Maldives Tours
Maldives Whale Shark Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
Join the Maldives Whale Shark Snorkelling Conservation Cruise and experience the ultimate in island hopping, marine conservation and snorkelling adventures.
Maldives Whale Shark Snorkelling Cruise
Cruise the island paradise of the Maldives. You experience the ultimate in island hopping, marine conservation and snorkelling adventures. This unique, hand-curated cruise itinerary has been designed for couples, solo travellers and families. Above all, it suits anyone with a passion for the ocean and responsible travel.
Discover the charm and natural beauty of the local islands of Dhangethi, Dhigurah and Gulhi. You explore them both above and below the surface. Then snorkel with majestic whale sharks and learn about these gentle giants. Your guide here is the Maldivian Whale Shark Research Program Coordinator, who travels with the group. The coordinator also assists in data collection and identifying individuals.
Meet local NGO Save the Beach, visit a coral nursery and embark on a tropical forest walk. Then visit deserted sandbank islands, complete beach cleans and watch mesmerising sunrises and sunsets. Meanwhile, relax as you sail aboard the lovely MV Akoya Pearl gullet. There is also a Maldivian theme night featuring a traditional "Bodu Beru" musical drumming and dance performance.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to the Maldives
Arrive by 12:00 midday and meet your tour leader at Male International Airport to board the MV Akoya Pearl. Settle in before setting off for South Male Atoll for your first Maldives underwater encounter. This includes a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling. Later, in the evening, hear a presentation on the vital role of coral reefs and the threats they face.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl
DAY 2
South Ari Atoll – Dhangethi
Set off for South Ari Atoll, known for its exceptional snorkelling. Then visit the local island of Dhangethi for a taste of local culture and Maldivian cuisine. You also snorkel the seagrass beds to discover their importance to the ecosystem. In addition, you learn about their interconnectedness with coral reefs and marine life.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 3
South Ari Atoll Snorkelling
There are two snorkelling opportunities today to observe marine life. You can also compare the coral reefs with those in South Male Atoll. Then, in the late afternoon, return to Dhangethi to enjoy traditional Maldivian snacks known as "hedikaa". Before dinner, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) team talks through the code of conduct. This prepares you for tomorrow's whale shark safari.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 4
Whale Shark Safari
The highlight of the itinerary is a dedicated whale shark safari around the reefs behind Dhigurah. You spot sharks the old-fashioned way from the boat. Then assist the MWSRP team in collecting data on size, behaviour and markings. In the afternoon, visit an uninhabited island for a beach clean-up. Finally, in the evening, learn more about whale shark biology and ongoing research.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 5
Rangali Madivaru
Take an early cruise to Rangali Madivaru (Manta Point) for a chance to snorkel with manta rays before breakfast. Here you follow the manta ray code of conduct. After breakfast, there is another whale shark safari and data capture session. Then spend the afternoon exploring the tropical vegetation and forest ecosystem of Dhigurah. Finally, a beautiful sunset is your reward.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 6
Maldivian Music and Dance
Cruise back towards Male with two snorkelling activities to observe diverse coral reef formations and fish species. Then, in the late afternoon, visit the local island of Gulhi. It is home to the oldest dry dock boatyard in the Maldives. Finally, in the evening, enjoy a Maldivian theme night on board featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 7
Save the Beach
Enjoy another snorkelling session to explore marine life and habitats, keeping an eye out for turtles, sharks and rays. Then, en route to Hulhumale, visit Villimale, home of Save the Beach. Here you see how broader socio-economic factors affect marine conservation in local communities.
Overnight in MV Akoya Pearl · Meals included: Full board
DAY 8
Goodbye to the Maldives
Departure to Male International Airport for 09:00.
Interested in this tour?
Enquire About the Maldives Whale Shark Snorkelling Conservation Cruise
Tell us a little about what you’re looking for and one of our travel experts will get back to you.
Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
7 nights standard cabin accommodation including breakfast
7 lunches, snacks, high tea and dinner
Welcome drinks on arrival
Unlimited house tea and coffee
Unlimited drinking water – bring a reusable water bottle!
Snorkelling activities
Local island tours
Hedika experience and cultural dinner
Dinghy or dhoni transfer to snorkelling points and islands
Music and movies library
Services of an English-speaking tour leader
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 and soft drinks
Diving
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Availability and room types on board are limited, so 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. 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.
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
Get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailor-made options, best times to travel and much more.