Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

Following the arrival of the group flight and a short introductory briefing,

we will transfer by dhoni to board by midday the MV Felicity, our home for

the next 6 days, arriving in time for a light lunch. Today we cruise south

to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. During this time you are able to do as you

please, relax on the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy and watch

the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins. Our

crew will try to find an opportunity for you to have your first snorkelling

excursion this afternoon. If the islands of the Maldives are beautiful, what

lies under the water is a veritable wonder of nature. The reefs that encircle

the islands and the Atolls are just as abundant in their variety of coral as

the marine creatures that live in and around them. This coupled with the

amazingly clear water, make snorkelling and diving in the Maldives a unique

experience that you will not forget.MV Felicity

This morning our first stop will be a reef located on the east side of the

atoll which offers the strong possibility of a number of turtle sightings.

The reef is shallow but dense with corals which provide turtles with an

abundant food source. As with all Maldivian reefs there will also be plenty

of fish to observe including Box fish, Porcupine fish and schools of Banner

fish. The remainder of the day we will cross into Ari Atoll and head south

towards the island of Dhangethi. Dependent on the sailing conditions if

there is time there, will be the opportunity this afternoon to take a further

snorkel trip before making a visit to the local island of Dhangethi where we

will take a traditional Maldivian afternoon tea. Dhangethi is a typical

Maldivian fishing island with an interesting story to tell concerning the

moon and a Maldives Sultan!MV Felicity

The region of South Ari Atoll is very lucky to have a unique year-round

population of Whale sharks. Nowhere else in the world boasts Whale sharks

every single month of the year and furthermore many of the sharks seen are

the same individuals time after time. We spend time with a representative of

the Maldives Whale shark Research Team or a local marine biologist to learn

about these magnificent creatures and how identification can be made before

heading out on our own Whale shark safari. We may see 1 or 2 Whale sharks in

half an hour or given that they are wild creatures in their natural habitat

we may not encounter one for the whole time we are searching. However the

unpredictability all adds to the excitement! If we do spot them we will have

the opportunity to snorkel alongside them, a truly magical experience. Whale

sharks can, at times, swim very quickly – so you may need to work hard to

keep up with them in the water!MV Felicity

Today we go in search of Whale sharks once more and if the time of year is

right (December – March) we may also encounter Manta rays. Following lunch

we will be taken to one of the best snorkelling sites in this area where we

may be fortunate to encounter turtles amongst the colourful corals and fish.

The water conditions and currents play an important role in the choice of

snorkel sites. However, it is likely that fish species such as Dogtooth tuna,

Trevally's, Jacks, Sweetlips, Butterfly fish, Wahoo and Fusiliers will be

encountered. When not in the water, the day is one for relaxation on board MV

Felicity.MV Felicity

On departures between February and April we will cruise to Madivaru, a marine

protected area with two cleaning stations where we hope to encounter Manta

rays. With a radio network between dive and cruising vessels, our guide and

crew will do their best to encounter Manta rays but should we not be lucky

enough, further snorkelling opportunities to encounter sharks, turtles, eels,

octopus and rays will be offered. Out of season it is still possible to

encounter solitary Manta rays and we will also make the most of a final

opportunity to encounter Whale sharks.Qualified divers are offered the

optional opportunity to dive within this marine protected area which boasts a

number of exciting dive sites (see money section for prices of the optional

diving). For those who have not dived before a Discover Scuba Diving Course

is offered to learn the basic safety guidelines and skills needed to dive

under the direct supervision of a PADI professional. Those who choose not to

dive will be able to snorkel in this protected marine area.This afternoon we

start our cruise northwards.MV Felicity

Cruise north before we anchor in the lagoon off the island of Hulhumale in

the late afternoon. This morning there will be a final chance to snorkel

these tropical waters and whilst cruising we can do as we please: relax on

the sundeck, sit in the shade of the sun canopy, read a book or just watch

the beauty of the Maldives pass by. Once anchored in Hulhumale lagoon there

will be an optional Male city walking tour available for those who would like

to stretch their legs! This evening a presentation provides an overview of

the Maldives marine environment and the work being undertaken by local NGO's

to protect it for the future.MV Felicity

After a light breakfast, all clients are transferred this morning back to

Male International Airport in time for the group flight clients to check in

for their flight back to the UK. For land only clients, the trip ends upon

arrival back to Male International Airport this morning.