Maldives whale shark conservation snorkelling cruise

Upon arriving in the Maldives, you will be met by your tour leader at Male International Airport at midday and board MV Felicity. After settling in, set off for to South Male Atoll where you will have your first Maldives underwater encounter! Your tour leader will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkeling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems so learning how to snorkel responsibly can help minimize your impact on the marine environment and protect the delicate balance of marine life. In the evening, a presentation focuses on the vital role of coral reefs, their biodiversity, and the threats they face due to climate change, pollution, and human activities. The Maldives is rich in marine life but unfortunately, our marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans. Your Tour Leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the eco system and what we can do to limit the impact.

As the sun rises, we begin our cruise to South Ari Atoll, known for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities. Today we will visit the local island of Dhangethi, providing a taste of local culture and Maldivian cuisine. On Dhangethi we will snorkel the seagrass beds and discover their importance to the ecosystem. Despite being one of the most valuable ecosystems on the planet, sea grass is considered unsightly, and is often deliberately removed. Gain insights into the interconnectedness of seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and the diverse marine life they support. Before dinner, Maldives Whale Shark Research Project (MWSRP) talk about the conservation of whale sharks preparing you for our whale shark safari tomorrow! Learn about the code of conduct for a positive encounter for both you and the whale shark.

Today marks the highlight of the itinerary with a dedicated whale shark safari. South Ari Atoll is well known for the possibility of encountering whale sharks particularly on the reefs behind Dhigurah. There is only one way we can spot them and that’s the old-fashioned way of being out on the boat and looking! We may see 2 or 3 sharks in half an hour or maybe none for the whole time we are searching, but the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! When we do spot them, following the whale shark code of conduct we will snorkel alongside them. A truly magical experience. As part of the data capture process, assist the MWSRP team in collecting valuable information about the whale sharks, such as size, behavior, and markings, as well as weather and ocean conditions, number of vessels in the area and number of tourists in the water. This hands-on experience contributes directly to their ongoing research efforts. This evening learn about the biology and behavior of whale sharks, the research efforts of Maldives Whale Shark Research Program and the importance of protecting these marine giants.

Following breakfast, we venture once again into the waters of SAMPA for a second dedicated whale shark safari and data collection session. With a better understanding of whale shark behavior and movement patterns gained from the previous day, today presents another opportunity to fine-tune your spotting skills and contribute meaningfully to citizen science. Join the MWSRP team in monitoring and recording key information such as size estimates, distinguishing features, and any notable injuries or unusual behavior. If conditions allow, there’s also the potential to photograph their unique spot patterns — a method used to identify individual sharks and track their movements over time. Whether you were lucky enough to encounter multiple whale sharks yesterday or are hoping today brings your first sighting, the thrill of the search and the knowledge that you are directly supporting marine conservation makes this experience both rewarding and unforgettable.

We start cruising early morning to Rangali Madivaru (manta point) where we will snorkel before breakfast. Whilst never a guarantee we may be lucky enough to encounter manta rays and will follow the manta ray code of conduct if we are lucky enough to encounter them. In the afternoon, we visit an uninhabited island. As you step onto its shores, you will feel like an intrepid explorer, discovering a place that feels like it belongs only to you. The island’s beaches will invite you to wander and explore their hidden corners. Unfortunately, plastic is often not hidden and we will spend time completing a beach clean-up activity, ensuring we leave a positive mark on the island.

We start our cruise back towards Male today. Two snorkeling activities provide an opportunity to observe different coral reef formations, encounter a variety of fish species, and appreciate the intricate balance of these underwater ecosystems. Late afternoon we visit the local island of Gulhi. This tiny quiet island’s main economy is fishing and it is also home to the oldest dry dock boat yard in the Maldives. Stand in awe at the size of the boats under renovation in the boat yard, chat with the ladies sweeping the streets and finally refresh yourself with a cool Kurumba (coconut). In the evening, a Maldivian theme night is organized on board, featuring a Bodu Beru musical performance, showcasing traditional Maldivian music and dance. This cultural immersion further deepens participants’ understanding of the Maldivian culture and enhances their overall learning experience.

We start the day with another snorkeling session, allowing you to further explore the marine life and habitats of the Maldives. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! On route to Hulhumale we visit Villimale, where we meet local NGO Save the Beach and witness how the broader socio-economic factors and development is affecting marine conservation local communities. We also have the opportunity to snorkel Villimale coral nursery, one of Save the Beach’s key projects.

Departure to Male International Airport by 09:00