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The extraordinary islands of the Maldives are some of the world's most spectacular and a multi-day cruise on a dhoni boat is the best way to take it all in. This seven-day cruise takes you to turquoise lagoons, perfect beaches, and isolated sandbars that might have only existed in your dreams until now. Every day offers calming sea breezes and countless photo opportunities with time in between to relax on the sundeck or socialize with fellow travellers over a great seafood meal. With a dhoni cruise boat as your home base for this adventure, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.
Food is a major part of this sailing adventure. You will enjoy many home cooked meals lovingly prepared by our on-board chef. Portions are generous and will include seafood, typical dishes and even the occasional breakfast fry up. Dietary needs can usually be accommodated, please inquire in advance. Drinking water is provided. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available to purchase onboard - we accept US Dollars, Euro, Visa cards, Master cards and American Express. Please note that for credit card payment, an additional 5% will be charged.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
SNORKELLING EQUIPMENT: MASKS AND SNORKELS
Please note that masks and snorkels will be provided onboard the boat. However, you can also bring your own equipment if you choose.
FINS - CONFIRM AT BOOKING
Fins for snorkeling will be provided on the boat. Please let us know your shoe/fin size at time of booking so that we can ensure we have proper sized gear onboard for you.
MONEY
USD and EUR are accepted as payment for your beverage bill at the end of the tour. Maldivian Ruffiya are not accepted. USD is accepted on the islands for souvenirs. Ensure USD notes/bills are new and/or in good condition.
RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Feb 28th - Mar 29th 2025, and Feb 17th - Mar 19th 2026. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
*Please note that your access to food and drink on board will not be affected by ramadan.
The starting point of your tour on day 1 is at Male International Airport at 10am. Please proceed to the Voyage Maldives counters, No.E2 after you exit customs. Here you will meet the G Adventures representative with the rest of your group.
If you arrive prior to day 1, you will need to return to the Male International Airport by no later than 10am on day 1 and proceed to the Voyage Maldives counter.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the following numbers:
+960 778 9229 - Safari Operations - Shardha
+960 777 2685 - Customer Service Duty Mobile
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
At the end of your tour if you felt your G Adventures CEO and crew did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however a guideline of USD10-15 per CEO/crew member, per week is recommended (or USD50-75 total).
There is limited space on the dhoni. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack. A daypack may be useful. Hard suitcases are very hard to store on board, and space is limited. Please be considerate if you are sharing a cabin, and note that large hard sided suitcases can take up a lot of space in the cabin. Soft sided luggage is strongly recommended. You will also need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the boat.
Dhoni boat.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. When off the boat and on the islands, this means covering shoulders and no short-shorts. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. On land, shorts should be knee-length. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable. One piece bathing suits are recommended bikinis and topless sun bathing are unacceptable.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Dhoni boat (6 nts).
Please be aware that as this is a traditional dhoni and not a cruise vessel, that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing all the facilities onboard. The sleeping quarters on boats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. If a real sailing experience on a real dhoni is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you. Travelers should bring their own toiletries, including soap and shampoo. Wifi is not available on board the vessel.
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
On some of our sailing trips, our online inventory may not display all of our available space. Call our GCO's to confirm your space on your selected departure if you don't see it available online.
Please note the “Snorkelling in the Maldives" included excursion begins around 10:30am, therefore we strongly suggest travellers arrive by 10:00am in order to have enough time to transfer to the boat for this activity. Any flight arriving after 10:00am would result in missing this included excursion. BUT do not fear, there are plenty of snorkelling opportunities throughout the trip. Just be sure you arrive by 2:00pm, so you don't miss the last transfer to the boat.
Skipper/CEO (Chief Experience Officer), crew.
8
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
Your G for Good Moment: Maldives Plastic Clean Up. Arrival transfer. Fulidhoo Island visit and Bodu Beru performance. Felidhu Island visit. Bodu Mora Island visit. Snorkelling equipment (*see important notes in trip details for restrictions due to Covid-19 health and safety protocols*). Beach time in the Maldives. Seven days aboard a traditional dhoni boat.
Discover isolated beaches and sandbars, Explore small fishing villages, Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Savour local cuisine, Experience a traditional drumming performance on Fulidhu, Moor at small beaches and peaceful harbours at night
Max 14, avg 12.
We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
There are no laundry facilities onboard the dhoni. You may hand wash items as needed. Detergent is usually available or you can bring a travel-size non-polluting/biodegradable detergent.
There are no ATMs outside of Malé. Travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. US dollars are the best foreign currency and can be exchanged at resorts and banks. Most restaurants and shops will accept USD$ for payment and provide change in local currency.
Be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
The Maldives has a non-convertible currency - Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) - this cannot be purchased beforehand. Note that MVR can only be exchanged back into original currency prior to departing the Maldives, and only if you have a receipt for an arrival exchange from the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often, we recommend you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
No optional activities
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
On arrival you will be met by the CEO at the airport. Then, the group will transfer to the airport marina to embark on today's snorkelling excursion. Afterwards, travel to the dhoni boat where we will meet our captain and crew. Once settled into our cabins, we will depart.
Please note the “Snorkelling in the Maldives" included excursion begins around 10:30am, therefore we strongly suggest travellers arrive by 10:00am in order to have enough time to transfer to the boat for this activity. Any flight arriving after 10:00am would result in missing this included excursion. BUT do not fear, there are plenty of snorkelling opportunities throughout the trip. Just be sure you arrive by 2:00pm, so you don't miss the last transfer to the boat.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches - the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please - lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches - the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please - lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches - the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please - lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches - the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please - lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches - the perfect photo opt.
Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please - lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.
Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses.
Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.
In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.
Your CEO can offer assistance with any onward travel you may require.
Details
Prices from: €1849.00
Duration: 7 Days
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Trip Type: Small Group
Travel Style: Marine
Service Level: Standard
Prices from: €1849.00
7 day Marine tour
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