The Maldives is a double string of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean, home to 1,000+ islands and a seafaring history dating back to ancient trade routes between Arabia and Asia. Cinnamon, cowrie shells, and sultans once defined these shores; today, reef-fringed lagoons, manta cleaning stations, and stilted villas lure travelers from every corner of the planet.

Beyond its postcard waters, the Maldives offers a rich island culture: call to prayer drifting over colorful harbors, teashops serving hedhikaa (savory bites), and local markets piled with tuna and coconut. The capital Malé is one of the world’s smallest, most densely packed capitals—perfect for a day of mosques, museums, and street eats before you sail out to slower, sandier islands.

Practical notes: local (inhabited) islands observe conservative dress away from designated “bikini beaches,” and alcohol is only served at resorts or on designated excursion vessels. Friday schedules can be reduced, especially for ferries. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for long days in the water.

Malé (and Hulhumalé)

Start in Malé, a compact city where boat horns and spice-scented alleys meet the sea. Visit the Grand Friday Mosque’s golden dome, the fish market’s lively tuna auctions, and Sultan Park’s leafy calm. Across the causeway, Hulhumalé brings breezy promenades, a sandy public beach, and cafés perfect for jet lag recovery.

Days 1–4: Culture and lagoon time

• Arrival & flights: Fly into Velana International Airport (MLE). Compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: Dubai ~4 hrs; Singapore ~4.5 hrs; New York 18–22 hrs (1–2 stops).
• Getting around: Airport–Malé boats run 24/7 (10 minutes). Taxis within Malé/Hulhumalé are inexpensive. No trains here; inter-island moves are by ferry or speedboat.
• Guided orientation in Malé: Choose a short, insightful city tour to decode history, religion, and daily life.
• Snorkel warm-up: Join a reef safari from Hulhumalé to meet turtles, rays, and blacktip reef sharks—ideal early in the trip for water confidence.
• Optional: Submarine experience to see reefs 100 ft down without getting wet—great for families or non-swimmers.

• Recommended Malé/Hulhumalé activities (Viator):
• 4 Hour Highlights of Malé Walking Tour

  

  Stroll the harbor, markets, and Sultan Park with a local guide to frame the rest of your island time.

• Greater Malé Explorer – Private City Tour

  

  Dig deeper into Malé, Hulhumalé, and Vilimalé for architecture, local conversation, and coastal viewpoints.

• 3 Point Snorkeling Safari

  

  Hop between three reefs to spot turtles, reef sharks, and swaying soft coral—bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen.

• 2-Hour Maldives Submarine Tour From Malé

  

  Descend to 100 feet in air-conditioned comfort to view reefs through wide portholes—no swimming required.

• Where to stay (Malé area): Browse stays on Hotels.com (Malé) or VRBO (Malé). Tried-and-true picks: Kurumba Maldives (classic resort close to the airport), Hotel Octave Maldives (central city base), Somerset Inn (clean, well-located), and, for a splurge by speedboat, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands.

• Eat & drink (Malé/Hulhumalé):
• Seagull Café House (Malé): A long-running favorite for tuna melts, mango sorbet, and shaded courtyard seating near Chaandhanee Magu.
• Sala Thai (Malé): Fragrant curries, papaya salad, and friendly staff in a pretty townhouse—great for a sit-down dinner.
• Symphony Restaurant (Malé): Local institution for Maldivian and South Asian classics; try garudhiya (clear tuna broth) with lime and chili.
• Family Room Café (Hulhumalé): Hearty breakfasts, smoothies, and good coffee after your flight.
• Bread Matters (Hulhumalé): European-style bakery for croissants, sourdough, and light lunches before or after a beach walk.

Maafushi (South Malé Atoll)

Maafushi is the Maldives’ most convenient “local island” hub for activities. Expect a sandy, swimmable lagoon, a designated bikini beach, and dozens of day trips: shipwreck snorkels, nurse shark encounters, sandbank picnics, and water sports for every energy level.

Days 5–10: Water sports, reef life, and a resort day

• Travel to Maafushi (morning of Day 5): Shared speedboat from Malé: 35–45 minutes, typically US$20–30 per person (seats fill fast on weekends). Private charters run ~US$180–250 per boat. You can also book a dedicated transfer: Maafushi: Airport Transfer By Speedboat.
• Lagoon day: Settle in with a beach morning, then try a 15-minute jet ski blast or a kayak to the sand shallows.
• Snorkel safaris: Visit coral gardens alive with butterflyfish, then drift over a shipwreck where schools of batfish gather.
• Nurse shark & sandbank combo: Vaavu’s big highlight—gentle nurse sharks in crystalline water, plus a photogenic sandbar lunch stop.
• Resort day pass: Boat to Adaaran Club Rannalhi for reef time, pools, and buffet with drinks included—an easy taste of “resort Maldives.”
• Optional diving: If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba, Maafushi is a great place for a safe, supervised first dive.

• Recommended Maafushi activities (Viator):
• Full Day Snorkeling & Island Hopping

  

  Combines pretty reefs with stops at nearby local islands like Gulhi or Guraidhoo for a sense of everyday atoll life.

• Shipwreck & Nurse Shark Snorkeling with Dolphin Watching

  

  The signature combo: wreck, sharks, turtles, and frequent spinner dolphins riding the bow wave.

• Water Sports Combo – Jet Ski, Kayak & Tube Ride

  

  Mix adrenaline and mellow paddling—ideal for families or groups with different energy levels.

• Resort Day Trip: Adaaran Club Rannalhi

  

  Enjoy pools, house reef, and included snacks/drinks—remember, alcohol is served at resorts, not on local islands.

• Where to stay (Maafushi): Search Hotels.com (Maafushi) or VRBO (Maafushi). Traveler favorites: Kaani Palm Beach (rooftop views), Arena Beach Hotel (right on bikini beach), and Kaani Village & Spa (value with a pool).

• Eat & drink (Maafushi):
• Hot Bite: Beloved local joint for grilled reef fish, kottu roshi (stir-fried flatbread), and fresh juices—excellent value.
• Arena Beach Restaurant: Beachfront breakfasts and sunset dinners; try chargrilled tuna with lime and chili sambol.
• Kaani Palm Beach SkyView Restaurant: Rooftop buffets with wide lagoon views; watch dhonis glide in at dusk.
• Stingray Beach Inn Garden Café: Wood-fired pizzas, Maldivian curries, and fairy lights under the palms.

Fulidhoo (Vaavu Atoll)

Fulidhoo is tiny, tranquil, and dazzling—powder white sands, a calm lagoon, and boat channels that lead to some of the region’s best nurse shark and stingray encounters. Evenings are for bioluminescent shorelines, simple island cafés, and starry walks.

Days 11–15: Sandbanks, nurse sharks, and slow island days

• Travel to Fulidhoo (morning of Day 11): Easiest route is Maafushi → Malé (35–45 min) then Malé → Fulidhoo shared speedboat (1 hr 15–30 min). Expect ~2.5–3 hours in total and ~US$65–85 per person across both legs. Private boats in Vaavu run ~US$300–450 depending on timing.
• Sandbank mornings: Wade to a shallow spit of pristine white sand for swimming and drone-worthy photos, followed by a picnic lunch.
• Nurse shark & reef snorkels: Vaavu’s star turn—gentle nurse sharks, curious trevallies, and coral blocks with clouds of anthias.
• Night magic: Ask about Alimatha night snorkel/dive (conditions permitting) where rays and nurse sharks swirl under the lights.
• Unplug & explore: Laze under sea-almond trees, browse the harbor’s teashops for hedhikaa (bajiya, gulha, keemia), and watch locals play evening bodu beru drums if there’s a gathering.

• Recommended Fulidhoo-area activities (Viator):
• Sandbank, Snorkeling, Dolphin Cruise, Picnic

  

  Classic full-day Vaavu-style outing—ask your guesthouse to arrange a local version or transfer logistics if pickup is Malé-based.

• Maldives Full Fun Adventure Trip

  

  A sampler of reefs, sandbanks, and possible dolphin encounters—useful as a reference for what your Fulidhoo operator can include.

• Where to stay (Fulidhoo / Vaavu): Compare options on Hotels.com (Fulidhoo) or VRBO (Fulidhoo). Specific picks many travelers love around Vaavu: Plumeria Maldives and Thundi Guest House.

• Eat & drink (Fulidhoo):
• Thundi Restaurant: Local curries, grilled catch of the day, and fruit juices; casual tables near the beach.
• Dream Hut Fulidhoo: Simple beachfront spot known for BBQ nights—order whole reef fish and coconut-laced salads.
• Kinan Retreat Restaurant: Homestyle Maldivian dishes (riha curry, roshi) and fresh lime soda after a hot snorkeling session.
• Teashop near the harbor: Try evening hedhikaa—bajiya (spiced tuna pastries), gulha (fish dumplings), and sweet milk tea.

Logistics & getting back

• Fulidhoo → Malé (Day 15 morning): Shared speedboat ~1 hr 15–30 min; leave buffer for your flight (aim to be at MLE 3 hours before international departures). If you prefer to overnight near the airport, check Hotels.com (Malé) for last-night stays like Hotel Octave Maldives or hop to The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort for an ultra-premium finale by seaplane.
• Flights home: Re-check fares and schedules on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

What to know before you go

• Money: USD widely accepted; local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Bring small bills for cafés and tips.
• Etiquette: On local islands, wear swimwear only at signed bikini beaches. Shoulders and knees covered elsewhere.
• Weekends: Maldivian weekend is Friday–Saturday; some services (especially ferries) run limited schedules on Friday.
• Marine tips: Use reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral or wildlife, and keep a respectful distance from sharks, rays, and turtles.

Fifteen days in the Maldives lets you experience the full spectrum: the bustle of Malé, the playful energy of Maafushi, and Fulidhoo’s gentle, barefoot rhythm. Between sandbanks, nurse sharks, and long, luminous sunsets, you’ll carry home the colors of the atolls—and a promise to return.