Save The Beach’s Marine Conservation Small Group Experience in Villimale + Walking Tour, Snorkelling & Hedhikaa

Do your bit to protect Nature’s greatest treasures on this conservation snorkeling tour around Villimale that also includes a 60-minute walking tour of the island, visit to local diving school to meet the conservationists and enjoying a traditional Hedhikaa experience. 

Embarking on a 10-minute ferry ride, our day begins with us arriving at the pristine island of Villimale which has been both a prison as well as a resort previously. Joining us will be an experienced conservationist from the NGO Save The Beach who have been doing incredible work of conserving the local beaches, planting trees and organizing community activities throughout the year.

The 60-minute walking tour is the perfect opportunity to gain an insider’s perspective into the local way of ‘city’ life , while learning how the local community together with the NGO have been working to protect both their island and ocean environment. Your guide will regale you with some incredible knowledge on the Maldivian ecosystems, insight on how Villimale has transformed from an island with a rich biodiversity on land and in the sea to one that is struggling to maintain its natural ecosystems, as well as an understanding of the conservation challenges arising from coastal development while you observe the before and after of reclamation works and harbor development. 

A presentation covering the challenges for conservation versus development, safe snorkeling and dive practices, details on how you can actively contribute to the conservation efforts and more await you. Post that, we will head to the local dive school to meet the team involved in the reef conservation efforts. The people there will guide you how the go about the different ways of maintaining a reef as well as a session on responsible snorkeling before we head underwater - exploring the almost otherworldly marine life as well as performing the tasks that may be assigned to us. 

Finally, it would be time to sample the local culture as experience a traditional hedhikaa at a local tea shop - a ritual locals follow everyday between 3 - 5 pm where they enjoy black tea paired with traditional sweet and savory snacks, and talk about their everyday lives. 

About the Supplier: Specialising in individual and group travel for people of all ages, Secret Paradise Maldives aims to offer holidays that meet your budget, are fun and provide comfort along with a warm welcome.