Tour In Detail
Introduction
A boat cruise, or a ‘safari’ as the locals call it, is the perfect way to enjoy the exotic natural beauty of the Maldives. Enjoy the endless white beaches and surrounding azure waters as you travel around these breath taking islands on this 9-day cruise. Cruise through some of the world’s most beautiful islands while snorkeling or diving to meet the underwater locals of the Maldives.
Bucket List Checker
- Swim with Sharks
- Night Fishing
- Dinner By The Beach
- Swim With Whale Sharks
- Sandbank Picnic
- Island Hopping (Visit a total of 9 islands)
Duration: 10 Days 9 Nights
Start/Finish City: Male City’ to Male’ City
Age Requirement: 12 years and older. All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Tour Code: IWSGBC
Service Level: Standard
The Boat offers 28 comfortable cosy accommodation cabins with a bar, sun deck and lounge space and a dining area that opens up to the Saloon Deck.
Physical/Fitness Requirement: Average
Some activities such as diving or snorkeling maybe abit of a challenge to some guests, but you are free not participate and have more of a relaxed time onboard.
Travel Style: Ocean Cruise
Most of the time onboard is spent cruising through the protected waters of the Maldivian atolls, but crossing between these protected areas includes passing through more open waters which can occasionally be rough. Anyone prone to sea sickness should take necessary precautions. To make the most of your holiday, we recommend all guests are able to swim and have the ability to climb stairs.
Tour Type: Group
Small group experience; Max 56, avg 30.
What's Included
- Transfer from Velana International Airport to Boat
- Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Buffet during entire cruise
- Bottled drinking water, juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages*
- Night Snorkelling with Sharks Excursion
- Night Fishing Excursion
- BBQ Dinner on Beach
- Whale Shark Excursion
- Day visit to Rannalhi Resort
- Visit to Kalhuhuraa Sandbank
- Visit to Alimatha Sandbank
- Visit to picnic island of Anbaraa
- Visit to Oshagili Finolhu
- Visit to agricultural island of Ariadhoo
- Visit to island of Maamigili to experience local lifestyle
- Domestic Flight from Maamigili Island to International Airport
- Two nights accommodation in Hulhumale Island
What's Excluded
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Cocktails and other premium drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses
- Extra optional excursions (see possible list below)
- Diving in multiple dive sites
- Big Game Fishing
- Leasing fee of snorkeling equipment
Dossier Disclaimer
The information on this Tour in Detail document is prepared with the highest care and provided in good faith. However it is subject to slight changes with relations to weather and other conditions beyond our control and does not form part of the contract between the guest and Island Wanderers. The itinerary advertised on the website is correct at the time of publishing. Occasionally our itineraries may change as we make improvements. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra activity along the itinerary or the order of excursions. Sometimes the change may result in us changing the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the islands we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Tour in Detail document is a general guide to the cruise and any mention of specific destinations or marine wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
ALTERNATING STARTING AND ENDING POINTS OF CRUISE
Please note for the cruise section of this tour, the starting and ending points alternate between Male' City and Maamigili Island weekly. For example, guests boarding the Cruise boat in Male' City will finish their cruise in Maamigili and catch a domestic flight back to Male' City to complete the remaining part of their tour. While guests who begin their tour by catching the domestic flight initially from Male' City to Maamigili at the start of their tour, will finish the cruise back in Male' City to complete the remainder of their tour. This means the itinerary will be reversed in order every other week. (This will not affect the advertised excursions).
TOUR BOOKLET
Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Tour Booklet to review a couple of days prior to your travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. This booklet will be emailed to you upon confirmation of your bookings and payment.
RAMADAN
According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between May 5th and June 4th, 2019. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.
Meeting Your Island Wanderer Tour Guide
All Island Wanderers' tours will have a Tour Guide as a primary point of contact. They will meet you at the Airport upon your arrival and brief you about your particular tour before they pass you onto your accommodation. Although our Tour Guide may not accompany you on your particular tour, they will be available to reach through phone. Any questions you may have upon your arrival to Maldives regarding your tour you may direct it to your Tour Guide and they will be happy to assist you. As all activities and excursions included in our tours are prepaid, your hotel/guesthouse/boat guest relations officers will be aware of your complete itinerary and will take excellent care of you. Since we are a local company with local staff, we personally know most of the hotels/guesthouse/excursion operators and are able to sort out any of your arrangement or inconveniences with a simple phone call so please do not be alarmed if you physically don’t see our presence during the tour period.
Meals & Beverages
Food is a major part of this cruise adventure and all meals are included in this cruise. You will be served breakfast, lunch & dinner onboard the main restaurant. All meals are buffet style with a mix of different varieties of cuisines for everyone’s likings. Meals are served in below timings
Breakfast : 0730 – 0900 Hrs
Lunch : 1230 – 1330 Hrs
Dinner : 1930 – 2100 Hrs
Our all-inclusive meal & beverage package includes bottled drinking water, juices, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (Beer, House Wine, Regular Spirits). Cocktail of the Day during Happy Hour is also included in this package. However please note that premium liquors/spirits will be charged according to the Menu at the Bar and are billed to you and needs to be settled at check-out.
Additionally, if you have allergies to certain food, please inform us at the time of bookings so that we can pass that information on to the boat Chefs. We try our maximum to accommodate all special requests however this may not always be possible.
Transport
Transport from International Airport to Boat will either be by Traditional Dhoani, or Speedboat. Guests travelling to sandbanks and other picnic islands may have to experience travelling in smaller boats such as Dinghy, but this is all part of the experience. This cruise ends at the island of Maamigili and guests have to catch a domestic flight from Maamigili Island to the International Airport where guests spend their last night in Hulhumale before departing on their International flights. The cost of this domestic flight is included in the tour price.
Accommodation
The boat offers comfortable cosy cabins ranging from 115-142sqft with centralized air-conditioning and individual fan control for temperature control. All cabins comes with ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold water. Cabins are fitted with BS1363 UK three pin plug points with 220V AC current. Guests are advised to bring their own universal adapters as boat carries only limited stock of these adapters.
Please note that accommodation on Cruise Boats are generally much more smaller than what you would expect in a hotel or resort and that space onboard is tight. Unless you are a group bookings of an even number, you might be sharing a cabin with a fellow traveller. Please be aware that some travellers may not find sleeping cabins on boats the most comfortable experience, however if a real Maldivian cruise experience is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped cabin.
The accommodation in Hulhumale will be in a 3+ star guesthouse. Guests will be provided twin sharing accommodation unless informed to us in writing at the time of booking for alternative options.
Joining Instructions
In the International Airport after clearing customs, please look for our staff with an Island Wanderers sign board. Our staff will then guide you on how to transfer to the Cruise Boat.
If you arrive prior to day 1, you will be required to inform us by email the hotel you are staying in so that we can arrange your transfer to the Cruise Boat. If for any reason you are unable to email us please give us a call on the mentioned numbers at the bottom of this document.
Arrival Complications
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to find our staff in the airport please proceed to the information counter in the Airport which will be located after you clear customs. The airport staff should help you to get in touch with us if you can pass them our contact details.
Buying a mobile phone Sim Card / Wifi options on board
Guests will be able to purchase a local sim card with 4G capabilities after clearing Customs. Please visit the Dhiraagu store or ask our representative at the Airport to guide you.
Wifi is not available onboard the vessel.
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the Island Wanderers Tour Guide or our Head Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. All necessary contact details will be listed at the bottom of this document.
What to Take/Dress Code
There is limited space on the Boat. We recommend the use of a duffel bag as it may be easier to store onboard. Hard suitcases are very hard to store on board, and space may be limited. Please be considerate if you are sharing a cabin, and note that large hard sided suitcases can take up a lot of space in the cabin. Soft sided luggage is strongly recommended. You will also need to be able to lift your luggage on and off the boat but crew will of course be there to help.
The Maldives is a Muslim state, so if you visit a inhabited Island for shopping or sightseeing both men and women must adhere to a dress code that is acceptable to the locals. This can be casual clothing that covers your shoulders and thighs. Footware is optional, flip-flops are recommended. Public nudity is not allowed at anytime in the Maldives.
Packing Suggestions
Documents:
• Flight info including return air tickets (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at Immigration counter)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport (With photocopies)
• Booking Confirmation Voucher/Tour Booklet from Island Wanderers
Essentials we recommend:
• Sunglasses
• Underwater Camera
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day backpack (Used for daily excursions)
• Basic First-aid kit for personal use
• Flashlight/torch
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Universal adapter
• Personal entertainment (eBooks, music player etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandanna
• Swimwear
Laundry
There are no laundry facilities onboard the Cruise Boat. You may hand wash items as needed. Detergent is usually available or you can bring a travel-size non-polluting/biodegradable detergent.
Visas and Entry Requirements
Please use the below name & address when filling out your visa-on-arrival form upon entering the Maldives:
Island Wanderers
Urban Investment Pvt Ltd
G.E.K.A.M Building 9th Floor,
Mohamed Ismail Didi Goalhi,
Maafanu
Malé 20184
Maldives
T +960 333 0757 l F +960 334 7039 l M +960 735 2424
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
USD, GBP & EUR are accepted as payment for your beverage or any additional bill at the end of the cruise. Maldivian Rufiyaa is not accepted onboard. USD is accepted on most islands for souvenirs. Ensure USD notes/bills are new and/or in good condition. POS machine is available onboard but availability may vary across local islands and shops.
Money Exchange
There are limited ATMs outside of Malé City. Travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. US dollars are the best foreign currency and can be exchanged at resorts and banks. Most restaurants and shops will accept USD$ for payment and provide change in local currency.
Be advised that slightly torn notes or notes that have been heavily marked or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).
The Maldives has a non-convertible currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) – this cannot be purchased beforehand. Note that MVR can only be exchanged back into original currency prior to departing the Maldives from the airport Bank of Maldives exchange counter inside the departure hall.
Emergency Fund
We also recommend that you have access to at least an additional USD $400 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a very rare occurrence!
Tipping
Although it is customary in Asia to tip service providers, tipping is not compulsory in Maldives. However as expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour, feel free to tip the service provider any amount you may feel is deserving. It may not be a big amount but is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels.
Tour Specific Safety and Security
Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based have a balanced approach to safety.
Swimming, including snorkelling and diving, is always at your own risk.
We take all prudent measures in relation to your safety.
The cabins onboard are fitted with mini security boxes which you can use to store your valuables during your cruise. We strongly recommend the use of a padlock for securing your bags/suitcases. Leave your most valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this boat cruise. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
If your International Flights do not coincide with the Boat Cruise start and end dates, you are required to arrange your own accommodation for the extra days while in Maldives.
Useful Links
Emergency Contact Details
Tour Guide Hotline : +960 735 2424
Island Wanderers Head Office : +960 333 0757 / 334 7019 (Open weekday 9am -5pm, Saturdays 10am – 5pm)
Email : bookings@islandwanderers.com
Address : G.E.K.A.M Building 9th Floor, Mohamed Ismail Didi Goalhi, Maafannu, Male’ 20184, Maldives
