Maldives Itinerary: 5 Days in Paradise with Overwater Villas & Snorkeling

Maldives overwater villa, Hurawalhi Resort

Our Maldives trip was part of a larger adventure that included a tiger safari in India, so we only had 5 days here. If this had been a stand-alone Maldives vacation, we would have stayed longer, but after already being away for 11 days, we had to head back to work and daily life. Even with limited time, our 5-day Maldives itinerary gave us a perfect taste of paradise.

Day 1: Arrival in the Maldives

Underwater restaurant, 5.8, in the Maldives

We arrived in Malé in the early afternoon and were escorted to the seaplane lounge, where we relaxed with snacks before our 1-hour wait. Soon, our seaplane was ready, whisking us over turquoise waters to Hurawalhi Island Resort. By the time we reached our luxurious overwater villa, the sun was setting across the Indian Ocean. It was the perfect welcome to the Maldives.

Days 2–4: Snorkeling, Sun, and the Underwater Restaurant

The next few days were everything we imagined a Maldives holiday to be. We swam, snorkeled, indulged in delicious meals, and soaked up the tropical sun.

• Turtle Snorkeling Tour – At a nearby resort, Kudadoo, we joined a snorkeling trip and swam alongside graceful sea turtles, a highlight of the trip.

• Nighttime Snorkeling Adventure – Swimming in the ocean at night was nerve-wracking at first but turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

• Dining at 5.8 Undersea Restaurant – At Hurawalhi’s famous underwater restaurant, we enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime dinner surrounded by marine life. It was definitely a splurge, but dining under the sea in the Maldives is worth it.

Our overwater villa made each day even more special, with direct access to the lagoon and champagne sunsets from our deck.

Overwater villa, including champagne, in the Maldives

Day 5: Departure from Paradise

On our final morning, we toasted the trip with mimosas and one last snorkel session off our villa. Afterward, we packed up, boarded the seaplane back to Malé, and caught our flight to Doha, Qatar, before continuing home to the USA.

What a view! Maldives

Final Thoughts: A 5-Day Maldives Itinerary

Although our Maldives trip was short, it offered the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and luxury. From overwater villas to snorkeling with turtles and dining at the world’s largest underwater restaurant, every moment was unforgettable. If you’re planning a Maldives 5-day itinerary, this is a perfect way to experience the highlights, especially if you’re combining it with another international trip.