speedboat ride from Male

    Get ready to catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing spinner dolphins in Baa Atoll. Take a scenic speedboat ride at sunset and watch these joyful creatures leap out of the water. End your day with a revitalizing spa session and a relaxing Maldivian massage at a five-star resort.

  • Day 4: Private Yacht and Sunset Fishing in Lhaviyani Atoll
    85 km northeast of Male

    Experience luxurious island living with an exclusive private yacht tour in Lhaviyani Atoll. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. Cap off your day with a traditional Maldivian sunset fishing excursion to catch your own dinner.

  • Day 5: Cultural Tour and Beach Picnic in Addu Atoll
    497 km south of Male

    Learn about the unique culture and history of the Maldives with a cultural tour of Addu Atoll. Visit the ancient Buddhist ruins in Gan and explore the local market to taste the exotic fruits and seafood. Have a memorable picnic on the stunning beaches of Villingili before you say goodbye to this paradise.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Snorkeling and Island Hopping in Kaafu Atoll (6 hours, $150)
  • Scuba Diving and Sandbank Picnic on Ari Atoll (7 hours, $300)
  • Dolphin Watching and Spa Session in Baa Atoll (5 hours, $400)
  • Private Yacht and Sunset Fishing in Lhaviyani Atoll (8 hours, $800)
  • Cultural Tour and Beach Picnic in Addu Atoll (9 hours, $350)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $2000

Transportation

Transportation in the Maldives mainly consists of speedboats and seaplanes, which can be quite pricey. Traveling between atolls can take several hours by speedboat, and seaplanes can be affected by weather conditions. Most resorts offer transfer services, so make sure to book in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Speedboat ride costs range from $100 to $500 depending on the distance, while seaplanes can cost up to $1000 per trip.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other popular atolls like Alifu, Felidhoo, and Haa Dhaalu to experience different cultural and natural attractions. If you have less time, you can opt for day tours instead of overnight stays in each atoll. Don't forget to pack your sunscreen and mosquito repellent as they can be quite expensive in the Maldives.

Airports

The main international airport in the Maldives is the Velana International Airport (MLE) located in the capital city of Male, which is the main gateway to the archipelago. The airport is located on Hulhule Island, just 2 km from Male city, and can be reached by ferry or speedboat.

Another popular airport is the Gan International Airport (GAN) located in Addu Atoll, which is served by domestic airlines only. It's around 1-hour by plane from Male and offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to the busy capital.

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