Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Cruise

After arriving in the Maldives, we'll meet you at the airport in Male and take you to the port, where we board the MV Felicity at 12:00 and settle in for the week ahead. We begin by meeting the team from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), who will be with us throughout the trip to share their expertise and guide our encounters with marine life.

We then cruise south towards South Male Atoll, where we receive a responsible snorkelling briefing before taking to the water for our first underwater experience in the Maldives’ extraordinary coral reefs. Later, we meet with the local NGO Save the Beach, who will introduce us to the region’s fragile marine ecosystems and the threats they face - particularly the impact on coral reefs - and the efforts being made to protect them.

Please Note: We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

This morning we visit the island of Maafushi, where we explore the rapid rise of local tourism and its environmental and cultural impact on island life.

We then join Save the Beach for a guided snorkel at Renee’s Coral Garden, a vibrant reef restoration site. Later, we learn about the importance of seagrass meadows - often called the lungs of the Earth - for their vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and storing carbon.

In the afternoon, we cruise to the southern part of South Male Atoll. As the day winds down, the team from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme gives a presentation on whale sharks, offering insights into their behaviour, conservation status, and what to expect during future encounters.

We start the day the Maldivian way - with an early morning snorkel before breakfast, exploring the reef as marine life stirs into action. After drying off and refuelling, we cruise on to South Ari Atoll, one of the Maldives' key hotspots for spotting whale sharks.

Later in the day, we visit the island of Dhangethi, one of the few remaining inhabited islands where traditional culture still plays a visible role in daily life. Here we enjoy a relaxed afternoon tea with a selection of hedhika - bite-sized savoury and sweet Maldivian snacks typically served with black tea.

As the sun begins to set, take in the brilliant colours of a classic Maldives sunset from Dhangethi. In the evening, we regroup for another insightful presentation by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, helping us prepare for possible encounters in the days ahead.

Today is dedicated to exploring one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary natural treasures - its population of whale sharks. South Ari Atoll is thought to host the world’s only known year-round aggregation of these gentle giants, and we have the chance to contribute directly to their conservation.

In the morning, we join the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme for a detailed briefing on how to identify individual whale sharks and collect meaningful data. We then set off on our very own whale shark safari, cruising through the atoll in search of these elusive creatures. Depending on the conditions and a little luck, we may spot one or more sharks within minutes - or we might spend hours scanning the waters. The uncertainty only adds to the thrill of the experience.

When a whale shark is sighted, we’ll slip into the water to snorkel alongside it - an unforgettable encounter. These enormous gentle filter-feeders can be surprisingly quick in the water, so expect an energising swim as you try to keep pace!

Later, we work together to collate and upload our data to the MWSRP database, helping to identify individual sharks and possibly even contributing to research on manta rays or other megafauna. Each recorded encounter is uploaded to MWSRP’s online portal and supports the broader efforts of the Big Fish Network.

We end the day on the island of Dhigurah, one of the longest in the Maldives. After disembarking, we’ll take a relaxed walk through the tropical interior to learn about the island’s native flora and fauna. In the evening, we reconvene for another MWSRP presentation to deepen our understanding of whale sharks and review the day’s discoveries.

This morning we head out once more on a whale shark safari with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. With our eyes on the water and snorkels at the ready, we continue our search for these awe-inspiring creatures. If we’re lucky enough to encounter them again, we’ll snorkel alongside and help record detailed data to support ongoing research. After the swim, we join the MWSRP team to input our findings into the database, identifying individual sharks and noting any additional marine sightings.

In the afternoon, we shift into island explorer mode as we cruise out to a nearby uninhabited island—a true Robinson Crusoe-style experience. Surrounded by clear waters and white sands, it’s the perfect spot to take in the wild beauty of the Maldives.

We also take the opportunity to give back to the environment that has hosted us so generously. Together, we’ll take part in a beach clean-up, helping to remove plastic and debris from the shoreline and leaving this stunning place just a little better than we found it.

As the sun begins to set, we gather for a relaxed beach BBQ dinner under the stars - an ideal way to unwind and reflect on another rewarding day in the Maldives.

Today we begin our return journey as we cruise back to the South Male Atoll. Along the way, we stop at Gulhi, a small yet vibrant island where we get a feel for everyday life in a traditional Maldivian community. As we walk through the village, we’ll see local homes, visit the boatyards, and have time to chat with islanders to better understand the rhythm of life in this remote atoll.

Back on board in the evening, we celebrate in true Maldivian style with a cultural theme night. Expect traditional food, colourful dress, and the rhythmic sounds of a live Bodu Beru performance - Maldives’ beloved drum-based music.

On our final full day, we cruise to Hulhumale Lagoon, soaking up the last of the sun and sea. We’ll make the most of the journey with a special snorkelling stop where we have the chance to encounter stingrays and schools of colourful bannerfish - an exciting way to round off our time in the water.

Later, we visit the coral nursery maintained by Save the Beach near Villimale. Here, we learn about the ongoing efforts to restore coral reefs and how this local NGO is working to protect the delicate marine environment.

We come together this evening for a farewell dinner on board - a final opportunity to share stories and highlights from our incredible week exploring the Maldives above and below the waves.

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the crew and disembark. An included transfer takes you back to the airport in Male for your onward flight.