Maldive Dhoni Cruise Tour with 29 Reviews by Explore

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

10 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Relaxed

Minimal physical effort, perfect for travelers seeking an easy-going experience.

Starts

Male, Maldives

Ends

Male, Maldives

Highlights

Relax on this cruise as we travel between remote and idyllic islands

Snorkel and swim amid spectacular reef flora and fauna

Spend time with the local Maldivian people, away from the tourist hubs

Itinerary

Sail away from the everyday on the Maldive Dhoni Cruise, a relaxed 8-day escape through the idyllic atolls of the Maldives. Perfect for experienced travelers seeking serenity, this small group tour invites you to board a traditional dhoni and journey through crystal-clear waters, visiting unspoiled islands and remote fishing communities.

Each day unfolds with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant reefs, where manta rays, turtles, and clownfish glide through the turquoise sea. Experience the authentic side of the Maldives as you learn about local life in traditional villages, far from the typical tourist routes.

The unique allure of this tour package lies in its immersive island-hopping adventure, offering access to pristine beaches and untouched reefs. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance included, this journey delivers the Maldives’ hidden beauty in a truly memorable way.

day 1 - Join trip in Male

Our adventure begins in Male at our joining hotel. The circumference of the island is little more than 5 kilometres/3 miles, making it easy to explore on foot. Male is a hub of activity, in stark contrast to the laid-back islands of the archipelago that we'll explore in the coming days.
If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Male International Airport (MLE). For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 4pm for the welcome meeting followed by an orientation walking tour of the town. We'll take in the Mosque, and the fish market and stroll along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.
Please note that if you'd like to join the orientation tour today, you'll need to arrive at the hotel by 4pm. If you're booking your own flights, we recommend giving yourself at least one hour to clear the airport and make the short transfer to the hotel. Therefore, the latest your flight can arrive is 3pm. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will leave information with the meeting time for tomorrow in the hotel reception and will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

Meals:Dinner

Accommodation:The Somerset Hotel (or similar)

day 2 - Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Boli

This morning, we'll drive to Hulhumale Marina to meet our moored dhoni and crew. We'll have breakfast onboard and our tour leader will take time to introduce the crew and tell us about the boat and our day-to-day living for the coming days. We then begin a four-hour cruise south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are uninhabited and are surrounded by clear turquoise water and reefs.
Heading further south, we'll cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we'll spend time exploring the picturesque island of Kudiboli. Please note, you don't need special footwear for getting on and off the boat and exploring these islands - most travellers manage just fine in flip-flops.
After our island exploration, we'll spend the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing onboard our dhoni. For our first snorkel we plan to enter the sea from the beach or sand bar into relatively calm waters. All subsequent snorkelling and swimming will be directly from the boat, over reefs and into deeper waters.
Over the week, we're likely to encounter plenty of underwater fauna. We might be lucky enough to spot green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we'll also swim amongst a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable local guides will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across.
All meals are included on the dhoni. Menus are likely to include freshly caught fish, as well as curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks can be purchased on-board, too. You can pay your bill for drinks at the end of your cruise in USD or by credit card.
Cabins are compact but spacious enough for two people. You also have the option to sleep on deck under the stars some nights.
Please note that the itinerary is entirely dependent on the local weather, winds and tides. It's very often necessary to adapt the planned itinerary to local conditions.

Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner