Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise - 8 Days

On arrival in the Maldives, we’ll be greeted by our Tour Leader at Male International Airport and transferred by dhoni to board MV Felicity, our floating home for the week. After settling into our cabins, we set sail for Maafushi in the South Male Atoll where we’ll enjoy our first snorkel in the warm Maldivian waters. Our Tour Leader will guide us through a responsible snorkelling briefing, helping us learn how to minimise our impact on these delicate reef systems. As our ‘spotter’, they’ll point out marine life we might otherwise miss - offering a whole new lens through which to experience the reef.

In the evening, we gather for a talk focused on coral reefs - their biodiversity, their role in the marine ecosystem, and the challenges they face from human activity, pollution and climate change. We’ll reflect on the threats marine life encounters and the simple but effective steps we can take to reduce our footprint.

Please note: Latest Arrival by 11 am.

We strongly recommend you bring your own mask and snorkel on this tour, both for hygiene reasons and to ensure a proper fit.

This morning we explore Maafushi, where we’ll discuss the mixed impact of tourism on small island communities. We’ll visit a coral rehabilitation site and see coral propagation in action, deepening our understanding of reef restoration and the importance of such efforts for the future of the islands.

Later, we snorkel over seagrass meadows - often overlooked and even removed, yet they’re among the most vital ecosystems on Earth. We’ll learn how they support turtles, stabilise sediment, and link with the health of nearby coral reefs.

After lunch on board, there’s time for an afternoon snorkel before we cruise further south. As we sail, the Olive Ridley Project’s Sea Turtle Expert introduces us to the turtles of the Maldives - their biology, anatomy and behaviour -preparing us for meaningful encounters in the days ahead.

We begin our day with a sunrise snorkel in search of turtles. Armed with underwater cameras, we’ll assist in a non-invasive research technique known as photo identification, which uses unique facial markings to track individual turtles -much like a fingerprint.

Before we enter the water, we’re briefed on the turtle snorkelling code of conduct to ensure our presence doesn’t disturb their natural behaviours. While sightings can never be guaranteed, each encounter is special and adds to our collective knowledge.

Crossing into Vaavu Atoll, we’ll visit two additional snorkel sites known for frequent turtle activity. When we do spot them, we’ll respectfully snorkel alongside, recording vital data such as size, markings and behaviour. Later, we’ll learn how this data supports wider research and informs conservation policy in the Maldives.

Our morning begins with another reef snorkel in search of turtles, rays, and reef sharks - keeping an eye on the blue for any surprise visitors.

In the afternoon, we visit an uninhabited island, often used as a nesting site by sea turtles. Here, our Sea Turtle Expert explains the nesting process, the threats to eggs and hatchlings, and how we can help protect these vulnerable stages of life. We’ll also roll up our sleeves for a beach clean-up - leaving the island better than we found it.

As the sun sets, we gather for a BBQ dinner under the stars - an unforgettable evening surrounded by the gentle sounds of the ocean.

We continue our mission today with more snorkelling sessions focused on turtle sightings and data collection. This research helps track population health, identify critical habitats, and supports efforts to protect threatened and critically endangered species like green and hawksbill turtles.

In the afternoon, we dive deeper into the threats turtles face, from ghost nets and habitat destruction to bycatch. We’ll also learn about rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and how to safely assist an entangled turtle - skills that could one day make a difference in the field.

As we begin our journey back towards Male, we continue gathering turtle data while enjoying one last snorkel among the reefs.

Later, we drop anchor near the local island of Gulhi. With fishing as its main livelihood, Gulhi offers a glimpse into traditional island life. We’ll visit the boatyard - home to the oldest dry dock in the Maldives - and chat with locals while sipping fresh kurumba (coconut).

That evening, we enjoy a Maldivian theme night on board, complete with bodu beru drumming and dancing, offering an immersive celebration of island culture.

Our final full day begins with one last snorkelling trip, collecting any remaining data and saying goodbye to the reefs and their residents.

In the afternoon, we review the data gathered throughout the week. Sea turtles are essential to the health of the Maldives - both ecologically and economically -so every observation counts. There’s a chance someone in the group may even identify a new turtle for the Olive Ridley Project’s database and have the opportunity to name it!

Even if not, we can still adopt a turtle we’ve encountered - leaving a lasting legacy from our time on board.

After breakfast, we disembark MV Felicity and transfer back to Male International Airport.