Maldives Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Maldives tour packages
- What people love about Maldives Tours
- Travel Maldives your way
- Best tour companies for Maldives tours
- Best places to start your Maldives tour
- Discover Maldives tours for every budget
- Maldives tours for every type of group
- Top Maldives travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Maldives
- Maldives travel guides - curated by our experts
- Contact our Maldives travel experts
The best Maldives tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMaldives travel expert at TourRadar
Maldives Dhoni Explorer
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a good tour with good people.”
Pragya, traveled in May
Cruise through the Maldives aboard a traditional dhoni boat from Male through South Male and Felidhu atolls. Snorkel shipwrecks, visit Bodu Moro Island's pristine beaches, and immerse in local culture at Fulidhoo Island. Includes 6 nights in berth cabins with full board.
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Felidhoo, Dhiggaru Age Range 12 to 70 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,199
15% Off- US$1,869You save $329
Maldives Dhoni Cruise
10 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The chef on board 'Ajoy' was amazing.”
Darlene, traveled in June
The pristine waters of South Male and Felidhu atolls await on a traditional dhoni boat. Snorkel alongside reef sharks and manta rays in crystal-clear lagoons, visit authentic fishing villages, and savor fresh seafood prepared by an onboard chef. Relax on Bodu Moro's untouched beaches and join local Bodu Beru performances.
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Felidhoo Age Range 12 to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $1,849
15% Off- US$1,572You save $277
Maldive Dhoni Cruise
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Snorkelling and seeing amazing sealife.”
Jennie, traveled in November
A traditional dhoni carries you through pristine waters of South Male, Felidhoo, and Meemu atolls. Snorkel at Hulhidhoo reef and Embudhoo Reef to spot manta rays and turtles. Authentic island communities like Dhiggaru and Felidhoo welcome you, with beach BBQs on uninhabited Fenboa Finolhu.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Dhiggaru, Felidhoo, Fulidhoo Age Range 16 to 85 year olds Operator Explore! From $2,070
8% Off- US$1,900You save $170
Five stunning Maldivian islands including Hulhumale, Guraidhoo, and Maafushi unfold over 8 days. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, dine with local families in Guraidhoo, and tour Male's President's Palace and Friday Mosque. Traditional bodu beru performances and dolphin watching for around $1,900 with English-speaking guides.
Duration 8 days Destinations Hulhumale, Male, Guraidhoo, Maafushi, Gulhi Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
8% Off- US$1,761
An 8-day odyssey through Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas, and Mathiveri islands awaits. Highlights include guided snorkeling at Hammerhead Point, sunset kayaking in crystal waters, and dolphin watching cruises. Comfortable guesthouse stays and daily breakfast showcase authentic Maldivian life.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas Island, Mathiveri Island Age Range up to 99 year olds Operator Bamba Travel From
8% Off- US$1,999
What people love about Maldives Tours
- Maldives Dhoni Explorer
It was a good tour with good people!
- Maldives Dhoni Cruise
It was definitely the most relaxing week in my life! Cruised through some of the world's most beautiful islands, uncovered isolated beaches, explored small fishing villages, met lovely local people and listened to their traditional music, snorkeled the vibrant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean spotting turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and millions of colorful fish, enjoyed great fresh food made by our private chef on board and slept a lot...White sands, blue skies and crystal-clear waters every day, all day - this is what I call tropical paradise!! Sailing Maldives...anytime again!
- Maldive Dhoni Cruise
I travelled with you for the first time and I really enjoy the way you deal with customers - from first contact before booking a trip throughout the whole process. You are doing a great Job!!!
Travel Maldives your way
The best way to really experience the Maldives is by combining island stays with marine discovery. You can base yourself on local islands like Maafushi and spend your days exploring different reef sites where you'll spot turtles, reef sharks and schools of tropical fish. Our guests particularly enjoy the private desert island picnics and heading out with locals for traditional fishing. Some tours add in resort day visits so you can see both sides of Maldivian life. The explorer packages typically run 5-8 days with speedboat transfers between islands, guided snorkeling at 3-4 carefully chosen reef sites and during season, you can even swim alongside whale sharks.
Find the right partially guided tour for you in Maldives. There are 24 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 15 days. The month with the most departures is May, making it the most popular time to visit Maldives.
Select from our extensive range of 23 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Maldives with our expert guides leading the way.
Best tour companies for Maldives tours
If you're planning a Maldives trip, our travelers have identified four tour operators that consistently deliver great experiences, each with their own strengths. Looking for luxury? Paylesstoursindia has built a solid reputation for handling all the details smoothly - from airport pickups to resort stays. Their staff makes sure everything runs like clockwork and the accommodations hit that high-end sweet spot many travelers are after. BeachLife Tours is perfect if you want to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. Their guide Athif gets mentioned often in reviews for going above and beyond, and they've figured out how to pack a lot of value into their trips. The tours are well organized and include all the essential Maldives experiences like snorkeling, island hopping and local interactions. For something different, Secret Paradise digs deeper into local life. Their guide Archie knows the ins and outs of Maldivian culture and takes you beyond the typical resort experience. You'll get to explore local islands, meet residents and learn about daily life in this island nation. Solo travelers particularly connect with Explore's style. Their guide Hi receives constant praise for creating a welcoming atmosphere and watching out for everyone in the group. The snorkeling spots they visit are carefully chosen, and you'll see plenty of marine life without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Each operator works with different budgets, styles and interests - it really comes down to what matters most for your trip.
Best places to start your Maldives tour
Most of our Maldives tours kick off from Male - about 46 travelers start here, while others begin their trip from Dubai, Hulhumale or Maafushi. Looking at our booking patterns, you'll want to lock in your dates around 3.5 months ahead (that's 107 days), since the best island stays and dhoni boats fill up quickly. The sweet spot for water activities runs November through April when the sea stays calm and visibility is excellent for swimming and diving. January to March really shines - that's when our guests see the most marine life and get the least rain. During these months, travelers often swim with manta rays and whale sharks, particularly around Ari Atoll. No matter if you're staying on local islands or splashing out at resorts, our customers consistently love the mix of perfect beaches, incredible marine life encounters and genuine local hospitality.
Discover Maldives tours for every budget
For travelers watching their budget, our most popular local island experiences combine comfortable guesthouses with incredible marine activities. These tours base you on Maafushi or Guraidhoo, just 30 minutes from Male by speedboat, where you'll find clean rooms with sea views and easy access to bikini beaches. The packages typically include three guided snorkeling trips to different reef sites, where our guests regularly spot turtles, reef sharks and manta rays. Many travelers love the traditional fishing excursions and sunset dolphin cruises. One standout tour includes visits to Gulhi's traditional boat-building yards and dinner with local families who'll teach you to eat the Maldivian way - without cutlery! Another excellent option combines homestays with marine conservation education, where you'll learn about coral rehabilitation projects and help monitor sea turtle populations.
Our luxury tours focus on combining overwater villa experiences with exceptional marine activities. The most sought-after packages start with beachfront villas before moving to overwater accommodations, giving you two distinct perspectives of Maldivian island life. These tours include private speedboat transfers and personal guides who coordinate activities like whale shark swimming expeditions and manta ray encounters. One particularly popular option includes unlimited water sports, private sandbank picnics and sunset fishing followed by beach BBQs where the chef prepares your catch. Our guests especially love the tours that include day access to multiple premium resorts, letting you experience different islands and facilities while based in one luxurious location.
Maldives luxury tours9 tours
Starting from
$140
per day
Maldives tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
24 tours in MaldivesThe luxury group tours at Taj Coral Reef Resort blend comfort with social experiences, giving our travelers a perfect balance of planned activities and downtime. Groups start their journey with private airport greetings, followed by quick speedboat rides that set everyone at ease from the beginning. The multi-night packages let groups find their own rhythm, with some heading out for water sports while others lounge by the pool or explore the resort grounds. What our clients mention most often is how seamless everything feels, from the moment they land until departure, yet they never feel rushed or overscheduled. This premium approach works particularly well for travelers who want to experience the Maldives in style, with all the logistics handled professionally but maintaining enough freedom to make each day their own.
Small Group
31 tours in MaldivesOur most popular small-group experiences combine traditional dhoni sailing with stays on local islands. The wooden boats take just 12-16 guests, creating close connections as you navigate South Male and Felidhu atolls, where crews organize beach BBQs and share insights about marine life and Maldivian traditions. If you prefer staying on land, tours based on Maafushi or Guraidhoo islands let you join guided snorkeling excursions to prime reefs, where you'll swim with turtles, reef sharks and also manta rays. Island tours include three main guided experiences - whale shark spotting, reef safaris across multiple sites and exploring remote sandbanks. Our travelers often tell us how much they appreciate the guides who explain proper marine encounter protocols while maintaining intimate group sizes for individual attention. Several tours blend cultural elements like visiting traditional boat building workshops and dining with local families alongside luxurious touches such as resort day passes. The dhoni voyages tend to draw travelers seeking maritime adventures with simple cabin lodging, while island-based stays offer cozy guesthouses with ocean vistas and easy beach access.
Private / Personalized
28 tours in MaldivesEnjoy the exclusivity of our private Maldives tours, tailored to your own group, preferences and pace
Top Maldives travel itineraries to fit your plans
The week-long tours offer two distinct styles - island hopping or traditional dhoni boat cruising. The island-based tours split time between Maafushi and Fulidhoo, where you'll snorkel with turtles, reef sharks and maybe even whale sharks in season. Many guests love the mix of organized activities and free time to explore local life. The dhoni cruises through South Male and Felidhu atolls let you sleep aboard a traditional wooden boat, stopping at uninhabited islands and prime snorkel spots. Our travelers rave about the fresh seafood prepared by the boat crews and the chance to visit traditional boat-building communities. Both styles include guided marine activities, though the dhoni trips tend to attract more adventure-minded travelers comfortable with basic cabin accommodation in exchange for unique experiences.
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Ten-day tours provide deeper immersion in Maldivian marine life and culture. Based from Maafushi, these extended stays include three major guided adventures - typically a whale shark expedition, multi-reef snorkeling safari and sandbank island exploration. Between activities, there's plenty of time to try additional water sports, take cultural tours or relax on the beach. Our guests particularly value having knowledgeable guides who explain proper etiquette for marine encounters and share insights about local marine conservation efforts. The longer duration means more flexibility around weather conditions for optimal wildlife viewing.
See all toursDemographics
The local island hopping tours and dhoni boat cruises work brilliantly for solo travelers - there's something about those traditional wooden boats that gets everyone chatting over dinner and snorkeling sessions. Our 7-day cruises take you to places like Felidhoo, Fulidhoo and other less-visited islands where you'll really connect with Maldivian culture. Solo guests staying in Maafushi guesthouses love mixing guided marine trips with time to explore on their own or join group activities. The boat crews are fantastic at creating a social vibe, especially during the beach BBQs and local music shows.
For couples, we've got everything from cozy dhoni cruises and luxury resorts to authentic local island stays. Many pairs love mixing it up with a few nights in a beach villa and then moving to an overwater room - you get two completely different ways to experience the islands. The dhoni cruises are particularly special; couples often tell us about sleeping under the stars and having private dinners arranged by the crew. From Maafushi, you can blend cultural experiences with marine activities, plus take day trips to luxury resorts. The private beach picnics, sunset fishing and guided snorkeling with manta rays and turtles rate really highly with our couples.
Our younger travelers go for the high-energy island hopping tours that pack in plenty of marine action and real cultural experiences. The tours typically run from Maafushi or Guraidhoo, where you can easily add diving, surfing and also jet-skiing to your trip. There's guided snorkeling at multiple reefs, chances to swim with whale sharks, and traditional fishing trips where you'll catch what's for dinner. The environmental side is big too - many join coral restoration work, help with turtle conservation and pitch in on beach cleanups. Evenings get cultural with Bodu Beru drumming shows and dinner with local families, giving you a real peek into Maldivian life.
The dhoni cruises work perfectly for our active senior travelers - the boats are stable, the crews are attentive and there's always help with equipment and getting in and out of the water. We've carefully chosen easily accessible snorkeling spots, and the daily guided sessions are never rushed. The cultural visits are a big hit too - you'll see traditional boat builders at work, meet island communities and learn about local life from guides who really know their stuff. We keep the pace relaxed with plenty of downtime, and the comfortable cabins are always there when you need a break. The crews are great at adjusting activities to match different mobility levels.
Our family tours really shine on Maafushi Island, where we've found the perfect mix of beachfront hotels and guided marine activities that work for all ages. The kids love exploring the house reefs right off the beach, and our guides have a great way of teaching them about marine life while keeping safety the top priority. The most popular package includes three specially picked snorkeling spots and also picnic lunches on secluded sandbars. Parents tell us their children get so excited spotting sea turtles, reef sharks and dolphin pods during the boat trips. We've built in some flexibility too - families can either relax on the beach or join extra activities like jet-skiing and kayaking on the free days.
- Solo Travelers50 tours All tours for Solo Travelers
- Couples13 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)5 tours
- Seniors (50+)21 tours All tours for Seniors
- Family41 tours
Best time to visit Maldives
- Spring 2025
Spring is really all about getting in the water, and our most popular tours combine stays on local islands with guided reef trips. You'll find great packages based on Maafushi or Guraidhoo, with nice clean rooms overlooking the sea and easy walks to the bikini beaches. Most people go for 5-7 day tours that include three guided snorkel trips to different reefs, plus visits to see traditional boat builders at work. Our guests love the local connections - sharing meals with island families, learning about daily life and also experiencing real Maldivian hospitality. The dhoni cruises run smoothly in spring too, with calm waters making it easy to visit remote sandbanks and quiet fishing villages that don't see many tourists.
- 35 tours
- popular 47 tours
- 42 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer tours usually center around island stays that give you good value without sacrificing comfort. Maafushi is our main hub, with daily snorkeling excursions, evening fishing trips and optional resort visits if you want to splash out. Our travelers really like how flexible everything is - you can join guided activities or just explore on your own. Some tours include special marine experiences like swimming with nurse sharks or joining local conservation work. The guesthouses work really well, offering air-conditioned rooms with sea views just minutes from local cafes, water sports rentals and also pristine beaches.
- popular 43 tours
- 41 tours
- 39 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall creates ideal conditions for our mixed tours that combine local island life with some luxury touches. Many people choose packages that split time between comfortable guesthouses and fancy resort day visits. The popular tours include guided snorkeling at 3-4 carefully selected reefs, traditional fishing experiences and dolphin spotting at sunset. Our customers really connect with the cultural side - exploring mosque gardens, watching boat builders at work and sharing meals with local families. The dhoni sailing trips work beautifully in autumn too, with steady winds perfect for moving between atolls while looking for manta rays and also whale sharks.
- popular 42 tours
- 41 tours
- 37 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter is perfect for our dhoni cruise tours - they're especially popular with Europeans looking to escape the cold back home. The 7-day sailing trips take you through South Male and Felidhu atolls where spinner dolphins, reef sharks and also sea turtles are regular visitors. Our boat crews catch and prepare fresh fish daily, and quite a few guests like sleeping under the stars right on deck. You'll get two snorkeling sessions each day, visit small fishing villages and spend evenings anchored near empty islands. The local guides have an amazing eye for spotting marine life, and with just 12-16 people on board, it stays intimate and personal. There's also high interest in our conservation tours where you can help track whale shark numbers and work on coral reef restoration.
- popular 35 tours
- 28 tours
- 30 tours
Maldives travel guides - curated by our experts
Contact our Maldives travel experts
Rufus
Expert in Maldives at TourRadar
Rufus is one of our seasoned Maldives Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Maldives tours answered!
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