Maldives Tours in Winter

This trip is fab for those that like being at sea, chilling out with like minded people, eating great food and most importantly getting in the water to explore the underwater world. Explore know how to put together a great itinerary which looks after the environment and benefits the local community

This was my first trip to Asia and I wanted to get an overview, so the highlights of Sri Lanka really achieved that. The trip was well planned with varied activities, to appeal to most travellers. We did have to put up with Cyclone Ditwah, which made some activities more like an endurance, but nobody could plan for that or do anything to change it. Our Sri Lanka tour guide and his team went way beyond my expectations in order to keep up safe and as comfortable as possible, under difficult circumstances. They deserve their Christmas Bonus! Personally, I would have enjoyed more time at the spice garden and I wonder what the value was of the canoe trip to the curry cooking demonstration. Perhaps it would have been fun in sunshine? The Temple of the Tooth would have been interesting when there was no ceremony going on, to better appreciate the details of the buildings etc. I felt we were intruding on a religious occasion that was of huge importance to local people. Would it be better to spend longer at sites in a smaller geographical area and reduce the travelling between sites. Moving on to the Maldives, this week was great and really hit the spot. We needed sunshine and relaxation and the pace of the week was perfect. Again, the tour guide did an excellent job and supplied us with lovely videos and photos from snorkelling trips. The food on the Dhoni Cruise was excellent, considering the kitchen space and although a bit repetitive, there was a good range to suit all palates. The crew did a great job.

Good combination of two very different weeks. Good food and interesting and varied sights in Sri Lanka. Well organised and led, in very difficult circumstances during severe flooding and landslides! The boat tour of the Maldives was excellent, by far the best way of seeing this country. The boat was comfortable with great food and attentive crew. The main activity is snorkelling so if this is your thing you will love it!

Honestly one of the best holidays I have ever been on, made all the more amazing by our local, super knowledgeable and amazingly awesome guide, Moosa. He ensured the whole group had a fantastic, safe and authentic experience along with the captain and crew. Moosa and our captain used their experience to always find the best snorkelling spots depending on weather and currents which led to us seeing as much underwater wildlife as possible in the best conditions. In addition, we had such a variety of food and very comfortable accommodation. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who loves snorkelling and exploring island life.

This was hands down the best Explore trip we have been on. The route we took through the Atolls was so well planned. Two snorkels a day - awesome fish, sharks (of the reef variety), Turtles, Rays, Dolphins!! Our guide (Moosa) was excellent as were our onboard crew. The boat was also great - nice cabins and aircon. Lots of time to relax and take in the scenery. Cannot recommend highly enough!!

A fantastic trip which far exceeded my expectations. I was hoping for some good snorkelling but the close (sometimes VERY) close encounters with sting rays, green and hawksbill turtles, and sharks will remain in the memory for a long, long time. Fed like kings (how on earth the chef managed to dish up some sumptuous feasts from a small galley!) with an ever friendly and helpful crew, and one of the best (and enthusiastic) tour leaders.