The Maldives: No resorts needed
Go off the beaten path (and onto a dhoni boat) to best explore this island paradise
Before the serene beaches and tranquil lagoons, the first thing to notice about the Maldives is the colour. This blissful Indian Ocean archipelago dazzles the eye with crystal-clear waters, cobalt-blue skies, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish of every hue. Our tours, which include all meals on board, let you experience the Maldives for less than the price of an all-inclusive floating villa resort. Choose between sailing aboard a traditional dhoni (max 10 travellers) or aboard our newly-refurbished and upgraded dhoni, the Sea Farer (max 14 travellers). Once there, explore volcanic atolls and snorkel turquoise waters, with loads of time devoted solely to lazing it up.
Before the serene beaches and tranquil lagoons, the first thing you’ll notice about the Maldives is the colour. This blissful Indian Ocean archipelago dazzles the eye with crystal-clear waters, cobalt-blue skies, blazingly white beaches, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish of every hue. Cruise aboard a traditional dhoni fishing boat, exploring volcanic atolls, and snorkelling the turquoise waters, with loads of time devoted solely to lazing it up.
Our traditional dhoni at a glance
Used on our Maldives Dhoni Cruise tour (AFMS & AFAN), this traditional fishing boat is essential to Maldivian identity. The motorized one you’ll sail with us has been modernized and equipped with all the amenities you need on the inside and the characteristic look and feel of the real thing on the outside. It comes ready with snorkelling equipment, basic fishing gear, and room for 8 lucky passengers.
Traditional dhoni at a glance
Service Level:
Standard. All meals included. Alcoholic and soft drinks extra.
Available Trips By Code:
AFMS - Maldives Dhoni Cruise
AFAN - Maldives Cruise: Indian Ocean Dhoni Life
Capacity:
8 passengers
Cabins:
Five twin/double bed cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. All cabins have small windows and rooftop pop-tops.
Boat Layout:
Our 11-metre (37-foot) dhoni is equipped with five double/twin cabins, with en suite bathrooms. There is a covered dining room, and large sundecks with outdoor sitting areas.
Crew:
This boat is staffed by a qualified skipper, G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO), local chef, and two deck hands.
Voltage and Plugs:
110V with North American flat plugs
Capacity:
10 passengers.
Cabins:
5 twin/double bed cabins, all with en suite bathrooms. All cabins have small windows & rooftop pop-tops.
Boat layout:
Our 37 foot dhoni is equipped with five double/twin cabins, with en suite bathrooms. There is a covered dining room, and large sundecks with outdoor sitting areas.
Crew:
This sailing adventure is staffed by a qualified skipper, G Adventures CEO, local chef, and two deck hands. Your onboard team know the Maldives extremely well and are passionate about sharing their hidden secrets with their "crew”. As you’d expect from an island nation 400 kilometres away from the mainland, Maldivian seafood is top notch. Your chef will prepare delicious meals in the local style for you every day.
The Sea Farer at a glance
Used on our Maldives Dhoni Explorer tour (AFMB), this upgraded dhoni was refurbished in 2018. Larger than our traditional dhoni, it comfortably hosts 14 passengers (as well as your CEO and five crew). Travellers can use the boat’s snorkelling equipment, fishing gear, and sun deck while exploring this vibrant archipelago.
The Sea Farer at a glance
Service Level:
Standard. Refurbished in 2018. All meals included. Alcoholic and soft drinks extra.
Available Trips By Code:
AFMB - Maldives Dhoni Explorer
Capacity:
14 passengers
Cabins:
Four en suite cabins with bunk beds. Two en suite cabins with double beds and separate single beds. One en suite cabin with a double bed.
Boat Layout:
The 27-metre (88-foot) Sea Farer features a bar, dining area, library, sun deck, and television with DVD player.
Crew:
The Sea Farer is staffed by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and five crew including the captain and chef.
Voltage and Plugs:
220V with North American flat plugs
Put your fins together
The Maldives isn’t on the list of every scuba diver and avid snorkeller for no reason. Vividly coloured schools of fish and coral reefs teeming with life are easy to explore in crystal clear waters. Forget wiggling into a wetsuit, the water’s so warm here you won’t need one!
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