Maldives Dhoni Cruise – 8 Days
Six nights on a traditional dhoni among the atolls of the Maldives, in a group of up to sixteen.
Tour overview
This 8-day small-group cruise offers a simple, sociable way to see the Maldives, sailing between uninhabited islands, coral reefs and local villages aboard a traditional dhoni. A tour leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than sixteen. You stay one night in a hotel in Malé and six nights on board, in compact two-person cabins, with the option of sleeping on deck under the stars. Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners are included.
Your trip begins in Malé, one of the world's smallest capitals, with a walking tour of its mosque, fish market and waterfront. The next morning you board your dhoni at Hulhumalé and set sail for the Vaavu Atoll, exploring Kuda Boli and crossing to the Meemu Atoll when the weather allows.
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Each day follows the rhythm of island life: snorkelling over quiet reefs such as Ruhhuri Hura and Acho Kacho, swimming, sunbathing and reading on deck. You snorkel over a shipwreck, visit the traditional village of Fulidhoo for a Bodu Beru drum display, and slip into the water at Nurse Shark Reef early one morning. On your final day you snorkel the Maafushi Coral Garden and Stingray Point before returning to Malé.
The physical rating is low. This cruise suits travellers who want an affordable, laid-back taste of the Maldives beyond the resorts.
Trip highlights
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A walking tour of Malé (Day 1)
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Sailing to the Vaavu Atoll (Day 2)
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Snorkelling quiet reefs (Days 3–4)
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A shipwreck snorkel and Fulidhoo village (Day 5)
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Nurse Shark Reef (Day 6)
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Stingray Point (Day 7)
Your route
7 stops from Male to Male
- Male Day 1
- Vaavu Atoll Days 2–3
- Felidhoo Day 4
- Fulidhoo Day 5
- South Male Atoll Day 6
- Maafushi Coral Garden Day 7
- Male Days 7–8
Why choose this tour
The Maldives on a budget, beyond the resorts. Sleep on deck under the stars.
Best suited to
- Snorkellers and beach lovers
- Travellers on a budget
- Solo travellers
- Laid-back travellers
Day-by-day itinerary
8 days from Malé, Maldives to Malé, Maldives
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Day 1 · Malé Malé
A walking tour.
- Hotel
- The Somerset Hotel
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Hulhumalé, Kuda Boli Vaavu Atoll
Set sail.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · Meemu Atoll Meemu Atoll
Clear-water snorkelling.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 · Ruhhuri Hura, Acho Kacho Reef Felidhoo
Quiet reefs.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · Fulidhoo Fulidhoo
A shipwreck and drums.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 · Nurse Shark Reef South Malé Atoll
Nurse sharks.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 · Maafushi, Stingray Point Malé
A last snorkel.
- Hotel
- Aboard a dhoni
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8 · Malé Malé
Drop-off at the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Malé (1 night) The Somerset Hotel
- Maldives atolls (6 nights) Aboard a dhoni
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 1 hotel night and 6 nights on a dhoni
- Meals 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Inter-island cruising
- Malé walking tour
- Daily guided snorkelling
- Fulidhoo village and Bodu Beru display
- Tour leader and airport drop-off
Not included
- Flights
- Drinks
- Snorkelling equipment hire
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a luxury resort
- You need spacious cabins
- You dislike boats
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £1,500 per person, twin share, tour only. 29 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
What is a dhoni?
A traditional Maldivian boat with compact two-person cabins and a sundeck.
Can I sleep on deck?
Yes, on some nights you can sleep out under the stars.
Does the route change?
Yes, the route between atolls depends on the weather.
Do I need a visa?
No, the Maldives issues a free visa on arrival.
When can I fly home?
You're dropped at Malé airport around 9am on Day 8.
How many people travel together?
Between four and sixteen travellers, with a tour leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary