Male Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Male Shore Excursions
Male
Malé Uncovered Heritage, Culture and Hidden Gems
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 55.00
Male
4 Hour Highlights of Malé Walking Tour
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 70.00
Male
Maldives Adventure Trip
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 79.00
Male
Private Vacation Photography Session in Male Maldives
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 250.00
Male
3 Point Snorkeling Safari
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 110.00
Male
Maldives Adventure Trip
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 78.00
Male
Sandbank, Snorkeling, Dolphin Cruise, Picnic, Local Island Tour
Duration: 5 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 79.00
Male
Sandbank Snorkeling and Sunset Cruise
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 165.00
Male
Maldives Full Fun Adventure Trip
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 89.00
Male
Private Male City Walking Tour with optional Vilimale tour
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 48.00
Male
Full Day Male' Walking Tour
Duration: 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 130.00
Male
Greater Male Explorer - Private City Tour by Car or by Walking
Duration: 3 - 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 39.00
Male
Local Island Day Trip from Hulhumale
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 210.00
Male
3 Hour Male' City Tour with Local Guide
Duration: 2 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 55.00
Male
Maldives Dreams A Photoshoot of Love & Laughter with Island Todo
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 550.00
Male
Male' City Walking Tour Explore All the Top Highlights
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 30.25
Male
Underwater and Drone photoshoot in Maldives
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 156.66
Male
Private Half-Day Local Experience of Malé【English/日本語】
Duration: 1 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 33.60
Male
Half-Day Original Eco Tour to Villimale From Malé
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 85.00
Male
7-Day Maldives Adventure Snorkel Sun and Sand
Duration: 168 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 2499.58
Male
Malé Serenity Sandbank Snorkeling and Sundown Views
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 195.00
Male
Male' City Tour - Language options (English/Spanish/French/Italian)
Duration: 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 40.00
Male
2-Hour Private Snorkelling in Maldives
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 590.00
Male
Discover Maafushi in 4 Nights 5 Days (Tour A)
Duration: 120 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 440.00
Male
Maldives: Male City Highlights Tour by Car with Local Guide
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 49.00
Related destinations to Male
What should I know about Malé if it's my first time?
If it's your first visit to Malé, you can see a compact city with a mix of public spaces, mosques and waterfront views in a single cruise stop. Male shore excursions typically combine cultural highlights and short marine trips so you get a broad experience without needing multiple days. Operators offer timings that match tender schedules, and excursions often include easy transfers between the pier, landmarks and nearby sandbanks. When planning, check how much time you have for transfers and whether you prefer a relaxed pace or a focused activity like snorkelling among shallow reefs.
What are the top attractions to include on a short visit?
For highlights, visit the Grand Friday Mosque, the colourful fish market, Sultan Park and the Islamic Centre to experience Malé's principal sights in a compact area. Male tours can combine these landmarks with a short harbour cruise or a trip to a nearby sandbank for beach time and clear water. Many itineraries include photo stops at the presidential palace and time to browse local craft stalls. Consider using a guide to add context to each site, and allow time for transfers so you are not rushed when returning to your tender.
Should I choose a half-day or full-day excursion?
Half-day options suit cruise passengers with limited time and usually focus on Malé's main landmarks or a nearby snorkelling site, while full-day choices extend to sandbank picnics, longer reef visits and dolphin-watching cruises. Male shore excursions are often tailored to tender schedules, so operators can recommend which format fits your available hours. Shorter trips minimise transfer time and are less tiring; longer excursions allow for relaxed beach meals and multiple water activities. Confirm exactly what is included, start and end times, and any extra transport or equipment charges before booking.
How much culture and history can I see on a shore visit?
Historic sites and local traditions are easily accessible on short visits, with attractions like the Old Friday Mosque, the National Museum and bustling market streets offering insights into Malé's development. Male tours often include a knowledgeable guide who explains artefacts, religious practices and colonial-era architecture, enhancing appreciation for the city's layered past. Visitors should dress respectfully when entering religious sites, leave photography to local rules and allow time to learn about craftwork and local governance. A balanced itinerary mixes indoor museum time with outdoor walking so you experience both history and daily island life.
What natural scenery and wildlife might I encounter?
Expect clear turquoise water, coral gardens close to shore and occasional sightings of dolphins and sea turtles during short trips from Malé. Male tours frequently include guided snorkelling among fringing reefs, and some operators offer glass-bottom boat options for non-swimmers. Shoreline viewpoints and nearby sandbanks provide classic tropical photos without long boat journeys. Keep in mind that coral health varies by site and season, so choose operators who practise responsible anchoring and reef etiquette, and bring reef-safe sunscreen and an underwater camera or mask for the best experience.
Where can I try local food during a shore excursion?
Street markets and cafés near the waterfront offer local flavours including garudhiya fish broth, mas huni coconut-based dishes and short-eats like bondi and shortbread-style sweets; sampling these is an accessible way to experience Maldivian cuisine. Male shore excursions sometimes include stops at recommended eateries or a market visit so you can taste street food safely. Remember to check hygiene standards, ask about spice levels, and notify vendors of dietary restrictions. Bring cash in small denominations as many small stalls do not accept cards, and give yourself time to queue for popular stalls.
What activity level should I expect from different excursions?
Activity intensity ranges from gentle walking and short boat hops to full-day water sports and extended snorkelling sessions, so assess your fitness and sea-sickness tolerance before committing. Male tours often note required activity levels in their descriptions and can advise on suitability for families or passengers with mobility limits. Choose lower-impact options if you prefer limited walking or frequent rest, and pack water, sun protection and suitable footwear for uneven surfaces. For more active excursions, check whether equipment hire, safety briefings and lifejackets are included in the price.
Are shore excursions in Malé accessible for passengers with mobility needs?
Most operators provide varying accessibility levels, with some offering wheelchair-friendly transfers, low-step tenders and reduced-walking itineraries suitable for passengers with limited mobility. Male shore excursions should state accessibility features clearly so you can confirm transfer methods, ramp availability and toilet access before you board. Contact providers in advance to request assistance, discuss medical needs and ensure any mobility aids are accommodated on tenders and boats. Remember that historic sites and narrow market streets may remain challenging despite best efforts, so ask for the least physically demanding route when booking.
When is the best time of year for clear water and calm seas?
Early and late season differences affect visibility, sea state and tourist numbers, with calmer seas and clearer snorkelling typically between November and April, while the southwest monsoon brings more rain and choppier conditions from May to October. Male tours often adapt itineraries to suit prevailing weather and sea conditions, so ask about alternative plans should conditions change. Lower wind and wave levels improve chances for dolphin-watching and reef visibility; however, shorter rains can also enhance island greenery and reduce crowds during shoulder months.
Should I book a guided excursion or explore independently?
Choose guided options if you prefer context, local knowledge and logistics handled for you, since guides point out cultural sites, manage transfers efficiently and often know the safest snorkelling spots and current reef conditions. Male shore excursions also offer group safety, equipment and clear timing that match tender windows, which reduces stress on a tight cruise schedule. Independent exploration allows greater flexibility and a slower pace but requires you to watch tender return times, arrange transport and ensure you have up-to-date advice about tides, permitted landing spots and local customs.
Which cruise lines visit Male?
Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara will all visit Male this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Male in 2026?
Male will be visited by Oceania Nautica, Norwegian Sun, Azamara Onward, Oceania Sirena and Oceania Regatta.