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Maldives Whale Shark Snorkelling Conservation Cruise

Highlights

  • Visit 8 islands within the Maldives
  • Accompanied by Maldives Whale Shark Research Program
  • Spot sea life like turtles, colorful fish, sharks, and dolphins
  • Unforgettable meals under the stars and delicious local dishes
From £2034 pp*
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7 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

You will journey deep into the heart of the Maldives on an extraordinary cruise adventure that goes far beyond a typical island escape.

This is an immersive, purpose-led holiday where exploration, conservation and connection come together beneath turquoise waters and starlit skies.

2026 Dates:
1st – 8th February 2026 – Full
15th – 22nd February 2026
22 February - 01 March
1st – 8th March 2026 - Full
22nd – 29th March 2026
5th – 12th April 2026
23rd - 30 August 2026
1st - 8th November 2026
8th – 15th November 2026
15th – 22nd November 2026

2027 Dates:
7th – 14th February 2027
14th – 21st February 2027
21st – 28th February 2027
28th March – 04th April 2027
4th April – 11th April 2027
14th – 21 November 2027

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You will journey deep into the heart of the Maldives on an extraordinary cruise adventure that goes far beyond a typical island escape.

This is an immersive, purpose-led holiday where exploration, conservation and connection come together beneath turquoise waters and starlit skies.

2026 Dates:
1st – 8th February 2026 – Full
15th – 22nd February 2026
22 February - 01 March
1st – 8th March 2026 - Full
22nd – 29th March 2026
5th – 12th April 2026
23rd - 30 August 2026
1st - 8th November 2026
8th – 15th November 2026
15th – 22nd November 2026

2027 Dates:
7th – 14th February 2027
14th – 21st February 2027
21st – 28th February 2027
28th March – 04th April 2027
4th April – 11th April 2027
14th – 21 November 2027

Cruise our island paradise with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme and experience the ultimate in marine life encounters, marine conservation and environment awareness. Expect to see whale sharks, turtles, reef sharks, morays, eagle rays, dolphins and abundant tropical fish life.

This unique hand-curated cruise itinerary is for anyone with a passion for the ocean and responsible travel. Discover new places and cultures, learn more about marine life, participate in data capture and bask in beautiful natural surroundings.

*From price based on travel for 2 people.

Arrival Day

Arriving in the Maldives, you will transfer to the harbour and board the MV Felicity around midday. After settling into your cabin, you will meet the passionate team from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, who will introduce you to the purpose and spirit of the journey ahead.

As the vessel cruises into the turquoise waters of South Malé Atoll, you will receive a responsible snorkelling briefing before easing into your first underwater encounter. Later, you will meet the NGO Save the Beach, learning about Maldivian coral reefs, climate pressures and the conservation work being done to protect them.

The evening is spent cruising gently through the atoll, giving you time at leisure to relax on deck, soak up the sunset and get to know your fellow travellers.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Seagrass Snorkelling & Renee’s Coral Garden

This morning you will visit Maafushi Island, where you will gain insight into the realities of local tourism and its impact on island communities. It’s a fascinating contrast to the resort image many associate with the Maldives.

Back in the water, you will snorkel at Renee’s Coral Garden alongside Save the Beach, discovering vibrant marine life and restoration efforts. You will also learn why seagrass is known as the “lungs of the earth” and its vital role in carbon capture and marine biodiversity.

In the afternoon, the boat cruises towards the southern reaches of South Malé Atoll. As evening falls, you will attend a whale shark presentation delivered by MWSRP, deepening your understanding of the species you are working to protect. The remainder of the evening is at leisure on board.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Sunrise Snorkelling & Dhangethi Island

You will start the day Maldivian-style with an early morning snorkel before breakfast, when marine life is at its most active. Afterwards, the vessel cruises towards South Ari Atoll, one of the Maldives’ most important whale shark habitats.

Later, you will step ashore on Dhangethi Island. Here, you will enjoy traditional ‘Hedhika’ snacks during evening tea, offering a taste of local flavours and island hospitality. As the sun sets, the island glows with colour — a perfect moment to slow down and take it all in.

Back on board, another informative whale shark presentation rounds off the day, while the evening remains free for relaxation under the stars.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Whale Shark Safari & Dhigurah Exploration

Today is dedicated to one of the Maldives’ greatest natural wonders. South Ari Atoll is believed to host a rare year-round population of whale sharks, and you will learn how individuals are identified before heading out on your own whale shark safari.

Searches can be unpredictable — you may spot a shark within minutes or spend longer exploring the open ocean — but this is all part of the excitement. If encountered, you will have the chance to snorkel alongside these gentle giants, an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.

Throughout the day, you will contribute to real conservation work by collecting encounter data, identifying individuals and submitting findings to the MWSRP database and the Big Fish Network. Later, you will visit Dhigurah, one of the longest islands in the Maldives, enjoying a guided tropical forest walk and learning about local flora and fauna. The evening includes another whale shark presentation, with time at leisure afterwards.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Whale Sharks, Uninhabited Island & Beach BBQ

Another whale shark snorkelling safari awaits this morning, offering further opportunities to contribute to research and, conditions permitting, swim alongside these magnificent creatures.

In the afternoon, you will enjoy a Robinson Crusoe-style visit to an uninhabited island. Here, you will give back to the environment by taking part in a beach clean-up, helping protect the very ecosystems you’ve been exploring.

As the sun dips below the horizon, the day ends with a relaxed BBQ dinner on the beach — a memorable evening of good food, warm sand and shared stories beneath the Maldivian night sky.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & BBQ Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Gulhi Island & Cultural Evening

Cruising back towards South Malé Atoll, you will visit Gulhi Island, where you can wander through the village and gain further insight into daily island life.

The afternoon offers time at leisure on board — whether swimming, sunbathing or simply watching the ocean drift by. In the evening, you will enjoy a Maldivian theme night, complete with a traditional Bodu Beru musical performance, bringing rhythm and culture to your final nights at sea.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Snorkelling Finale & Farewell Dinner

Your final full day begins with a cruise back to Hulhumalé Lagoon. Along the way, you will enjoy one last snorkelling session with stingrays and banner fish — a perfect finale beneath the surface.

You will also visit Save the Beach’s coral nursery on Villimalé, seeing first-hand how coral restoration projects are helping regenerate damaged reefs. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to reflect on the journey.

In the evening, a farewell dinner on board brings the experience to a close, celebrating the friendships made and the conservation impact achieved.

Overnight: MV Felicity (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner
Room Type: Air-conditioned cabin with ensuite (or similar)

Farewell Maldives

After breakfast, you will disembark and transfer to the airport around 08:30 for your onward flight, departing the Maldives with unforgettable memories and the knowledge that you’ve helped protect its marine future.

Meals: Breakfast

What's included

Included

  • Airport transfers
  • 7 nights standard cabin - FB*
  • Daily morning and afternoon snacks
  • Visit Maafushi
  • Snorkelling at Renee’s Coral Garden
  • Whale shark presentation by Maldivian Whale Shark Research Project
  • Watch the sunset at Dhangethi
  • Whale shark safari
  • Visit Dhigurah
  • Tropical forest walk
  • Robinson Crusoe visit to an uninhabited island
  • BBQ Beach dinner
  • Visit Gulhi
  • Maldivian theme night including Bodu Beru musical performance
  • Snorkelling with sting rays and banner fish
  • Local taxes
  • Snorkelling fins
  • *FB - Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation

MV Felicity

MV Felicity a wooden hull gullet consists of 3 double and 3 twin fully air-conditioned cabins, which can accommodate 12 guests onboard at a time and is fully equipped with the required amenities.

Air conditioned cabins, toilets with hot & cold water
Salon space with bar facilities
Outside deck with dining facilities
Large sundecks with sun beds
Fully equipped PADI dive centre
TV/DVD/Music Library

Your local host

Maldives Paradise Team

We are an award winning sustainable tour company. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, our guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit where ever possible any negative impact to local life. We are based in the Maldives and we specialise only in the Maldives. Through our connections with The Maldives Ministry of Tourism we receive the most up to date travel advice and tourism announcements as they are made. We make it our business to know what is happening throughout the Maldives so that you don’t have to spend time researching. We have visited every local island and every resort we recommend, we have stayed at every accommoda... Read All

We are an award winning sustainable tour company. We are mindful of ensuring we promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of our team, our guests and locals, we aim to protect the environment and limit where ever possible any negative impact to local life. We are based in the Maldives and we specialise only in the Maldives. Through our connections with The Maldives Ministry of Tourism we receive the most up to date travel advice and tourism announcements as they are made. We make it our business to know what is happening throughout the Maldives so that you don’t have to spend time researching. We have visited every local island and every resort we recommend, we have stayed at every accommodation option to ensure we can provide you accurate, honest advice and information. We audit our property partners on an annual basis to ensure the standards we require for our guests are maintained and you are ensured a safe and comfortable stay. We care about each individual guest’s needs and requirements. We know that everyone travelling counts and so will always be happy to tailor-make an experience.

Maldives Paradise Team image

Location

This tour starts at Velana International Airport

FAQs

What is the weather like?

Like many places in the world today, the climate and weather patterns are changing and historical data is becoming less reliable as an indication of what to expect.

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30°C throughout the year, there is never a really bad time to visit the Maldives.

There are two distinct seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November. ‘Wet season’ doesn’t mean it rains all the time, but during this period there is a higher probability of rain. However, in today’s world we do experience rain even during the ‘dry’ season.

What is the dress code?

The Maldives are a Muslim nation, therefore care needs to be taken regarding dress on small islands and in local communities.

While it is acceptable for men to wear t-shirts and shorts/swim shorts, women should avoid causing offence by maintaining a more conservative approach. T-shirts with sleeves that cover the shoulders, loose shorts that cover the thighs, or sundresses with a sarong around shoulders are advised.

All the islands we visit are more tolerant of guests wearing traditional beachwear, but women should NOT wear swimwear unless on an uninhabited island, sandbank, private tourist bikini beach (available on all islands you’ll stay on) or on board our cruises and snorkelling boats. Your tour leader will advise when and where this is possible.

How fit do I need to be?

No previous experience is needed for any of the included activities – just an average level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The activities aren’t strenuous, the only requirement is that you must be able to climb a ladder to exit the water, be comfortable in the water and be able to swim to participate in snorkelling activities.

Do I need to bring snorkelling equipment?

We strongly recommend you bring along your own mask and snorkel wherever possible. Not only will you be assured the mask fits your face properly (making it more comfortable and less likely to leak), it’s also more hygienic. A mask and snorkel are small and light, so they should take up very little space in your suitcase!

Due to the ocean current and wind conditions in the Maldives, the use of fins is essential for almost all snorkelling and these are included in all snorkelling activities we provide on tour. However, if you want to ensure a perfect fit, you are always welcome to bring your own.

Can you accommodate diet requirements?

On board our cruises we can cater to most diets providing we are advised at time of booking. If there is something particularly you eat within your diet that you can’t live without we would encourage you to pack some and be prepared for perhaps more repetition of meals than you would be used to back home. For further clarification drop us a message.

Note to support our sustainable approach to cruises we do not offer beef products on board.

When traveling on land based tours properties can cater for vegan and vegetarian diets but it is worth noting in regard to food on local islands, over 95% of products are imported and then from Male they are transferred once or twice a week to outer islands.

Fruit and vegetables whilst available can be limited and they do not form part of the traditional Maldivian diet in the way you may be used to back home with your 5 a day! Given that tuna is a key component of our diet as vegetarians you will find your diet quite limited in comparison to what you are used to, even a potato curry is likely to have dried tuna added. On local islands you can’t just pop out to the supermarket and what you may see in the convenience store one week is not seen again for months!

Is alcohol available?

Maldivians, as Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol; hence there is a total restriction on alcohol being available on inhabited local islands, this includes the capital Male. Please do not bring alcohol through the airport as it will be confiscated and returned to you at time of departure.

Alcoholic beverages are available on our cruise itineraries and are purchased on board. Payment is required in USD cash or local currency to the boat captain.

When staying on local islands, visits to tourist resorts and bar boats in certain areas can be arranged.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our multi day tours. You need to be covered for medical expenses abroad, including any emergency transportation costs to the nearest hospital and any emergency repatriation that may be required due to illness/injury.

We recommend your insurance covers flight delays, missing flight connections and lost/delayed luggage.

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