Local Island Day Trip From Hulhumale

We were driven in a taxis from Male tender port to Hulhumale to board a speedboat to Huraa, This island is where the Four Seasons Resort is located. The claim to fame is that there’s a natural pond with mangrove trees. Saw lots of holes in the sandy area and was told that they were dug by small crabs. Also visited a small home production of tuna sauce. Basically tuna fish bones with some flesh still attached were boiled down in huge pots. Had lunch at a restaurant near where the speedboat was parked.

North Male Island hopping Tour with Ub was absolutely amazing! Ub is a superb guide and is full of information and knowledge about the islands. From start to finish was fabulous, lunch, snorkeling etc etc. I would 100% recommend Secret Paradise Maldives for an adventure.

The guides, Archive and Sha were excellent! Extremely knowledgeable and very good company. With their help and guidance I was able snorkel for the very first time (as a non swimmer this was something I d always avoided). They reassured me and helped have an amazing experience. I can't thank them enough. They were stars!

Enjoyed visiting two local islands. It was interesting to see where the locals live and their livelihood. The pleasant surprise was seeing dolphins- so many! The crew was very nice. They circled around the dolphins to let me have a good view and take better photos and videos. The guides were very friendly and helpful. They tried very hard to get me the best lunch.

First and foremost, this is a MUST. Make sure you get UB as your guide, he is the man!!! My wife and I were in the Maldives on honeymoon and before we went to the resort, we wanted to see what the real Maldives and how real Maldivians live. UB was very knowledgeable about every and all things Maldives, so it was great learning from him. He also took us to a reef where (and I am not lying) we had the best snorkel experience. My wife and I have snorkeled many times before, but without a doubt Maldives was the best. The trip started out a little rocky because of the rain, but UB adjusted on the fly and made sure we got to do everything that was on the itinerary. Again, this is a must if you are visiting the Maldives and want more than just resort life.

Guide came late. Failed to contact us that he was running late. Five minutes out of jetty boat ‘s engines gathered water and engine stalled; enough to wreck one’s day. Guide tried very hard to make up but clearly this service is appalling and must be improved.

I did Mafushi and Gulhi . First we went to Mafushi and we walked around the island and my guide was very informative about the local life the plants the houses then we had a drink in a cafe then had local lunch then we moved to Gulhi and we had an idea about old ships building . Gulhi beach was soooooooo clean I had a chance to swim . in our way back we stopped at a nice spot fofr snorkeling this spot was the best the water colour and the marine life was great ( first time i see turtle ) . My guide was informative and took good care of me in snorkeling ( i am new in snorkeling ) The tour was well organised by secret paradise and it was great . Thank you everyone

We had a lovely walking day trip to two islands. I have hip problems and had to do the trip in a wheelchair with my husband pushing me. Unfortunately the weather was a bit rough and we could not snorkel or swim. But it was really enjoyable and our guide was very good. Unfortunately we could not do the snorkeling trip because of the rough weather. The guides advised us against it. So it was a bit disappointing but a safer option. Thanks also for your very friendly service whilst we did the booking.

We encountered this agency almost by chance and we used their services for 2 separate tours. All tour guides are extremely enthusiastic, friendly, competent and knowledgeable. The tours available are very varied and all extremely exciting including pick-up from main island. The use of local resources (local ferries, local taxis, local restaurants) is a nice touch and makes you feel the real Maldivian experience. One of the guides, Archie, made us an origami local boat (dhoni) using local leaves, extremely nice gesture that we will cherish for ever. Another guide, UB, qualified diver and international lifeguard, gave confidence to my partner to swim and snorkel in the ocean taking her by hand despite her fears of deep water. Even their youngest member, Anoof, during training, is extremely enthusiastic and helpful, able to give us some local hints and recommendations. Would use their services again next time we are back. Only recommendation: they accept only cash.

We were welcomed by a very warm Farish, who is jovial and charming. Enjoyed the boat ride to Gulhi which has a spectacular beach. Farish was very attentive and answered all our incessant questions about local culture, food, history, marine life of Maldives. He knows his home well. It was my first time snorkelling and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor, Farish was patient and calmed me. The blue waters of Maldives hold a lot of colourful secrets-fishes and corals. Definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a slice of Maldivian life, I learnt a lot.

It was a lovely experience touring Maldives with Farish. He’s very charming and playful and entertained all our questions about the islands, local culture, history, marine animals. Gulhi, our first stop was absolutely stunning. The beach is pristine with cute corners everywhere. I snorkelled for the first time and couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Farish was extremely patient and the fishes were a colourful delight to the eyes. The blue water is suddenly filled with so many colours as we look down. Definitely recommend this tour, they make you feel very homely.

This tour to Huraa was great. I was picked up by the guide, Mashir, from Hulhumale where I was staying. The from Male we (me, Mashir, and one other guest) took a speedboat ferry to Huraa where we had a great traditional Maldivian breakfast. Then we walked around the island seeing the mangrove trees, fishing boats, fish paste making, and a resort. We had some time to swim and then after we saw some of the village as we walked through the streets. The speedboat took us back to Male and Mashir accompanied me back to my hotel. Mashir was a great guide and spoke excellent English

After 2 weeks of work this lovely day in Huraa Island gave the perfect vacation experience; efficiently coordinated by Ruth of Secret Paradise. A very experienced guide (Mr Mashir Ali) took us from our hotel to the speed boat jetty and across the seas to picturesque little village where we learned about local environment aspects including the production of smoked tuna and coconut leave brooms and then on to the pretty and cosy Pearl Sands Hotel & Spa. We enjoyed a soothing massage, a delicious lunch, a swim in the turquois sea and relaxing times on the beach beds. The most fascinating part was the change in weather; mildly cloudy in the morning, sunny in the early afternoon and with a huge rain storm brewing before our departure. The Gods were using the sky and horizon as their giant canvas and it was an outstanding panorama. A very beautiful day and experience to leave the Maldives with special memories.

Had two brilliant days visiting local islands, watching dolphins, snorkling with turtles and reef sharks. Eating great food and finding out about local environmental initiatives, (with Save the Beach) boat building and the fish paste industry - which is more interesting than it sounds and so delicious!! The Secret Paradise guide kept my teenage boys entertained and showed them some Great marine wildlife and taught them about the local ecosystem as well as climbing trees and blowing circle bubbles under the sea!! Thank you Kamey and Ruth for organising it.

I did the local islands (Himmurfushi and Huraa) day trip and it was just an outstanding experience! I absolutely enjoyed every single bit of it from the amazing snorkeling spots, beautiful beaches, meeting the locals to the delicious lunch. My guides, Shaa and Nashith, went above and beyond my expectations in every way throughout the day. You guys rock! Thank you so much for making this trip such a memorable one.

Greetings! We’ve just returned from FULL DAY NORTH MALE ISLAND HOPPING tour performed by Mr Shaa, his protege Nashid and the driver of small but proud speedboat who goes in this waters by the name of Captain Jack Sparrow. It all started at the Jetty Terminal where we were picked up by our guides and went by the speedboat to the first island of Himmurfushi. At this time the wind and waves were against the direction we needed to go, so the ride was somewhat bumpy. We were a bit surprised, but seeing how Shaa can keep himself on the boat without holding onto anything gave us much needed reassurance. It took us around 30 minutes to reach the island. My advice is to not panic or become discouraged here as this is just a small part of the trip. Hold onto the rails if you need to. That was in pretty windy weather and i think it went ok! Most probably when any of you folks gonna travel there weather will be less windy, so the trip will be more comfy. Also be ready to get a bit wet on the road, so dress accordingly. At the Himmurfushi island we went on the tour to showcase how local people live and had a drink on the beautiful beach. Then we went to the Huraa island. We had a good lunch at the restaurant and went to swim on the local bikini beach. The weather was nice, water is warm and the color of the sea was all shades of blue. We were given an opportunity to swim with snorkel equipment, but we decided that bathing in the sun and swimming with the mask will do. We also saw how fish is processed by fisherman, how it’s dried, had a taste of some unusual sauce. Checked out a souvenir shop and bought some hand crafted dolphin and stingray. Cool stuff is that items are made in a portable variant. So you can detach limbs from the model and pack it neatly, so it’s easier to put it in your travel bag. Smart :) Our boat trip back was very smooth and swift, saw some fly fish on the way :) Shaa and Nashid are brilliant guides, they speak good english, know answers to a lot of questions and able to support a conversation! They even carried our bags all the way… showcassing one of the things Maldivians are famous for - hospitality. Jack Sparrow makes an impression of an old sea wolf, who can navigate a speedboat through the hurricane and back without dropping a sweat. We returned very happy, amazed and covered in salt from the ocean water so much that you can snack us with beer. Haha, just kidding, because there is no beer thousand miles around. Surprising how fast time flies when you are properly entertained, 8 hours passed in an instant. #Totally Worth it. Thank you for the unforgettable journey, and good luck in your amazing endeavours Shaa, Nashid and Jack! Yours truly, Dima & Irina.

From the time I was picked up at the Airport everything went smoothly. Secret Paradise is run by Ruth who is extremely efficient and replies to emails promptly. I stayed at the Ocean Grand Hotel for 2 nights and did the Embudu Island day trip which was fabulous, and very relaxing. I love to swim and snorkel so this was perfect for me. Mash was the staff member assigned to our trip and he could not have been more helpful. I would book with them again as they have a multitude of day excursions available. The only negative comment is that you must pay for everything in $US Cash on arrival if you don’t do a bank transfer. It is in the fine print but needs to be emphasized.

We did a Island day trip and the half day walking tour. Learned a lot about the culture and day to day life of the people. Guide took us to the local market and explained lots of stuff we would never of got on our own. Highly recommend both tours.

Our family of four booked a last minute day trip out to the islands of Huraa and Himmafushi as we had a day to spare before an evening flight out. The trip included a walking tour of each island as well as lunch and an afternoon snorkeling stop. The guide was Ube, pleasant and personable as well as being an underwater expert. Ruth in the office is a star and was extremely helpful. Their work made this trip one of the highlights of our current vacation. We will gladly come back and book another trip with you, should our travels take us on a return to the Maldives.

The day of my tour was back in November of 2018. The meeting place was at the Hulhumale Jetty which was a 20 min. walk from my hotel. Upon meeting my guides (2) Mahee and Farish I found out that I was the only one on the tour that day. I chose to visit 2 islands South of Male. We headed out to Gulhi first with out boat captain, visited a shipping yard where they build boats. Walked around the town as Mahee explained the history of the island and it's people. Even got to taste fresh coconut juice and the flesh which is totally different from say a Hawaiian coconut. We then headed to the next island of Maafushi. Walked around the town, there's even a prison there and once again Mahee provided the history behind this island as well. We then had lunch at a local restaurant that had outdoor seating. Food was good! Company great! First time I tasted a chip that is made from garbanzo beans! Tastes close to having a chicharron but better! We then headed back North and stopped at a snorkeling spot in the ocean. Mahee was great to make sure I wouldn't drift away in the current by holding my hand. Saw a variety of beautiful fish. He suggested another spot to snorkel but I was a bit exhausted so declined and luckily we did as I could see from a distance some overcast skies with a dark rain cloud looming over Male. The current would've been stronger and water more choppy making snorkeling difficult. On the way back, we spotted a pod of pilot whales and tried to be quiet so as not to scare them to go underwater. And yes, we got caught in the rain heading back to Hulhumale. Rough seas and battered rain but it was an adventure! Since I was the only one on the tour, it felt as if I was spending a day with friends! Mahee even got us a "lift" so we wouldn't get wet from the rain, I was brought back to my hotel instead of walking. Farish was also great and he had to take the ferry back to Male as we departed since that is where he lives. The two of them definitely know their home and history of the Maldives, so book this tour if you want to see how the Maldivians live on other islands besides Male. Not as much motorcycles running around other islands, it's much more calmer, peaceful, and less crowded. Glad I did this tour so I could experience a different side of the Maldives.

We had an outstanding experience with this tour. The guide went above and beyond our expectations in every way throughout the day. Outstanding snorkeling, lovely beaches , terrific lunch , along w hands on personal touch made this a lovely tour from beginning to end. We were sorry the day had to end

The meeting place was at the Hulhumale Jetty which was a 20 min. walk from my hotel. Upon meeting my guides (2) Mahee and Farish I found out that I was the only one on the tour that day. I chose to visit 2 islands South of Male. We headed out to Gulhi first with out boat captain, visited a shipping yard where they build boats. Walked around the town as Mahee explained the history of the island and it's people. Even got to taste fresh coconut juice and the flesh which is totally different from say a Hawaiian coconut. We then headed to the next island of Maafushi. Walked around the town, there's even a prison there and once again Mahee provided the history behind this island as well. We then had lunch at a local restaurant that had outdoor seating. Food was good! Company great! First time I tasted a chip that is made from garbanzo beans! Tastes close to having a chicharron but better! We then headed back North and stopped at a snorkeling spot in the ocean. Mahee was great to make sure I wouldn't drift away in the current by holding my hand. Saw a variety of beautiful fish. He suggested another spot to snorkel but I was a bit exhausted so declined and luckily we did as I could see from a distance some overcast skies with a dark rain cloud looming over Male. The current would've been stronger and water more choppy making snorkeling difficult. On the way back, we spotted a pod of pilot whales and tried to be quiet so as not to scare them to go underwater. And yes, we got caught in the rain heading back to Hulhumale. Rough seas and battered rain but it was an adventure! Since I was the only one on the tour, it felt as if I was spending a day with friends! Mahee even got us a "lift" so we wouldn't get wet from the rain, I was brought back to my hotel instead of walking. Farish was also great and he had to take the ferry back to Male as we departed since that is where he lives. The two of them definitely know their home and history of the Maldives, so book this tour if you want to see how the Maldivians live on other islands besides Male. Not as much motorcycles running around other islands, it's much more calmer, peaceful, and less crowded. Glad I did this tour so I could experience a different side of the Maldives.

I'm one of those solo guests with a bad anxiety problems and have to constantly be on some form of anxiety pills to cope with my surroundings and I'm so glad to have came across Secret Paradise and their guide Mashir whose became a very good friend of mine. I first approached them for a half day Male walking tour. Having travelled and discovered other cultures, Mashir and I had lots to bond and have good conversations over which was surprising and refreshing as it didn't seem like a tour but more of two friends discovering the capital of Maldives. Marshir took really good care of me to ensure that my safety and anxiety issues weren't further aggravated by the hustle and bustle of the city. Having had such a wonderful experience, I was more than happy to take another package which was was tweaked to my needs and we discovered the islands of Huraa and Himmafushi. Being a very typical tourist whom easily is usually scammed, Marshir ensured that I got the best authentic deals and got it even further discounted. Without Marshir I'm sure my trip to the Maldives alone would have been the worst form of anxiety attack and I would like to thank him so much for genuinely taking care of me even after our tours had ended though it wasn't required by him. I even got to know his amazing wife and they genuinely are the nicest Maldivians I've met to date. Choose Paradise as they'll tailor make tours to your needs even at the last moment and ask for Marshir because he genuinely cares about his guests, their experience and their well being. I am unsure how highly I can recommend Marshir and Secret Paradise.

We were only in the Maldives for one day because we were on a cruise ship. Because of the nature of these islands, I knew that we should do some sort of tour involving the ocean. I personally do not snorkel but as the day involved visits to other islands, a cultural and sightseeing tour around one particular island and lunch on another island the tour sounded very attractive to me. I was correct and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day with all of it's variety. I was with a group of 7 people and our charming guide was Zaff. We couldn't have done better from the moment we were picked up and shown to our motor boat. The ocean was a bit rough that day and we certainly had an exillerating ride through the waves. We felt very safe at all times and after an hour or so we arrived at one of the little scenic sandy islands. Once there we were given an interesting walking tour of the island and the village. Later on we went by boat to another island where we had lunch. All experiences were good and the restaurant was clean and we were able to sit under some shade trees. From there we boarded our motor boat again and journeyed to a snorkelling area. As I didn't snorkel I stayed in the boat with two others, but those who snorkelled were ecstatic at what they saw below the surface. They were all very excited. I have to say that the whole day we were in these beautiful desert island surroundings and the water was the clearest you can find anywhere. The colour of the water reminded me of Tahiti as there is a similar aqua hue. It is certainly very beautiful. There was an option for extra snorkelling but our group felt they had done enough and so we returned to Male and the ship. Our group contacted the company sometime before the date of our tour because they do get booked up. We emailed with Ruth who always replied promptly and she was always extremely helpful . You will not go wrong if you arrange a tour with this company and I guarantee you will have a good time.

<p>Great day out! Snorkeling was fantastic! Zaff was a great guide!</p>

The guide met us at hotel reception in Male, transportation to islands (speedboat and public ferry) was convenient and quick. First we arrived to Huraa. It was a Friday and there was not much activity, locals usually rest and spend time with family on this day. We still checked out the boat building yard and some facilities for making dry fish. The freshwater lake was not quite what I expected, it's actually what remains from the lake after tsunami in 2004. Nonetheless, seeing the damage present after so many years was impressive. Truly a fragile eco-system. Huraa also has a very nice bikini beach, where we spent some more then an hour and enjoyed it a lot. Himmafushi was the next island. Some walking around, food at a local restaurant and souvenir shopping. All as expected. On the way back we stopped for snorkelling. The underwater world is amazing and you can see stingrays as well as many different colorful fish. The guide then accompanied us to Male's fish and fruit market and back to the hotel. Very good service, I definitely recommend it!

My fiancee and I were looking for a way to get to know the local culture and people (and food!) of the Maldives outside of just being on a secluded resort with other tourists on our vacation. Kokko was an excellent guide, he let us decide which route to take, while navigating us to the unique industries, features and traditions of each island we visited. We saw local fish production factories, shipyards, schools, mosques and had a delicious meal in the local style. All the while Kokko and his coworker had deep knowledge about the country and its history and the local people. End of the day we went snorkeling at a spot known for manta rays. Amazing way to end a great day trip.

Ich kann diesen Ausflug sehr empfehlen. Nicht nur der normale Tourismus sondern auch das Leben der Malediven. Der Guide war super sympathisch und hat mir viele interessante Dinge gezeigt. Gerne wieder

We had booked this excursion from Paris. Archi was waiting for us at the cruise ship terminal. He took us by taxi to catch our fast boat and it was a festival of beautiful things, just for us: dolphins, very interesting explanations about the country, delicious lunch, swimming, snorkelling... Thank you to Archi and our captain for a wonderful day

For cruise tourists in particular, it is not quite so easy to get a real Maldives feeling from the main island of Male. With this tour we were transported to a small, uninhabited island, received a wonderful, locally prepared lunch with fresh fish and also had an additional snorkel stop with a rich underwater world. What more could you want!