The Maldives are well known for their idyllic beauty and year round sunshine. From the pristine white sandy beaches to the warm, turquoise waters this island paradise is a popular destination with young and old alike. The Maldives is also renowned for its amazing diving and snorkelling, and a large and diverse selection of water sports.
On this tour we explore the Maldives by sailing boat. The felicity is a Turkish style sailing boat and beautifully kitted out with all the amenities required to make a week's cruising around the islands as comfortable as possible.
Starting in the capital, Malé, we cruise to Guraidhoo in Malé's south atoll. Here there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sun or take a dip in the sea. You'll also get to explore the island, including the mosque, the school and the boatyard where you can learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built. We also take breakfast with a local family.
You'll next cruise across to Vaavu Atoll and visit another local island for traditional Hedika (local snacks and tea) and the opportunity to tour the island. After some freetime to relax or snorkel we spend the evening hand and line fishing with local fishermen. Next it's off to a deserted sandbar and an uninhabited island, for a picnic lunch and more time to swim, sunbath or snorkel before enjoying a beach dinner ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style.
Heading back towards Malé, you'll stop of to enjoy a cultural evening of special local dishes, traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’.
DAY 1 Arrival transfer, board safari, cruisingUpon arrival at Malé International Airport we will meet & greet you, and transfer you to the Felicity safari boat; home for the next 7 days. Once settled into your cabin you'll get a full tour of the boat before heading out into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean! If you arrive early there is an option to spend some time at Kuda Bandos Picnic Island.
In the late afternoon we'll cruise to Guraidhoo in South Malé Atoll, during which you can relax on the sundeck and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins.
Once safely anchored in Guraidhoo, you can choose to do as much or as little as you like with options include snorkelling, swimming and fishing.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity
MEALSLunch, Dinner
EXTRASExtra night - pre-tour
DAY 2 Cruising, local island visitThis morning you'll experience a traditional breakfast at the home of a local family on the island of Guraidhoo. After breakfast we'll take you on a guided tour of a local island fishing village where you'll have a chance to meet the local people, learn about their way of life, including a visit to the Mosque, the local school and the boatyard, where you can learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built. You'll also take breakfast with a local family.
After lunch we cruise to Vaavu Atoll and when safely at anchorage you can again relax and unwind or enjoy some more energetic options like visiting the nearby sandbar or snorkelling over the corals.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 Cruising, local island visit, Hedika experienceAfter breakfast we cruise through the Atoll enjoying the stunning beauty of the Maldives, with it's idyllic palm fringed islands and crystal clear, turquoise waters.
In the late afternoon we transfer ashore to another local island for traditional 'hedika' - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea and an opportunity to explore the island.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 Sandbank, free time, evening fishingBreakfast this morning is taken alfresco on a sandbank and then the morning is free to enjoy relaxing on board or exploring the sandbank. For anyone feeling more energetic, a dip in the warm waters is a must or you could enjoy the excellent snorkelling available close by. After lunch we take a leisurely cruise across to another island, where in the evening at sunset you'll experience the art of Maldivian line fishing! The Maldives is unique in that its history depends on tuna fishing and the locals are excellent fishermen using pole and line and are happy to share their skills with you. Your catch will be freshly prepared for you to enjoy.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Cruising, picnic island & dug out dinnerAfter breakfast we depart to a beautiful uninhabited picnic island, with a picture perfect sand bar. Here you'll have the chance to swim, snorkel or just lie back, relax and soak up the sun. In the evening you'll enjoy a beach dinner ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style before making a choice to spend the night camped on beach or on deck under the stars(Subject to weather conditions and atoll permissions)!
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity or camping on beach
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Cruising, Cultural dinnerToday we begin our cruise back towards Malé. There's no rush and so there's plenty of time to relax or take a dip en route.
Just before sunset we'll set ashore on an uninhabited island to enjoy fruit cocktails and a delicious dinner consisting of a selection of local dishes accompanied by traditional song and dance set to the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity or camping on beach
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Cruising, Malé free time, Farewell DinnerAfter breakfast the morning is free to relax on board or do some more snorkelling to explore the myriad marine life. Following lunch we'll cruise back to Hulhumalé lagoon. Later in the afternoon there's a chance to make a visit to Malé where you could visit the fish market and local market, Presidents Palace, Sultan Park and Friday Mosque. At the end of the day you'll return to the boat for a farewell dinner.
OVERNIGHTCabin on board the Felicity
MEALSBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 Departure transfer to airportAfter breakfast you'll check out 10:00am then we'll transfer you back to Malé airport in time for your flight home.
OVERNIGHTN/A
MEALSBreakfast
EXTRASExtra night - post-tour, 3-night resort island extension
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