Sail Maldives
8 Days Starting and ending in Male, Maldives
Visiting: Male to Rihivelli Lagoon, Rihivelli Lagoon - Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi (Vaavu Atoll), Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi - Anbaraa - Ruhhurihuraa (South Vaavu Atoll), Bodumohoraa – Keyodhoo Shipwreck - Hulhidhoo , Alimatha - Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - Fulidhoo, Fulidhoo Village - Vilivaru – Biyaadhoo – Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island, Guraidhoo Island - Male, Male
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HPSM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a breathtaking journey with the "Sail Maldives" tour, where you'll spend a week cruising the stunning Maldivian waters aboard a traditional Dhoni. This intimate experience accommodates just 12 passengers, offering cozy cabins with ensuite facilities. Dive into the vibrant marine life as you snorkel daily, encountering tropical fish, turtles, and possibly even manta rays and reef sharks. Explore the colorful coral gardens of Maafushi and Biyaadhoo Reef, and enjoy cultural experiences like a Maldivian cooking demonstration and a beachside dinner with traditional music and dance. Delight in fresh local cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culture with village walks and visits to small cafes. This tour begins and ends in Male, promising an unforgettable adventure in paradise.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Male To Rihivelli Lagoon
Location: Male to Rihivelli Lagoon
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Assalaa mu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive in Male at the airport, you’ll be met at 12 pm by a local representative. You’ll then take a small boat to the marina where your Dhoni (traditional sailing boat) will be waiting for you. There will be a safety briefing onboard before you set sail. Settle into your cabins, meet your small crew and start sailing, watching the expanse of the Indian Ocean as you go. Stop for a swim near a sandbank in warm waters between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Tonight, you’ll have your first night aboard the boat in Rihiveli Lagoon, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat under a clear sky full of stars.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Rihivelli Lagoon - Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi (Vaavu Atoll)
Location: Rihivelli Lagoon - Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi (Vaavu Atoll)
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up in the lagoon this morning, surrounded by clear, light blue waters – you might even be lucky enough to see your first dolphins of the adventure! Maybe hop straight in the calm waters for a morning swim, then sail through the lagoons of Vaavu Atoll, soaking up the paradisical scenery on your way to Khudi Boli. When you arrive, take to the water for a snorkel among the large expanses of coral that shelter hundreds of shimmering fish. Back on the boat, maybe open one of the books in the library to learn more about the varieties and species here. If you like fishing, maybe go with the captain on the motor dinghy and catch some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner on board.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi - Anbaraa - Ruhhurihuraa (South Vaavu Atoll)
Location: Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi - Anbaraa - Ruhhurihuraa (South Vaavu Atoll)
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sail southwest of the Atoll today, for a full day of snorkelling around one of the small untouched islands, Ruh Hurihuraa. Dive into the warm waters and discover some of the most beautiful bottoms and drop-offs of the island. If the weather’s good, you’ll spend the night close to the island. Otherwise, at the end of the afternoon, you’ll sail for the lagoon of Bodu Mora – an uninhabited island reserved for oceanographic scientists.
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Bodumohoraa – Keyodhoo Shipwreck - Hulhidhoo
Location: Bodumohoraa – Keyodhoo Shipwreck - Hulhidhoo
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cast your sights northeast today, sailing towards the Keyodhoo Shipwreck – resting on a relatively shallow lagoon, this ship’s mast rises just above the water and is a popular spot in the Maldives for snorkelling. This morning is all about exploring the ship, full of life with its colourful corals and reef fish. After lunch aboard, you’ll sail to the island of Hulidhoo, which is covered with coconut trees and mangroves. Head out for your second snorkel of the day, as the drop-offs here promise a beautiful aquatic landscape. Continue to Alimathaa and watch the sunset over the lagoon tonight.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Alimatha - Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - Fulidhoo
Location: Alimatha - Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - Fulidhoo
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Maldives is home to one of the largest nurse shark populations and it’s only growing in numbers. This morning, go snorkelling and maybe even spot some reef sharks and manta rays, too! After, sail to a coral garden that’s filled with life and snorkel among sea anemones and clown fish. Then, set sail to Fulidhoo – famous for the construction of wooden boats. Make your first journey to land for a walk through the local village, learning about the local customs and way of life on the island. Later, take part in a hedhikaa (Maldivian treats) experience at a locally owned cafe. Enjoy some traditional homemade snacks served with black tea and chat with the locals. Tonight, maybe pop down to the jetty, sit on the edge and watch as the nurse sharks dance beneath your feet, scavenging for the fisherman's offcuts.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Fulidhoo Village - Vilivaru – Biyaadhoo – Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island
Location: Fulidhoo Village - Vilivaru – Biyaadhoo – Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If luck is shining on you today, you’ll see manta rays, triggerfish and turtles! Head to Biyaadhoo’s reef and swim with the green turtles and schools of red tooth trigger fish and banner fish. Explore the underwater coral garden near Maafushi, where a beautiful drop off showcases tabletop coral and oriental sweetlips. After an afternoon full of marine wildlife, you’ll carry on to the Guraidhoo Island’s lagoon. When you arrive, touch the sand and head to the village, where you’ll share a cup of tea at a small, locally owned café. Tuck into some freshly made savouries and sweets served with black tea or coffee. Tonight, you’ll have dinner on the beach accompanied by a performance of Bodu Beru (translating to ‘big drums’) and Langiri folk music – a form of traditional music centred around percussion with roots from East Africa. This is the most popular traditional music in the Maldives, and you can join in with the locals to learn a few traditional dance moves!
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Guraidhoo Island - Male
Location: Guraidhoo Island - Male
Accommodation Name: Overnight boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
For breakfast this morning, head back to the village of Guraidhoo Island for a short cooking demonstration on Maldivian cuisine. Learn how to make traditional mas huni (a typical Maldivian breakfast with tuna, onion, coconut and chili) and tuna curry. Then, sit down to enjoy these traditional dishes for breakfast, usually served with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea. You’ll then set out for a morning of snorkelling through corals and multi-coloured fish. Later, sail back to the capital of Male – only 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, this city can easily be explored on foot. When you arrive, you’ll visit the mosque, the presidential palace and the bazaar. End at the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market and maybe taste some local specialties like dried fish, huvadhoo bondi (local sweets) and exotic fruits. Tonight, toast to an amazing sailing adventure with your group!
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Male
Location: Male
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, transfer to the airport in Male and say goodbye to your home for the last week. With no further activities planned, your sailing adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
What's Included
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South Male Atoll - Swim stop
Enjoy a swim stop at South Male Atoll.
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Rihivelli Lagoon - Swim stop
Experience a swim stop at Rihivelli Lagoon.
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Kudi Boli - Snorkelling
Snorkel at Kudi Boli.
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Anbaraa - snorkelling
Snorkel at Anbaraa.
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Ruhhurihuraa - snorkelling
Snorkel at Ruhhurihuraa.
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Keyodhoo shipwreck - snorkelling
Snorkel at the Keyodhoo shipwreck.
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Hulhidhoo - snorkelling
Snorkel at Hulhidhoo.
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Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - snorkelling
Snorkel at the Coral Garden in Vaavu Atoll.
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Fulidhoo - Village walk
Take a village walk in Fulidhoo.
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Fulidhoo - Wooden boats construction experience
Experience wooden boat construction in Fulidhoo.
Mode of Transport
This trip is aboard a traditional Dhoni, a wooden motor sailing boat. All cabins are on the lower deck with twin bunk beds and ensuite bathrooms. Light packing is recommended due to cozy cabins, and earplugs may be useful for light sleepers due to engine noise.
Accommodation
On this trip, you'll stay aboard a traditional Dhoni boat in the Maldives, accommodating 12 passengers and a small crew. The six cozy cabins feature ensuite bathrooms and wooden interiors, with a sundeck, dining area, and bar available for relaxation.
Important Information
This trip is operated onboard a traditional Dhoni boat.This trip starts on day 1 at 12pm at Velana International airport in Male and finishes at 9am on day 8 back at Velana International airport, Male.ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THE BOATThis trip is accommodated entirely on board a Dhoni style boat (a traditional wooden motor sailing boat). All cabins have one set of twin bunk beds, an ensuite bathroom, and all cabins are located on the lower deck.Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another single passenger of the same gender in a twin bunk bed cabin. If you’d prefer not to share a cabin, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge and is subject to availability. Couples travelling together on the same booking number will be placed in a cabin together.While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of a sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of boat will we be traveling on during the Sail Maldives tour?
You will be traveling on a traditional Dhoni, which is a wooden motor sailing boat used in the Maldives.
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What kind of marine life might we encounter while snorkeling on this tour?
While snorkeling, you might encounter tropical fish, manta rays, stingrays, triggerfish, turtles, reef sharks, and nurse sharks.
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Is there a cooking demonstration included in the tour?
Yes, there is a cooking demonstration where you will learn how to make traditional Maldivian dishes such as mas huni and Maldivian tuna curry.
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What cultural experiences are included in the Sail Maldives tour?
The tour includes a beachside dinner with traditional East African Bodu Beru and Langiri folk music, a cultural show featuring Bodu Beru, and a visit to a local cafe.
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What should I expect regarding accommodation on the Dhoni boat?
The Dhoni boat accommodates 12 passengers in six cosy cabins, each with twin bunk beds and ensuite bathrooms. The cabins are located on the lower deck and may experience light engine noise when the ship is moving.
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Are there any specific activities planned on Fulidhoo Island?
Yes, on Fulidhoo Island, you can participate in a village walk, a wooden boats construction experience, an evening Hedhikaa experience, and a visit to a local cafe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions