Marine Wildlife of the Maldives

• Six nights in twin cabins on board the Felicity
• Full-day whale shark safari included
• All meals included on-board
• 26 November 2023: Special departure in collaboration with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP)

With a tropical climate, plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 30C (86F) throughout the year, there is never a bad time to visit the Maldives. The Maldives has two distinct seasons: dry season (northeast monsoon) from January to March and the wet season (southwest monsoon) from mid-May to November.

For departures between May and October, temperatures are still warm, but rain showers are more likely, but even during this period there are also usually long spells of bright sunshine!

The changeover months between the two monsoon seasons (May and October/November) are more likely to offer the most unsettled weather and strong winds.

At any time of year, although it is more probable between May and October, the channels between each atoll can experience big swells and choppy waves if the weather is not favourable.

Diving is good year-round, although a basic rule is that reef life is more varied and visibility is better on the western side of any atoll from May to November and on the eastern side of any atoll from December to April.

Note as the Maldives is situated so close to the equator, it is possible to burn even on a cloudy day and sunscreen should be applied as a matter of course.

This trip is rated Activity Level 1 (Leisurely).

This is predominantly a marine adventure. No certifications are necessary, but you should be comfortable in the water and a strong swimmer to participate in the ocean excursions. We take no health and safety risks and our expert staff monitor conditions to take appropriate measures for a wonderful time here.

Getting out of the water and back onto the boat involves a boat ladder. Snorkelling trips are generally for a minimum of 45 minutes in open water. This time is approximate and may be shorter due to ocean conditions or longer due to wildlife encounters. There is a support boat and always the option to get out of the water sooner.

The climate in the Maldives is tropical, which means it can get very hot and humid and you should be prepared for this. It is always possible we may encounter the occasional day of rough seas and therefore an ability to swim is highly recommended.

The itinerary listed is only a guideline and may be changed based on sightings to maximise the wildlife-viewing experience.

Snorkelling equipment is available on board. However, bringing your own ensures comfort and fit. If you opt to use the snorkel equipment provided, you must keep the same equipment for the whole trip and not swap/share.

26 November 2023 special departure only:

In collaboration with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), this special research departure will be joined by a member of the MWSRP for the entire tour. It includes additional presentations and allows group members to assist with data capture.

The most common activity during this special departure involves being on the research dhoni looking for whale sharks. Every group member is assigned a role at the start of the day, such as recording any other significant marine species we see, such as turtles, mantas and dolphins, so there’s never a dull moment. Once we spot a whale shark, it’s all systems go! We have to identify the shark if we can, which means taking a left- and right-sided picture, from which we look at the unique spot pattern later. Those with good lungs may be asked to sex the shark, which means swimming underneath and having a good look! Finally, if there’s time, we try to measure the shark, either with a line or with our laser photogrammetry measurement device. Noticing and digitally recording new or healing injuries and other distinguishing marks can be really important in recording the health of the population.

Data entry: As an active research programme departure, we have to collate all the data and encounters we log out on the water for presentation to policy and decision makers. As group members, you are an essential asset in bringing all this information together; after a day on the boat, we input the data into our database and identify the sharks (or other megafauna, such as manta rays) we saw that day. Spotting a shark, swimming with it and then identifying and monitoring it is a really rewarding process!

During the evenings, you can listen to presentations ranging from current research data on whale sharks in the Maldives to understanding other Maldives marine life, or just chill out and recuperate for tomorrow’s adventures!