Itinerary
DAY 1: WELCOME TO THE MALDIVES & TRANSFER TO GOIDHOO
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you will be welcomed by our Maldivian representative who will complete an introductory briefing. You will join the 13:00 shared scheduled speedboat departure for a two-hour journey northwest to Baa Atoll and the island of Goidhoo.
On arrival, your property representative will greet you and take you to your accommodation, home for the next 2 nights. Then it’s time to hit the beach for a sunset swim before dinner.
Goidhoo retains a cultural feel with ancient mosques and wells. The island’s natural wonders include freshwater lakes, which are quite unusual in the Maldives, mangroves, and a beautiful beach, as well as many vegetable and fruit farms.
DAY 2: GUIDED SNORKELLING AND ISLAND TOUR
Following breakfast, take your first Maldives underwater encounter. Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ during the experience, pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkellers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. There will be the opportunity to see turtles, reef sharks, and rays, as well as a multitude of colourful fish.
Back on dry land, in the afternoon you will explore the island of Goidhoo. In the 19th century, a female African slave who had been bought by the king on his Hajj trip to Mecca was formally released from slavery. A house and a well were built for her to settle on Goidhoo. The freeing of slaves before the death of the owner was a common practice among the very high nobility in the Maldives. There are families in Goidhoo that can trace their descendancy to this African ancestor.
DAY 3: MANGROVE KAYAKING & TRANSFER TO FULHADHOO
This morning we kayak one of the island’s mangrove lakes and learn why the mangroves play such an important role in the Maldives. Your guide will coach you on how to paddle and manoeuvre the kayak before we set off to explore this unique Maldives ecosystem.
After lunch, take a short speedboat transfer to Fulhadhoo, arguably one of the most beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll. After checking into your local accommodation take a tropical forest walk through woodland and small farming plots to enjoy sunset at Thundi beach. Don’t forget your torch!
DAY 4: COOKING CLASS, SANDBANK HOPPING AND MALDIVIAN STYLE BBQ.
This morning you will meet the ladies of the local Women’s Development Committee (WDC). Island WDCs play an important role in mobilising local women and providing an avenue for women to network, collaborate and implement initiatives for community development. Under their watchful gaze, you will learn how to make mashuni (a typical Maldivian breakfast dish comprising of tuna, onion, coconut, and chilli) and roshi (flatbread).
After a free morning with the option to book diving or snorkelling, enjoy an idyllic journey through Goidhoo Atoll, hopping from one sandbank to the next. The final stop will be on an uninhabited Robinson Crusoe island, where there will be time to stroll along the powder-white beaches before a traditional fish and coconut BBQ as the sun sets.
DAY 5: CORAL NURSERY & SNORKELLING
After breakfast, visit Fulhadhoo’s coral nursery where you will learn the story behind the project and understand why coral rehabilitation projects are extremely important in the Maldives. If you’re lucky and he is in town you will meet Sendi, the Maldives first ever Dive Instructor and an international diving celebrity!
In the afternoon, spend time giving back to the community that has welcomed you by participating in an island clean. Your reward will be an ocean swim!
DAY 6: HEAD TO REETHI FARU
Today we are heading back to Malé for our domestic transfer to Reethi Faru Resort where you will have time to unwind, relax, and enjoy some of the activities that are on offer.
Located in Baa Atoll, and reached by boat, we will be staying at Reethi Faru Resort on an all-inclusive basis so you can just relax and enjoy!
DAY 7: A FREE DAY IN PARADISE
There’s plenty to occupy you at Reethi Faru. If you are feeling active there is a watersports centre, a pool and a fitness centre, plus courts for tennis, badminton and squash. Reethi Faru also has its own Dive Centre should you want more diving.
You might want to get involved with one of the environmental activities through the resort’s Marine Centre; for example palm tree planting or coral reef restoration.
Or simply lie back and relax on the white sandy beach, and maybe pop to the spa for a treatment?
DAY 8: WHAT DAY IS IT? THIS IS PARADISE
Another free day to enjoy Reethi Faru; will it be more relaxation, or will you be feeling more active today? Perhaps today is the day for stand-up paddleboarding or yoga? How about one of the excursions the resort offers? It’s entirely up to you!
DAY 9: OUR FINAL FULL DAY
Today is our final full day in the Maldives. Enjoy the sunrise, enjoy the sunset with a cocktail in hand, and enjoy your last full day in paradise.
DAY 10: TIME TO HEAD BACK TO MALÉ AND DEPART
This marks the end of our Maldivian adventure.
Food & Accommodation
- Day 1 Olive Guest HouseBreakfast
Lunch Dinner - Day 2 Olive Guest HouseBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 3 Island Luxury Dive HotelBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 4 Island Luxury Dive HotelBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 5 Island Luxury Dive HotelBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 6 Reethi Faru ResortBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 7 Reethi Faru ResortBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 8 Reethi Faru ResortBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 9 Reethi Faru ResortBreakfast Lunch Dinner
- Day 10 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like in the Maldives?
Maldivian food is fresh, simple and centred around the ocean. Tuna is the staple, alongside reef fish, snapper and lobster — often grilled or served in light, coconut-based curries.
Coconut, chilli, lime and curry leaves give dishes their flavour, with influences from Sri Lanka and South India. Meals are typically rice-based, accompanied by fresh fish, vegetables and homemade flatbreads.
On local island trips, expect authentic home-style cooking, beach BBQs, tropical fruit and freshly caught seafood — simple, flavourful and true to island life.
What Makes Our Trip Different?
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Real Maldives?
The Real Maldives adventure is designed to be very relaxed and accessible, making it ideal for a wide range of travellers who want to enjoy tropical scenery, local culture and memorable experiences without physical strain.
Most days involve easy-paced activities such as beach walks, swimming, snorkelling in calm lagoons, cultural visits to local islands, and gentle exploration on foot. There are no long hikes, steep climbs or strenuous excursions involved — just plenty of time to enjoy the ocean, sunsets, marine life and beachside relaxation.
Water-based experiences like snorkelling are optional and can be enjoyed at your own pace, with guides on hand to support you. You don’t need any specialist fitness, technical skills or prior experience to fully enjoy this trip.
This trip is perfect if you want a laid-back beach and island experience with opportunities to explore the underwater world, meet local people and soak up the real spirit of the Maldives without any physical pressure.
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Real Maldives
Your Real Maldives adventure includes everything you need for a relaxed, immersive and authentic island experience:
- All accommodation in locally owned guesthouses (twin-share)
- All transport within the Maldives as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
- Selected meals as outlined in the itinerary
- Guided snorkelling excursions
- Island hopping experiences
- Cultural visits and local experiences
- Beach BBQ (where included in itinerary)
- Experienced local guides
- All in-country logistics and coordination
- Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
- Access to the Vamoos app with full itinerary, packing lists and key trip info
- UK Bucket List Company Leader on all BL+ and TB departures
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Real Maldives
The following are not included in the trip cost:
International Flights
Return flights to and from the Maldives.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfers
These are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory.
Visa
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Meals Not Listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Optional Activities
Additional water sports, scuba diving, spa treatments or personal excursions not included in the schedule.
Personal Expenses
Snacks, drinks, souvenirs and additional activities.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter the Maldives?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
How do the monthly payments work?
If you choose to pay for your trip monthly your payment plan will start the month after your booking is made, and will end a minimum of 28 days prior to departure. After deposit, the outstanding balance will be divided by the number of months available and we’ll charge this amount each month to the card of your choice. If you have a preferred date of the month for payments to be taken just let us know. If at a later date you wish to add an extra experience to your trip we can modifiy your payment plan to accommodate this.
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
What is a reef-safe sunscreen?
There isn’t an agreed definition of ‘reef-safe’, but it generally means the product doesn’t contain Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.
Look instead for mineral-based sunscreens, with either non-nano Titanium Dioxide or non-nano Zinc Oxide.
What is the local currency?
It is the Maldivian Rufiyaa; this can only be obtained on arrival, and cannot be exchanged outside the Maldives.
The US dollar is accepted throughout the country.
Are there any cultural customs I should be aware of?
The Maldives is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly and respect local customs. Alcohol is also prohibited in public places, but it is available at resorts and some restaurants.
