Maldives Tours
Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Research Expedition
Join the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) and get hands-on with research and data collection, increase your knowledge on marine conservation, and have a great time doing it!
Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Cruise
This is an exceptional opportunity to engage in a ten-night research expedition with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), a research-oriented conservation charity dedicated to studying the whale shark and promoting community-focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives and the greater Indian Ocean region.
The organisation's objective is straightforward: to enhance the understanding of whale sharks and advocate for effective conservation policies in the Maldives, leveraging scientific research to protect the rich biodiversity and vulnerable marine ecosystems essential for whale sharks and the lives, livelihoods and cultural heritage of the Maldives.
This expedition's participants will significantly contribute to whale shark research aboard the expedition vessel MV Akoya Pearl, playing an active role in collecting critical data regarding the ocean's largest fish. Daily activities include survey trips aboard a supporting dhoni, exploring the breathtaking South Ari Marine Protected Area – the largest marine reserve in the Maldives, and distinguished by its year-round population of whale sharks with the highest natural residency rate of the species globally.
This is an example itinerary – each expedition will have a slightly different itinerary that may change on a daily basis.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in the Maldives
Arrive at Male Airport (Velana International Airport) and at 12:00, board the MV Akoya Pearl and cruise to South Ari – a traditionally crafted Turkish gulet, 28m long with two decks and 6 air-conditioned cabins accommodating 10 passengers comfortably.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl
DAY 2
Begin the Expedition
The first day of survey, with snorkel safety tests and a whale shark presentation. Please note this expedition is very physical, with lots of swimming and snorkelling – the ability to swim unaided is essential, as in-field surveys are done via snorkelling and/or basic freediving.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 3
Survey Whale Sharks
A typical research day begins with breakfast, then boarding the survey dhoni to head to the South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). Most people take positions on the top deck to look for whale sharks, also recording other megafauna like dolphins, mobula rays and sea turtles, plus data on boat traffic in the area.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 4
Whale Shark Data
Recording survey data – photographing each shark's left and right side to aid identification, estimating length, noting injuries and behaviour. Back on board, record environmental data (wind, current, visibility, water temperature) and split into teams for data entry.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 5
Scuba or Snorkelling
A half-day survey with the option for scuba diving or snorkelling in the morning.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 6-9
Continue the Whale Shark Survey
Further days of survey work, following the same research routine.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 10
Return to Male
MV Akoya Pearl departs South Ari in the early morning and heads to the Male atoll, stopping off for a snorkel on the way.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 11
Goodbye Maldives
Depart the boat this morning, with a transfer arranged to Male airport, arriving at approximately 08:30.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Airport and domestic transfer assistance
Return transfer by dhoni (airport – MV Akoya Pearl – airport)
10 nights standard cabin accommodation on the boat, based on single or double/twin share
Full board meal plan – breakfast, lunch, snacks, high tea and dinner
Unlimited tea and coffee (house coffee)
Unlimited drinking water – bring your reusable water bottle!
Dinghy or dhoni transfer to snorkelling points
Local tax (10% service charge, 17% GST and $12 green tax per person per night)
What’s Not Included
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 beverages from USD$5 (payable at the end of the expedition)
Snorkelling equipment
Diving activities (payable locally from $75 per single dive)
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
The expedition will be onboard the MV Akoya Pearl. Availability and room types on board are limited – please contact us for the latest update.
Prices shown are per person, based on double or twin room occupancy. Get in touch if you’d like to check availability or discuss a private departure on different dates.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
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 for the Maldives.
If entering the Maldives as a UK tourist, you'll be granted a 30-day visa on arrival, and your passport must be valid for a minimum of one month – though most airlines require at least 6 months' validity from your date of entry, so check with your transport provider. Ensure your passport has no damage, or you may be stopped by immigration.
The Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws, with severe penalties including life imprisonment for importing or possessing drugs. As an Islamic country, public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited, and same-sex relations are illegal, carrying lengthy prison sentences. Respect local traditions, customs and dress codes at all times, especially during Ramadan or near mosques – alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands and should not be taken elsewhere.
What to Bring
Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cotton and natural fibres are best) that appropriately covers the body when in the company of local communities – it doesn't need to be fancy, but it needs to be respectful, particularly on local islands. Sandals and flip-flops are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a power adapter (the Maldives mostly uses UK 3-pin sockets), and earplugs if you're a light sleeper, especially useful on board a boat.
While You're There
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is a non-convertible currency and cannot be purchased beforehand – major international currencies can be easily exchanged at the airport on arrival. The US Dollar is widely accepted as legal tender, and all major credit cards can be used at resorts, hotels and shops, though cash is generally preferred on local islands.
The Maldives has a tropical climate year-round, with a dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and a wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November – rain showers tend to be short rather than prolonged. The Maldives is on GMT+5, and wifi is available at most guesthouses, though signal strength can vary given the island cabling.
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