Island hopping: Maafushi and Fulidhoo · 7 nights

Day 1: Arrive in Hulhumalé

Hulhumalé

• Sunset dolphin cruise from Hulhumalé · 2 h. Spinner dolphins are seen on most trips but not guaranteed; boats should not chase or circle them.

Local tip: Spinner dolphins are seen on most trips but not guaranteed; boats should not chase or circle them.

Open day 1 route in Google Maps

Day 2: Hulhumalé → Maafushi

Maafushi · Hulhumalé to Maafushi, Shared speedboat ~1–1.25h (about US$25–35); public ferry from Malé ~1.5–2h, not Fridays

• Snorkelling trip to turtle point and nearby reefs · 3 h. Shared trips run most mornings and often add a nurse shark or ray stop. Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash vest and never stand on coral.
• Jet ski, parasailing or banana boat · 1 h. Jet skis cost about US$80–120 per 30 minutes and parasailing about US$70–100; agree the price and ride time first.

Local tip: Shared trips run most mornings and often add a nurse shark or ray stop. Use reef-safe sunscreen or a rash vest and never stand on coral.

Open day 2 route in Google Maps

Day 3: Explore Maafushi

Maafushi

• Sunset dolphin cruise from Maafushi · 2 h. Sightings are likely but not guaranteed; boats should keep their distance.
• Sandbank picnic from Maafushi · 4 h. Swimwear is fine on the sandbank. Take shade, water and reef-safe sunscreen; picnic lunch is usually included.

Local tip: Sightings are likely but not guaranteed; boats should keep their distance.

Open day 3 route in Google Maps

Day 4: Explore Maafushi

Maafushi

• Night fishing trip · 3 h. Handline fishing at dusk; ask the guesthouse to grill the catch.
• Maafushi bikini beach · 3 h. The screened bikini beach is the only place for swimwear; cover shoulders and knees walking through the village.

Local tip: Handline fishing at dusk; ask the guesthouse to grill the catch.

Open day 4 route in Google Maps

Day 5: Maafushi → Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo · Maafushi to Fulidhoo, Shared or chartered speedboat ~45 min (arranged by guesthouses)

• Nurse shark and stingray snorkel · 2.5 h. Nurse sharks are docile but should not be touched or fed; trips usually add a reef and sandbank stop.
• Sunset dolphin cruise · 2 h

Local tip: Nurse sharks are docile but should not be touched or fed; trips usually add a reef and sandbank stop.

Open day 5 route in Google Maps

Day 6: Explore Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo

• Sandbank picnic from Fulidhoo · 4 h
• Fulidhoo bikini beach · 3 h. A small island of a few hundred people; cover up as soon as you leave the beach.
• Sharks and stingrays at the harbour at dusk · 1 h. Nurse sharks and rays gather where fishermen clean the catch; watch from the jetty and keep hands out of the water.

Local tip: A small island of a few hundred people; cover up as soon as you leave the beach.

Open day 6 route in Google Maps

Day 7: Explore Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo

• Bodu beru drumming evening · 1.5 h. Fulidhoo is known for traditional drumming; guesthouses arrange performances for groups, so ask on arrival.

Local tip: Fulidhoo is known for traditional drumming; guesthouses arrange performances for groups, so ask on arrival.

Open day 7 route in Google Maps

Day 8: Depart from Fulidhoo

Fulidhoo

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.