Maldive Dhoni Cruise (EXMC)
Duration:
8 days (may vary)
Areas: Maldives
Tour types:
Description
Life on the Dhoni
Arriving on Hulule 'airport island', we transfer directly to our Maldivian sailing 'dhoni' and set sail for our first night on board. The dhoni is the traditional means of transport of the Maldives and is thought to have derived from the Arab Dhow. Our vessels have been converted into live-aboard cruise boats with couchette accommodation and a saloon area inside plus plenty of room on deck both in the sun and shade for relaxing and watching the world go by. Meals on board tend to be planned around the catch of the day - a treat for those that enjoy seafood!
Cruising the Atolls
The coral and sand islands that make up the Maldives are clustered into 26 different atolls, formed originally by volcanic activity. Leaving the main North Male Atoll behind, we aim to head through South Male and Felidhoo Atolls, stopping in small harbours or at uninhabited islands along the way. Continuing south we plan to reach Meemu (Mulaku) Atoll, a group of islands with very few resorts, where we visit small fishing villages and possibly see boatbuilders at work. There will be plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters to see the varied and vibrant marine life that abounds. At one of the villages - possibly Dhiggaru - we hope to enjoy a traditional 'Bodu Beru' (Big Drum) performance.
Male
Crammed onto an island 1.8 sq km in area, Male houses a fifth of the total population. We walk around the main sights of this important capital including the Grand Friday Mosque, the Islamic centre and the local markets which are busy with the barter of islanders haggling for goods.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Male; transfer directly to dhoni and set sail.
Day 2
Cruise to Ambaraa Island in Felidhoo Atoll.
Day 3
Cruise to Meemu Atoll.
Day 4
Visit Dhiggaru village, Meemu Atoll.
Day 5
Cruise to Felidhoo; visit traditional village.
Day 6
Cruise to Emboodhoo Finolhu Lagoon.
Day 7
Cruise back through South Male Atoll to Male; afternoon walking tour and free time.
Day 8
End Male.
Please note: The actual itinerary for this trip is dependent on weather conditions and may vary with the seasons. Any alternative itinerary will include a similar mix of sights and activities.
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Comment
A short relaxing tour to an exotic location. Accommodation on the dhoni is on a twin share basis with shared facilities. All meals are included whilst on board and snorkelling equipment is provided. We consider an ability to swim essential to your enjoyment of this trip.
Group
Approx. 12 to 16.
Introduction
Unspoilt palm-fringed tropical islands with white beaches, turquoise lagoons, fantastic coral reefs and marine life are only part of the appeal of the Maldives. It is a remote and historically fascinating country of 1190 Indian Ocean islands. A Muslim country, it has just under a third of a million inhabitants, its own language and unique culture, as we shall find out as we journey through the myriad of islands on our traditional vessel.
Staff
Explore Tour Leader, captain, crew and cook on dhoni.
Tour End
Any alternative itinerary will include a similar m
Tour Start
Male
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