Current as of: January 15, 2025 - 12:53

Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

Marine Wildlife of the Maldives Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group
  • Destination: Maldives
  • Programmes: Wildlife
  • Activity Level:

    2 out of 7 - Easy & Moderate

  • 7 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: WOY
  • Carbon Footprint: 85kg CO2e

Trip Overview

Navigate the Indian Ocean in a traditional gulet for an unforgettable adventure in paradise

Awake to the sun rising over the azure ocean and snorkel areas of abundant marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles (green, hawksbill and olive ridley), plus bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Visit unspoiled islands by day and by night relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars above. A traditionally crafted Turkish gulet sailboat is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Maldives.

At a Glance

  • Accommodation: 6 Classic nights (Turkish gullet)
  • Full-day whale shark safari included
  • All meals included on-board

Highlights

  • Spend six nights on a gulet in the Maldives
  • Discover unspoiled islands, pristine beaches and idyllic atolls
  • Snorkel with whale sharks, sea turtles and manta rays (in season)

Is This Trip for You?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.  

This is predominantly a marine adventure. No certifications are necessary, but you should be comfortable in the water and a strong swimmer with the ability to swim unaided to participate in the ocean excursions. We take no health and safety risks and our expert staff monitor everyone’s ability and ocean conditions to take appropriate measures for a wonderful time here.

Getting out of the water and back onto the boat involves a boat ladder. Snorkelling trips are generally for a minimum of 45 minutes in open water. This time is approximate and may be shorter due to ocean conditions or longer due to wildlife encounters. There is a support boat and always the option to get out of the water sooner.

The climate in the Maldives is tropical, which means it can get very hot and humid and you should be prepared for this. The Maldives can experience strong currents, even on the calmest of days and currents may change during a snorkelling activity. It is always possible we may encounter the occasional day of rough seas and therefore an ability to swim is required.

The itinerary listed is only a guideline and may be changed based on sightings to maximise the wildlife-viewing experience.

Snorkelling equipment is available on board. However, bringing your own ensures comfort and fit. If you opt to use the snorkel equipment provided, you must keep the same equipment for the whole trip and not swap/share.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Group

Ship crew: The captain and seven crew are on board to ensure the safety and well-being of the group. They bring many years of mariner experience in the Maldives and offer the warmth and kindness that reflects the beauty and hospitality of the Maldivian people.

Educational staff: The MWSRP team comprises a mix of locals and foreigners and includes a group of volunteers generally made up of marine biology students or people who just have a passion for the ocean. We are accompanied on our whale shark safari by one of the marine biologists whose goal is to provide an unforgettable educational experience.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 6

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

WOY Map

Land Only

  • Start City: Malé Velana International Airport
  • End City: Malé Velana International Airport

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Malé Velana International Airport; board the Felicity; cruise through the South Malé Atoll

Following a short introductory briefing, we transfer by dhoni (a traditional boat) to board the MV Felicity by midday, our home for the next six days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in the South Malé Atoll. During this time, you can do as you please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beautiful Maldives pass 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 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 here an experience you never forget.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

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

This morning, our first stop is a reef on the east side of the atoll, which offers the strong possibility of several turtle sightings. The reef is shallow but dense with corals that provide turtles with an abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs, there is also plenty of fish to observe including box fish, porcupine fish and schools of banner fish. For the remainder of the day, we cross into the Ari Atoll and head south towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions and time, we may have the opportunity this afternoon for a further snorkel trip before visiting Dhangethi, where we have a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story 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

Today a representative from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project Team or a local marine biologist, will share their knowledge about these magnificent creatures and how identification is made. Once we set out on our dhoni safari adventure, it is a test of patience as we scan the surface of the ocean for the sign of a whale shark shadow, as we slowly cruise within the 45km area of South Ari Marine Protected Area (SAMPA). We may see one or two whale sharks in 30 minutes; alternatively, 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 adds to the excitement and, if we do spot them, we can 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.

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; if the time of year is right (December to March), we may also encounter manta rays. Following lunch, we are taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles among the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, we will likely see fish species such as dogtooth tuna, trevallies, jacks, sweetlips, butterfly fish, wahoo and fusiliers. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on the MV Felicity.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

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

Additionally, qualified divers may be offered the optional opportunity to dive within this protected marine area, which has several 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 can snorkel instead.

This afternoon, we start our cruise northwards.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6
Cruise back to Malé

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumalé in the late afternoon. This morning, there is a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and, while cruising, we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass. Once anchored in Hulhumalé lagoon, there is an optional walking tour of Malé for those who wish to stretch their legs! This evening, a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work undertaken by local NGOs to protect it for the future.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

After a light breakfast, the group is transferred this morning back to Malé International Airport, where we begin our return journeys home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

S/Y Felicity

Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

Sail the Indian Ocean in a traditionally crafted Turkish gullet, built in Bodrum and housed in the Maldives. The Felicity is our home for the adventure, with six cabins that comfortably accommodate 12 passengers.

During downtime, relax on the teak sun deck, which is furnished with sun mats and banquette seating, while gazing over the incredible archipelago. The indoor saloon has a dining table and seating and is fitted with an entertainment system and an equipment-charging area.

We sleep in air-conditioned cabins with attached bathrooms that have showers, small wardrobes, drawers and storage facilities, portholes and a wall fan.

Worth knowing

  • The Felicity has six cabins with a mix of twin and double rooms; we therefore strongly recommend booking early to guarantee availability of the correct room type.
  • If you are a very light sleeper, we recommend earplugs as it is necessary to have one generator operating at night.
  • A single supplement is available but there is very limited availability.
  • There’s a ‘no shoe’ policy on board.
  • If you require pre- or post-tour accommodation, we strongly recommend you request at the time of booking. Late requests, particularly within 60 days before departure, and especially during high season (December to the end of April) may not be possible as accommodation is limited with properties having limited numbers of rooms.

Single supplement from £ 800

Food & Drink

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks are all included on board.

Traditional Maldivian cuisine is based around fish (tuna), chilli and coconuts. White rice and roshi (a flour-based flatbread) are also staples. Fish is normally smoked, fired, barbecued or roasted. Pork products are strictly prohibited, beef and seafood is not served on-board. Typical ingredients used widely in dishes and served on board include onion, ginger, garlic, lemon and spices.

Menus include European and Maldivian dishes, freshly prepared on board by our chefs who do their best to cater for most dietary requirements.

The indoor saloon bar offers a wide choice of soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits to purchase. Please note, no alcohol is allowed on the islands – it is only permitted in the resorts and on the boats.

Please discuss any dietary requirements with your sales representative at the time of booking.

Transport

The Felicity is accompanied by a dinghy with an outboard engine and a dhoni (a traditional Maldivian boat) equipped with two compressors and aluminium cylinders.

Weather & Seasonality

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30C (86F) 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.

The Maldives covers a huge geographical area, weather can be sporadic and localised and with weather patterns changing globally, historical averages are less reliable.

For departures between May and October, temperatures are still warm, but rain showers are more likely, but even during this period there are also usually long spells of bright sunshine!

The changeover months between the two monsoon seasons (May and October/November) are more likely to offer the most unsettled weather and strong winds.

At any time of year, although it is more probable between May and October, the channels between each atoll can experience big swells and choppy waves if the weather is not favourable.

Diving is good year-round, although a basic rule is that reef life is more varied and visibility is better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and on the eastern side of any atoll from December to April.

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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Recommended arrival time: The start location for this tour is at Malé Velana International Airport. All clients are required to be in the arrivals hall on Day 1 before 11am. Groups are met by the tour leader in the arrivals hall and then transferred by dhoni from the airport jetty to board the MV Felicity in time for a midday departure.
Airport: Malé Velana International Airport (MLE)

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

On departure day, all group members are transferred back to Malé Velana International Airport where the trip ends. The transfer back to the airport is usually early morning with arrival to the airport by 9am. Please speak to your sales representative for more information.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Malé Velana International Airport
Location end: Malé Velana International Airport

What To Take

Essential Equipment

  • Sun hat/baseball cap
  • Sunglasses
  • Reef friendly Sunscreen/lip balm
  • Lightweight, casual, non-synthetic clothing (cottons and natural fibres are best) that can appropriately cover the body when in 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)
  • Sandals/flip flops
  • Swimwear
  • Backpack for shore excursions
  • Water bottle – your daily water is decanted into personal water bottles
  • Personal snorkelling/Tribord equipment (snorkelling equipment is available on board; however, bringing personal equipment ensures comfort and fit)

You can use your mobile phone but roaming charges can be immense – it is best to check with your service provider before you leave. It is usually cheaper to obtain a 3G sim card, which can be purchased at the airport. Felicity does not have wifi for guests; therefore, it is advisable to purchase a 3G sim card should you wish to keep in touch with the outside world. Do not expect the signal strength and internet speed to be at the level you are accustomed to back home. Weather can at times also influence the connection quality.

Water included

Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.

Optional Equipment

  • Underwater camera or waterproof case for camera/phone
  • Board shorts
  • Rash vest/swim top (to wear during snorkelling to avoid sunburn)
  • Beach towel (one is provided but a spare might be useful as you will be in and out of the water several times a day)
  • Wet wipes
  • Hand gel wash
  • Water shoes or aqua shoes (we recommend closed-toe shoes for use while accessing and exploring the reefs)
  • Dive certification card and logbook if you intend to participate in scuba diving. Please note, if you have not dived for more than 6 months a refresher dive will be required.

Practical Information

Visa

Maldives

Travellers from most countries normally receive a tourist visa on arrival in the Maldives, provided they meet the entry requirements, which can be found at www.immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Maldives Traveller Declaration Form
All travellers are required to submit a Traveller Declaration Form (IMUGA) within 96 hours before their flight arrival in the Maldives. It is free to complete and can be filled on the official IMUGA portal. When completing the form, you are required to select all the accommodations, including vessels, you are using in the Maldives. You should carry a copy of your Exodus Adventure Travels invoice, which includes the date of first travel, duration of stay, exit date and accommodation (as well as duration), which may be required to present upon arrival at Maldives Immigration.

Vaccinations and Health

Maldives

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies (bat lyssavirus), tuberculosis and typhoid.

You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission or transiting for more than 12 hours through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of polio vaccination may also be needed for some travellers. Please confirm all the above with your doctor or travel clinic.

We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.

Dengue fever and/or chikungunya are known risks in places visited on this trip. Both are tropical viral diseases spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for either, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Local Time

Maldives's time zone: Indian/Maldives (UTC +05:00)

Electricity

The MV Felicity has universal plug sockets, which accepts various plug types, including types A, B, C and G.

Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

Money

Maldives's currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)

ATM Availability

Most banks represented in Malé provide ATM and credit card services at several key points in Malé and Hulhumalé. Only local currency is dispensed. There are no ATMs on the islands visited. All major credit cards can be used at resorts, hotels and many shops in Malé. Most restaurants and shops in Malé accept US dollars in payment providing change in local currency.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

The Maldivian rufiyaa is a non-convertible currency and cannot be purchased beforehand. Major international currencies can be changed easily at the airport on arrival. It is advised not to exchange currency in Malé where the waiting time can be lengthy.

The US dollar is accepted as legal tender but on smaller islands it is often easier to use rufiyaa. On the boat, all transactions are cash only (either US dollars or rufiyaa).

It is impossible to say exactly what you need during your trip as this varies depending on personal preferences, the number of extra optional activities and souvenirs you may like to purchase. While on board, additional expenses may include alcohol and diving.

  • Alcoholic beverages: From US$5

While on the islands, approximate prices are as follows:

  • Snacks: US$1-US$5
  • Meal in guesthouse or local restaurant: US$10-US$20
  • Tea/coffee: US$1-US$5
  • Soft drinks: US$1
  • Large water: US$0.50

Optional excursions:

Diving

While this is a snorkeling cruise, there may be an opportunity to offer a single dive on some of the trip days.

As with all diving, it is subject to weather and current conditions as well as cruising time and length of group activities. Please be advised that diving is offered only as an optional excursion at times of non group activities and cannot be 100% guaranteed.

There are several recommended dive sites for the tour, which offer some great dive opportunities, subject to certification level and ability. The links below provide further detail on the sites and diving in general in these two atolls.. There may be the possibility of optional diving on days 2, 3, 4 and 5. Interested guests should highlight at the time of booking and again once on board with tour leader.

South Malé Atoll: www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-maldives-south-malé-atoll.php

  • Embudhoo Kandu (protected marine area)
  • Kuda Giri Wreck
  • Kandooma Thila
  • Guraidhoo Kandu (protected marine area)

South Ari Atoll: www.dive-the-world.com/diving-sites-maldives-ari-atoll.php

  • Broken Rock
  • Kudarah Thila (protected marine area)
  • Dhangethi Thila (Five Rocks)

Approximate prices:

  • US$95 per dive including equipment (payable at end of cruise)
  • US$110 for a night dive including equipment (payable at end of cruise)
  • US$100 per person for a Discover Scuba Dive including equipment

If you intend to participate in scuba diving (other than the Discover Scuba Dive), you must be a qualified diver in possession of a dive certification card and logbook.

Please note, we usually only carry four full sets of equipment on board; therefore, unless divers are recorded at time of booking to allow us to increase equipment requirement, the maximum number of divers is four at any time.

For us to best accommodate all divers, please advise your sales representative if you are interested in the diving option on this trip.

Tipping

Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. You may feel your leader has performed well over the course of your time in the Maldives and want to show your appreciation of their services. If you would like to tip your leader, we suggest a figure of approximately US$5-US$10 per person per day as a reasonable starting point.

The appropriate amount to tip the staff and crew is a personal matter but it is customary to provide an end-of-cruise gratuity (as a rough guide approximately US$10 per day per passenger would be appreciated).

Note that any services provided in restaurants or cafes on local islands visited include a standard 10 percent service charge.

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Important Information

Water safety

This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.

Important Information

Your safe participation 

When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary. 

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. 

By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred. 

Seatbelts

All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.

How to Book

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

After booking

You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.

Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.

Trip Note validity

These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

Licensing

Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.

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