Sail Maldives

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
Sail Maldives
8 Days
From AUD $4245
Trip Type
Group Tour
Activity Level
Average

Rating

Sail Maldives

Sail Maldives

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
View Map
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take a trip to paradise and climb aboard a traditional dhoni boat for a sailing trip through the Maldives. On this eight-day getaway, you’ll spend your days sailing, swimming and snorkelling among colourful corals, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical fish.

Highlights

  • Soak up the beauty of bright blue waters, white sands, palm trees and marine life with one full week cruising aboard a private, traditional dhoni in the Maldives.
  • Swim and snorkel every day with tropical fish by your side – you might even be lucky enough to swim with manta rays, stingrays, triggerfish, turtles, reef sharks and nurse sharks – the Maldives is home to the biggest population in the world!
  • Snorkel at Biyaadhoo Reef to see the resident green turtles and schools of red-tooth triggerfish and bannerfish. Explore the colourful coral garden near Maafushi, with its beautiful drop off full of tabletop corals and oriental sweetlips.
  • Be treated to fresh, local Maldivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to make traditional mas huni and Maldivian tuna curry. Then, have tea at a small, locally owned cafe.
  • Enjoy a beachside dinner with traditional East African Bodu Beruand Langiri folk music, and dance with the locals as the sun goes down, moving to the beat of the drums.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Dhoni

Tour Type

Group Tour

Guide Language

English

Starts

Male to Rihivelli Lagoon, Maldives

Finishes

Male, Maldives

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Male to Rihivelli Lagoon
Assalaa mu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive in Male at the airport, you’ll be met at 12 pm by a local representative. You’ll then take a small boat to the marina where your dhoni (traditional sailing boat) will be waiting for you. There will be a safety briefing onboard before you set sail. Settle into your cabins, meet your small crew and start sailing, watching the expanse of the Indian Ocean as you go. Stop for a swim near a sandbank in warm waters between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Tonight, you’ll have your first night aboard the boat in Rihiveli Lagoon, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat under a clear sky full of stars.

Included Activities:

  • South Male Atoll - Swim stop

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Rihivelli Lagoon - Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi (Vaavu Atoll)
Wake up in the lagoon this morning, surrounded by clear, light blue waters – you might even be lucky enough to see your first dolphins of the adventure! Maybe hop straight in the calm waters for a morning swim, then sail through the lagoons of Vaavu Atoll, soaking up the paradisical scenery on your way to Khudi Boli. When you arrive, take to the water for a snorkel among the large expanses of coral that shelter hundreds of shimmering fish. Back on the boat, maybe open one of the books in the library to learn more about the varieties and species here. If you like fishing, maybe go with the captain on the motor dinghy and catch some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner on board.

Included Activities:

  • Rihivelli Lagoon - Swim stop
  • Kudi Boli - Snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi - Kuda Anbaraa - Ruhhurihuraa (South Vaavu Atoll)
Sail southwest of the Atoll today, for a full day of snorkelling around one of the small untouched islands, Ruh Hurihuraa. Dive into the warm waters and discover some of the most beautiful bottoms and drop-offs of the island. If the weather’s good, you’ll spend the night close to the island. Otherwise, at the end of the afternoon, you’ll sail for the lagoon of Bodu Mora – an uninhabited island reserved for oceanographic scientists.

Included Activities:

  • Ruhhurihuraa - snorkelling
  • Loabi Reef - Bongo Veli Snorkeling

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Bodumohoraa – Keyodhoo Shipwreck - Hulhidhoo
Cast your sights northeast today, sailing towards the Keyodhoo Shipwreck – resting on a relatively shallow lagoon, this ship’s mast rises just above the water and is a popular spot in the Maldives for snorkelling. This morning is all about exploring the ship, full of life with its colourful corals and reef fish. After lunch aboard, you’ll sail to the island of Hulidhoo, which is covered with coconut trees and mangroves. Head out for your second snorkel of the day, as the drop-offs here promise a beautiful aquatic landscape. Continue to Alimathaa and watch the sunset over the lagoon tonight.

Included Activities:

  • Keyodhoo shipwreck - snorkelling
  • Hulhidhoo - snorkelling

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Alimatha - Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - Fulidhoo
The Maldives is home to one of the largest nurse shark populations and it’s only growing in numbers. This morning, go snorkelling and maybe even spot some reef sharks and manta rays, too! After, sail to a coral garden that’s filled with life and snorkel among sea anemones and clown fish. Then, set sail to Fulidhoo – famous for the construction of wooden boats. Make your first journey to land for a walk through the local village, learning about the local customs and way of life on the island. Later, take part in a hedhikaa (Maldivian treats) experience at a locally owned cafe. Enjoy some traditional homemade snacks served with black tea and chat with the locals. Tonight, you’ll have dinner on the beach accompanied by a performance of Bodu Beru (translating to ‘big drums’) and Langiri folk music – a form of traditional music centred around percussion with roots from East Africa. This is the most popular traditional music in the Maldives, and you can join in with the locals to learn a few traditional dance moves!

Included Activities:

  • Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - snorkelling
  • Fulidhoo - Village walk
  • Fulidhoo - Wooden boats construction experience
  • Fulidhoo - Evening Hedhikaa Experience
  • Fulidhoo - Visit to a local cafe
  • Fulidhoo - Maldivain Theme Beach Dinner
  • Fulidhoo - Cultural show featuring Bodu Beru

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Fulidhoo Village - Vilivaru – Biyaadhoo – Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island
If luck is shining on you today, you’ll see manta rays, triggerfish and turtles! Head to Biyaadhoo’s reef and swim with the green turtles and schools of red tooth trigger fish and banner fish. Explore the underwater coral garden near Maafushi, where a beautiful drop off showcases tabletop coral and oriental sweetlips. After an afternoon full of marine wildlife, you’ll carry on to the Guraidhoo Island’s lagoon. When you arrive, touch the sand and head to the village, where you’ll share a cup of tea at a small, locally owned café. Tuck into some freshly made savouries and sweets served with black tea or coffee.

Included Activities:

  • Biyaadhoo house reef - snorkelling
  • Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island - snorkelling
  • Guraidhoo - Village walk
  • Guraidhoo Island - Maldivian breakfast Cooking demonstration

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Guraidhoo Island - Male
For breakfast this morning, head back to the village of Guraidhoo Island for a short cooking demonstration on Maldivian cuisine. Learn how to make traditional mas huni (a typical Maldivian breakfast with tuna, onion, coconut and chili) and tuna curry. Then, sit down to enjoy these traditional dishes for breakfast, usually served with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea. You’ll then set out for a morning of snorkelling through corals and multi-coloured fish. Later, sail back to the capital of Male – only 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, this city can easily be explored on foot. When you arrive, you’ll visit the mosque, the presidential palace and the bazaar. End at the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market and maybe taste some local specialties like dried fish, huvadhoo bondi (local sweets) and exotic fruits. Tonight, toast to an amazing sailing adventure with your group!

Included Activities:

  • Ithaafushi Faru - Snorkelling
  • Male - city tour

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Male
This morning, transfer to the airport in Male and say goodbye to your home for the last week. With no further activities planned, your sailing adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $4,245
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Group Tour

Activity Level: Average

Take a trip to paradise and climb aboard a traditional dhoni boat for a sailing trip through the Maldives. On this eight-day getaway, you’ll spend your days sailing, swimming and snorkelling among colourful corals, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical fish.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Mar 2026

View Map
Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now