Discover the marine wildlife of the Maldives

KEY INFORMATION 

6 nights in twin cabins on board the Felicity, all en suite facilities

Full day Whale shark safari included

All meals included whilst on-board

Location start: Male International Airport

Location end: Male International Airport

HIGHLIGHTS ❇️

❇️ Spend 6 nights on a gulet in the Maldives

❇️ Discover unspoilt islands, pristine beaches and idyllic atolls

❇️ Snorkel with Whale sharks, sea turtles, a variety of marine life and Manta rays (in season)

Included ✅

✅ Accommodation

✅ All food included whilst on board

✅ All transport and listed activities

✅ Standard transfers

✅ Guide - Tour Leader

✅ Detailed Itinerary (upon booking confirmation)

Not Included ❌

❌ Flights (optional item)

❌ Travel Insurance (optional item)

❌ Single accommodation (available on request)

❌ Solo traveller supplement (Where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

❌ Visas or vaccinations

⚠️ Optional items can be added to your travel upon your request

Onsite / Nearby ➡️

➡️ Exotic wildlife

➡️ Rural/Coastal

➡️ Beach

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Male International Airport ; board our boat, the Felicity; cruise through South Male Atoll

Following the arrival of the group flight and a short introductory briefing, we will transfer by dhoni to board by midday the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. During this time you are able 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 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 the 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 and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Turtle snorkelling safari in South Male Atoll; cross into Ari Atoll

This morning our first stop will be a reef located on the east side of the atoll which offers the strong possibility of a number of turtle sightings. The reef is shallow but dense with corals which provide turtles with an abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs there will also be plenty of fish to observe including Box fish, Porcupine fish and schools of Banner fish. The remainder of the day we will cross into Ari Atoll and head south towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions if there is time there, will be the opportunity this afternoon to take a further snorkel trip before making a visit to the local island of Dhangethi where we will take a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story to tell concerning the moon and a Maldives Sultan!

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Full Day Whale shark safari with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP)

The region of South Ari Atoll is very lucky to have a unique year-round population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. We spend time with a representative of the Maldives Whale shark Research Team or a local marine biologist to learn about these magnificent creatures and how identification can be made before heading out on our own Whale shark safari. We may see 1 or 2 Whale sharks in half an hour or 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 all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale sharks can, at times, swim very quickly – so you may need to work hard to keep up with them in the water!

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Morning Whale shark safari; afternoon snorkelling in South Ari Atoll

Today we go in search of Whale sharks once more and if the time of year is right (December – March) we may also encounter Manta rays. Following lunch we will be taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles amongst the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, it is likely that fish species such as Dogtooth tuna, Trevally's, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers will be encountered. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on board MV Felicity.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Morning Manta ray snorkelling (in season); afternoon cruise back into South Male Atoll

On departures between February and April we will cruise to Madivaru, a marine protected 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 will do their best to encounter Manta rays but 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 will also make the most of a final opportunity to encounter Whale sharks.

Qualified divers are offered the optional opportunity to dive within this marine protected area which boasts a number of 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 will be able to snorkel in this protected marine area.

This afternoon we start our cruise northwards.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Cruise back to Male

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumale in the late afternoon. This morning there will be a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and whilst cruising we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy, read a book or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass by. Once anchored in Hulhumale lagoon there will be an optional Male city walking tour available for those who would like to stretch their legs! This evening a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work being undertaken by local NGO's to protect it for the future.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Disembark boat and transfer to Male International Airport; end of trip

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK. For land only clients, the trip ends upon arrival back to Male International Airport this morning.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer Details

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight. If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.