Marine Conservation Cruise

DAY 1: Arrival transfer, board your conservation cruise
Upon your arrival in the Maldives, your tour leader will greet you at Velana International Airport (Male) before you board the MV Felicity. Once you have settled in, you will set sail for Maafushi in South Malé Atoll for your first underwater experience.

Your tour leader will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling. They will also act as your 'spotter', highlighting marine life you might otherwise miss. Learning to snorkel responsibly helps minimise your impact on these fragile coral reef ecosystems and protects their delicate balance.

In the evening, Save the Beach, a local non-governmental organisation, will deliver a presentation. This will focus on the vital role of coral reefs, their biodiversity, and the threats they face from climate change, pollution, and human activities. While the Maldives boasts abundant marine life, human actions unfortunately threaten it. Save the Beach will highlight harmful practices disrupting the ecosystem's balance and discuss ways to limit this impact.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
Extra day in Hulhumale - pre-tour
Single room supplement (MASGMU)

DAY 2: Coral Restoration & Seagrass Exploration
Today, we'll visit Maafushi to explore a coral rehabilitation site and observe coral propagation. This will highlight the crucial role of coral reef restoration and the positive impact these conservation efforts have on island nations.

We'll also snorkel through seagrass beds and discover their ecological importance. Despite being one of the most valuable ecosystems globally, seagrass is often considered unappealing and deliberately removed. You'll gain insights into the interconnectedness of seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and the diverse marine life they support.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: South Ari Atoll Exploration
As the sun rises, we'll begin our cruise to South Ari Atoll, an area renowned for its outstanding snorkelling. Today offers two chances to explore underwater, allowing us to compare these coral reefs with those you encountered in South Malé Atoll.

In the late afternoon, we'll visit the local island of Dhangethi for a taste of Maldivian culture and cuisine. You'll get to enjoy traditional Maldivian snacks, known locally as 'hedikaa'.

Before dinner, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) will deliver a talk on whale shark conservation, preparing you for our whale shark safari tomorrow. You'll learn about the code of conduct for ensuring a positive encounter for both you and the whale sharks.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Whale Shark Safari and Island Exploration
Today is the highlight of your trip: a dedicated whale shark safari! South Ari Atoll is famous for whale shark sightings, especially on the reefs behind Dhigurah. We'll be on the lookout the old-fashioned way – scanning the water from the boat. We might spot a few sharks in half an hour, or perhaps just one during our search; the unpredictability is all part of the excitement!

Once we spot them, we'll follow the whale shark code of conduct and snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. It's a truly magical experience. You'll also have the chance to assist the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) team in collecting valuable data on the whale sharks' size, behaviour, and markings, directly contributing to their ongoing research efforts.

In the afternoon, we'll visit an uninhabited island. As you step ashore, you'll feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels untouched. The island's beaches invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. Unfortunately, plastic pollution is often visible, so we'll spend some time on a beach clean-up activity, ensuring we leave a positive mark on the island.

This evening, the MWSRP will provide more insights into the biology and behaviour of whale sharks, their current research, and the vital importance of protecting these gentle giants.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Central Ari Atoll, Uninhabited Island and beach clean up
We'll begin our day with an early morning cruise to Rangali Madivaru (Manta Point) for a pre-breakfast snorkel. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, and if so, we'll follow the manta ray code of conduct. After breakfast, we'll embark on another whale shark safari and data capture session, building on yesterday's experiences.

In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Dhigurah's tropical vegetation. Learn about the island's forest ecosystem and the vital role its vegetation plays in the Maldives. Be prepared for some heat and humidity, but your reward will be a stunning sunset and, if you fancy it, a refreshing dip in the ocean.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Cruise to Malé, Snorkelling, and Gulhi Island
Today, we begin our cruise back towards Malé. We'll enjoy two snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe different coral reef formations, encounter a variety of fish species, and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater ecosystems.

In the late afternoon, we'll visit the local island of Gulhi. This tiny, quiet island's main economy is fishing, and it's also home to the oldest dry dock boatyard in the Maldives. You can marvel at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets, and refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).

In the evening, we'll host a Maldivian theme night on board, featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance that showcases traditional Maldivian music and dance. This cultural immersion will deepen your understanding of Maldivian culture and enhance your overall learning experience.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Final Snorkel and Conservation Insights
We'll start the day with another snorkelling session, giving you a final chance to explore the incredible marine life and habitats of the Maldives. Keep an eye out for turtles, sharks, and rays – you never know what you might spot in the blue!

En route to Hulhumalé, we'll visit Villimalé, home to Save the Beach. Here, we'll observe how broader socio-economic factors and development are impacting marine conservation efforts and local communities.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Departure transfer to airport
Sadly, it's time to disembark from your conservation cruise this morning. An included transfer is provided today which will reach Male Airport by 9am, therefore a departure after 12pm is recommended. If you have an earlier departure, a private transfer can be arranged for an additional charge. A range of extensions are available ranging from guesthouse stays on local islands, to time in one of the Maldives' famous luxury resorts.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A

MEALS:
Breakfast

EXTRAS:
3-night resort island extension
Extra day in Hulhumale - post-tour

DAY 1: Arrival transfer, board your conservation cruise
Upon your arrival in the Maldives, your tour leader will greet you at Velana International Airport (Male) before you board the MV Felicity. Once you have settled in, you will set sail for Maafushi in South Malé Atoll for your first underwater experience.

Your tour leader will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling. They will also act as your 'spotter', highlighting marine life you might otherwise miss. Learning to snorkel responsibly helps minimise your impact on these fragile coral reef ecosystems and protects their delicate balance.

In the evening, Save the Beach, a local non-governmental organisation, will deliver a presentation. This will focus on the vital role of coral reefs, their biodiversity, and the threats they face from climate change, pollution, and human activities. While the Maldives boasts abundant marine life, human actions unfortunately threaten it. Save the Beach will highlight harmful practices disrupting the ecosystem's balance and discuss ways to limit this impact.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
Extra day in Hulhumale - pre-tour
Single room supplement (MASGMU)

DAY 2: Coral Restoration & Seagrass Exploration
Today, we'll visit Maafushi to explore a coral rehabilitation site and observe coral propagation. This will highlight the crucial role of coral reef restoration and the positive impact these conservation efforts have on island nations.

We'll also snorkel through seagrass beds and discover their ecological importance. Despite being one of the most valuable ecosystems globally, seagrass is often considered unappealing and deliberately removed. You'll gain insights into the interconnectedness of seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and the diverse marine life they support.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: South Ari Atoll Exploration
As the sun rises, we'll begin our cruise to South Ari Atoll, an area renowned for its outstanding snorkelling. Today offers two chances to explore underwater, allowing us to compare these coral reefs with those you encountered in South Malé Atoll.

In the late afternoon, we'll visit the local island of Dhangethi for a taste of Maldivian culture and cuisine. You'll get to enjoy traditional Maldivian snacks, known locally as 'hedikaa'.

Before dinner, the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) will deliver a talk on whale shark conservation, preparing you for our whale shark safari tomorrow. You'll learn about the code of conduct for ensuring a positive encounter for both you and the whale sharks.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Whale Shark Safari and Island Exploration
Today is the highlight of your trip: a dedicated whale shark safari! South Ari Atoll is famous for whale shark sightings, especially on the reefs behind Dhigurah. We'll be on the lookout the old-fashioned way – scanning the water from the boat. We might spot a few sharks in half an hour, or perhaps just one during our search; the unpredictability is all part of the excitement!

Once we spot them, we'll follow the whale shark code of conduct and snorkel alongside these magnificent creatures. It's a truly magical experience. You'll also have the chance to assist the Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) team in collecting valuable data on the whale sharks' size, behaviour, and markings, directly contributing to their ongoing research efforts.

In the afternoon, we'll visit an uninhabited island. As you step ashore, you'll feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels untouched. The island's beaches invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. Unfortunately, plastic pollution is often visible, so we'll spend some time on a beach clean-up activity, ensuring we leave a positive mark on the island.

This evening, the MWSRP will provide more insights into the biology and behaviour of whale sharks, their current research, and the vital importance of protecting these gentle giants.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Central Ari Atoll, Uninhabited Island and beach clean up
We'll begin our day with an early morning cruise to Rangali Madivaru (Manta Point) for a pre-breakfast snorkel. While sightings are never guaranteed, we might be lucky enough to encounter manta rays, and if so, we'll follow the manta ray code of conduct. After breakfast, we'll embark on another whale shark safari and data capture session, building on yesterday's experiences.

In the late afternoon, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Dhigurah's tropical vegetation. Learn about the island's forest ecosystem and the vital role its vegetation plays in the Maldives. Be prepared for some heat and humidity, but your reward will be a stunning sunset and, if you fancy it, a refreshing dip in the ocean.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Cruise to Malé, Snorkelling, and Gulhi Island
Today, we begin our cruise back towards Malé. We'll enjoy two snorkelling sessions, offering the chance to observe different coral reef formations, encounter a variety of fish species, and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater ecosystems.

In the late afternoon, we'll visit the local island of Gulhi. This tiny, quiet island's main economy is fishing, and it's also home to the oldest dry dock boatyard in the Maldives. You can marvel at the size of the boats under renovation, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets, and refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut).

In the evening, we'll host a Maldivian theme night on board, featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance that showcases traditional Maldivian music and dance. This cultural immersion will deepen your understanding of Maldivian culture and enhance your overall learning experience.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Final Snorkel and Conservation Insights
We'll start the day with another snorkelling session, giving you a final chance to explore the incredible marine life and habitats of the Maldives. Keep an eye out for turtles, sharks, and rays – you never know what you might spot in the blue!

En route to Hulhumalé, we'll visit Villimalé, home to Save the Beach. Here, we'll observe how broader socio-economic factors and development are impacting marine conservation efforts and local communities.

OVERNIGHT:
Cabin on board the Felicity

MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Departure transfer to airport
Sadly, it's time to disembark from your conservation cruise this morning. An included transfer is provided today which will reach Male Airport by 9am, therefore a departure after 12pm is recommended. If you have an earlier departure, a private transfer can be arranged for an additional charge. A range of extensions are available ranging from guesthouse stays on local islands, to time in one of the Maldives' famous luxury resorts.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A

MEALS:
Breakfast

EXTRAS:
3-night resort island extension
Extra day in Hulhumale - post-tour