Tour In Detail
Introduction
It’s time to start ticking off thing from your bucket list and maybe start a new one. If your bucket list is to see all shades of blue in the World, what better way to accomplish that then the Maldives? Jump into different shades of blue and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Understand the meaning of perfect water temperature by taking a dip in the ocean anytime, day or night. Swim with one of the most beautiful creatures of the sea, the majestic Manta Rays or see the biggest fish in the ocean, the Whale Shark. This is the tour you would want to be on. So enjoy Maldives for what its best known for but of course without the hefty price tag!
Bucket List Checker
- Island Hopping
- Snorkelling with Manta Rays
- Sand Bank Trip
- Snorkel with Whale Shark
- Water Bungalow Stay
- Dolphin Cruise
- Traditional Sunset Fishing
- Seaplane Ride
- Male’ City Tour
Duration: 9 Days 8 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: IWSGBL
Service Level: Standard
All activities/excursions included in this tour are operated by third parties that are audited regularly to ensure they meet Island Wanderers acceptable level of service standards. You’ll be well taken care of and safety is given utmost importance during these excursions.
Physical/Fitness Requirement: Reasonably Fit
Most of the tour consist of activities that require you to be reasonably fit for physical water based activities such as snorkelling. Some parts of the tour may require you to participate in a walking guided tour that may last a few hours.
Travel Style: Small Group
On average a group will consist of less than 10 adults. For some activities this number may increase as service providers tend to pool guests from nearby hotels/resorts together to conduct said activity.
What's Included
- All domestic transfers including domestic flights and speedboats between islands
- Accommodation for 8 nights including breakfast
- 4 Star Resort Water Bungalow stay for two nights including breakfast and dinner
- Guided snorkelling excursion
- Trip to Hanifaru Bay to swim with Manta Rays & Whale Sharks
- Sandbank trip
- Traditional sunset fishing
- Seaplane Ride between two islands
What's Excluded
- International Flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses
- Extra optional excursions you may wish to take part.
Dossier Disclaimer
The information on this Tour Detail document is prepared with 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 etc. 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 tour 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
TOUR BOOKLET
Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Tour Booklet to review a couple of days prior to 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
This tour will include breakfast for your entire tour days with us. Additional meals are payable on your own and as you will be travelling to local islands with a smaller population, the range of restaurants or cafes within the island will be limited. If you have special dietary requirements please get in touch with us and we will do our best to accommodate your special requirements.
Transport
Transport during this tour will be mainly using Speedboats and a domestic flight. All speedboats are equipped with life jackets for your safety. However, you may be required to travel in smaller boats on your excursion trips and life jackets may not be readily available. Always insist on a life jacket if you are not confident with your abilities in the water. Your domestic flight tickets are included in the tour price. We will arrange to handover the domestic flight tickets to you upon your arrival to Maldives. The tour does include a seaplane flight between two islands which is a unique experience we feel all guests must try. If you have a fear of flying smaller aeroplanes please do let us know in advance so we can arrange an alternate mode of transport for you. Additional charges may occur in this instance.
Accommodation
The accommodation in Hulhumale and Dharavandhoo will be in a 3+ star hotels/guesthouses. Your luxury water bungalow stay will be at a nearby resort of 4+ star ensuring you get to experience the much sought after Maldivian luxury experience. Guests will be provided a Twin Bed Sharing Room accommodation with members of the group. You will be allocated a room with a fellow guest of the same sex at all times. If you require Single Room accommodation please get in touch with us at the time of the booking. We will do our best to accommodate your request. Most rooms are fitted with BS1363 UK three pin plug points with 220V AC current. Guests are advised to bring their own universal adapters as hotels carries only limited stock of these adapters.
All the hotels/guesthouses who have partnered up with Island Wanderers are audited regularly to ensure they meet our acceptable standard of quality. Even though these hotels are listed as 3+ star, you will be pleasantly surprised at the level of quality of these properties. A lot of the hotels are local owner operated, so many of our guests get served directly by the hotel/guesthouse owners during their stay.
Joining Instructions
In the International Airport after clearing customs, please look for our staff with an Island Wanderers sign board at the concourse area. Our staff will then guide you to your first hotel.
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 / in accommodation
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 available free of charge in most of the hotels partnered up with Island Wanderers. However, a few may charge you for the use of Wifi.
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
The Maldives is a Muslim state, so if you’re staying in an inhabited Island, 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. Most inhabited island will have a private beach for guests to enjoy the beach in bikini wear.
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
• Snorkel gear (optional)(Only if own equipment is preferred)
• Day backpack (Used for daily excursions)
• Hat
• Universal adapter
• Personal entertainment (eBooks, music player etc.)
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/bandana
• Swimwear
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 tour. 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.
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
This Tour is offered every Sunday of every week, so please take your International Flight arrvial into consideration. If your International Flight arrives a day or two earlier than the start of the tour you are required to arrange your own accommodation for the extra days. However, we will be delighted to assist you with this as well. You are required to inform us of your International Flight details to ensure we can plan your tour as smoothly as possible.
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
