• Suitable For Solo
• Suitable For Couples
• Suitable For Children
• Suitable For Groups
• Suitable For Students
• Suitable For Business
• Suitable For Wheelchairs

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival transfer, board your conservation cruise
Upon arrival at Male International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the MV Felicity, your home for the next 7 days. You will be settled into your cabin and given a full tour of the boat before beginning your voyage of discovery! The cruise will leave between 12 and 1pm, so you should aim to arrive into Male early this morning. If you have an afternoon arrival, we would recommend arriving at least 1 day early, to avoid missing the cruise departure.

After boarding the Felicity, you’ll meet the MWSRP, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Program and cruise to South Male Atoll. Whilst cruising, you’ll partake in a responsible snorkelling briefing to ensure you’re fully prepared for your first underwater adventure.

You’ll end the day, watching the sunset from a sand bank and meet the NGO, Save the Beach who will provide information relating to the local coral reefs and the challenges they face.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Hulhumale – pre-tour
Single room supplement (MASGMU)

DAY 2: Snorkelling, whale shark spotting, Hedhika and Dhangethi Island
Why not start your day early, with a spot of snorkelling before breakfast. This morning we’ll cruise through South Ari Atoll, home of the Whale Shark. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of these giants of the ocean.
You’ll have another opportunity for snorkelling this afternoon, whilst cruising to Dhangethi Island, where you’ll have a chance to tickle your tastebuds, with local Hedhika snacks and partake in an educational session on why seagrass has become known as the lungs of the earth.

You’ll end the day with another beautiful Maldivian sunset from Dhangethi Island.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: South Ari Atoll, Whale Shark safari
South Ari Atoll is very lucky to be one of few places to have an almost year round population of Whale Sharks. You’ll learn about these extraordinary creatures and how indentification is made before heading out on a Whale Shark safari to capture data.
Given that whale sharks are wild, we may experience a number of sightings over a short period of time, or none at all during the time we’re searching, however this only adds to the excitement and anticipation. If we are lucky enough to spot them, you’ll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to snorkel alongside them, though you’ll need swim fast as whale sharks can move at incredible speed.

Later, we’ll collate the data we’ve gathered and input it into the MWSRP database which also contributes to the Big Fish Network.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Another opportunity to see Whale Sharks, visit the tropical forest of Dhigurah Island
You’ll have another full day Whale Shark safari today, ending the day with collating information gathered and entering in to the MWSRP database.
Later today, we’ll visit one of the longest islands in the Maldives; Dhigurah, where we’ll take a walk through the tropical forest, learning more about the native flora and fauna.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Central Ari Atoll, Uninhabited Island and beach clean up
We’ll start the day cruising through Central Ari Atoll, making stops along the way at the best snorkelling spots. In the afternoon, get ready for your ‘Robinson Crusoe’ experience, as we’ll be visiting a remote uninhabited island. You’ll also have a chance to give back today, but participating in a beach clean up.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: South Male Atoll, Turtle Reef snorkelling and Bodu Beru
Following breakfast cruise north back into South Male Atoll, whilst cruising the time remains yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by.

In the afternoon, get ready to snorkel on the turtle reef and a visit to the island of Gulhi, where you’ll witness island life.

This evening there will be traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where the crew will play the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Snorkelling with sting rays, visit Save the Beach coral nursery
Rise at dawn for snorkelling, during your final Maldives sunrise. Later, it’s time for one of the trip highlights, with a Sting Ray and Banner Fish snorkelling experience.
End the day, snorkelling at the Save the Beach coral nursery on Villimale, before returning to the Hulhumale Lagoon for the final evening.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Departure transfer to airport
Sadly, it’s time to disembark from your conservation cruise this morning. An included transfer is provided today which will reach Male Airport by 9am, therefore a departure after 12pm is recommended. If you have an earlier departure, a private transfer can be arranged for an additional charge. A range of extensions are available ranging from guesthouse stays on local islands, to time in one of the Maldives’ famous luxury resorts.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
3-night resort island extension
Extra day in Hulhumale – post-tour