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Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Maldives - Trip code MC Boat Journeys
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353Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
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Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Board a traditional Maldivian dhoni cruise and sail through idyllic turquoise waters and palm-fringed beaches. This relaxing journey includes the islands of South Male, Felidhoo and Meemu, visiting remote fishing communities and stopping at beautiful reefs for snorkelling in crystal clear waters.

Why we love this trip
  • Uninhabited islands and pristine beaches - Visit unspoilt, idyllic corners of the Maldives, far away from the tourist resorts
  • Snorkelling and swimming in tropical waters - Enjoy warm, clear water and go snorkelling for opportunities to spot manta ray, turtle, clown fish and other sea life on beautiful reefs
  • Traditional fishing villages - Learn about local life in this tropical and remote paradise

  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Lunch: 6

    Dinner: 7

  • Trip staff

    Boat Crew

    Cook

    Explore Representative

  • Transport

    Boat

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    Accommodation

    6 nights simple boat

    1 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Relaxed

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 10

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join trip in Male

Our adventure begins in Male at our joining hotel. The circumference of the island is little more than 5 kilometres/3 miles, making it easy to explore on foot. Male is a hub of activity, in stark contrast to the laid-back islands of the archipelago that we'll explore in the coming days.

If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Male International Airport (MLE). For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting followed by an orientation walking tour of the town. We'll take in the Mosque, and the fish market and stroll along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.

Please note that if you'd like to join the orientation tour today, you'll need to arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and make the short transfer to the hotel. Therefore, the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will leave information with the meeting time for tomorrow in the hotel reception and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Accommodation:

Mookai Hotel (or similar)

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single Room Unavailable

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Dinner

Day 2 - Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Boli

This morning, we'll drive to Hulhumale Marina to meet our moored dhoni and crew. We'll have breakfast onboard and our tour leader will take time to introduce the crew and tell us about the boat and our day-to-day living for the coming days. We then begin a four-hour cruise south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are uninhabited and are surrounded by clear turquoise water and reefs.

Heading further south, we'll cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we'll spend time exploring the picturesque island of Kudiboli. Please note, you don't need special footwear for getting on and off the boat and exploring these islands - most travellers manage just fine in flip-flops.

After our island exploration, we'll spend the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing onboard our dhoni. For our first snorkel we plan to enter the sea from the beach or sand bar into relatively calm waters. All subsequent snorkelling and swimming will be directly from the boat, over reefs and into deeper waters.

Over the week, we're likely to encounter plenty of underwater fauna. We might be lucky enough to spot green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we'll also swim amongst a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable local guides will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across.

All meals are included on the dhoni. Menus are likely to include freshly caught fish, as well as curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks can be purchased on-board, too. You can pay your bill for drinks at the end of your cruise in USD or by credit card.

Cabins are compact but spacious enough for two people. You also have the option to sleep on deck under the stars some nights.

Please note that the itinerary is entirely dependent on the local weather, winds and tides. It's very often necessary to adapt the planned itinerary to local conditions.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 - Snorkel in the clear waters of the Vaavu Atoll

Today (if weather conditions for the next couple of days allow it) we'll sail south for a further two or three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll.

If the weather stops us from doing that, we'll continue to explore Vaavu Atoll, snorkelling in the turtle reef before cruising on to Loabi Faru to snorkel in the pristine reef there. Back on the dhoni, we'll cruise over to Bongo Veli where we plan to spend the night close to a popular sandbank known for its pristine white sand.

We'll have time in the late afternoon to enjoy the white-sand beach, swim and watch the sunset. Later this evening, we can look forward to a barbeque beach banquet in an idyllic spot on the island, laid on by the dhoni crew.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 - Cruise to Felidhoo Island

After breakfast., we cruise for about an hour to Ruhhuri Hura for a snorkel in a quieter reef. We travel on a short distance to Acho Kacho Reef nearby for another chance to marvel at the marine life and have a swim and snorkel.

Cruising north, we reach the Felidhoo, the administrative centre of Felidhoo Atoll. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we'll take it easy, taking time to visit the village, meet the island's inhabitants and learn about their traditional, yet relaxed, way of life.

Please note, not many tourist groups visit the village and it's essential to dress and act respectfully. This includes removing shoes when visiting a house or a mosque.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 - Shipwreck snorkel. Visit the traditional village of Fulidhoo. Bodu Beru drum display

Now we've gotten into the flow of island living, our daily routine likely includes reading, sunbathing and napping between island exploration and snorkelling. Our first dip in the ocean today is to snorkel over a shipwreck, spotting myriad colourful fish.

In the afternoon, we'll pick another suitably sheltered location for our second snorkel of the day.

With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we plan to spend tonight at anchor off Fulidhoo Island. Once again, we'll meet the locals and gain more of an appreciation for their life in this tropical paradise. This evening, we'll enjoy a Bodu Beru performance, the traditional folk music of the country.

Please note that during the month of Ramadan it's not possible to arrange the Bodu Beru drumming performance. In 2026 this runs from 17th February to 18th March, and in 2027 from 7th February to 8th March.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - Nurse shark reef snorkel before sailing to South Malee Atoll

For an early morning snorkel today, we'll dip into the waters at Nurse Shark Reef. We'll then start to motor back north for around three hours, crossing the channel once again to South Malee Atoll with time for another snorkel at a sheltered spot.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Maafushi Coral Garden and Stingray Point

Our last day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. Of course, we'll take the opportunity for a final splash in the water with a spot of snorkelling and swimming, at Maafushi Coral Garden and Stingray Point, before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.

If the weather is clear, we'll try to find a natural spot to drop anchor for tonight but most often we find ourselves in Gulhi Falhu Marina.

Accommodation:

Aboard Dhoni (or similar)

Grade: Simple Boat

Single Room Unavailable

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - Trip ends in Male

The trip ends after breakfast on our dhoni in Male. The crew need to start preparing for the next voyage so we are off boarded after breakfast and dropped at the airport for 9am.

There are no activities planned today, however, the earliest your flight can depart is 11am.

If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport for a cost of $6 per item. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Male International Airport (MLE).

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Maldives

Climate

Day time temperatures are remarkably consistent throughout the year ranging from 30°C to 32°C dropping to between 25°C and 26°C at night. Although rain is heaviest in June, July and August, heavy rain can fall at any time of year - even in February and March when statistically only 50mm usually falls during those months combined. The south-west monsoon lasts from May to November and not only brings the rains but also stronger winds and storms, although the transitional periods of early May and late November are supposed to be calm with exceptionally clear water.

Time difference to GMT

+5

Plugs

3 Pin Flat

Religion

Islam

Language

Dhivehi, English

Budgeting and packing

Clothing

Only lightweight clothing is needed. Local people in Male and in villages on the islands find western styles of dress extremely offensive. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and women. A sarong and something to cover the head (for women) is recommended. Don't forget swimming gear and clothes to protect you from the sun including a wide brimmed hat. You may consider wearing a Tshirt whilst snorkelling to avoid bad sunburn on the back and shoulders.

Footwear

Comfortable shoes and sandals.

Luggage

20kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and a daypack. A soft holdall is the best option as luggage is stored under the beds in the cabins. Remember you are expected to carry your own baggage - so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

Snorkels, masks and flippers are provided on the Dhonis. All equipment is thorough sanitised after each use. You are welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.

Bring a high factor sun protection and a hat. We recommend Factor 30 plus for snorkelling as the water intensifies the sun's strength. Swimming in a long sleeved rash vest or top that you don't mind using in the sea, is a good idea for extra protection from the sun as well as plankton that could sting. Both bath and beach towels are provided on the Dhoni. We advise you bring a water bottle for day to day use.

Ear plugs are always a good idea for travel, and light sleepers may appreciate them as the generator runs through the night.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that's done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It's a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we'd recommend between about 30 USD per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Local Staff: In this area, tipping is a recognised part of life. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided.

Accordingly, you should allow the equivalent of 35 USD per traveller.
International Departure Taxes
A departure tax was introduced in mid 2013. This is now included in the cost of airline tickets so there should be nothing to pay on your departure.

Maldives

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£7.50
Dinner price
£12.00
Beer price
£3.50
Water price
£1.70
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Rufiyaa. Although you will not need any local currency and it is not accepted on the dhoni boat. USD notes need to be in very good condition, without damage and writing, or they will not be accepted.
Recommended Currency For Exchange
US Dollars are widely accepted in the Maldives and are the best currency for exchange.
ATM Availability
No Access
Credit Card Acceptance
Accepted
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Boat

Accommodation notes

We work with a local operator who owns a number of different Dhonis; all of which are different sizes with different layouts. We plan to use a 5 berth Dhoni. All Dhonis that we use are fitted with diesel engines, which are used most of the time that we are travelling. Some of the boats still have sails but these are used very infrequently.

The 5 cabins are small and simple but adequate for sleeping and changing. In all of the cabins there will be bunk beds and so the person on the top will need to be prepared to climb up to their bed. Two of the cabins have slightly wider (4.1ft) lower bunk beds and where possible we will allocate these to couples but we cannot guarantee this, couples should state preference when booking. Four cabins have an ensuite bathroom with WC and shower. The other cabin is assigned a bathroom with WC and shower that is not ensuite. There are plugs (3 pin flat) available in each cabin with electricity available (230-240V-AC) when the boats generator is running (when the boat is moving or the crew are cooking meals) so it is possible to charge cameras and phones during the tour. There is no A/C but there is a fan in each cabin. There are small cupboards in each cabin for you to store valuables such as passports. There is no WiFi on board but it is possible to buy a SIM card from the airport or speak with your Tour Leader for advice on this while you have time in Male.

Good quality snorkelling equipment including mask, snorkel, flippers and swim noodles are provided (we will ask for your shoe/flipper size before you travel!). You are free to bring your own equipment should you wish. No scuba diving equipment will be carried on board.

Whilst we do our best to deliver the advertised itinerary, the safe operation of the boat and all passengers is the crew's priority and as such, deviations from the planned itinerary may be necessary due to weather/local conditions.

All Dhonis are inspected annually in order to retain their license. They carry enough lifejackets for all clients and crew plus buoyancy aids and a dinghy with small outboard engine. All boats have a CB radio, and for most of the voyage the boat is in mobile phone range of the islands. Full fire fighting equipment is also carried on every boat. There will be a minimum of 4 crew on board including the captain and cook - depending on the number of people on the boat. Most of the cabins offer couchette accommodation on a twin share basis with all bedding provided.

Food and drink

All meals and a bottle of drinking water each day are provided on board the Dhonis. There is a bar for any additional soft and alcoholic drinks you may wish to buy, a dining area and a sundeck to relax and sunbathe throughout the day.

It should be noted that it is not permitted for tourists to bring alcohol in to the country and it will be confiscated at the airport if you attempt to do so.

Breakfasts are often mashuni - a tuna and coconut combination which is served with roti style bread or a more western start to the day with eggs and toast. Most lunches and dinners will have a pasta element and during the afternoons the boat crew will often bake a cake. Plenty of fresh veg, meat and fruit is also provided. Please advise us at time of booking if you require a gluten free or vegetarian diet.

Maldives

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip. 

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Maldives: Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada are given a free 30 day permit on arrival, provided they meet the entry requirements. Please note that visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination, including countries you plan to transit or transfer through. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
www.immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa

An on-line Traveller Declaration form must be filled in and submitted by all clients travelling to the Maldives, within 96hours before the flight time for arrival. The form has to be submitted electronically via:
https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv/traveller

Flights via Sri Lanka: If your flight requires you to transit in Sri Lanka then you will not be required to obtain a Sri Lankan visa if your transit time is less than 48hrs. The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

An ability to swim is essential for your safe enjoyment of the water based activities on this trip. If you wish to participate in these activities then we insist that you are able to swim.

Maldives

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis & polio. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis. Please consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Please take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites - these include mosquito repellent as well as long trousers and long sleeve shirts to cover up when necessary. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Boat Journeys information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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Print Trip Notes

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