Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

7 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
premier

Health Safety +

USTOA

Cancellation Policy
Operator does not provide
Awake to the sun rising over the azure ocean and snorkel areas of abundant marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles (green, hawksbill and olive ridley), plus bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Visit unspoiled islands by day and by night relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars above. A traditionally crafted Turkish gulet sailboat is the perf...
22%
$5,387
From$4,200
See departure dates

Overview

Trip type
Operator does not provide
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Spend six nights on a gulet in the Maldives
    • Discover unspoiled islands, pristine beaches and idyllic atolls
    • Snorkel with whale sharks, sea turtles and manta rays (in season)

What's this trip about?

    Awake to the sun rising over the azure ocean and snorkel areas of abundant marine life including manta rays, whale sharks, turtles (green, hawksbill and olive ridley), plus bottlenose and spinner dolphins. Visit unspoiled islands by day and by night relax on deck gazing at the millions of stars above. A traditionally crafted Turkish gulet sailboat is the perfect way to experience the magic of the Maldives. This itinerary is valid for departures from 3 Dec, 2023 to 31 Dec, 2025. For other departure dates, please contact us.Navigate the Indian Ocean in a traditional gulet for an unforgettable adventure in paradise

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityMalé International Airport
End CityMalé International Airport

Travel Themes

  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Maldives

Activities

  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • All food included on board
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Malé International Airport; board the Felicity; cruise through the South Malé Atoll

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...

Day 2 Turtle snorkelling safari in South Malé Atoll; cross into Ari Atoll

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 al...

Day 3 Full-day whale shark safari with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme

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 bio...

Day 4 Morning whale shark safari; afternoon snorkelling in South Ari Atoll

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 th...

Day 5 Morning manta ray snorkelling (in season); afternoon cruise back into South Malé Atoll

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;...

Day 6 Cruise back to Malé

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 ...

Day 7 Disembark boat and transfer to Malé International Airport; end of trip

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

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

Dates & Availability

Price From $4,200
Price per day$600
Last Updated: 3/22/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
24 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$4,500
2 spots left
15 Dec 2024
21 Dec 2024
$4,200
6 spots left
19 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
$4,500
8 spots left
26 Jan 2025
01 Feb 2025
$4,500
8 spots left
16 Feb 2025
22 Feb 2025
$4,500
8 spots left
23 Feb 2025
01 Mar 2025
$4,500
8 spots left
09 Mar 2025
15 Mar 2025
$4,500
8 spots left
23 Nov 2025
29 Nov 2025
$4,950
8 spots left
14 Dec 2025
20 Dec 2025
$4,950
8 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Exodus Travels.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
12,145
Great
3,144
Average
591
Disappointing
136
Terrible
177
K

Kim S.

Mar 2019

Written on

A magical trip! One of my best ever!

This trip far exceeded my expectations on every level. The underwater wildlife encounters were superior to any other snorkeling I've done. There's an abundance of th...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Spectacular wildlife, wonderful crew and great fun group

What a week! Everything you might wish for and more. We spent time with whale sharks, mantas, stingrays, turtles, and all reef life. Also had a great laugh in a be...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Don't Think About It ...Do It !!

Just stunning :0 One of the best holidays I have had and just what I needed to de-stress Wanting to visit the Maldives and travelling on my own this is a fabulous wa...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

You can be single and do the Maldives without feeling like the odd one out!

From day one you are part of the Felicity family. From being welcomed on board and shown your surprisingly comfy cabin, to the last breakfast on board, you are loo...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: EVERY DAY IS EPIC.

This was a magical ‘out of this world’ adventure that went way beyond my wildest dreams. Dive in - a spectacular tropical paradise awaits below and above the warm...

Write a Review

Other Exodus Travels Reviews

D

Dorian

Dec 2023

Written on

Exodus Discover Costa Rica is great for birders

Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by ...

L

LD

Dec 2023

Written on

Thai Indochina Explorer

Such an amazing trip to experience so much of South Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand (Bangkok only), in just 2 weeks. The local guides Trang (Vietnam), Channa (Cambodi...

B

Baltimore Chop

Feb 2024

Written on

We enjoyed our first trip to Costa Rica, especially hiking in the Monteverde cloud forest, relaxing on the beach at Manuel Antonio and seeing amazing plants, flowers, birds and animals at every turn.

This was the first time we have been to Costa Rica and the first time we have done an organized tour. We decided to join the tour for the convenience of planning, t...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

premier
View Profile

It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
What they’re known for
Global trips to both classic and exotic destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and discovery of local culture.

Why Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

Logistics

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request- very limited)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

6 nights in twin cabins on board the Felicity, all en suite facilities Full day and half day Whale shark safari included Dolphin safari included,A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet complete with sails, the MV Felicity has a length of 92ft (28m), a beam of 22.5ft (6.85m) and a draft of 8.5ft (2.6m). With two decks and six cabins, it accommodates 12 passengers comfortably. All cabins are air-conditioned with attached bathrooms including showers, small wardrobes, drawers and storage facilities, portholes and a wall fan. There is an outdoor dining area and an indoor area. The indoor saloon is furnished with a dining table and seating plus banquette seating and is equipped with a TV-DVD-stereo and an equipment-charging area. The communal open-air deck is furnished with sun mats and banquette seating. Please note: The Felicity only has six cabins with a mix of twin and double rooms; we therefore strongly recommend booking early to guarantee availability of the correct room type. If you are a very light sleeper, we recommend bringing earplugs in case it is necessary to have the generator operating at night. A single supplement is available but there is very limited availability.
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon snacks are all included on board. Traditional Maldivian cuisine is based around fish (tuna), chilli and coconuts. White rice and roshi (a flour-based flatbread) are also staples. Fish is normally smoked, fired, barbecued or roasted. Pork products are strictly prohibited. Typical ingredients used widely in dishes and served on board include onion, ginger, garlic, lemon and spices. Menus include European and Maldivian dishes, freshly prepared on board by our chefs who do their best to cater for most dietary requirements. The indoor saloon bar offers a wide choice of soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits to purchase. Please note, no alcohol is allowed on the islands – it is only permitted in the resorts and on the boats. Please discuss any dietary requirements with your sales representative at the time of booking.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
Six nights in twin cabins on board the Felicity Full-day whale shark safari included All meals included on-board
Trip ID
exodus-WOY

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >