Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Cruise
Sail through the Maldives on a small-group cruise that combines snorkeling, island visits and marine conservation. The route links local islands in South Malé Atoll and South Ari Atoll, with time in Maafushi, Dhangethi, Dhigurah, Gulhi, Villingili and Hulhumale. Along the way, snorkel over coral reefs and seagrass beds, visit a coral nursery, and spend time with a local NGO working on beach and reef conservation. The itinerary also includes a whale shark research presentation, guided snorkeling with a focus on responsible wildlife viewing, and opportunities to help with data collection when whale sharks are found. Life on board includes all meals, local island tours, sandbank visits when tides allow, and time for swimming and snorkeling. The cruise is designed for travellers interested in marine life, local culture and a slower way to move between islands.
Key details
8 days
7 nights
Route
Maldives
Tour type
Small groups
Available departures
Dates available
Duration
8 days
Travel style
Small groups
Destination
Maldives
Highlights
- Small-group cruise
- Marine wildlife focus
- Coral and seagrass snorkelling
- Local island visits
Itinerary
- 1
Maafushi
Arrival in Malé and Maafushi
Arrive in the Maldives, meet your tour leader at Malé International Airport and board the cruise vessel. After settling in, head to Maafushi for a first snorkeling session and a sunset stop at a sandbank. In the evening, hear from Save the Beach about coral reefs, local conservation work and the pressures affecting the marine environment.Dinner - 2
Maafushi
Coral Nursery and Seagrass Snorkelling
Spend the day in Maafushi visiting a coral rehabilitation site and snorkelling over seagrass beds. The focus is on how coral restoration, seagrass and reef life support one another. Return to the vessel for lunch, then enjoy another snorkelling session before cruising farther south through South Malé Atoll.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - 3
Dhangethi
Cruise to South Ari and Dhangethi
Start cruising toward South Ari Atoll at sunrise. The day includes two snorkelling sessions and time to compare the reefs here with those in South Malé. Later, visit Dhangethi for a look at local island life and traditional snacks. Before dinner, attend a briefing from the whale shark research team covering the species and the conservation work ahead.Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The itinerary is for reference and may vary by selected departure.
What's included
- MV Felicity accommodation in double or twin cabins; single occupancy available at no additional cost
- Tour leader and trained safety support
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Welcome drinks, tea and coffee, unlimited water, snorkeling equipment and guide
- Local island tours, sandbank visits and dinghy or dhoni transfers to snorkeling points
- All domestic transfers to and from the airport
What's not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages on board, payable in USD cash at the end of the trip
Dates & availability
Select departure month and travellers.
Upcoming departures
3 dates · 6 optionsImportant information
Flexibility
Flights, extra nights and private experiences can be added before confirmation.
Before you go
Your final itinerary, documents and local contacts will be available in My Kata.