7-Day Maldives Tour: Snorkel, Sand & Sun

Most people think of the Maldives as honeymooner territory — overwater bungalows, private villas and price tags that could sink a dhoni boat. But the 7-Day Maldives Tour: Snorkel, Sand & Sun is the antidote to that postcard version. This one’s about local island life, marine encounters and staying in a guest house, not a resort.
I first jumped off a water transfer shuttle to Maafushi years ago, chasing whispers of coral atolls open to independent travellers. What I found was better — crystal clear seas, coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and locals who treated visitors like mates, not meal tickets. Since then, I’ve been back more times than I can count, usually with a snorkel mask around my neck and sand in my shoes.

DEPARTS
7:35 am
RETURNS
Days
7
PRICE from
$3501 AUD
Operates
SAT
Touring Route
7-Day Maldives Tour Snorkel, Sand & Sun maps
Trip Style
Original
Language
English
Age Restriction
No age restrictions
Group Size
Max 21 people

Highlights

  • Speedboat ride to and from Male Airport, offering stunning ocean views.

  • 6 nights at a 4-star guest house or Hotel for a cozy, comfortable stay.

  • Guided walking tour of Maafushi to explore local life and culture.

  • Snorkel safari trip with opportunities to swim alongside grey nurse sharks and vibrant tropical fish.

  • Lounge on a secluded sandbank island and enjoy some complimentary lunch and breathtaking views.

  • Access to a floating bar with unlimited boat shuttle transfers for sunset cocktails surrounded by ocean views.

  • Stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking available for active beach days.

  • 2 fabulous dinners (welcome & farewell) with fresh seafood and beachside vibes.

  • Professional underwater photos to capture your epic moments.

Trip Inclusions

  • Round-trip speedboat transfers to and from Male Airport

  • 6 Nights Accommodation in a 3 Star Guest House/ Hotel or Similar

  • 6 x breakfasts, 1x lunch 2 fabulous dinners (welcome & farewell)

  • Guided walking tour

  • Snorkel Safari Trip

  • Professional underwater photos (so your selfies can rest for once)

  • Swim with Grey Nurse Sharks & Beautiful Tropical Fish

  • Dolphin Spotting

  • Stingray spotting and photo opportunities

  • Lunch on an exclusive pristine sandbar

  • Visit one of the other islands by boat

  • Unlimited shuttles to the floating bar

  • Swim or relax on Bikini Beach

  • Stand-up Paddle Board Hire

  • Canoe or Kayak Hire

What to Bring

  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Your sense of adventure
  • Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker
  • Water bottle
  • Comfortable hiking shoes (closed-toe)
  • Swimmers and beach towel
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Torch or headlight
  • Warm clothing as sunset is on the beach, exposed to the elements

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Island Initiation

Say adios to your home city and buckle up for your grand entrance into paradise.
Touch down in Malé and hop onto an express speedboat to Maafushi. You’ll be skimming across waters so
blue they’ll make your ex regret ever leaving you.
Afternoon: Meet your guide at the Maafushi harbour for the ultimate island orientation. Check-in, ditch your
shoes.
6:00 PM: Gather in the hotel foyer for a walking tour around Maafushi. Expect plenty of laughs, charming
local vibes, and snacks that may or may not redefine your taste buds (spoiler: coconut is everything here).
Evening: Wrap up your first day with a sunset dinner by the beach. Picture fresh seafood, fairy lights, and a
chill so good you’ll forget your inbox exists.
Meals: Dinner.
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel or similar alternative.
Recommended Optional Activities:After dinner get the scoop on all the epic activities you can pack into
your week.

Day 2: Snorkel Like a Boss

Rise and shine (yes, you can do it), because today, the ocean is calling!
07:00 08:00 AM: Fuel up at breakfast.
08:30 AM 4:00 PM: Fullday snorkeling adventure featuring:
● Shipwreck snorkelling (because sunken treasures are cool)
● Snorkeling with Sting Rays (get ready for your Finding Nemo moment)
● A visit to Tinadhoo Island (Vaavu Atoll)
● Snorkel with dolphins (because your life is now a wildlife documentary, cue happy tears)
● All the essentials: snorkel gear, lunch, water, towels, and Instaworthy underwater photos/videos.
Evening: Return to Maafushi feeling like a mermaid (or merman), just tired enough to resist “one more
Mocktail.”
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel

Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure

By now, you’ve mastered the perfect pancakes to coconut ratio at breakfast. Good job.
All Day:

  • Fancy an adrenaline rush? Try:
    ○ A jet car that looks like a Lamborghini (because, why not?)
    ○ A whale shark dive to meet the ocean’s gentle giants
    ○ Parasailing for ultimate aerial bragging rights
  • Prefer to chill? Plant yourself on a sun lounger and embrace full vacation mode.
    Meals: Breakfast.
    Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4-Star Hote
Day 4: Dolphins, Sharks & Stingrays (Oh My!)

Another day, another breathtaking ocean adventure.
08:00 AM 2:00 PM:

  • Stingray watching (graceful, slightly alien-looking, but very cool)
  • Snorkel with nurse sharks (don’t worry, they’re the friendly kind)
  • WalkWay experience
  • Lunch, water, towel, snorkel gear, and, of course, more epic underwater photos/videos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel

Day 5: Explore More (or Do Absolutely Nothing)

Sleep in (congrats, you’ve earned it), then amble your way to breakfast.
All Day:

  • If adventure is still calling, answer with jet skiing, wakeboarding, or scuba diving.
  • Prefer a “cultural” experience? Head to the floating bar, because Maldives has a cheeky loophole for
    cocktails with a view.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel

Day 6: Final Flings & Feasts

Your tan is peaking, your camera roll is exploding, and there’s still more to do.
Morning: Relish your last leisurely breakfast while contemplating never leaving.
All Day: Optional adventures (your call, your expense). Highly recommend a visit to Sun Siyam Olhuveli,
a private island so dreamy it might actually be heaven.
Evening: Gather the crew for a final farewell dinner on an exclusive island, watch your last sunset over the
mesmerising ocean, sit around a beach bonfire, swap stories, share photos, and toast to a week that’ll
make your friends back home weep with jealousy.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel

Day 7: Farewell, Paradise

All good things must come to an end (unless you “accidentally” miss your flight).
Morning: Speedboat back to Malé. Expect a mix of emotions, possibly even a tear or two (it’s fine, we
won’t judge).
Afternoon: Board your flight home with a suitcase full of memories, a camera roll packed with jawdropping
photos, and just enough sand in your shoes to remind you that this trip was everything.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accomm: Triton Prestige Seaview & Spa 4 Star Hotel

Accom Amenities
NIGHT CONFIGURATION FACILITIES INCLUDES
1-6 Twin Share or Private Ensuite, Coffee, Tea, Bar Fridge, TV, WIFI, Twin Share
Private Double
4* Hotel
Accommodation
Triton Prestige
Seaview & Spa
Safety deposit box Toilet Bath or shower Hardwood or
parquet floors Towels Linen Socket near the bed TV
Telephone Ironing facilities Satellite channels
Tea/Coffee maker Hairdryer Fan Electric kettle Cable
channels Wakeup service Wardrobe or closet Upper
floors accessible by stairs only Clothes rack Toilet
paper
Accommodation
18m2
City view
Air conditioning
Patio
Flatscreen TV
Free WiFi

Route details

Our Contract

All bookings are made with Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd (ABN 94 143 929 962) (us/we). By booking a trip with us you have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set out in these booking conditions. Your booking will be accepted by us on this basis. The services to be provided are those referred to in your booking confirmation and/or invoice. Accredited Bus Number: AC003612.

Validity

Dates and itineraries are valid until 31 March 2026, effective from 01 June 2024 dates and itineraries are indicative only.

Standard Conditions

Any references to ‘GLT’, ‘we’, ‘our’ and ‘us’ equates to Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd, which applies to the following GLT brands and entities below Autopia Tours, Wildlife Tours Australia, Walking Country, Wayoutback Australian Safaris, Australian Bus Charters & Tailormade Touring, Boutique Touring Company and Geelong & Bellarine Tours.

Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below before booking a trip with us.

We strongly recommend that you also read the information relating to your product or service before booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style, and physical demands of the tour you are undertaking. GLT will not be held responsible for passengers failing to familiarise themselves with the booking terms and conditions.

Although every effort is made, GLT shall not be liable for any illness, injury, damages, loss, delay, or failure to join the tour that may occur due to factors beyond our control. We highly recommend all passengers have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage, should they have to cancel a trip at the last minute.

GLT reserves the right to modify routes or itineraries, vehicle types, fares, days of operation, or even cancel tours when unforeseen circumstances arise. This is especially true during seasonal weather fluctuations and/or during park closures due to traditional landowner ceremonies. Other accredited tour operators may be used from time to time on some tours.

Fares are shown in Australian Currency and are correct at time of printing but are subject to change.

Traveller Information

For us to confirm your travel arrangements, you must provide all requested details at the time of booking. Your full name, contact details, email address, dietary requirements (if applicable), nationality, or Australian postcode and any pre-existing medical conditions you have that may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements.

For more information about how we treat your personal information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Booking Terms and Conditions

Customers Responsible Travel

The customer shall comply with all Government (Federal, State, and Territory) conditions of entry into Australia and/or at the time of travel for tour and transport services.

In the event that a traveler needs to cancel unexpectedly due to visa restrictions, a medical condition, family reasons, or changes to regulations imposed by the government, the operator shall apply discretion when applying cancellation policies in these circumstances. The operator reserves the right to withhold such a reasonable sum to cover administrative expenses and other losses, dependent on when notice of cancellation is given by the customer.

It was previously recommended by the Department of Health that commercial passenger vehicle drivers and passengers wear fitted face masks whilst in transit to minimise the spread of the virus. This is no longer mandatory, but rather at the driver’s or traveller’s own discretion. Some remote regions have limited access to RAT tests, so multi-day travelers are still advised to bring some along.

In the unlikely event that a traveller must leave a tour midway after it has commenced, or attempt to join a tour after departure, the operator is not required to reimburse any aspects of the tour that they did not participate in. As part of this, the traveler is responsible for any relocation expenses incurred from the point of departure to their nominated destination and is the traveller’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

Note: Different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents. Your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. Travelers are strongly advised to purchase personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellations & Refund Policy

Cancellation by the Traveller

We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, if you cancel some or all portions of your booking the cancellation terms set out below will apply. A cancellation will only take effect when we receive written confirmation that you have sent to your relevant booking agent notifying them of your cancellation.

If you wish to change or cancel a trip:

Day Trips

(a) 0 to 1 day / within 24-hrs from the experience start time or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 2+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Short Break / Extended Tours

(a) 0 to 14 days before the departure date or failure to board on tour:
● will result in a 100% cancellation fee / full fare forfeiture of the ticket price and not eligible for a refund; or
(b) 15+ days prior to the departure:
● we will refund the full balance paid by you in connection with your booking; or
● flexible date changes – unlimited supply of free date changes available; or
● alternatively, we can issue a credit voucher for the amount paid to travel on another day

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation under (Cancellation by the Traveller) has an expiry date of 3 years and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by us. This credit is transferable on experience, however not redeemable for cash.

Note different cancellation conditions may apply if/when booked through third-party agents, your travel consultant will advise if differences apply. We strongly advise travellers to take out personal cancellation insurance at the time of booking.

Cancellation by the Operator

Our trips are guaranteed to depart once minimum group sizes have been met for the tour, unless it specifically states otherwise (refer to Product Fact Sheets) or in the event of a Force Majeure (refer below) resulting in the cancellation of a trip.

We have the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if external events occur that deem it not viable for us to operate the planned itinerary.

Standard Cancellation

If we the tour operator cancel your trip, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% reimbursement of monies paid for your trip
(b) transfer amounts paid to an alternative departure date or tour operated by GLT; or
(c) issued with a credit travel voucher to the amount paid for your trip, valid for 3-years

Force Majeure Cancellation

If a trip is cancelled due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’, we can offer you a choice of:
(a) a 100% credit voucher of monies paid for your trip; or
(b) a refund minus unrecoverable costs.

If the cancellation due to a ‘Force Majeure Event’ occurs after a trip has commenced, we can offer you a choice of a pro-rata:
(a) 110% credit voucher for the days that remain on your trip; or
(b) refund minus unrecoverable costs of the days that remain on your trip.

Any credit travel voucher resulting from a cancellation as mentioned in (Cancellation by the Traveller):
● 3-year expiry date and may be applied towards any other available trip offered by GLT;
● are not redeemable for cash;
● excludes flights or insurance as they will have their own booking conditions

In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less than any unrecoverable costs. GLT cannot be held responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, or non-refundable flights.

A “Force Majeure Event” includes but is not limited to: acts of God; war; civil commotion; riot; blockade or embargo; fire; explosion; breakdown; union dispute; earthquake; epidemic, pandemic or other health emergency; flood; windstorm or other extreme weather event; lack or failure of courses of supply; passage of any law, order, proclamation, regulation, ordinance, demand, requisition or requirement or any other act of any government authority, beyond the reasonable control of the parties, whether or not foreseeable, which would make it dangerous or not viable for a trip to commence or continue.

Acceptance of Risk

Australia is home to a wide range of dangerous animals, extreme weather conditions, and varied terrain. Experiencing these dangers while camping, hiking, or passing time outside may increase your personal risk. Safety is our number one priority and our guides are highly trained to ensure passenger safety at all times. Get Lost Travel Pty Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss, injury, or accident caused by passengers onboard our tours.

Travel Insurance

We recommend all guests have personal travel insurance which should be taken out at the time of booking prior to tour departure. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, 24/7 medical expenses, and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US$ 200,000 for each of the categories of cover.

We also strongly recommend it covers cancellation curtailment, COVID-19 cover, personal liability, and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number, and the emergency contact number with you rather than the bank’s name and credit card details.

Alcohol Policy

Alcohol is not permitted on board our vehicles. We reserve the right to refuse re-entry if passengers are overly intoxicated and pose a threat to other passengers, our driver, or our vehicle. We also reserve the right to advise at any time prior to departure and whilst in operation, that alcohol is no longer permitted. The legal drinking age in Australia is 18 years old, photo ID is required.

Child Policy (Age Requirements)

Our child and infant policy, as well as pricing, vary depending on the specific trip due to the diversity of our product offerings. Please refer to the tour page for detailed information. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Infants aged 0 to 4 may be able to join select sightseeing tours, though some day tours may not be suitable due to the terrain or duration. A child ticket is required for infants, as they are included in the head count. Child safety seats can be requested at the time of booking, subject to availability but are not guaranteed.

Important Note: Due to the type of experiences we operate throughout Australia, some may require a medium to high level of fitness and a doctor’s certificate is required for people over 70 years old (30 days before travel).

Prices and surcharges

Our tour prices are subject to variable and seasonal pricing, both of which are standard practice within the travel industry. Depending on the trip, passengers are likely to be charged different prices, so booking at that time is the best option if you like the price. Any reduced pricing or discounts that may become available after you have paid your fare price will not apply. If you wish to cancel your booking to take advantage of a cheaper price, full cancellation conditions apply as set out below in (Cancellation by the Traveller). The most up-to-date pricing is available on our websites. Please note that a surcharge may be applied to a purchase made by credit card.

Luggage Policy

To maximize the comfort of your journey no luggage storage facilities are provided on our (Day Trips): It is recommended you bring a small day pack no bigger than 5-7kg. (Short-Break / Extended Tours): Maximum baggage allowance per person is 15-20kg preferably a soft travelling pack.
Excessive amounts of luggage may incur a surcharge fee. Inappropriate luggage presented on the day of departure such as surfboards, bikes, and an excessive amount of luggage may result in refusal to board unless previously arranged. Other: mobility scooters, wheelchairs, pushers, prams, walking frames, and other walking aids cannot be stored safely on our vehicles. Please advise prior to booking if there are any of these aids required.

Pick-up & Drop-offs

GLT may offer complimentary inner-city pick-up and drop-off services to selected accommodation providers. Please note it is the customer’s responsibility to be waiting out the front of your selected pickup location (accommodation provider) at least 10 minutes before departure. Failure to wait out the front of your selected accommodation or nominated meeting point may result in the tour guide being unable to locate you causing failure to load. GLT cannot be held responsible for passengers who fail to load.

Weather Policy

The weather conditions throughout Australia can vary significantly. While we strive to operate our tours as planned, tours will only be cancelled in the event of extreme weather conditions that pose a safety risk, such as storms, floods, lightning or extreme temperatures. Tours will not be cancelled due to rain, fog, or similar weather occurrences unless they significantly impact safety or accessibility. If a tour is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will notify you as soon as possible and offer the option to reschedule or provide a full refund, depending on availability and your preferences.

We recommend checking the average temperatures for your travel dates and packing accordingly. Please note that we are not responsible for any additional costs or inconvenience caused by weather-related changes, including accommodation, travel, or other expenses. We advise all travellers to come prepared for varying weather conditions to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Special Requirements

Please notify the tour operator of any food allergies or special dietary requirements, and/or medical conditions at the time of booking or 7 days prior to the tour departure. While we endeavor to cater to most dietary needs, there are limited food options in some regions we visit on extended tours, so forward planning is required to ensure we can accommodate but it is not guaranteed. For those with special dietaries, we recommend you bring snacks along.

Booking Confirmations & Enquiries

All reservations must be confirmed within 48 hours of departure via email to [email protected].

Updated June 2024.

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FAQ

Travel Essentials

Getting There: Maafushi is about 25 km (40 minutes by speedboat) from Male.
Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the official currency, but USD is widely accepted.
Weather: The Maldives enjoys tropical weather. Dry season (December–April) is ideal, while wet season (May–November) may bring occasional rains but also lower prices.

Culture & Customs

Local Etiquette: Maafushi is a local island, so respect Muslim customs. Dress modestly in public areas, but Bikini Beach allows swimwear. Alcohol consumption is restricted; drinks are available on nearby floating bars or during resort excursions.
Language: Dhivehi is the local language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Top Activities

Marine Adventures:
Snorkeling and diving with sharks, manta rays, and turtles are must-dos. Popular sites include the Maafushi House Reef and nearby sandbanks.
Dolphin-watching cruises and deep-sea fishing are other highlights.
Island Hopping: Visit nearby islands for a change of scenery, including luxury resorts for day trips.

Dining & Local Food

Maafushi’s restaurants offer a mix of local and international cuisine. Must-try dishes include:
Mas Huni: A breakfast staple of tuna, coconut, and chili.
Garudhiya: A flavorful Maldivian fish soup.
Fresh seafood BBQs are popular for dinner.

Important Notes

Alcohol: Prohibited on the island but accessible on floating bars.
Sustainability: Support local businesses and follow eco-friendly practices to protect the fragile marine ecosystem.
Safety: Generally safe, but always use caution with water activities and adhere to safety guidelines.