Maldives Marine Life Break - 4D/3N
What your day looks like
Our three-night marine-life break is designed to either work as a self-contained Maldives experience or as a start to a longer independent stay in the archipelago. Based on the island of Dhigurah in South Ari Atoll this package is perfectly suited to divers or snorkelers who seek out whale sharks, mantas, and the world-renowned reefs, which make this location one of the best for diving in the Maldives. Dhigurah means long island and it is indeed the longest island on the atoll. It is also one of the most picturesque with a long beach, protected lagoon, and a sandbar at its southern end. It is just 20 minutes from Male by domestic flight followed by a short speedboat journey. Stroll along the white sandy beach with a length of more than 3 km and you will feel as though you have the beach all to yourself or treat yourself to dinner at one of the many close by 5* luxury resorts.
Why travelers choose this experience
- Explore the pretty local island of Dhigurah and sample Maldives life
- Worldfamous dive and snorkel sites close by
- Go in search of Whale sharks
Your day, step by step
Male
Arrival - Male City Tour & Transfer Arrive Male International Airport where you will be greeted by our representative who will assist you with your public speedboat transfer to your local island in South Ari Atoll. The speedboat operates every day and leaves Male in the afternoon taking two hours to journey across the Indian Ocean to Dhigurah. View the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by, keeping your eyes open for dolphins or chat with the locals.
Male
Local Flavor. Enjoy the evening to yourself and relax into island pace. For those arriving on a morning flight, we offer a walking tour of Male city to discover the history and tradition of the Maldives.
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Male
Snorkeling at Dhigurah (Alif Dhaal Atoll). South Ari Atoll is well known for the possibility of encountering whale sharks particularly on the reefs behind Dhigurah. As marine life in their natural habitat, there is no guarantee of sighting but there is only one way we can spot them and that’s the old fashioned way of being out on the boat and looking! So today we head out on our own private boat in search of the ocean’s largest fish. We may see 2 or 3 sharks in half an hour or maybe only one for the whole time we are searching, but the unpredictability all adds to the excitement! When we do spot them, following the whale shark code of conduct we will snorkel alongside them. A truly magical experience. Late afternoon as the heat of the day diminishes, spend time exploring the island with your guide and discover island life. If we are lucky, islander, Gayyoombe will be at home and we can visit his small self-curated museum, a magical collection of historical and traditional artifacts. Finally, experience traditional ‘hedika’ – Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea at a local cafe. The Maldives is rich in marine life but unfortunately, our marine life is under threat because of activities carried out by us humans. Following dinner over a coffee your tour leader will highlight the harmful practices that are pushing the balance in the ecosystem and what we can do to limit the impact
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Male
Leisure. This morning we depart by boat for another underwater encounter. Discover coral reefs that are teeming with fish and marine-life. Keep your eyes open for turtles and sharks. You never know what may be in the blue. On return to Dhigurah if you are still feeling energetic take the complimentary kayaks out onto the lagoon. Mid-afternoon your guide will take you on a 3 hour ‘forest’ exploration walk. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this tropical vegetation, learn about the forest ecosystem and the important role vegetation plays in the Maldives. Be ready to get hot and sweaty but your reward will be a beautiful sunset and if you wish a refreshing dip in the ocean. We all know the impact we face everyday dealing with plastic, in fact plastic is now a huge part of people’s life. The Maldives is no different and during your stay you will have witnessed the challenges in dealing with daily waste and plastic. Following dinner your tour leader will inspire and educate on how plastic is being dealt with in the Maldives and the work being done by Parley of the Oceans.
Male
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Male
Transfer to Male On Day 4, following an early breakfast, you will transfer by early morning public speedboat to Male. From there, you’ll head to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
Before you go
Included
Airport and domestic transfer assistance Return transfer by public speedboat Whale shark snorkeling safari Complimentary use of kayaks and SUPs All Local Tax ($3 Green tax per person per night, 10% service charge, and 17% GST)
Meeting & Pickup
Meet up at Velaana International Airport, Male.
Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Manual By Business