Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Our adventure begins in Male at the hotel where we spend the night. The circumference of the island is little more than 5 kilometres so it's very easy to explore on foot, and is a hive of activity, in stark contrast to the laid-back islands of the archipelago that we will be exploring in the coming days. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Male International Airport (MLE). For those arriving on time our representative will meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the initial tour briefing and to take us on an orientation walking tour of the town, taking in the Mosque, to the fish market and strolling along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going. Please note that if you wish to join the orientation tour today, you must arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you are booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and the short transfer to the hotel. Therefore the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm. Should you miss the meeting, our rep will leave you information giving the meeting time for the next day in the hotel reception and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

This morning we walk to the waterfront to meet our moored dhoni and crew. We take our breakfast on the boat and then begin cruising south for two to three hours, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are inhabited simply by vegetation and white sand, surrounded by clear turquoise water and reef. Heading further south we cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we spend time exploring the uninhabited and picturesque islands of Kudiboli and Kuda Anbaraa. When exploring this and other islands in the itinerary, it isn't necessary to bring special footwear. Most customers seem to manage well in flip-flops, and these have the obvious advantage of being quick to get on and off - ideal for walking through sand. Our afternoon is spent snorkelling or relaxing on board. Over the course of the week, underwater fauna we are likely to see include green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we will also swim among a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable local guides will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across. Today, and each day, afternoon tea with freshly baked cake will be served by our talented chef. Every meal is included on the dhoni . Menus are likely to include freshly-caught fish each day, as well curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks available for purchase on-board. You can pay your bill for drinks at the end of your cruise in US dollars or by Credit Card. Our cabins are compact, but with plenty of room for two people and luggage. However, many customers choose to enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping under the stars on deck for at least some of the nights.

Today we sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we may be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, sometimes swimming and jumping alongside the boat. As well as this on some occasions we will spot flying fish close to the dhoni. Meemu Atoll is made up of 34 islands, of which 25 are uninhabited. Some of the inhabited ones grow yams, and all of them are largely dependent on fishing. Here more than anywhere, we are likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life. Shortly after entering the atoll, we arrive at Fenboa Finolhu - another beautiful uninhabited island where we aim to base ourselves for the night. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beach and to snorkel on the reef. This evening, we can look forward to a barbeque beach banquet in an idyllic spot on the island, laid on by the dhoni crew.