North Ari Island Hopping
North Ari Island Hopping
North Ari Island Hopping
8 Days Starting in Male Inter and ending in Airport Main Rd, 22000, Maldives
Visiting: Malé, Mathiveri, Ukulhas, Rasdhoo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SP2021-02
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 8
Age range:
6-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Kosher, Jain, Halal
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Our North Ari island hopping tour is designed to allow guests more flexibility and choice. Part of the excitement of travelling is arriving at a new destination and exploring. We are also aware that on some days you may wake up and decide today I fancy doing nothing. With this tour we will do the groundwork for you. We will book all accommodation and breakfast, organise and assist with your public ferry transfers and ensure there is always a guide on hand. This leaves you the responsibility of deciding what you want to do and when you want to do it. All of which can be organised during your trip or in advance if you prefer a more scheduled itinerary. There are plenty of activities for you to select from including but not limited to discover SCUBA diving, diving, sunset cruises, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite surfing, evening fishing trips, sandbank visits, resort day visits and beach BBQs.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Location: Velana International Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Newtown Inn
Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted and transferred to your guesthouse on Hulhumale. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the sands of this tropical urban paradise. For those arriving early there is an optional walking tour to the island of Villimale situated on the west side of Male which is often described as the ‘quieter side of Male’.
Day 2 : Transfer & Island Tour
Location: Malé, Mathiveri
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Reef Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning your tour leader will meet with you to join your transfer by public speedboat to the local island of Mathiveri, North Ari Atoll. Following time for lunch explore the reefs close to Mathiveri for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ 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.
Late afternoon spend time exploring the island, to get yourself acquainted with the layout and uncover the best spots to take lunch. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea and familiarize yourself with island life.
After dinner, your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Manta Trust. Providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and manta ray studies preparing you for our manta ray snorkelling tomorrow!
Day 3 : Snorkeling & Kayaking
Location: Mathiveri
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Royal Reef Stay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We depart by boat for another underwater encounter. Discover coral reefs that are teeming with fish and marine-life.
Keep your eyes open for turtles and sharks. Whilst never a guarantee we may be lucky enough to encounter manta rays which can be sighted year round in the atoll. Should we be fortunate enough to spot these magnificent creatures, we will follow the manta ray code of conduct, ensuring a responsible and respectful snorkelling interaction.
The afternoon is yours to do as you please. Perhaps visit Mathiveri Finolhu, a private uninhabited island fringed with a white sandy beach and surrounded by crystal clear water. As this is an uninhabited island, it is possible to wear a bikini.
The Maldives is rich in marine life but unfortunately, our marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans.
Following dinner at your guesthouse, your tour leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the eco system and the work being carried out by organisations such as Save the Beach to limit the impact.
Day 4 : Transfer & Island Tour
Location: Ukulhas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ostrov Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today transfer to our next local island destination of Ukulhas. Take time to explore the island with your guide and learn more about the tradition of fishing in the Maldives and discover why it was the island that led the way for environmental practices. Not only does Ukulhas have some beautiful beaches, the local community here are particularly friendly and will be delighted to engage in conversation with you and show off their home island.
Your Tour Leader will introduce you to the work of the Olive Ridley project. Providing an insight into their environmental monitoring and turtle studies preparing you for turtle encounters! Be sure to have your underwater camera with you when snorkelling to capture images which will be shared with Olive Ridley data base.
The house reef at Ukulhas is worth getting in the water for and can be accessed easily from the beach and so this afternoon your tour leader will accompany you on a guided house reef snorkel, be sure to keep your eyes open for turtles.
Day 5 : Free Day
Location: Ukulhas
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ostrov Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast the day is yours to do as you please. For the energetic enjoy the many excursions available including diving, snorkelling and a variety of water sports. For those less active perhaps an excursion with a picnic lunch to a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island suits.
Why not book a whale shark day trip to South Ari Atoll. This is a full day trip due to the distance from Ukulhas and pricing is dependent on the number of guests joining the trip. Expect to pay approximately $150 per person for 6 persons. The trip is subject to availability and operates when there have been regular whale shark sightings. South Ari
Atoll is 90 minutes by speedboat and is very lucky to have a probable unique year-round population of whale sharks.
Nowhere else in the world boasts whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. You may encounter 1 or 2 sharks in half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience.
Late afternoon head out for sunset kayaking or SUP tour. Kayak through the beautiful lagoon whilst enjoying the wonderful colours as the sun sets in the ocean. As we navigate through the calm waters, be sure to remain attentive, as you never know, we may be joined by the presence of a graceful eagle ray or a mesmerizing shark gliding by beneath us.
Ukulhas is well known locally for its connection to the fishing industry. Your tour leader will shed light on the rich fishing heritage of the Maldives and its significance in the local culture. Gain a deeper understanding of the sustainable practices employed by local fishermen and the delicate balance they strive to maintain.
Day 6 : Transfer, Island Tour, Dolphin Cruise
Location: Rasdhoo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tranquila Maldives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we transfer on to our final island destination of Rasdhoo where dependent on the current we will head out by boat to snorkel the outer reef. Expect to encounter huge schools of reef fish, batfish, tuna, and parrot fish. Rasdhoo is famous for its black and white tip reef sharks and close encounters are possible as we hang in the current to observe them.
Spend time this afternoon exploring the island with your tour leader, stop for a refreshing drink at a local café or just relax by the ocean listening to the gentle lap of the waves on the shore.
This evening before the sun sets we head out in search of dolphins which can often be seen jumping and spinning as the sun sinks on the horizon. Your tour leader and crew familiar with the habits and behaviour of dolphins will keep a keen lookout for any signs of these graceful creatures. They will share stories about the different species of dolphins found in the region, their social dynamics, and the role they play in the ecosystem. It's an educational and enriching experience that will deepen your appreciation for these incredible marine creatures.
Day 7 : Free Day Optional Beach Clean
Location: Rasdhoo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tranquila Maldives
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast we head out for our final underwater encounter! Your tour leader will guide you through two snorkelling sites that encapsulates the beauty and wonder of our Maldives marine environment, leaving you with a deep sense of appreciation and a desire to protect this remarkable paradise.
As the afternoon cools down there is the option to spend time on the beach, giving back to the community that has welcomed us by supporting a beach clean. Our reward will be a refreshing fresh Kurumba (coconut water) followed by an ocean swim!
This evening enjoy dinner under the stars. The perfect way to end your Maldives holiday.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Velana International Airport (MLE)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following an early breakfast join the public ferry for the return journey to Male. Arriving back in Male at 14:00
For guests with a night flight, a complimentary Malé walking tour is offered.
What's Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Country Entry Visas
Issued upon arrival in the Maldives
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Fully Guided
Secret Paradise Certified Guide
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Local Taxes
$3 Green tax per person per night, 10% service charge, 16% GST
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Accommodation
Budget Local Island Guesthouse
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Activities as detailed in itinerary
Local island tours and Hedika Experience Guided house reef snorkelling including equipment Dolphin cruise 1 Hour Guided Sunset Kayak
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Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
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International Travel
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Travel Insurance
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COVID Related costs
PCR test required before departure from Maldives
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Tipping and Gratuities
Accommodation
Local Island Guesthouses - All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary Wi-Fi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. All of our properties are a short walk from the beach often with a terrace or balcony, some are built around a private garden or courtyard and in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Check out our Q&As
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What currencies are required for this tour?
US$
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No we do not offer a single share option, but some of our scheduled tours do not require a single supplement.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. All properties are audited by Secret Paradise on an annual basis. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary Wi-Fi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Secret Paradise is an award winning, responsible and sustainable tour company based in the Maldives. In 2020 we were commended in the ‘Meaningful Connections’ category World Responsible Tourism Awards and long listed for the 2015 'Best for engaging people and cul
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
You will receive a detailed itinerary and tour voucher which will be required by Immigration upon arrival in the Maldives. You will also receive our welcome pack which contains all the information you need to plan your trip and understand what to expect from arrival to departure. You will also receive the most current guidelines in regard to travel to and around the Maldives post pandemic.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Secret Paradise is an award winning tour company and we have been guiding tours since 2012.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No it is not possible to join the tour once it has departed.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
The safety and comfort of our guests and our team has always been important to us, this is why our guides are certified Emergency First Responders and Level 3 International Life Guards. Our #letusguideyou safely, health & safety policy highlights the enhancements in place post pandemic.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
By staying in local island guest houses our guests are contributing to the local economy and increasing local employment. The properties we partner are run by local island families where everyone is instrumental in the day to day running of the guest house.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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