Maldives Dhoni Cruise
7 days
From
$ 1949
Duration7 days
White sands, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters — cruise the extraordinary islands of the Maldives by traditional dhoni. Experience the turquoise lagoons and perfect beaches that make these islands famous. Learn the local way and snorkel amongst the spectacular corals of the Indian Ocean. Every day offers relaxing sea breezes and countless photo opportunities. Indulge yourself in this tropical paradise.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 7 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Malé/South Malé Atoll
You will be met by airport representatives who will transfer you to Male before going to the waterfront to meet our boat captain and crew. Once settled into our cabins, we will depart.
Transfer to the dhoni boat after a brief meeting with the CEO, settle in, and set sail on a voyage of discovery.
Meals: L, D
Day 2: South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu
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. On Fulidhu, mingle with locals and experience a traditional drumming performance. 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.
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.
End place: Felidhu Atholhu
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Ambara/Fenboa Finolhu
Cruise south for 2-3 hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll. As with the rest of the journey, stick close to shore (weather permitting) and cruise close to many of the stunning islands.
Meemu Atoll has 34 islands of which 25 are uninhabited. Here more than anywhere, we are likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life.
Meemu Atoll has 34 islands of which 25 are uninhabited. Here more than anywhere, we are likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life.
Cruise across the Meemu Atoll and arrive to Fenboa Finolhu, another beautiful uninhabited island. Stay the night with plenty of time to enjoy the beach and snorkel amongst the reefs.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Fenboa Finolhu/Dhiggaru
Head east towards the island of Djiggaru, stopping along the way to snorkel on a reef, arriving in the late afternoon. Spend the evening enjoying the laid back pace and traditional way of life of the locals. With some luck, get an invitation for an evening performance of Bodu Beru (Big Drum), the traditional folk music of the country.
End place: Digaru
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Dhiggaru/Felidhu Atholhu
Start place: Digaru
Head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. Take time to wander through the village and learn something new about the lives of the islanders.
End place: Felidhu Atholhu
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Felidhu Atholhu/Eboodhoofinolhu
Start place: Felidhu Atholhu
Enjoy the longest journey of the trip back through the islands of Felidhoo and South Malé atolls. There are plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel or to explore the islands en route. The day's destination is Emboodhu Finolhu, one of the northernmost islands of South Malé Atoll.
End place: Eboodhoofinolhu
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: South Malé Atoll/Malé
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.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Arrival transfer
- Fulidhoo Island visit and Bodu Beru performance
- Felidhu Island visit
- Bodu Mora Island visit
- Snorkelling equipment
- Beach time in the Maldives
- Seven days aboard a traditional dhoni boat
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Transport
Traditional dhoni boat -
Accommodation
Traditional dhoni boat (6 nts)