Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

Following the arrival of the group flight and a short introductory briefing, we will transfer by dhoni to board by midday the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

MV Felicity

Following the arrival of the group flight and a short introductory briefing, we will transfer by dhoni to board by midday the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

MV Felicity

This morning our first stop will be a reef located on the east side of the atoll which offers the strong possibility of a number of turtle sightings. The reef is shallow but dense with corals which provide turtles with an abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs there will also be plenty of fish to observe including Box fish, Porcupine fish and schools of Banner fish. The remainder of the day we will cross into Ari Atoll and head south towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions if there is time there, will be the opportunity this afternoon to take a further snorkel trip before making a visit to the local island of Dhangethi where we will take a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story to tell concerning the moon and a Maldives Sultan!

MV Felicity

The region of South Ari Atoll is very lucky to have a unique year-round population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. We spend time with a representative of the Maldives Whale shark Research Team or a local marine biologist to learn about these magnificent creatures and how identification can be made before heading out on our own Whale shark safari. We may see 1 or 2 Whale sharks in half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale sharks can, at times, swim very quickly – so you may need to work hard to keep up with them in the water!
MV Felicity

Today we go in search of Whale sharks once more and if the time of year is right (December – March) we may also encounter Manta rays. Following lunch we will be taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles amongst the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, it is likely that fish species such as Dogtooth tuna, Trevally’s, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers will be encountered. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on board MV Felicity.
MV Felicity

On departures between February and April we will cruise to Madivaru, a marine protected area with two cleaning stations where we hope to encounter Manta rays. With a radio network between dive and cruising vessels, our guide and crew will do their best to encounter Manta rays but should we not be lucky enough, further snorkelling opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, eels, octopus and rays will be offered. Out of season it is still possible to encounter solitary Manta rays and we will also make the most of a final opportunity to encounter Whale sharks.

Qualified divers are offered the optional opportunity to dive within this marine protected area which boasts a number of exciting dive sites (see money section for prices of the optional diving). For those who have not dived before a Discover Scuba Diving Course is offered to learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. Those who choose not to dive will be able to snorkel in this protected marine area.

This afternoon we start our cruise northwards.
MV Felicity

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumale in the late afternoon. This morning there will be a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and whilst cruising we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy, read a book or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass by. Once anchored in Hulhumale lagoon there will be an optional Male city walking tour available for those who would like to stretch their legs! This evening a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work being undertaken by local NGO’s to protect it for the future.
MV Felicity

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK. For land only clients, the trip ends upon arrival back to Male International Airport this morning.

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK.

Following the arrival of the group flight, we board the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Ari Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

MV Felicity

Following the arrival of the group flight, we board the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Ari Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

On this special departure, it is imperative that we board the MV Felicity by midday.

MV Felicity

The region of South Ari Atoll is very lucky to have a probable unique year-round population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are the same individuals time after time. We spend time with a representative of the Maldives Whale shark Research Team or a local marine biologist to learn about these magnificent creatures and how identification can be made before heading out on our own Whale shark safari. We may see 1 or 2 sharks in half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale sharks can, at times, swim very quickly – so you may need to work hard to keep up with them in the water!

MV Felicity

Today will be our second full day of data collection and encountering the Whale Sharks.

There will be time this afternoon to visit the local island of Dhigurah where we will take a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea.

MV Felicity

Today we go in search of Whale sharks once more and if the time of year is right (December – March) we may also encounter Manta rays. Following lunch we will be taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles amongst the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, it is likely that fish species such as Dogtooth tuna, Trevally’s, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers will be encountered. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on board MV Felicity.
MV Felicity

On departures between February and April we will cruise to Madivaru, a marine protected area with two cleaning stations where we hope to encounter Manta rays. With a radio network between dive and cruising vessels, our guide and crew will do their best to encounter Manta rays but should we not be lucky enough, further snorkelling opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, eels, octopus and rays will be offered. Out of season it is still possible to encounter solitary Manta rays and we will also make the most of a final opportunity to encounter Whale sharks.

Qualified divers are offered the optional opportunity to dive within this marine protected area which boasts a number of exciting dive sites (see money section for prices of the optional diving). For those who have not dived before a Discover Scuba Diving Course is offered to learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. Those who choose not to dive will be able to snorkel in this protected marine area.

This afternoon we start our cruise northwards.
MV Felicity

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumale in the late afternoon. This morning there will be a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and whilst cruising we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy, read a book or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass by. Once anchored in Hulhumale lagoon there will be an optional Male city walking tour available for those who would like to stretch their legs! This evening a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work being undertaken by local NGO’s to protect it for the future.
MV Felicity

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK. For land only clients, the trip ends upon arrival back to Male International Airport this morning.

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK.

Following the arrival of the group flight and a short introductory briefing, we will transfer by dhoni to board by midday the MV Felicity, our home for the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique experience that you will not forget.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Following a short introductory briefing, we transfer by dhoni (a traditional boat) to board the MV Felicity by midday, our home for the next six days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south to Guraidhoo in the South Malé Atoll. During this time, you can do as you please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beautiful Maldives pass and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle the islands and atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as the marine creatures that live in and around them. This, coupled with the amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving here an experience you never forget.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

This morning, our first stop is a reef on the east side of the atoll, which offers the strong possibility of several turtle sightings. The reef is shallow but dense with corals that provide turtles with an abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs, there is also plenty of fish to observe including box fish, porcupine fish and schools of banner fish. For the remainder of the day, we cross into the Ari Atoll and head south towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions and time, we may have the opportunity this afternoon for a further snorkel trip before visiting Dhangethi, where we have a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story concerning the moon and a Maldives sultan!

Accommodation: MV Felicity

The South Ari Atoll is the only place in the world with a year-round population of whale sharks, many individuals even return to this spot regularly. For our adventure, we are joined by a representative from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Team or a local marine biologist to learn about these magnificent creatures and how identification is made before we head out on a whale shark safari. We may see one or two whale sharks in 30 minutes; alternatively, given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat, we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However, the unpredictability adds to the excitement and, if we do spot them, we can snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale sharks can, at times, swim very quickly – so you may need to work hard to keep up.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Today we go in search of whale sharks once more; if the time of year is right (December to March), we may also encounter manta rays. Following lunch, we are taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we may be fortunate to encounter turtles among the colourful corals and fish. The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of snorkel sites. However, we will see likely see fish species such as dogtooth tuna, trevallies, jacks, sweetlips, butterfly fish, wahoo and fusiliers. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on the MV Felicity.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

On departures between February and April, we cruise to Madivaru, a protected marine area with two cleaning stations where we hope to encounter manta rays. With a radio network between dive and cruising vessels, our guide and crew do their best to encounter manta rays; should we not be lucky enough, further snorkelling opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, eels, octopus and rays will be offered. Out of season, it is still possible to encounter solitary manta rays and we also make the most of a final opportunity to encounter whale sharks.

Additionally, qualified divers are offered the optional opportunity to dive within this protected marine area, which has several exciting dive sites (see money section for prices of the optional diving). For those who have not dived before, a Discover Scuba Diving course is offered to learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive under the direct supervision of a Padi professional. Those who choose not to dive can snorkel instead.

This afternoon, we start our cruise northwards.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumalé in the late afternoon. This morning, there is a final chance to snorkel these tropical waters and, while cruising, we can do as we please: relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy or just watch the beauty of the Maldives pass. Once anchored in Hulhumalé lagoon, there is an optional walking tour of Malé for those who wish to stretch their legs! This evening, a presentation provides an overview of the Maldives marine environment and the work undertaken by local NGOs to protect it for the future.

Accommodation: MV Felicity

After a light breakfast, the group is transferred this morning back to Malé International Airport, where we begin our return journeys home.

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in for their flight back to the UK.