Offbeat Maldives Explorer
Discover a different side of the Maldives on a relaxed small-group journey that takes you beyond the luxury resorts and into the heart of authentic island life. Explore the charming local islands of Dhiffushi and Thulusdhoo, where traditional fishing communities, colourful village streets and a laid-back tropical atmosphere offer a glimpse into everyday Maldivian culture.
Stroll along pristine white-sand beaches, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear turquoise waters, discover vibrant marine life and enjoy memorable experiences surrounded by the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean. Spend your days exploring peaceful island pathways, relaxing on beautiful beaches, watching spectacular sunsets and discovering the simple pleasures of island living.
Trip Snapshot
Seven easy-going days across Malé, Dhiffushi and Thulusdhoo — local culture, lagoons, island hopping and unhurried beach time.
7 Days
6 nights
Maldives
3 main stops
5 – 15
Travelers
6 breakfasts
Included meals
Twin / Double
Single option
Ferry + Speedboat
Road transfers
30 January – 5 February 2027
₹84,500 per person
YOUR JOURNEY, DAY BY DAY – TRIP ITINERARY
Seven days of island life
Malé → Dhiffushi → Thulusdhoo → Malé
Day 1 · 30 January — Welcome to Malé
Arrive at Malé airport and transfer to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the capital’s markets and beachfront.
Overnight: Malé
Day 2 · 31 January — Malé to Dhiffushi
Start with a guided half-day walking tour of Malé. Pass the city’s oldest school, visit Hukuru Miskiiy (the Old Friday Mosque) and the tomb of Abu-al-Barakaath, and pause for traditional black tea at Royal Garden Café, housed in a former nobleman’s home.
Continue past the November 3rd Memorial, Sultan Park, the Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre, and Independence Square. After lunch, take the public ferry to Dhiffushi. Settle into island life with an evening walk and sunset on the beach.
Overnight: Dhiffushi
Day 3 · 1 February — Discover Dhiffushi
Explore the island’s three beaches and local village, with time to snorkel straight from the beach. After lunch, choose an optional shared snorkelling excursion to turtle, reef and other marine-life spots.
End the day with a leisurely walk to the sunset point overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Overnight: Dhiffushi
Day 4 · 2 February — On to Thulusdhoo
Enjoy a relaxed morning before taking a speedboat to Thulusdhoo. Spend the afternoon swimming, relaxing on white-sand beaches and visiting the island’s Coca-Cola factory.
An optional sunset dolphin-watching cruise rounds off the day.
Overnight: Thulusdhoo
Day 5 · 3 February — Sandbanks & snorkelling
Head out after breakfast on a 2–3 hour sandbank and snorkelling excursion. Return around lunchtime, with the afternoon free to explore colourful village streets and local island life.
Optional watersports include jet skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and banana boat rides. In the evening, stroll to Sunset Point.
Overnight: Thulusdhoo
Day 6 · 4 February — A slow morning, then Malé
Spend the morning exploring Thulusdhoo, relaxing on the beach or joining an optional snorkelling excursion. After lunch, take a speedboat back to Malé, a journey of approximately 30–40 minutes.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy a free evening in the capital.
Overnight: Malé
Day 7 · 5 February — Until next time
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
What's Included
Accommodation
6 nights · Twin / Double sharing
2 nights in Malé
2 nights in Dhiffushi
2 nights in Thulusdhoo
Single supplement (on availability)
Meals
6 breakfasts
Transfers
✓ Airport transfers (car / van)
✓ Ferry transfers
✓ Speedboat transfers
Experiences
✓ Guided Malé walk
✓ Island village walk
✓ One Sandbank and Snorkeling trip
Taxes
✓ Service charges
✓ Taxes
Group Leader
✓ Experienced group leader
What's Excluded
Flights
International airfare
Meals
Lunches and dinners
Entry Tickets
If/wherever applicable
Optional Activities
Extra excursions and watersports
Other Expenses
Applicable entry fees, visa costs and personal expenses
Tour Highlights
The moments you’ll brag about later
Island Life, Your Way
Experience the laid-back charm of Dhiffushi and Thulusdhoo, away from the resort crowds.
Snorkeling Adventures
Slip into the clear turquoise waters to discover colourful marine life and shallow coral reefs, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Maldives’ vibrant underwater world.
Dolphin Watching
Head out into the open sea to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat, often swimming and leaping alongside the boat.
Discover Malé
Explore the Maldives’ lively capital, its colourful local markets, historic landmarks and bustling streets for a glimpse of everyday island life.
Sandbank Escape
Step onto a secluded sandbank surrounded by endless shades of turquoise.
Before you go
Male
Thulusdhoo
Dhiffushi
Hulhumale
Standard-category hotels and bed-and-breakfast properties, selected for good reviews. Rooms are on a twin/double-sharing basis.
** Single supplement ( On Availability )
Our Selected Stays
Malé – The Park House
Dhiffushi – Navaya Dhiffushi
Thulusdhoo – Asana Inn
* OR SIMILAR
Maldivian cuisine is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan and Southeast Asian flavors, with fresh seafood, coconut and aromatic spices playing an important role. From local island cafés to beachfront restaurants, there are plenty of dining experiences to enjoy.
Local Specialties
Try traditional Maldivian dishes such as Mas Huni (tuna, coconut and onion served with flatbread), Garudhiya (fish broth), grilled fish, tuna curries and Roshi (local flatbread). Seafood is particularly popular, and Maldivian food can be mildly spiced or quite spicy.
Vegetarian & Other Options
Vegetarian options such as vegetable curries, fried rice, noodles, salads and pasta are available. Restaurants on local islands also serve Indian, Sri Lankan, Asian and European dishes, including pizzas and other familiar favourites. Choices may be more limited at smaller local cafés.
Meals During the Tour
Daily breakfast is included at our hotels. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to explore local cafés, beachfront restaurants and different cuisines throughout the trip.
Airport transfers will be by private car or SUV, while transfers between the islands will be by speedboat and local ferry, as per the itinerary.
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For repeat travelers )
- Rs 1500/- Discount ( For 2 to 3 person booking together )
- Rs 2500/- Discount ( For 4 or more people booking together )
For this trip
Our Maldives offbeat tour is designed for travelers to experience beyond the resort Islands while having more local experiences.
For all our trips
Our small group tours also allow enough time for yourself ( mostly in the evenings ) and the group leaders will assist you too if you need to do your own thing.
Stay and the food is a big part of the travel and we make sure you are made comfortable and therefore we choose some of the best-reviewed places to stay and eat.
We try to incorporate more local experiences on our tours with the help of our experienced tour leader and local guides to make your experience even more memorable.
Our tours are not standard sightseeing package tours, it’s more experience-oriented so as to give a real travel value to the guests.
Who are we?
Exotic Expeditions is an experiential travel company founded in 2010, based in Bangalore and Mumbai. We create thoughtfully designed journeys combining popular destinations, offbeat experiences, local interactions and cultural exploration.
What’s included in our tours?
Each tour has its own inclusions and exclusions, clearly listed on the respective trip page. Our tours generally feature private transport, comfortable accommodation, breakfasts on most days, local experiences and an experienced group leader.
Are flights and visas included?
International flights and visa costs are not included unless specifically mentioned. We can assist with flight recommendations and visa guidance.
What is the typical group size?
Our groups generally consist of 5–15 travellers. We keep groups small to encourage a more personal travel experience and better interaction among fellow travellers.
Who can join this trip?
Anyone aged 18 or above is welcome to join. Travellers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Which cities do travellers come from?
Our travellers come from across India, particularly Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
What are the payment options?
Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are also available.
Can solo travellers join?
Absolutely. Many of our travellers join solo, making our tours a great way to explore new destinations and meet like-minded people.
How safe is it to travel with you?
Traveller safety is a priority when designing our journeys. Our experienced group leaders and local partners help coordinate the trip and provide assistance throughout the tour.
Get in Touch
Have questions or ready to book your Morocco adventure? Contact us through any of the following options:
contact@exoticexpeditions.org
+91 9986450370
Payment Options
Payments can be made by bank transfer, credit card or cash. Instalment payment options are also available.