Maldives
March 13 - 21, 2027

Your trip begins with your arrival at the Malé-Velana International Airport (MLE). An airport transfer will be provided on arrival.

Once you arrive at the hotel in Male, enjoy time to get settled in. No activities are planned today so you can rest before our exciting adventure begins.

Dinner is at your leisure.

Enjoy breakfast, pack up, and check out of the hotel. Today we make our way to our boat where we will get settled in.

Later we’ll meet the crew and our boat concierge for a safety briefing on the boat and on responsible snorkeling/tourism

In the evening, join for a presentation to learn about the vital role of coral reefs, their biodiversity and the threats they face due to climate change, pollution and human activities. We will learn what we can do to limit our impact as a species and help maintain a better valance in the eco system.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

As the sun rises, we begin our cruise to the South Ari Atoll, known for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities.

Today we will visit the local island of Dhangethi, providing a taste of local culture and Maldivian cuisine. On the island, we will snorkel the seagrass beds and discover their their importance to the ecosystem.

Before dinner, Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR) talk about the conservation of whale sharks preparing you for our whale shark safari tomorrow! Learn about the code of conduct for a positive encounter for both you and the whale shark.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today marks the highlight of the itinerary with a dedicated whale shark safari. South Ari Atoll is well known for the  possibility of encountering whale sharks particularly on the reefs behind Dhigurah. There is only one way we can spot  them and that’s the old-fashioned way of being out on the boat and looking! We may see 2 or 3 sharks in half an hour or maybe none for the whole time we are searching, but the unpredictability all adds to the excitement!  

When we do spot them, we will have a truly magical  experience as we enjoy the opportunity to snorkel alongside them. We’ll practice the whale shark code of conduct and as part of the data capture process, assist the MWSR team in collecting valuable information about the  whale sharks, such as size, behavior, and markings. From the boat, we will assist with taking notes about the weather and ocean conditions, number of vessels in the area, and number of tourists in the water. This hands-on experience contributes directly to their ongoing research  efforts. 

This evening we will learn about the biology and behavior of whale sharks, the research efforts of Maldives Whale Shark  Research, and the importance of protecting these marine giants. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Wake up and enjoy a delightful and fresh breakfast prepared for you before you begin your day.

Today we venture once again into the waters of SAMPA for a second dedicated whale shark safari and data collection session. With a better understanding of whale shark behavior and movement patterns gained from the  previous day, today presents another opportunity to fine-tune your spotting skills and contribute meaningfully to  citizen science. 

Join the MWSR team in monitoring and recording key information such as size estimates, distinguishing features, and  any notable injuries or unusual behavior. If conditions allow, there's also the potential to photograph their unique spot patterns — a method used to identify individual sharks and track their movements over time. 

Whether you were lucky enough to encounter multiple whale sharks yesterday or are hoping today brings your first  sighting, the thrill of the search and the knowledge that you are directly supporting marine conservation makes this experience both rewarding and unforgettable. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

We start cruising early morning to Rangali Madivaru (manta point) where we will snorkel before breakfast. Whilst never  a guarantee we may be lucky enough to encounter manta rays and will follow the manta ray code of conduct if we are  lucky enough to encounter them.  

In the afternoon, we visit an uninhabited island. As you step onto its shores, you will feel like an intrepid explorer,  discovering a place that feels like it belongs only to you. 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.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today we begin the cruise back towards Male. En route two snorkeling activities provide an opportunity to observe different coral reef formations, encounter a variety of fish species, and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater  ecosystems. 

Late afternoon we visit the local island of Gulhi. This tiny quiet island’s main economy is fishing and it is also home to  the oldest dry dock boat yard 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 finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).  

In the evening, a Maldivian theme night is organized on board, featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance, showcasing traditional Maldivian music and dance. This cultural immersion further deepens participants' understanding of the Maldivian culture and enhances their overall learning experience.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

We start the day with another snorkeling session, allowing you to further explore the marine life and habitats of the  Maldives. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! 

On route to Hulhumale we visit Villimale, where we meet local NGO Save the Beach and witness how the broader  socio-economic factors and development is affecting marine conservation local communities. We also have the  opportunity to snorkel Villimale coral nursery, one of Save the Beach’s key projects. 

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Enjoy a final breakfast before packing up and disembarking the boat. There will be one group transfer back to Velana International Airport (MLE) in the morning.

Meals included: Breakfast