7 days tour

Marine Wildlife Of The Maldives

$ 4,500 .00 USD

Total price per person

Reserve with $4,500.00

Marine Wildlife Of The Maldives

This tour includes:

Transport

The Felicity is accompanied by a dinghy with an outboard engine and a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) equipped with two compressors and aluminium cylinders.

Others

Listed activities Flights from London (if booking incl. flights) Full day and half day Whale shark safari Dolphin safari

Guide

Ship crew: The captain and seven crew are on board to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. They bring many years of mariner experience in the Maldives and offer the warmth and kindness that reflects the beauty and hospitality of the Maldivian people. Educational staff: The MWSRP team comprises a mix of locals and foreigners and includes a group of volunteers generally made up of marine biology students or people who just have a passion for the ocean. We are accompanied on our whale shark safari by one of the marine biologists whose goal is to provide an unforgettable educational experience.

Accommodation

Sail the Indian Ocean in a traditionally crafted Turkish gullet, built in Bodrum and housed in the Maldives. The Felicity is our home for the adventure, with six cabins that comfortably accommodate 12 passengers. During downtime, relax on the teak sun deck, which is furnished with sun mats and banquette seating, while gazing over the incredible archipelago. The indoor saloon has a dining table and seating and is fitted with an entertainment system and an equipment-charging area. We sleep in air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms that have showers, small wardrobes, drawers and storage facilities, portholes and a wall fan. Worth knowing The Felicity has six cabins with a mix of twin and double rooms; we therefore strongly recommend booking early to guarantee availability of the correct room type. If you are a very light sleeper, we recommend earplugs in case it is necessary to have the generator operating at night. A single supplement is available but there is very limited availability. Thereโ€™s a โ€˜no shoeโ€™ policy on board.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks are all included on board. Traditional Maldivian cuisine is based around fish (tuna), chilli and coconuts. White rice and roshi (a flour-based flatbread) are also staples. Fish is normally smoked, fired, barbecued or roasted. Pork products are strictly prohibited and beef is not served on-board. Typical ingredients used widely in dishes and served on board include onion, ginger, garlic, lemon and spices. Menus include European and Maldivian dishes, freshly prepared on board by our chefs who do their best to cater for most dietary requirements. The indoor saloon bar offers a wide choice of soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits to purchase. Please note, no alcohol is allowed on the islands โ€“ it is only permitted in the resorts and on the boats. Please discuss any dietary requirements with your sales representative at the time of booking.

Not included:

Insurance

Others

โ€” Travel insurance โ€” Single accommodation (available on request- very limited) โ€” Visas or vaccinations

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Marine Wildlife Of The Maldives

  • Day 1 Day 1: Start Malรฉ International Airport; Board The Felicity; Cruise Through The South Malรฉ Atoll (Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1: Start Malรฉ International Airport; Board The Felicity; Cruise Through The South Malรฉ Atoll (Lunch,Dinner)

      Following a short introductory briefing, we transfer by dhoni (a traditional boat) to board the MV Felicity by midday, our home for the next six days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in the South Malรฉ Atoll. During this time, you can do as you please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beautiful Maldives pass and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This, coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling here an experience you never forget. Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 2 Day 2: Turtle Snorkelling Safari In South Male Atoll; Cross Into Ari Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2: Turtle Snorkelling Safari In South Male Atoll; Cross Into Ari Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      This morning, our first stop is a reef on the east side of the atoll, which offers the strong possibility of several turtle sightings. The reef is shallow but dense with corals that provide turtles with an abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs, there is also plenty of fish to observe including box fish, porcupine fish and schools of banner fish. For the remainder of the day, we cross into the Ari Atoll and head south towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions and time, we may have the opportunity this afternoon for a further snorkel trip before visiting Dhangethi, where we have a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story concerning the moon and a Maldives sultan! Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 3 Day 3: Full-Day Whale Shark Safari With The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3: Full-Day Whale Shark Safari With The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today a representative from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project Team or a local marine biologist, will share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures and how identification is made. Once we set out on our dhoni safari adventure, it is a test of patience as we scan the surface of the ocean for the sign of a whale shark shadow, as we slowly cruise within the 45km area of South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). We may see one or two whale sharks in 30 minutes; alternatively, given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat, we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However, the unpredictability adds to the excitement and, if we do spot them, we can snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale sharks can, at times, swim very quickly โ€“ so you may need to work hard to keep up. Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 4 Day 4: Morning Whale Shark Safari; Afternoon Snorkelling In South Ari Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4: Morning Whale Shark Safari; Afternoon Snorkelling In South Ari Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Today we go in search of whale sharks once more; if the time of year is right (December to March), we may also encounter manta rays. Following lunch, we are taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles among the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, we will likely see fish species such as dogtooth tuna, trevallies, jacks, sweetlips, butterfly fish, wahoo and fusiliers. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on the MV Felicity. Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 5 Day 5: Morning Manta Ray Snorkelling (In Season); Afternoon Cruise Back Into South Male Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5: Morning Manta Ray Snorkelling (In Season); Afternoon Cruise Back Into South Male Atoll (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      On departures between February and April, we cruise to Madivaru, a protected marine area with two cleaning stations where we hope to encounter manta rays. With a radio network between dive and cruising vessels, our guide and crew do their best to encounter manta rays; should we not be lucky enough, further snorkelling opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, eels, octopus and rays will be offered. Out of season, it is still possible to encounter solitary manta rays and we also make the most of a final opportunity to encounter whale sharks. Additionally, qualified divers may be offered the optional opportunity to dive within this protected marine area, which has several exciting dive sites (see money section for prices of the optional diving). For those who have not dived before, a Discover Scuba Diving course is offered to learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a Padi professional. Those who choose not to dive can snorkel instead. This afternoon, we start our cruise northwards. Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 6 Day 6: Cruise Back To Male (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6: Cruise Back To Male (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

      Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumalรฉ in the late afternoon. This morning, there is a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and, while cruising, we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass. Once anchored in Hulhumalรฉ lagoon, there is an optional walking tour of Malรฉ for those who wish to stretch their legs! This evening, a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work undertaken by local NGOs to protect it for the future. Accommodation: MV Felicity

  • Day 7 Day 7: Disembark Boat And Transfer To Male International Airport; End Of Trip (Breakfast)
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7: Disembark Boat And Transfer To Male International Airport; End Of Trip (Breakfast)

      After a light breakfast, the group is transferred this morning back to Malรฉ International Airport, where we begin our return journeys home.

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Average

There are several physical activities that last from 2 to 6 hours in easy terrains, low altitude flats, or water experiences. Please ask if youโ€™re not sure this applies to you.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 99

Age range allowed for this experience.

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