7 NIGHT MALDIVES DISCOVERY CRUISE
Awake to the sun rising over the Indian Ocean. Snorkel areas that are famous throughout the world for their stunning beauty and abundance of marine life. Visit unspoiled islands and sample the local way of life. At the end of your day relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars above you. Watch the beautiful islands slide past on the horizon as you sip a chilled drink and tan on the sun deck, while the experienced crews navigate you through the beautiful reefs and channels of the Maldives. There is plenty of opportunity to relax as well as participate in snorkeling & swimming.
TOUR DETAILS
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, SNORKELING & CRUISING DAY 2: ISLAND TOUR, SNORKELING & CRUISING
Upon arrival at Male’ International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your safari; home for the next 7 days. You will be settled into your cabin and given a full tour of the boat before beginning your voyage of discovery!
Following a tour briefing we start our cruise south to Guraidhoo in South Male’ Atoll where there is the opportunity for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on
responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you
feel safe in the water.
When at anchorage, you can choose to do as much or as little as you please. Options include snorkeling and swimming, fishing or just relaxing.
On Day 2, following breakfast you have the opportunity to tour the fishing village of Guraidhoo. Accompanied by a guide, time is spent exploring the island with the opportunity to meet the local people, learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, the local school and the boatyard where you can see how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built. Following lunch taken on board, cruise to Fulidhoo, Vaavu Atoll during which, time is yours to do as you please. Relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins.
When at anchorage there will be the opportunity for join a guided snorkel tour or you can choose just to relax on desk and take in the view!
DAY 3: SNORKELING, ISLAND VISIT & BEACH DINNER DAY 4: SHIPWRECK SNORKEL & FISHING
Following breakfast cruise to south through Vaavu Atoll to a beautiful picture perfect sand bar. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax.
When at anchorage you can choose to snorkel, swim, fish, visit the sandbank or just relax on board.
This evening enjoy a beach dinner ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style before having the option to spend the night camped on deck under the stars! (Subject to weather conditions)
Day 4 This morning we cruise to Felidhoo where there will be snorkeling opportunities, which if conditions are right will include the famous Vaavu wreck. Make sure to have your camera at the ready!
This evening at sunset experience the art of Maldivian line fishing! The Maldives is unique in that its history depends on tuna fishing and the locals are excellent fishermen using pole and line and are happy to share their skills with you. Your catch will be freshly prepared for you to enjoy.
DAY 5: NURSE SHARK SNORKELING & LOCAL ISLAND VISIT DAY 6: CRUISING, SNORKELING, CULTURAL DINNER
Following breakfast we continue our cruise through Vaavu Atoll during which, time is yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Close to Alimathaa there is the opportunity to snorkel with nurse sharks if the conditions are right. Late afternoon we cruise to the local island of Fulidhoo and transfer ashore for traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet snack served with black tea and the opportunity to tour the island before returning on board for a relaxing evening.
On Day 6,
Following breakfast cruise north back into South Male Atoll, whilst cruising the time remains yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by. Before lunch head into the water to a snorkeling point where it is common to encounter turtles. Just before sunset transfer ashore to the local island of Gulhi Visit the boat yard to stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut) watching the comings and goings at the harbour.
Dinner this evening is a selection of local dishes accompanied by traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where the crew will play the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.
DAY 7: CRUISING, FINAL SNORKEL & MALE TOUR DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Following breakfast we take the opportunity for a final snorkel at Embudu. Following lunch cruise back to Hulhumale lagoon. Late afternoon there will be the opportunity to make a visit to Male before returning to the boat for a farewell dinner.
After breakfast on day eight you are transferred back to Velana International Airport (MLE) where the tour ends.