About this trip
Eight days sailing the Maldives aboard a traditional dhoni, a wooden motor sailing boat, with days built around swimming, snorkelling and island stops rather than a fixed itinerary of sights.
Expect coral reefs, white-sand beaches and mangroves, with a decent chance of spotting dolphins, turtles, manta rays and nurse sharks along the way. Evenings bring sunsets, a beach music and dance performance, and tea with locals on small islands.
You'll have a local crew and leader throughout, and a hands-on cooking demonstration teaches you the basics of Maldivian cuisine over breakfast.
What you'll do
- Sail between islands aboard a traditional dhoni
- Snorkel coral reefs alongside tropical fish, turtles and manta rays
- Visit tiny islands for tea and sweets with local residents
- Watch a traditional music and dance performance on the beach after dinner
- Learn Maldivian cooking with a hands-on breakfast demonstration
- Cabins are on the lower deck with twin bunks and ensuite bathrooms, but they're cosy — pack light
- Expect some engine noise in cabins when the boat is moving or anchoring — bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper
- Good swimming ability is essential, and you'll need to move around the boat, including stairs, so sea sickness tablets are worth packing
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Oct is cheapest — from £1,555, about 45% below the priciest month (Nov).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Male · 10 Oct – 11 Oct
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