Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
Embark on a cruise of discovery and make a positive impact on the marine life of the Maldives through this Sea Turtle Conservation cruise focused on citizen science and turtles. This unique itinerary is for everyone with a passion for turtles, the ocean and responsible travel.
Our local partner has joined forces with The Olive Ridley Project (ORP), a mission-driven organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. As you cruise the waters of South Male and Vaavu Atoll on board MV Felicity, you'll not only enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives but also actively contribute to the conservation of these incredible creatures.
Your expert local tour leader, together with the Olive Ridley Researcher, will introduce you to five out of seven sea turtle species that make the Maldives waters their home, share the challenges they face, and enlighten you on the crucial role of seagrass in sea turtle conservation efforts.
Participate in snorkelling data collection trips to gather valuable information on sea turtle abundance and distribution. Contribute to meaningful beach cleans, enjoy enchanting sunrises and sunsets and create unforgettable memories.
This cruise isn't just about responsible travel; it's a holistic experience that combines education, adventure, and relaxation. You become an active participant in the preservation of Maldives' marine life, leaving a lasting legacy of positive impact.
Join this extraordinary Maldives cruise, where every moment is a step towards a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence with nature. The goal is to maximise the chances of encountering marine life, and to achieve this, we will adapt the itinerary to take into account conditions, weather forecasts, and the presence of marine life.
Day 1 - Welcome to the Maldives
Upon arriving in the Maldives, you will be met by your tour leader at Male International Airport and transferred by dhoni to board the MV Felicity. After settling in, set off for Maafushi in South Male Atoll, where you will have your first Maldives underwater encounter. Your tour leader will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your 'spotter,' pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimise your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life. In the evening, a presentation highlights the vital role of coral reefs, their rich biodiversity, and the threats they face due to climate change, pollution, and human activities. Your Tour Leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the ecosystem and what we can do to limit the impact.
You will be staying on board the MV Felicity.
MV Felicity
A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet, complete with sails, the MV Felicity measures 28m in length, 6.85m in beam, and 2.60m in draft. With two decks and seven cabins, Felicity comfortably accommodates 12 passengers. All cabins are air-conditioned and feature an attached bathroom, complete with a shower, small wardrobe, drawer, and storage facilities, as well as portholes and a DC wall fan. We would describe the cabins as comfortable but not luxurious.
There is an outdoor dining area and an indoor area in case of rain. The indoor saloon area is furnished with a dining table and banquette seating, and is equipped with a TV-DVD-Stereo area and an equipment charging area. The communal open-air deck space is furnished with sun mats and banquette seating.
Day 2 - Cruising in the Maldives
Today begins with a visit to Maafushi, providing an opportunity to witness and discuss the positive and negative impact of tourism on small island nations, as well as the chance to explore a coral rehabilitation site and witness coral propagation. This will underpin the importance of coral reef restoration and the positive impact these conservation efforts can have on island nations. You also snorkel the seagrass beds and discover their importance to the ecosystem. Despite being one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, seagrass is considered unsightly and is often deliberately removed. Gain insights into how seagrass meadows interconnect with coral reefs and marine life, including sea turtles. Back on board Felicity for lunch, there is time for afternoon snorkelling before you cruise further south through South Male Atoll. During this time, the Olive Ridley Project researcher will share information on turtle species, biology, anatomy and turtle behaviours in preparation for our encounters!
Day 3 - Snorkelling for turtles
As the sun rises, you will go snorkelling in search of turtles. Be sure to have your underwater camera at the ready! Photo identification is a non-invasive method for studying marine population dynamics and has been used on a variety of marine species, including dolphins, whales, manta rays, and sea turtles. The images use unique, naturally occurring marks on each creature's body to identify different individuals. A turtle's facial profile is unique to them, similar to human fingerprints. Before entering the water, Olive Ridley will share the turtle snorkelling code of conduct, ensuring the experience is memorable for both you and the turtle. This is marine life in its natural habitat, so we cannot guarantee sightings. We may see two or three turtles in an hour, or maybe only one the whole time we are searching, but the unpredictability adds to the excitement and also to our understanding. This morning, you will cross the channel into Vaavu Atoll, where we will aim to provide a further two snorkelling opportunities at reefs where turtles are commonly seen. It is not uncommon to spot a turtle on the ocean surface as it comes up to breathe, but the best chance of encounter will be while snorkelling. When you do spot them, following the turtle code of conduct, you can snorkel alongside them. A truly magical experience. As an integral part of the data capture process, you'll actively assist the Olive Ridley Project researcher in gathering vital information, such as size, behaviour, and markings. This hands-on involvement directly contributes to their ongoing research efforts. Later this evening, you will hear more about their research and how it contributes to both a greater understanding of the species and the environmental decisions made by Maldivian government bodies.
Day 4 - Uninhabited Islands
This morning, you will once again go snorkelling in search of turtles. A diverse range of marine life inhabits the coral reefs of the Maldives, teaming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for sharks and rays. You never know what may be in the blue. Your tour leader will act as your 'spotter,' pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. In the afternoon, visit an uninhabited island. These islands of the Maldives provide nesting grounds for turtles, and the Olive Ridley Project Researcher will take us through the breeding and nesting habits of turtles, as well as the threats faced by nesting turtles, their eggs, and baby turtles. The island's beaches will invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. Unfortunately, plastic is often not hidden, and we will spend time completing a beach clean-up activity, ensuring we leave a positive mark on the island. The day concludes with a special BBQ beach dinner under the stars.
Day 5 - Sea Turtle Habitat
Your day will be focused on snorkelling and searching for turtles to gather data. The data collected will assist in understanding population size and composition and may even identify critical habitats, such as mating grounds, foraging areas, and migratory routes. Green and hawksbill turtles are the two most frequently spotted turtles across the Maldives, but sadly, their numbers are in decline. The Green turtle is officially classified as "threatened," and the Hawksbill Is Classified as "critically endangered." Sea turtles remain under threat worldwide and are officially listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This afternoon, learn about the importance of protecting turtle habitat, reducing bycatch, the dangers of ghost nets and how to go about the rescue, disentanglement, and rehabilitation of turtles.
Day 6 - Gulhi Island Maldives
You start the cruise back towards Male today; snorkelling will provide the opportunity to continue the turtle data research, as well as to encounter a variety of fish species and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater ecosystems. Late afternoon, visit the local island of Gulhi. This tiny, quiet island's primary economy is fishing, and it is also home to the oldest dry dock boatyard in the Maldives. Stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation in the boat yard, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).
In the evening, a Maldivian-themed night is organised on board, featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance that showcases traditional Maldivian music and dance. This cultural immersion further deepens your understanding of the Maldives and enhances the overall learning experience.
Day 7 - Adopt a turtle?
Start the day with another snorkelling session, allowing you to further explore the marine life and habitats of the Maldives and capture the last turtle data. This afternoon, spend time ensuring all the trip data has been recorded and review the findings. Sea turtles are essential to the Maldives both ecologically and economically through tourism revenue. Therefore, this information is crucial for future national conservation efforts. The Olive Ridley Project Researcher will answer any remaining questions, and maybe, if you are lucky, someone will have identified a new turtle to add to the database and be allowed to name it. If you are not lucky, there is still the opportunity to adopt a turtle, perhaps even one of those you have been fortunate to encounter!
Day 8 - Goodbye to the Maldives
Departure to Male International Airport.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book the Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
Departure Dates
8th – 15th February 2026
Price
Private double room (based on two people travelling) - £1635 per person
Twin share room (sharing with same-gender solo traveller) - £2045 per person
Private single room - £2045 per person
Availability and room types on board are limited. Please contact us for the latest update.
Included in the Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
- Airport and transfer assistance
- Return transfer by dhoni ( airport- Felicity- airport)
- 7 nights standard cabin accommodation on the boat based on single or double/twin share
- Services of English-Speaking Tour Leader plus Olive Ridley Project’s Sea Turtle Expert
- Full board meal plan - Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, High Tea and Dinner (7 breakfasts, 7 lunch & 7 dinner)
- Unlimited tea and coffee (house coffee)
- Unlimited drinking water - bring your reusable water bottle!
- Dingy or dhoni transfer to snorkeling points
- Local Tax (10% Service Charge, 17% GST and $12 Green Tax per person per night)
Not Included in the Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
- International travel to the start and end point - contact us for information and flight options
- Any airport taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Any visa requirements
- Items of a personal nature
- Alcoholic and soft beverages purchased on board
- Snorkeling Equipment
Government Travel Safety Advice
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
If entering Maldives as a UK tourist, you will be granted a 30-day visa upon arrival and your passport must be valid for a minimum of one month. However, if arriving by air, most airlines state that your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the Maldives. Check with your transport provider before travelling. You should ensure your passport has no damage or you may be stopped by Immigration, who examine passports carefully.
Visas
The visa on arrival service continues as normal for all tourist arrivals.
Local Laws and Custom
Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. Importing or possessing drugs can carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment. Locals and police are likely to treat seriously the possession and consumption of alcohol, and being intoxicated, outside resorts.
Local laws reflect the fact that Maldives is an Islamic country. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence. Public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times, including dressing conservatively and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas around Mosques.
You should be sensitive to local dress standards when on local islands or if staying on an island where the resort is not the exclusive property on the island – cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts (men and women); when bathing, cover arms and upper legs. Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere, including on resort islands.
Same-sex relations are illegal and convicted offenders could face lengthy prison sentences and fines. It is an offence to import the following items into Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including ‘idols for worship’ and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol.
Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol away from a resort.
The export of tortoise shell and coral is forbidden.
What to bring on your Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise
Clothing
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) which appropriately covers the body when in the company of the local communities. (Please understand local customs and religious requirements relating to dress codes. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful.doesn't
The Maldives is a Muslim country and care needs to be taken in relation to the dress code on local islands. Whilst it is acceptable for men to wear T-Shirts and shorts or swim shorts; females should avoid causing offense by maintaining a more conservative approach to clothes by wearing T-Shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulder, loose shorts that cover the thigh, or sundresses with a sarong around shoulders. Whilst the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, females should NOT wear bikinis and swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, picnic island, sandbank, screened off tourist bikini beach, dive boat, or resort island.
More recently the level of acceptance can vary from island to island and between the central atolls and those in the deep north or deep south. The key point to remember is to consider you are a guest in another country and dress not to cause offence.
Whilst the law restricts the wearing of bikinis on local islands, all guesthouses provide a private tourist sunbathing area on the beach or on the terrace of the guesthouse and your guide will advise when and where this is possible. It is common practice by both locals and visitors for females to swim from local public beaches wearing a t-shirt or rash guard and shorts or leggings. When visiting the home of a local family or when having access to mosques, shoulders and legs should be covered fully by both men and women out of respect of local customs
Footwear
The ideal footwear would be sandals and flip-flops.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a reusable waterbottle. A power adapter for phones, laptops, etc. The Maldives uses mostly UK 3 pin style sockets. Hair straighteners and electric razors for those who still like to keep up appearances during their holiday. Hairdryers are available at all properties either per room or available from reception upon request.
Camera/Underwater camera – The Maldives above & below sea level are worth a few photos. For guests wishing to use a guesthouse or dive centre underwater camera, ensure you bring along a USB or memory card in order to transfer your memories.
You will need your own snorkelling equipment.
Earplugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper or are on board a boat and want to avoid the sound of fellow passengers at close quarters.
Currency
The Maldives has a non-convertible currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa – this cannot be purchased beforehand. One Rufiyaa is 100 Laari and is available in 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5 Rufiyaa notes. One US Dollar is equivalent to 15.42 Rufiyaa. The following international currencies can be changed easily to local currency at the airport on arrival: USD/GBP/Canadian Dollar/Euro/Danish Krone/Hong Kong Dollar/Japanese Yen/Norwegian Krone/Singapore Dollar/Swiss Franc/Swedish Krone.
It is not possible to exchange currency to USD only to MVR.
MVR can only be exchanged back to the original currency prior to your departure if you have a receipt for an arrival exchange from the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter.
It is advised not to exchange currency in Male where bank queues are common and waiting time lengthy. The US Dollar is accepted as legal tender. All major credit cards can be used (and are preferred) at resorts, hotels, shops, etc. On local islands, it is usually only hotels, guesthouses, shops, and larger restaurants that accept credit cards, and cash is generally preferred. Small restaurants, cafes, and activity providers will generally request payment in cash. Most restaurants and shops will accept USD$ in payment providing a change in local currency.
While on the local islands, approximate prices are as follows:
Snack lunch – $5 to $10 / Evening meal in guesthouse or local restaurant – $10 to $25 / Tea / Coffee – $1 for Nescafe to $5 for barrister style coffee / Soft drinks – $1.50 / Water 1.5l – $0.50 / General excursions – from $25 per person – $100 per person / Watersports – from $10 per person for a 60-minute non-motorized rental.
You should expect prices in tourist hotels and on resort islands to be considerably more expensive than this. Be sure to check that 10% service charge and 12% GST have been included in the rates offered.
Weather in Maldives
With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine, and temperatures around 30°C throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons; dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November. Wet however doesn’t mean rain all the time, it just means during this period we see more rain than during the dry season. This may be a daily heavy shower but it’s very rare to have days and days of rain in succession or even a full 24 hours. There is usually more wind during this period but this helps keep the temperature at a nice level and you can still expect plenty of blue skies and sunshine.
The rare thunderstorm in the Maldives (especially around the southwest monsoon months) can be a welcome respite from the sun. Cloudy skies and slate grey seas, and crashing thunder makes for lovely reading weather. The warm temperatures will allow you to go for a walk in the rain, a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For extra exhilaration, take a swim in the rain – the sea will be extra warm. There can be heavy rain showers pretty much any time of year, but they tend to be short and cannot be accurately predicted seasonally (in other words – don’t worry too much about them – you will quite possibly experience some rain showers, but the majority of the weather should be great, and you will be unlucky to get several consecutive days of heavy rain).
Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather pattern is changing and historical data is less reliable as an indication of what to expect in the here and now. Note as the Maldives is situated so close to the equator it is possible to burn even on a cloudy day and sunscreen should be applied as a matter of course.
Time Zone
Maldives Standard Time is GMT/UTC + 5 and during BST + 4. Note some resorts operate Island Time, which is 1 hour ahead of Maldives standard time. The Barefoot Eco Hotel is one of these properties.
Internet Availability
Wi-Fi is available at all our guesthouses and in most cases it is free. However, as an island nation where cabling is along the sea bed and there is only one antenna per island you should not expect the signal strength and speed of internet access to be at the level you are accustomed to back home. Weather can at times also impact the quality of connection.
