Let’s Go Excursions

Overview

In our experience, when you're looking for a genuine Maldivian marine adventure from a local island, operators like Let’s Go Excursions on Mathiveri stand out. This isn't a resort-based outfit; instead, it's deeply rooted in the island's community, offering a more personal and authentic touch to your excursions. With a stellar 5.0 rating from 98 reviews, their commitment to guest satisfaction is clear, reflecting a consistent delivery of memorable experiences.

For travellers based on Mathiveri – whether you've booked directly or through a guesthouse – Let’s Go Excursions provides a fantastic gateway to the North Ari Atoll's incredible waters. They cater to a broad spectrum, from families seeking gentle snorkeling trips to serious anglers chasing big game, always with a focus on safety, comfort, and fun. Their local knowledge is invaluable, ensuring you’re not just on a trip, but truly experiencing the Maldives through an insider's lens.

Fishing Trips with Let’s Go Excursions

Fishing in North Ari Atoll is world-class, and operators like Let’s Go Excursions leverage this rich environment to offer diverse experiences. We’d suggest starting with a classic Maldivian sunset or night handline fishing trip, a relaxed yet rewarding way to catch reef fish that often ends with your catch being prepared for dinner. For those seeking more adrenaline, trolling and jigging trips are typically on offer, targeting the powerful pelagic species that frequent these channels.

The North Ari Atoll is renowned for its big-game fishing, and you can expect to chase species such as formidable Giant Trevally (GT), speedy Wahoo, powerful Yellowfin Tuna, and even majestic Sailfish and Blue Marlin. The peak big-game season, particularly for yellowfin, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin, generally runs from December to April during the calmer northeast monsoon. If GT popping is your passion, the southwest monsoon from May to October often brings excellent surface action. Typically, these charters include all necessary fishing equipment – rods, reels, bait, and tackle – along with an experienced captain and crew, safety gear, and refreshments. Some longer trips may even include meals on board.

Getting There & Good to Know

Mathiveri Island is nestled in the northern part of Alifu Alifu Atoll, also known as North Ari Atoll, roughly 80 kilometres west of Malé. Getting there from Malé is straightforward, with a few options depending on your budget and time:

• Shared Speedboat: This is the most popular and efficient way, taking approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours and costing around $50-84 per person. Services like Coral Speed and Nevi Speed Boat operate daily. We always recommend booking this in advance, especially during high season.
• Public Ferry: A more budget-friendly option, though considerably slower at 4.5 to 6 hours, costing around $5-7. Public ferries typically depart Malé on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings.
• Private Speedboat: For ultimate flexibility and speed, a private charter can be arranged, taking about 1.5 hours, though this is a significantly more expensive option.

The best months to visit Mathiveri for fishing and marine activities generally align with the dry season from December to April, offering calm seas and excellent visibility. However, for peak manta ray encounters, the southwest monsoon from May to November is often ideal, as plankton blooms attract these graceful giants. We'd suggest visiting in November or April for a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.

A few practical tips from our team:

• Book your speedboat transfers and popular excursions well in advance, particularly if you're travelling during peak tourist seasons.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, modest clothing for exploring the village (outside of designated bikini beaches), and an underwater camera to capture the incredible marine life.
• Carry some US Dollars in cash, as there are no ATMs on Mathiveri.
• Remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country; respect local customs by dressing modestly in public village areas and refraining from bringing alcohol onto the island.

aMaldives Verdict

Our take: Let's Go Excursions embodies the best of local island hospitality and adventure, making it perfect for travellers seeking authentic Maldivian experiences beyond the resorts. Their dedication to guest satisfaction truly shines, and Mathiveri's vibrant marine life, from mantas to GTs, offers unparalleled opportunities. The only caveat, as with any local island, is managing transfer logistics and respecting local customs, which requires a bit more planning than a resort stay.

— aMaldives Editorial Team, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of fishing trips does Let’s Go Excursions offer?

Let’s Go Excursions typically offers a range of fishing adventures, from traditional sunset handline fishing to more intense big-game trolling and jigging charters. These trips target species like tuna, wahoo, and Giant Trevally, providing options for all skill levels.

What marine life can we expect to see around Mathiveri with Let’s Go Excursions?

The waters around Mathiveri in North Ari Atoll are teeming with diverse marine life. You can anticipate encounters with manta rays, reef sharks, sea turtles, and various schooling fish, with seasonal opportunities for dolphin cruises and even whale shark expeditions.

How do we get to Mathiveri Island to join Let’s Go Excursions?

Mathiveri is accessible from Malé via shared speedboat, which takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours and offers daily departures. A more budget-friendly, albeit slower, public ferry option is also available a few times a week, taking approximately 4.5 to 6 hours.

What is the best time of year for big-game fishing in North Ari Atoll?

For big-game species like yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish, the peak season in North Ari Atoll generally runs from December to April during the northeast monsoon, characterized by calmer waters. Giant Trevally (GT) popping is often best from May to October.

Can Let’s Go Excursions arrange other activities besides fishing?

Absolutely. Beyond fishing, Let’s Go Excursions, like many local operators, can arrange a variety of water sports and island excursions. These often include snorkeling safaris, diving trips to nearby thilas, sandbank picnics, and island hopping to experience neighboring local communities.