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. You will also 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. You work with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), a research-oriented conservation charity. It is dedicated to studying the whale shark. It also promotes community-focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives and the greater Indian Ocean region.
The organisation's objective is straightforward. First, it aims to enhance the understanding of whale sharks and advocate for effective conservation policies in the Maldives. Therefore, it leverages scientific research to protect the rich biodiversity and vulnerable marine ecosystems. These are essential for whale sharks and for 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. In other words, you play an active role in collecting critical data regarding the ocean's largest fish. Daily activities include survey trips aboard a supporting dhoni. During these, you explore the breathtaking South Ari Marine Protected Area, the largest marine reserve in the Maldives. It is also distinguished by its year-round population of whale sharks. In fact, it has the highest natural residency rate of the species globally.
This is an example itinerary. However, 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). Then, at 12:00, board the MV Akoya Pearl and cruise to South Ari. The boat is a traditionally crafted Turkish gulet, 28m long with two decks. It also has 6 air-conditioned cabins accommodating 10 passengers comfortably.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl
DAY 2
Begin the Expedition
This is 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. Therefore, the ability to swim unaided is essential, because 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 board 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. They also record other megafauna like dolphins, mobula rays and sea turtles. In addition, they record data on boat traffic in the area.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 4
Whale Shark Data
Today you record survey data. First, photograph each shark's left and right side to aid identification. Then estimate length and note injuries and behaviour. Back on board, record environmental data (wind, current, visibility, water temperature). Finally, 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
First, MV Akoya Pearl departs South Ari in the early morning. Then it 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, so please contact us for the latest update.
What the tour status means
- Available
- Places are open for booking. This departure needs a minimum number of travellers to run, and your booking could be the one that guarantees it. Contact us to find out how close it is.
- Guaranteed
- Enough travellers have booked, so this departure is confirmed to run.
- On Request
- There are only a few places left, or the date is close to departure. Contact us and we'll check with our local team before confirming your place.
- Full
- This departure is sold out. Get in touch and we can add you to a waiting list or suggest another date, or a private tour on dates that suit you.
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. For example, it covers 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 you enter the Maldives as a UK tourist, you'll be granted a 30-day visa on arrival. Your passport must also be valid for a minimum of one month. However, most airlines require at least 6 months' validity from your date of entry. Therefore, check with your transport provider. Finally, ensure your passport has no damage, or immigration may stop you.
The Maldives has very strong anti-drugs laws. In fact, severe penalties include life imprisonment for importing or possessing drugs. Because this is an Islamic country, public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. Same-sex relations are also illegal and carry lengthy prison sentences. Therefore, respect local traditions, customs and dress codes at all times, especially during Ramadan or near mosques. Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands, so do not take them elsewhere.
What to Bring
Bring lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing, because cotton and natural fibres are best. It should cover the body appropriately when you are in the company of local communities. In other words, 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. For example, 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 and a power adapter. The Maldives mostly uses UK 3-pin sockets. Finally, pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper, as they are especially useful on board a boat.
While You're There
The Maldivian Rufiyaa is a non-convertible currency, so you cannot purchase it beforehand. However, you can easily exchange major international currencies at the airport on arrival. The US Dollar is also widely accepted as legal tender. In addition, you can use all major credit cards at resorts, hotels and shops. On local islands, though, cash is generally preferred.
The Maldives has a tropical climate year-round. The dry season (northeast monsoon) runs from January to March. Meanwhile, the wet season (southwest monsoon) runs from mid-May to November. However, rain showers tend to be short rather than prolonged. The Maldives is on GMT+5, and wifi is available at most guesthouses. Signal strength can vary, though, given the island cabling.
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