Picture this. Idyllic islands, glistening white sandy beaches, aqua blue waters, secluded turquoise lagoons. That’s right - We’re talking about the Maldives! Look up the definition of paradise in the dictionary and we’re sure you’ll find it in there. The Maldives isn’t just for the rich and famous or honeymooners. It's a beautiful location and we can't wait to show it to you! How to explore? Well 8 days sailing the seas on a 90ft boat sounds a-boat right! Exceptional white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, views for days and of course, the jaw dropping untouched marine life are just a few things you’ll experience whilst in the Maldives. Swim alongside manta rays, spot wild dolphins, throw some shapes partying on the beach and give back to the local community with a beach clean up. So the question is are you really ready for the SailVenture of a lifetime?
Explore the open seas! Our SailVentures have you island hopping the days away as you fall asleep under the stars. Live onboard as we sail to untold beauty and untouched islands. Dock up in hotspots and explore off the beaten path areas only accessible by boat. SailVentures combine action, exploration, adventure & jam-packed holiday bliss. Live your very best Yacht life with TruExclusives, Floatilla parties and endless beach days as you sail away in paradise!
You made it! You've arrived in paradise. Fly into Velana International Airport, and we'll meet you there on arrival. Take a minute, a deep breath; this is the holiday of a lifetime. We'll pick you up and transport you to our start hotel where we'll be spending our first night. Settle in and relax; it's going to be a magical 8 days. The day is yours to spend as you please. Later on, we meet up for a welcome dinner to get to know your fellow sailors & TruTravellers who you'll be spending the next 8 days with. The evening is young, so after some delicious cuisine, we head to the beach to watch the moon rise. Perfection.
Time to live our best boat life as we transfer to our floating home for the next 7 idyllic days - Felicity! Hello MTV, welcome to our crib, time for a boat tour! Trust us; it’s a beauty. Picture this, sailing the Maldives’ crystal clear, aqua blue waters on a 90ft boat. Yeah, that’s us! Settle into your cabin, decide whose bed is whose before we have our briefing. Let’s do this! We set sail for the ultimate SailVenture, heading south to Guraidhoo in South Male Atoll. Put those sunnies on, sit back and relax on the sundeck as you watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by. Look out for a dolphin or two! We drop anchor, grab a snorkel and jump in and explore some of the most stunning marine life in the world. We explore the local island of Guraidhoo & immerse ourselves in local life. We visit a mosque & the harbour before getting to know some of the locals. Discover succulent fruit trees as you wander the narrow maze of sandy roads before taking traditional afternoon tea in a local cafe, ‘Hedikaa style’. Pure perfection. We head back on board for dinner & drinks under the stars.
GoPros at the ready, slap that suncream on; we’ve got a big day ahead! We cruise in style across the channel into Vaavu Atoll. On the way, keep an eye out as you may spot one of the ocean’s majestic giants. Manta Rays! If the weather is right, it’s the ultimate Maldives bucket list ticking experience! We head to the southern part of Vaavu Atoll to a picture-perfect sandbar. Swim, snorkel, lay on the golden sandy beach, whatever floats your boat. Let any worries you have melt away as you sunbathe in the unspoilt beauty of the Maldives. Late afternoon we head to an uninhabited island we have all to ourselves. We complete a beach clean before taking a swim to cool off. Work hard, play hard, right? In the evening, we enjoy a private beach dinner BBQ, castaway style! A TruExclusive! End the night camping out on deck under the stars. Sweet dreams.
Carpe Diem! Sea-ze the day! We’re sailing to Keyadhoo for the ultimate snorkelling extravaganza; you won’t want to miss this. In the morning we will head on land to enjoy a delicious Maldivian tea. Head underwater to experience diverse marine life multi-coloured coral reefs and float the day away in the aqua blue waters. Indulge in delicious cuisine before we head to a secluded sand bar ready to dance the night away. Icebox filled with beers in hand and all the best noughties tunes playing prepared for a party under the stars. Feel the sand between your toes, the cool crisp taste of that first beer hitting your lips; yeah, this is the holiday a lifetime.
Devour a delicious breakfast onboard to the gentle waves of the surrounding aqua blue waters. You’re in paradise. We continue our cruise through Vaavu Atoll, so sit back and relax. Late afternoon we cruise to the local island of Hathikolhu Finolhu and head ashore for traditional ‘hedika’ - delicious Maldivian savoury & sweet snacks. YUM! We also have a tour of the island and take a look around. Later in the evening, we experience a world-famous Maldives sunset; vibrant oranges & reds cover the skies as we learn the art of line fishing. Trust us - you’ll have a fin-tastic time! The Maldives has a unique history that depends on tuna fishing, so we learn from the very best - the local fisherman! Perfect your skills using a pole and line and grab that catch of the day! It’ll be freshly prepared for dinner tonight! What an experience.
Another morning in blissful tropical paradise. Enjoy some delicious breakfast onboard as we sail to Maafushi where we'll snorkel thorugh the seagrass meadow and Renee's coral gardens. Lather the suncream on and sunbathe on the open deck listening to some old school jams under the glistening sun before we drop anchor and jump in! Explore the glistening turquoise waters as we swim with turtles! Head underwater and experience the diverse marine life and colourful coral reefs and fish. Before the sun sets, we head ashore to the local island of Gulhi. We visit the boatyard and get to know the locals immersing ourselves in local culture and history by learning their stories. Time to freshen up with a Kurumba (that’s a coconut for all you newbies). We’ve got a big night ahead! Sample local dishes, learn traditional Maldivian dancing as the crew play the ‘bodu beru’ and sing along to the beat of the drum. You may not have the voice of an X Factor winner or be able to shake your hips like Shakira, but it’s an unbelievable night so enjoy every minute!
It’s our last full day together but trust us, it’s an epic one! Enjoy breakfast onboard before one final snorkel.. Dive down and swim amongst the rainbow fish, the vibrant and tranquil marine life and of course, don’t forget to get those snaps for the gram to make your friends back home jealous.. It’s only right. Snorkelling has you working up an appetite, so we grab lunch on board before cruising to Hulhumale. Later in the afternoon, we head over to Malé to grab an ice cream! It’s your last day, so treat yourself, order 3 scoops of delicious chocolate ice cream and enjoy every minute of it. You deserve it. In the evening, we have a farewell dinner onboard! The food is out of the world, the cocktails sweet and as delicious as ever. Celebrate your last night aboard by partying on deck, hugging your brand new TruFam uncontrollably or buying the whole boat a continuous round of beers.. Whatever you fancy.
It’s time to bid farewell, goodbye, adios, dhanee! That’s goodbye in Maldivian.. But you know that. You’ve spent 8 days here already, you legend. We have one last delicious breakfast onboard before checking out by 9am and grabbing our transfer back to Malé International airport. It’s been a wild, crazy, unbelievable 8 days in tropical exotic ocean bliss, and we hate to say goodbye. Your travel ninja is on hand to help with any onwards plans you may have. Hey, even if you need a hug or two. It’s been the trip of a lifetime, and for that.. You’ll be TruFam forever. This isn’t goodbye, it’s sea you later?
WHERE DOES THE TRIP START & FINISH?
The trip starts & finishes in Male
WHICH AIRPORT DO I NEED TO FLY INTO?
You will need to fly into Velana International Airport (MLE).
What if I want to arrive before the trip starts?
If you have booked your own pre-accommodation elsewhere in the Maldives, on another local island or at a private island resort please arrange to be transferred back to VELANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (MLE) on the start date of your tour. Please check the most up to date information on travel restrictions before you arrive.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THE END DESTINATION?
The closest airport to the end destination is Velana International Airport (MLE.) Due to the length of time it will take to get to the airport and to the account for check in we recommend your flight is not earlier than 11am on the day of departure.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE?
The airport closest to the end destination is Velana International Airport (MLE.) The transfer from the boat is a group transfer direct to the airport, the latest checkout time from the boat is 09:00 beacause the boat transfer will be as a group.
For guests who have booked an early flight ( before 11:00) we can transfer by vehicle for an additional $15 per person. This should be organsied through the group leader.
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation included on this trip is a mixture of double & twin cabins.
What is the local currency?
Both MVR and USD are widely accepted.
Is WIFI available throughout this trip?
There is no wifi on the boat, so it is recommended that you purchase a 3G sim card once you arrive to stay in touch with the outside world (if you wish).
Are there many solo travellers?
Yes, lots of people come on our trips as solo travellers, it's a great way to meet new people and you’ll never feel alone from the moment you arrive as you will instantly be travelling with an awesome group of like-minded people.
WHAT TYPE OF FOOD WILL WE EAT?
The traditional food of Maldivians is based around fish, (tuna to be more specific), chilli and coconuts. White rice, noodles and “roshi” (a flour based flat-bread) are staple items. Meals will also include chicken, vegetables, salads and fresh fruit. Most dietary requirements can be met providing you make us aware at time of booking.
How much spending money do you recommend?
Everyone spends differently so it’s hard for us to give an exact amount. All your activities, transport and accommodation and meals are included on this tour so all you need to worry about is paying for a beer or two (whatever you fancy).
Please note that it is cash payments only on board.
What luggage do you recommend? Backpack VS Suitcase.
We would always recommend a backpack. Suitcases are not ideal for Asia as even if your suitcase has wheels it's very hard to pull it across the beach. If it's your first time with a backpack, you’ll never look back after.
What are the restrictions on alcohol in the Maldives?
As the Maldives is an Islamic nation, there are restrictions regarding alcohol. It is prohibited to bring alcohol into the country. Your luggage is x-rayed on arrival and alcohol found is confiscated. Tourists can buy and drink alcohol on board liveaboard vessels and at private island resorts. Alcohol is prohibited on local islands where the local population live.
What if I get seasick?
Our tours are run throughout the summer months and the best time of the year for sailing in specific destinations so the ocean is expected to be pretty calm.
However, guests who suffer from motion sickness may want to consider carrying motion sickness tablets or wristbands. Once on board access to pharmacies will be limited.
Will we have chances to get off the boat?
It will be possible to get off to visit islands and sandbanks during the day but we will anchor in secluded lagoons or ocean and therefore away from land at night.
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We’re offering free date changes or to keep your deposit on file for as and when you’re ready to travel, 2 months, 2 years or even 20!
Is there any other important information to know?
Please note that the activities and itinerary on this tour is dependant to change due to the weather conditions in the Maldives. Our tour guides want you to have the best experience possible so they may change the order of the itinerary to maximise the experience!