Join us on our Goidhoo Atoll Experience and embark on a journey to discover the tranquil beauty of an atoll that remains off the radar of many tourists. This quiet atoll of natural beauty also known as Horsburgh Atoll sits within the UNESCO Baa Atoll Biosphere reserve. Snorkel a vibrant marine ecosystem, encountering an array of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Delve into the captivating history and rich culture of three local islands, immersing yourself in their way of life. Learn the art of cooking Maldivian cuisine, as local ladies guide you through the flavors and techniques that make their dishes unique. Witness incredible biodiversity as you explore mangroves, seagrass beds, and island lakes. Engage with inspiring NGOs and connect with friendly locals, gaining insights into their sustainability efforts and community initiatives. This purposeful journey will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper understanding of the Maldivian culture and environment.

Hulhumale, North Male Atoll, is a suburban island just a 10-minute taxi ride from Male International Airport. This artificial island was reclaimed from the sea to offer alternative living space outside of Male and while not a 5* resort, Hulhumale provides the ideal base as a start or finishing point to a holiday. There are plenty of local coffee shops, restaurants, and a small local shopping area. The public beach located along the east side of the island is an endless stretch of sand and provides the ideal location to swim or just sit and watch the world go by. The capital Male is just a 20-minute ferry journey away or a 15-minute ride by taxi.

Goidhoo Island is an interesting island paradise waiting to be explored. Experience an island rich in culture with mangrove lakes and agricultural resources, not at all what you expect from a Maldivian island. Enjoy a beautiful beach, vibrant coral reefs, a rich ecosystem, and a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the Maldives. Goidhoo could be described as large compared to many other local islands but the village community has a population of no more than 500 and much of the island is given over to tropical flora and agriculture.

Fehendhoo Island is one of the least populated islands in Baa Atoll, with some 150 locals living within its tiny village. The rest of the island is covered with tropical jungle and surrounded by aqua marine waters and coral reefs teeming with schools of tropical fish. With such a small population, the island has little in the way of infrastructure; there are a couple of local shops and a small cafe. There are several beach areas on the island especially for tourists, as well as a few secluded corners where you can relax in a hammock and lie in the shadow of the palms.

Fulhadhoo Island is blessed with a beautiful beach which ranked in the top 25 beaches in the world! With avenues of swaying palm trees and surrounded by a magnificent turquoise blue ocean, it is indeed paradise. The island is much longer than it is wider, meaning a refreshing sea breeze blows across it as you amble to and from the beach. The local village is home to 250 people and is positioned on the eastern part of the island, while the rest of the island features small agricultural land plots, a tropical forest, and white sandy beaches.

Note: The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands. Subject to availability day/evening visits to resorts can be arranged. Bikinis are not allowed to be worn on local island public beaches and female travelers should dress with modesty in mind. Tourist beach areas are available for guests.

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What's included

More about your accommodation

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 are 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.

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About The Host

Secret Paradise Maldives

Secret Paradise is an award winning, responsible and sustainable tour company based in the Maldives. In 2023 we were awarded silver at ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards in the category Best for Nature-Positive Tourism. In 2022 Wanderlust ranked us in their Top 10 Sustainable Initiative Tour Operators. 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 culture' category,

Whether you are a solo traveller, couple, family with children or friends seeking a new adventure, we would be delighted to assist in planning your trip. Our style of guided tour offers much more than a conventional beach holiday and will immerse you in the culture and traditions of the Maldives, its amazing marine life, friendly local communities and provide you with a greater understanding and knowledge of our fragile environment.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, you will be welcomed by your tour leader, who will assist with your transferto Hulhumale. After settling into your guest house, we journey across Male to the smaller neighboring island of Villimale to discover the quieter side of city life. Accompanied by your tour leader, wander the quiet streets with their pastel-colored local houses, witness how development is impacting coral reefs, and learn more about the challengesfaced by our island nation. While on the island, you will also learn about Save the Beach's conservation efforts. This inspiring NGO is working to maintain the Maldives aquatic ecosystems. The project monitors nearby reefs, organizes beach cleans, and engages locals through their education.

Day 2:

Spend the morning exploring Male on foot with your tour leader. Learn the stories of Hukuru Miskiy - The Friday Mosque, visit key points of interest that weave their history into the story of this unusual capital city and take in the smells and flavors at the local markets.

After time for lunch board a speedboat for the two-hour journey to the island of Goidhoo. 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. After checking into a local island hotel, drop by a local cafe to sample traditional hedika. This afternoon tradition is best described as the Maldives equivalent of tapas! Walk into any café between 3pm and 5pm, and you will find an array of bite-size savory and sweet delights served with black tea. Then it’s time to hit the beach for a sunset swim.

Day 3:

This morning, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives during your first underwater adventure. Your guide offers a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling, acting as your 'spotter' and assisting less confident or inexperienced snorkelers. They ensure your equipment is comfortable and you feel secure in the water, unveiling a vibrant tapestry of ocean life—from shimmering schools of tropical fish to elusive creatures within the coral, enriching the underwater landscape with a symphony of hues.

In the afternoon, back on dry land, explore the island of Goidhoo. In the 19th century, a female African slave, 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 owner's death was common among the very high nobility in the Maldives. Today, some families on Goidhoo trace their ancestry back to this African ancestor.

Day 4:

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 tour leader will coach you on how to paddle and manoeuvre the kayak before we set off to explore this unique Maldives ecosystem. As you navigate the waterway, your guide will provide valuable insights, sharing stories of the delicate balance between the mangroves, the surrounding marine environment, and the local communities. They will emphasize the need to preserve and protect these invaluable habitats, highlighting the vital role each of us play in conserving the natural wonders of the Maldives.

Late afternoon, take a speedboat transfer to Fehendhoo, one of the least populated islands in the Baa Atoll. On arrival, your tour leader will take you on an exploration of the island. In 1602, Frenchman Francois Pyrard found himself wrecked on the reef here, before his attempts to learn the language won him favour with beyfulhun, who subsequently took him to the capital. Pyrard’s account of his time in the Maldives would be the world’s only real glimpse into the mysterious atolls between the 14th and 19th centuries. The wreck of his ship, the Corbin, can still be found on the reef but the treasures within are still to be located. Maybe you will get lucky!

Day 5:

Once again, we head out for a guided snorkeling tour this morning. Why Because you are in the Maldives, which is 99% ocean, and each snorkeling experience is unique! Fehendhoo is surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs that are teeming with colorful fish and various sea mammals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays.

Late afternoon, transfer by speedboat to Fulhadhoo, arguably one of the most beautiful islands of the Baa Atoll. After checking into your local accommodation, we take a tropical forest walk to enjoy sunset at the island beach, which has been ranked in the world’s top 25 beaches. Don’t forget your torch!

Day 6:

This morning, you will meet the ladies of the local Women’s Development Committee (WDC). Island WDCs play an important role in mobilizing local women, providing an avenue for women to network, collaborate, and implement initiatives for community development. Under their watchful gaze, you will prepare breakfast, learning how to make maashuni (a typical Maldivian breakfast dish comprising tuna, onion, coconut, and chili) and roshi (flatbread). Sit together to share.

After time for lunch, enjoy an idyllic journey through Goidhoo Atoll, where a series of stunning sandbanks await your discovery. But the ultimate destination awaits—an uninhabited Robinson Crusoe island. As you step onto its shores, you will feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels like it belongs only to you. The island's beaches will invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. As the sun starts to set, casting hues of gold and orange across the sky, savor the local flavors of a traditional fish and coconut BBQ.

Day 7:

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. You will witness firsthand the intricate process of coral propagation. The techniques used, such as fragment collection, nurturing, and monitoring the growth of new coral colonies.

In the afternoon, spend time giving back to the community that has welcomed you by participating in an island clean. The act of cleaning is a powerful reminder of the importance of responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Your reward will be a refreshing ocean swim!

This evening, enjoy a cultural dinner consisting of traditional Maldivian dishes accompanied by live music beneath the stars.

Day 8:

Following an early breakfast transfer by scheduled speedboat to Male International Airport, where your tour ends (approximately 10am)

7-Night Goidhoo Atoll Experience