Marine Wildlife of the Maldives with Flights – 7 Days
Six nights on a boat in the atolls with whale sharks, turtles and mantas, with flights included.
Tour overview
This 7-day small-group trip is all about the ocean, sailing the atolls of the Maldives in search of turtles, whale sharks and manta rays. Return flights are included, and a tour leader travels with the group, which numbers no more than twelve. You spend six nights aboard a comfortable boat with a sundeck, with all meals included on board.
After meeting at Malé airport, a traditional dhoni carries you to your boat and you cruise into the South Malé Atoll. The next morning you snorkel over a shallow coral garden where turtles are regular visitors, before crossing into the Ari Atoll and visiting the island of Dhangethi.
Read more
Two days are spent in the South Ari Marine Protected Area with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, scanning the surface for whale sharks and learning about the work to protect them; between December and March you may also meet manta rays. On departures from February to April you visit the cleaning stations at Madivaru in search of mantas, then cruise back through the South Malé Atoll for a final snorkel before anchoring off Hulhumalé and returning to the airport.
The physical rating is medium, and you should be comfortable snorkelling in open water. This trip suits wildlife lovers who want to see the marine giants of the Indian Ocean.
Trip highlights
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Snorkelling with turtles (Day 2)
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The island of Dhangethi (Day 2)
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A whale shark safari with researchers (Day 3)
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Snorkelling in South Ari Atoll (Day 4)
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Manta rays in season (Day 5)
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A final snorkel and sunset cruise (Day 6)
Your route
6 stops from Malé to Malé
- Malé Day 1
- Guraidhoo Day 1
- Dhangethi Day 2
- South Ari Atoll Days 3–4
- Madivaru Day 5
- Malé Days 6–7
Why choose this tour
Whale sharks, turtles and mantas in a small group. Flights and all meals on board included.
Best suited to
- Wildlife lovers
- Confident snorkellers
- Solo travellers and couples
- Travellers who love the sea
Day-by-day itinerary
7 days from United Kingdom to United Kingdom
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Day 1 · Malé, South Malé Atoll Malé
Board the boat.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
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Day 2 · Ari Atoll, Dhangethi Ari Atoll
Turtles on the reef.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 3 · South Ari Marine Protected Area South Ari Atoll
A whale shark safari.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 · South Ari Atoll South Ari Atoll
More whale sharks and reefs.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 · Madivaru, South Malé Atoll South Malé Atoll
Manta rays in season.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 · Hulhumalé Hulhumalé
A final snorkel.
- Hotel
- MV Felicity
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 · Malé Fly home
Transfer to the airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Maldives atolls (6 nights) MV Felicity
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Return flights
- Accommodation 6 nights aboard a boat
- Meals 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners, including all meals on board
- Group arrival and departure transfers
- Daily snorkelling trips
- Whale shark safari with researchers
- Tour leader throughout
Not included
- Drinks
- Snorkelling equipment hire
- Tips
- Travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want a resort holiday
- You are not comfortable in the water
- You dislike small boats
- You want a long holiday
Good to know
Departures & prices
From £2,979 per person, twin share, tour only. With flights from £3,963 per person. 20 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £5,207 (single supplement from £2,168).
Offer Reduced prices on selected dates, shown with the regular price crossed out. Book by 16 Oct.
Flights from UK airports.
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.
Are flights included?
Yes, return flights are included.
Will I see whale sharks?
There's a good chance in South Ari, which is famous for them, but sightings aren't guaranteed.
When are manta rays seen?
Mainly from December to April, depending on the season.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You should be confident snorkelling in open water.
Do I need a visa?
No, the Maldives issues a free visa on arrival.
How many people travel together?
Between six and twelve 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