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Maldive Dhoni Cruise (Maldives), a tour by Explore Worldwide

Tour · 7 nights · with Explore Worldwide

Maldive Dhoni Cruise

A small-group escorted tour aboard a traditional Maldivian dhoni, island hopping through South Male, Felidhoo and Vaavu atolls with daily swims and snorkelling led by Explore Worldwide.

Duration
7 nights
Departures
30 dates
Choose a month below
Countries
Maldives
Operator
Explore Worldwide
From
£1,580
per person

Highlights

What makes this one worth it

  1. Snorkelling over reefsWith green turtles and manta rays

  2. Barbecue beach banquet on a white sandbank

  3. Walks around Male including mosque and fish market

  4. Traditional Bodu Beru folk music performance

  5. Visits to quiet island villages Felidhoo and Fulidhoo

About the trip

This week-long escorted tour with Explore Worldwide involves sailing between some of the Maldives' lesser-visited atolls aboard a traditional dhoni. Beginning in Male, the itinerary includes short walks to the mosque and fish market before boarding the boat for a gentle cruise through South Male and Vaavu Atolls. The turquoise waters here are often calm enough for snorkelling straight from the beach or sandbars.

Further south, the tour may reach Meemu Atoll or remain exploring Vaavu's reefs, spending nights near sandbanks with white coral beaches. Villages like Felidhoo and Fulidhoo offer an opportunity to meet locals following traditional island life, with the occasional chance to listen to Bodu Beru folk drums (except during Ramadan). Days mostly pass at a relaxed pace with swims over reefs spotting turtles, manta rays, and a variety of tropical fish.

Accommodation on the dhoni is simple but comfortable, with cabins for two and the option to sleep on deck under the stars. The route and timings often depend on local weather and tides, so flexibility is a must on this unhurried exploration of Maldivian island life.

4°N
The route in outline: places are joined in the order visited, not by the roads or sea lanes taken.
  1. 1 Malé
  2. 2 Maafushi

Itinerary

The route

  1. Malé

  2. Maafushi

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.

When to go

Departures and prices

Lowest price each month, per person.

Explore Worldwide confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.

Need to know

Before you book

Price based on
Per personThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
Travelling alone
Check with Explore Worldwide
Flights
Not included: you book your own to the start
What’s included
Check with Explore Worldwide
Accessibility
Check with Explore Worldwide

For full details of what’s included, check with Explore Worldwide. See the full details on their site

Questions people ask

How long is Maldive Dhoni Cruise?
Maldive Dhoni Cruise is a 7 nights tour holiday.
Who operates Maldive Dhoni Cruise?
Maldive Dhoni Cruise is operated by Explore Worldwide.
How much does Maldive Dhoni Cruise cost?
Prices for Maldive Dhoni Cruise start from £1,580, subject to availability.

The operator

Explore Worldwide

Small-group adventures, walking and wildlife

Small groups with local leaders, and a fondness for the places at the end of the road. Trips are graded so you know how active they are.

You book with Explore Worldwide directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

New to Maldives? Our Maldives guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

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