Tour Description:

This cruise touches two of the most wonderful atolls of the Maldives: Vaavu and Ari. The eastern side of Vaavu is one of the most popular choices for cruising boats in all seasons. There are many reasons: short stretches of open ocean – easy to cross during any monsoon – separate the atoll from Male; navigation is effortless throughout the year; the diving and snorkeling sites are among the most worthwhile in the archipelago; there are only two resorts and therefore little tourist traffic; and lastly the eastern tip of the atoll is one of the points with an abundance of fish on a par with anywhere in the archipelago during the dry monsoon. Ari or Alifu atoll offers several places of interest. Fenfushi is without doubt a must for those in search of the fundamental aspects of Maldivian tradition. The inhabitants were skilful sculptors and carvers of coral and their art is still to be seen on the finely decorated walls of the island’s mosque and the tombstones in the nearby cemetery. Another place of interest in Ari atoll is the village of Dhangethi. The island has two giant ficus benjamina, a tree originally from South-East Asia, with a straight, slim trunk which is flexible and elegant with very thick foliage. On older trees the branches develop column-like, overhead roots which are used to distribute the weight of the foliage, which extends horizontally to an enormous extent once the tree reaches maturity. These roots are still used today by the locals to make masts and booms for their boats, thanks to their resistance and flexibility. Several deserted islands are suitable for a good swim and some excellent snorkeling. These include: Innafushi, Bulhaalhohi and Hurasdhoo. 

Mantas during the wet monsoon and pelagic fish all the year long: this is the promise of the waters and passes around Alimatha and the eastern side of Vaavu atoll. Myaru Kandu, the Myaru Kandu marine reserves and the Foththeyo pass are the three current dives not to be missed by more expert divers. The outer reef at Foththeyo Falhu is considered one of the spots with an abundance of fish on a par with anywhere in the archipelago from December to April, but there are also plenty of fish at Dhiggiri Point, in the dry monsoon, and in the stretch between Rakeedhoo and Fussaru Falhu during the rest of the year. Ari Atoll is a diver’s paradise. The best diving sites include: the Panettone, with its underwater rocks completely covered by yellow and orange soft corals and sea fans; the marine reserves of Kudarah Thila and the manta point of Madivaru; or the fascinating and suggestive Broken Rock. The reef outside the island of Maamigili is plied in both directions by several local cruising boats in search of the giant of the seas, the whale shark, whose formidable shape is clearly visible even with just goggles and flippers.

Atolls: South Male, Vaavu, South Ari, North Ari, North Male

This tour is available all year round and is a great option for Snorkelers, divers, fishermen, islands hopping enthusiasts.

What to expect:

• 10 nights of private charter on full board. 
• Visits to wonderful sand-strips, genuine local islands, the capital Male
• The underwater marine reserves of Guraidhoo and Myaru Kandu
• The sharks points of Kandhooma Thila and Myaru Kandu
• The colorful caves of Foththeyo. 
• On the way, the local village of Dangethi with its giant Ficus Benjamina, the Fenfushi mosque, the underwater marine reserves of Mushimasmigili and Kudarah Thila
• The spectacular shoals of Malhoos and Broken Rock
• The snorkelers paradises of Bulhaalhohi and Hurasdhoo 
• The mantas and whale sharks watching of Dhonkalo and Maamigili Beiyru (South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area)

Itinerary:

Day 1: Guraidhoo Kandu

Snorkeling, check dive for scuba divers at Kuda Giri wreck.

Day 2: Myaru Kandu

Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to Kudadhiggaru Finolhu, dolphin watching.

Day 3: Foththeyo Kandu, The Golden Wall

Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to Foththeyo sandstrip. Night fishing.

Day 4: Rakeedho Kandu, Vashugiri

Snorkeling & scuba diving, sunset at the desert island of Vashugiri. BBQ beach dinner**

Day 5: Dhangethi Village

Navigation to Ari Atoll. Snorkeling & scuba diving. Visit to Dhangethi village.

Day 6: Fenfushi

Snorkeling & scuba diving, mantas & whale shark watching, and visit to the village of Fenfushi.

Day 7: Panettone, Radhdhiga

Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to the desert island of Radhdhiga. Night dive**. 

Day 8: Maalhos Thila

Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to the local village of Maalhos.

Day 9: Madivaru Kandu (Rasdhoo)

Snorkeling & scuba diving, visit to the sandstrip of Madivaru.

Day 10: Male International Airport

Early morning dive. Navigation. Visit to the capital, Male.

**The locations, the visits and activities of this itinerary are subjected to the wind and sea conditions. 

*** BBQ dinner and night dives are subjected to the weather conditions.

For firm details and pricing, kindly reach out and include the number of people your party will have so we can recommend the appropriate charter for the above tour.