Maldives
Whale sharks, mantas and turtles by day. Sandbanks and beach dinners by night. The real Maldives, not a honeymoon resort.
why it works solo
- Around 70% of guests join solo, so the group is social from the moment you land.
- Your Indy guide meets you at Malé airport at 12 noon on day 1. No navigating alone.
- Twin-share rooms, so you always have a roomie.
- Every boat day, beach BBQ and sunset cruise is planned. You just turn up in swimwear.
- Optional extras for the group: bonfire beach dinner, scuba, night fishing and water sports.
- GoPro and drone photos and videos included, so nobody is stuck behind the camera.
- The real Maldives on local islands, not a honeymoon-only resort bubble.
- Still get your resort day at Centara, with an optional all-inclusive pass.
- Sunset cruise, beach dinners and a sandbank breakfast are all built in.
the highlights
Whale sharks, Manta rays, Sea turtles, Vaavu shipwreck, Sandbank breakfast, Resort day
8 days
$1490.00 USD
$1,690
Maldives
maldives
beach
pick your dates
Prices in USD per person, twin share.
31st October 2026 - 7th November 2026
14th November 2026 - 21st November 2026
9th January 2027 - 16th January 2027
6th February 2027 - 13th February 2027
13th February 2027 - 20th February 2027
20th February 2027 - 27th February 2027
27th February 2027 - 6th March 2027
13th March 2027 - 20th March 2027
27th March 2027 - 3rd April 2027
3rd April 2027 - 10th April 2027
30th October 2027 - 6th November 2027
13th November 2027 - 20th November 2027
So much more than I had ever expected and cannot wait to go back!
day by day
DAY 1: Welcome to the Maldives
Arrive in Malé → Fulidhoo
- Meet the Indy Escapes team and your group at the airport
- Travel by private speedboat to Fulidhoo Island
- Settle in, swim at sunset and enjoy your first beach dinner together
DAY 2: Whale shark encounter
South Ari Atoll
- Search for whale sharks in South Ari Atoll, one of the best places in the Maldives to see them in the wild
- Learn about whale shark conservation through our work with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project
- Stop at Dhigurah for a sandbank lunch, then return to Fulidhoo for dinner and a chance to spot manta rays at the local pier
DAY 3: Nurse sharks, sandbank & shipwreck
Vaavu Atoll
- Start the day with a nurse shark encounter, followed by breakfast on a beautiful sandbank surrounded by clear blue water
- Snorkel the famous Vaavu Shipwreck, one of the Maldives' most iconic underwater spots
- Return to Fulidhoo for beach games, then choose to join an optional beach BBQ, bonfire and beach camp experience under the stars
DAY 4: Marine life & sunset fishing
Vaavu Atoll
- Swim with Fulidhoo's resident stingrays, with drone photos and videos included where possible
- Head out by private boat in search of dolphins and leopard sharks with our local guides
- End the day with a sunset cruise, traditional fishing and a fresh BBQ dinner from the day's catch
DAY 5: Turtles, island transfer & scuba
Fulidhoo → Maafushi
- Leave Fulidhoo after breakfast, stopping on the way for a chance to snorkel with sea turtles
- Arrive in Maafushi, one of the Maldives' most popular local islands, with free time to explore or relax
- Choose to join an optional scuba dive before regrouping for dinner and a relaxed evening in Maafushi
DAY 6: Resort day
Centara Resort
- Spend the day at Centara Resort, with the option to enjoy an all-inclusive day pass
- Relax by the water villas, swim at the beach and try out the resort's water sports
- Enjoy a buffet lunch, pool bar drinks and sunset views before returning to Maafushi for dinner
DAY 7: Beach day & final dinner
Maafushi
- Enjoy a free beach day on Maafushi, with optional water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, parasailing and jet-packing
- Spend the day snorkelling, relaxing in a hammock, shopping for souvenirs or booking a massage
- End the trip with a final family-style beach dinner and white night theme with your Indy crew
DAY 8: Departure day
Maafushi → Malé Airport
- Take your included airport transfer back to Malé Airport, with timings arranged around guest flights where possible
- Say goodbye to your Indy crew and new travel friends after a week of island hopping and ocean adventures
- Head home with new memories, new friendships and a very full camera roll
what's included
- 7 x Nights Hotel Accommodation
- All Transfers (Airport & between islands)
- Daily buffet Breakfasts
- 2 x Lunches & 3 x Dinners
- Whale Shark Excursion
- Manta & Turtle Bay Excursion
- Shipwreck & Sand Bank
- Shark Point Excursion
- Beach Clean-up
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Resort Visits
- See the Over-Water Bungalows
- Bonfire Beach Dinner & Camping
- Scuba Diving
- Night Fishing
- Water Sports:
- SUP, Parasailing & Wakeboarding
where you'll stay
Fulidhoo · 4 nights
Twin share · private ensuite · sea-view balcony · air con · free wifi · TV · safe · minibar/fridge · beach towels · laundry
Maafushi · 3 nights
Twin share · private ensuite · sea-view balcony · air con · free wifi · TV · safe · minibar/fridge · beach towels · gym · spa · laundry
good questions
Is this Maldives trip good for solo travellers?
Yes! This is one of the main reasons people book with Indy Escapes. Around 70% of our guests join solo, with the rest usually made up of couples or small groups of friends. The trip is designed to be social from day one, so you'll have plenty of chances to meet people, share experiences and become part of the Indy Fam.
What age group joins this trip?
This Maldives group tour is aimed at travellers in their 20s and 30s. The vibe is social, relaxed and adventurous, perfect for people who want more than a standard resort holiday.
What makes this different from a normal Maldives resort holiday?
This is not just a resort stay. You'll stay on local islands, travel by boat, snorkel reefs, search for marine life, enjoy beach dinners, meet local guides and still get time to relax in paradise. It's the Maldives with more adventure, more social connection and more memorable experiences.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don't need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be comfortable in the water. Some activities involve snorkelling from boats, swimming in open water and being around marine life. Life jackets and support can be provided where needed, and your guide will explain the safety rules before each ocean activity.
Are whale sharks, manta rays or turtles guaranteed?
No, marine life is never guaranteed. This is what makes each encounter so special. Our aim is to spend as much quality time in the water as possible, giving guests the best chance of seeing incredible wildlife while keeping the experience safe and respectful.
Which airport do I fly into?
Fly into Velana International Airport (Malé, airport code MLE). An Indy Escapes representative will meet you there at 12 noon on the first day of the tour.
What additional costs are there?
Some meals, drinks, alcohol, tips and optional activities are not included. Optional extras may include resort visits, scuba diving, water sports, sunset cruises, night fishing or additional island experiences. Your Indy Escapes representative will explain optional activities, prices and timings during the trip.
How do I book?
Find the departure date you'd like to join and click Book now. You only need to pay a $300 USD deposit to secure your spot. Once confirmed, you'll receive your travel voucher and pre-departure information.
also around then
Trips departing the same month as your date, then similar vibes.
