Turtle reefs and lunch on Guraidhoo, the fish-filled water of Embudu and Fish Tank with lunch on Gulhi, then a long day to swim near whale sharks in South Ari Atoll.
3 days, 19 stopsBalanced paceJan to MarApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Kuda Giri, Biyadhoo Reef and Guraidhoo
A half-day snorkel trip to two reefs with lunch on Guraidhoo, then the afternoon on the sand and dinner among the cafés.
1
9:30 AMBook aheadiCom Tours, MaafushiMeet at 9:30 AM for the 10 AM half-day trip of about 4 hours. Snorkel gear, towels, water and lunch are included.About 30 min here
Book seats online
Speedboat about 15 min
2
10:15 AMKuda GiriSnorkel a coral garden full of reef fish; the operator says hawksbill turtles are sometimes seen among the corals.About 45 min here
Visit on a boat trip
Speedboat about 10 min
3
11:15 AMBiyadhoo ReefSnorkel the resort house reef from the boat for clownfish and green turtles. The trip does not land on the resort.About 45 min here
Visit on a boat trip
Speedboat about 10 min, watching for dolphins
4
12:15 PMGuraidhooEat lunch on this local island, then walk its lanes or the beach. Bring some cash for the souvenir shops.About 2 hours here
Lunch on a boat trip
Speedboat back to Maafushi, about 15 min
5
2:30 PMOptionalMaafushi villageWalk the village lanes past homes and small shops, and dress modestly away from the beach.About 1 hour here
Free to visit
Walk about 5 min
6
3:30 PMWater Sports BeachSpend the late afternoon swimming and resting on the sand, then watch the sunset from the shore.About 3 hours here
Free to visit
Walk about 3 min
7
6:30 PMMiskiyy MaguPick a café for garudhiya fish soup with rice, a fish curry or the grilled catch of the day.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Book these aheadiCom Tours, Maafushi (day 1), iCom Tours, Maafushi (day 2), iCom Tours, Maafushi (day 3): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Dress modestly off the beachMaafushi is a local island: dress modestly in the village and in Malé, including when you swim away from tourist beaches.
Leave alcohol for resortsAlcohol is available on resort islands, so don't take any outside them. Bottles bought in flight or at duty-free shops are confiscated when you land.
Keep your distance from whale sharksStay at least 3 m from the body and 4 m from the tail, never touch or chase them, and use no flash or selfie sticks.
Leave room for the weatherBoat times change with sea conditions. Keep the whale shark day flexible, and pick an operator that briefs you on safety.
Carry some cashBring cash for the souvenir shops on Guraidhoo and Gulhi, and check what your excursion includes before you book.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in a guesthouse near Miskiyy Magu: every boat in this plan leaves from that street, and the beach and cafés are a few minutes away on foot.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
