Maldives Dhoni Cruise

This is stunning Maldives stripped back to basics. A wonderful adventure with a maximum of around 8 people. It could possibly be one of the best snorkelling experiences on the planet.

Arrival Day: Male – South Male Atoll

For your arrival in the morning you will be met by airport representatives who will transfer you directly to the waterfront to meet our boat captain and crew. Once settled into our cabins, we will depart. Cruise south for 2-3 hours through the Vaadhoo Canal to a nearby island in South Male Atoll; probably Guraidhoo, a small inhabited island where the plan is to moor in (or just outside) the small harbour for the first night on board.

Day 2: South Male Atoll – Ambara

Continue to the southernmost point of South Male Atoll before crossing the channel to Felidhoo Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

Day 3: Ambara – Fenboa Finolhu
Cruise south for 2-3 hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll. As with the rest of the journey, stick close to shore (weather permitting) and cruise close to many of the stunning islands. Meemu Atoll has 34 islands of which 25 are uninhabited. Here more than anywhere, we are likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life.

Day 4: Fenboa Finolhu – Dhiggaru
Spend time with the local community and enjoy some local entertainment called boduberu. Boduberu means big drum, and involves a group of men sitting around and singing to the rhythmical beat of drums till they reach a crescendo and stop abruptly. This entertainment with in conjunction with a local meal is not to be missed.

Day 5: Dhiggaru – Felidhu Atholhu

Head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. Take time to wander through the village and learn something new about the lives of the islanders.

Day 6: Felidhu Atholhu – Eboodhoofinolhu

Enjoy the longest journey of the trip back through the islands of Felidhoo and South Male atolls. There are plenty of opportunities to swim and snorkel or to explore the islands en route. The days destination is Emboodhu Finolhu, one of the northernmost islands of South Mae Atoll. Depart on arrival to your final destination. Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Please note that the rooming for these boats is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and no

particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. The skippers will pair up travel partners or if you are travelling single with someone of the same sex. Please be aware that as this is a traditional dhoni and not a cruise vessel, that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing all the facilities onboard. The sleeping quarters on boats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on boats, however if a real sailing experience on a real dhoni is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ships quarters and amenities with you.