Maafushi Snorkeling & Island Hopping: Gulhi, Guraidhoo, Anantara

Summary

Explore Maldives Reefs & Local Islands by Speedboat

If you want to snorkel vibrant reefs, relax on white-sand beaches, and get a real feel for Maldivian island life—all in one day—this trip covers it all. You'll swim with turtles, taste local food, and see both famous spots and quieter corners most visitors miss.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me as we zipped out from Maafushi on the speedboat was the salty breeze—warm and a little sticky on my skin. Our guide, Ahmed, handed out masks and fins while pointing out the faint outline of Anantara reef ahead. I slid into the water and right away saw parrotfish darting between coral branches. There’s this moment when you’re floating above the reef and everything goes quiet except for your own breath in the snorkel. A sea turtle drifted by so close I could see its mottled shell—honestly, I lost track of time just watching it nibble at the coral.

After drying off in the sun (the boat deck gets hot fast!), we made our way to Coral Garden. The colors here are wild—purples, oranges, even some neon greens. Ahmed pointed out a shy moray eel tucked under a ledge. It’s easy to get caught up chasing after schools of tiny blue fish, but if you pause for a second, you’ll spot all sorts of little creatures hiding in plain sight.

Lunch was on Gulhi island—a picnic table set up under some palms near Bikini Beach. The sand is powdery soft and there’s this old wooden swing right by the water where everyone takes turns snapping photos. We had grilled fish and fresh fruit; honestly, nothing tastes better after swimming all morning. Some folks went for another swim or just stretched out on towels soaking up the sun.

Last stop: Guraidhoo. It’s quieter here—fewer tourists, more locals going about their day. We wandered narrow streets lined with painted houses and stopped at a small café for sweet black tea and “short eats”—little fried snacks filled with tuna or coconut. You really get a sense of daily life in the Maldives here; kids waved as we passed by and shopkeepers nodded hello.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and Island Hopping

• Snorkel at Anantara reef and Coral garden
• Visit Gulhi island for beach and snorkeling
• Explore Guraidhoo island and local lifestyle

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes! All gear is included—mask, snorkel, fins—so you don’t need to bring anything extra.

Can beginners join this tour?

Absolutely. The crew helps everyone feel comfortable in the water—even if it’s your first time snorkeling.

What kind of food is served?

You’ll have a BBQ lunch with grilled fish plus fresh fruit at Gulhi island, then tea and local snacks later in Guraidhoo.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes! The crew takes underwater photos and videos during your snorkel stops—they’ll share them with you after.

What’s included

Your day includes an experienced crew guiding you at each stop, all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins), BBQ lunch on Gulhi island, evening tea with local short eats in Guraidhoo, underwater photos and videos taken by the team, plus speedboat transfers between islands. Just bring your swimwear and sense of adventure!