The trip was amazing. The crew were outstanding and we were extremely well looked after and all our needs catered for and more. Exceptional trip in every aspect.
I thoroughly enjoyed the combination tour giving 8 days of busy sight seeing followed by a week of relaxing snorkeling. Both the CEO were fantastic in the own ways.
Discover the magic of Sri Lanka with a comprehensive tour showcasing the nation's rich heritage and natural beauty. Explore ancient cities, tea plantations, and pristine beaches. Engage in thrilling wildlife safaris in national parks and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delight in cultural experiences, scenic train rides, and warm hospitality. Perfect for adventure lovers and culture enthusiasts, this unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery.
The trip to Sri Lanka followed by the dhoni cruise in the Maldives was absolutely amazing. So many different experiences and so much variety. I absolutely loved all of it, from temples and elephants to swimming with sharks. The 2 different tour leaders on the 2 parts of the tour were both excellent as were their support staff. They went out of their way to give us a fantastic experience.
Looking back at our photos now we've returned to the UK we can't believe the amount we saw and the amazing experiences we had on this tour. Sri Lanka is an amazing beautiful country with some much going on - we only scratched the surface. Our tour leader Cham worked so hard to make sure that we had everything we needed, resolving our problems and sorting out food for our fussy son! His knowledge about Sri Lankan history and wildlife was immense. He even found the best place to buy genuine Sri Lanka cricket shirts for the sporty members of our group. The only thing we'd change was the pace of the second half of the Sri Lanka leg of the trip. The first half gave us time to chill and bond as a group, as well as hang out in the pool at Giritale and play cricket. The second half we moved every night and covered a massive distance, though interesting, this was quite tiring (especially for the kids), so we'd suggest that a two night stop in the middle of this element would resolve this issue easily. This was clear in the notes, however, as was the high chance of not getting the train. The pace did slow considerably for the Maldives element, with a lot of time on our boats travelling between reefs. The snorkelling was quite frankly mind-blowing, and even the more nervous swimmers loved it. The crew were fantastic, and the food was delicious. The guide knew his stuff, and made sure we had great snorkelling experiences. Our only criticism of this part of the trip was that splitting the group when we'd got to know each other and were getting on really well was disappointing. There were larger boats, and we'd have preferred to be on a single boat given how long we spent travelling separately. The crew did what they could to mitigate this by tying the boats together when we moored for snorkels, meals and overnight and that was great. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable trip, and with a few very small tweaks it'd be perfect!
Explore leader: for Sri Lanka only satisfactory. Not easy to understand, didn't seem to feel part of the group, didn't join us for meals, a poor communicator (relative to past explore trips)
For the dhoni Maldives cruise: Moosa was excellent in every way.
PRIVATE TOUR: Spend four unforgettable days in the Maldives, starting and ending in Male, with an island stay on Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll. You’ll search for majestic whale sharks on a private boat safari, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and explore the island’s tropical forest on foot. Alongside marine adventures, discover local life through traditional food, village walks, and even a peek into a unique islander museum. With insights from conservationists and time to unwind by the sea, this trip blends eco-awareness with natural beauty for a truly meaningful Maldivian escape.
Explore the remote atolls of the Maldives on a 8 day adventure that combines discovery with impact. Snorkel vibrant reefs, swim alongside sea turtles, and collect valuable data to support marine conservation. Learn about coral restoration, seagrass habitats and the challenges facing ocean life, guided by local marine experts. With visits to local islands, beach clean-ups and sunset barbecues, this journey offers an unforgettable connection to the ocean and its incredible wildlife.
Swim with whale sharks and play a role in the conservation of this iconic species on this 8-day Maldives cruise from Male. As well as a once in a lifetime encounter with whale sharks, enjoy a range of swimming and snorkelling experiences, explore the Maldives remote islands and embrace the unique local culture as you sail around the country aboard a traditional wooden gulet.
Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
PRIVATE TOUR: Discover a more active side of the Maldives on a private island-hopping escape that blends adventure with authentic encounters. Based on the remote island of Gan in Laamu Atoll, this immersive experience offers the chance to sea kayak to uninhabited islands, cycle through palm-fringed local communities, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and dive into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Alongside outdoor pursuits, explore local life by jeep, savour Maldivian flavours, and unwind in comfort at your beachfront retreat.