Male Maldives 7 Day Itinerary

Male, Maldives 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at Malé International Airport (MLE) and take a speedboat or ferry to your hotel in Male.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel and freshen up. Visit the Grand Friday Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Maldives, and explore the surrounding streets for a glimpse into local life.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maldivian dinner at Ibrahim’s Restaurant and take a stroll along the waterfront.

Day 2: Explore Male

  • Morning: Visit the Maldives National Museum to learn about the country’s history and culture.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Male Fish Market, where you can see the daily catch being sold. Try some fresh seafood at one of the many food stalls nearby.
  • Evening: Take a sunset cruise around Male, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Day 3: Relaxation and Leisure

  • Morning: Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beach of Hulhumale, just a short ferry ride from Male. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.
  • Lunch: Try some local cuisine at Beach House Restaurant.
  • Evening: Return to Male and enjoy a cocktail at The Edge, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Day 4: Water Sports and Activities

  • Morning: Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the incredible coral reefs and marine life of the Maldives. Book a tour with a reputable operator like Dive Oceanus.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on a deserted island, courtesy of your tour operator.
  • Evening: Return to Male and enjoy dinner at The Sea House, serving fresh seafood and international cuisine.

Day 5: Local Experience

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby island of Villingili, where you can experience traditional Maldivian village life. Visit the local market, see the fishermen’s harbor, and enjoy lunch at a local home.
  • Evening: Return to Male and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at The Tea House.

Day 6: Adventure and Exploration

  • Morning: Take a boat trip to explore the stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear waters of the Maldives. Go swimming, snorkeling, or simply relax on board.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a beach barbecue lunch on an uninhabited island.
  • Evening: Return to Male and enjoy dinner at The Harbour Restaurant, offering international cuisine with a focus on seafood.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights in Male.
  • Afternoon: Depart for Malé International Airport (MLE) and your onward journey.

Accommodation Options

  • Budget: Ocean Vista Hotel, starting from $80 per night
  • Mid-range: Hotel Jen Malé, starting from $150 per night
  • Luxury: Naladhu Private Island Resort, starting from $500 per night

Transportation

  • Speedboat: Available for transfers between Male and surrounding islands, approximately $10-$20 per person one way.
  • Ferry: A more affordable option for longer journeys, approximately $5-$10 per person one way.

Tips and Essentials

  • Dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees when visiting mosques or local villages.
  • Respect local customs, avoiding public displays of affection and refraining from bringing alcohol into the country.
  • Protect yourself from the sun, with sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the Maldives’ incredible marine ecosystem.

Things to Know

  • The Maldives is a Muslim country, with Fridays being a public holiday.
  • The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), although US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Be mindful of your impact on the environment and respect the local ecosystem.