maldives whale shark expedition

13 days

12th-24th April 2027/28

Wake up every morning surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water before spending your days swimming alongside whale sharks, manta rays and some of the richest marine life on Earth.

Forget the overwater villas.

This expedition is about experiencing the Maldives the way few visitors ever do.

Over twelve unforgettable days we'll explore remote islands, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, swim alongside the world's largest fish, search for giant manta rays, cruise with wild dolphins, discover protected UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and experience authentic island life far away from the luxury resorts.

Designed for wildlife lovers, photographers, families and adventurers alike, this is a relaxed expedition with incredible daily experiences both above and below the water.

Whether it's your first time snorkelling with marine megafauna or you're an experienced ocean explorer, this is a bucket-list adventure you'll remember forever.

A person sitting on a leaning palm tree over the ocean with boats in the water and a partly cloudy sky.

Price:

Adults (16+): £2,649

Children (8–15): £2,499

Family of Four OFFER: £9,999

Valid for 2 adults and 2 children travelling together.

A £500 non-refundable deposit secures your place.

The remaining balance is due to be cleared by 30 days days before departure.

Included

• 12 nights accommodation

• Full board meals throughout the expedition

• Speedboat transfers from airport

• All daily activities, equipment and guide fees

• Whale shark expedition

• Manta ray expedition

• Dolphin cruise

• Sandbank experience

• Snorkelling excursions

• Biosphere Reserve excursion

• Local island cultural experience

• Expedition WhatsApp group

• Full support with flights and travel planning

Excluded

• International flights*

• Travel insurance*

• Food/drinks outside the resort

• Alcoholic beverages

• Personal expenses

As an ATOL / ABTA licensed travel agent, we can help arrange your flights, travel insurance and any additional travel requirements. Please discuss your flight preferences with us before booking as we may be able to find a better price for you.

Aerial view of the Maldives with turquoise lagoons and coral islands from an airplane window.

Day One - 12th April

arrival in malé

We will help you arrange your flights so that everyone arrives on the 12th of April. Guests arrive throughout the day from around the world and will be transported to our hotel

We'll all meet at our hotel in Malé for a welcome dinner, expedition briefing and a chance for everyone to get to know one another before heading to the islands on day 2.

A romantic beach dinner setup on the sand with a table, two chairs, a vase of flowers, and two glasses of red wine, overlooking an ocean at sunset with colorful sky and distant huts.

Day Two - 13th April

Transfer to Paradise

An early morning ferry (around 7:00am) takes us across the Indian Ocean to our island.

Check into our accommodation before spending the afternoon exploring the island, relaxing on the beach and settling into island life.

Once settled, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner, meet the rest of the expedition team and discuss everything planned over the coming twelve days.

Underwater view of a sea turtle swimming over a coral reef.

Day Three - 14th April

Island Discovery

We'll explore the local island, learn about Maldivian culture, explore the pristine white sand beaches and head out for an unforgettable sunset cruise across the Indian Ocean in search of turtles, dolphins and more.

A spotted whale shark swimming in clear blue ocean water near a coral reef.

Day Four - 15th April

Whale Shark Expedition

The highlight for many.

Today we'll head into the open ocean in search of the gentle giants of the sea.

Whale sharks are the largest fish on Earth, reaching lengths of over 12 metres, yet they're completely harmless to humans.

Once located, you'll have the incredible opportunity to enter the water and snorkel alongside them.

Later we'll visit remote sandbanks surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise water.

A man with tattoos walking along the shoreline of a tropical beach with palm trees, blue sky, and turquoise water.

Day Five - 16th April

Coral Reefs & Free Exploration

A more relaxed day.

Spend the morning snorkelling directly from the island or simply enjoying the beaches and exploring the island at your own pace.

Perfect for photography, paddleboarding or simply unwinding.

A diver exploring underwater with a large whale shark in the background.

Day Six - 17th April

Manta Ray Adventure

Today we'll search for one of the ocean's most graceful animals.

The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to encounter giant reef manta rays.

Watching these enormous animals glide effortlessly beneath you is an experience few people will ever experience, and one you’ll never forget.

Hopefully we’ll get another chance to see whale sharks.

A group of men dancing outdoors, wearing white traditional attire with red sashes and pants, holding sticks, with a crowd of onlookers and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Day Seven - 18th April

Authentic Maldives

Today we'll leave the tourist trail behind.

Visit local communities, experience traditional island life and discover the culture that exists beyond the famous luxury resorts.

This is a fantastic opportunity to support local businesses while gaining a genuine insight into life in the Maldives.

School of colorful Tang fish swimming underwater.

Day Eight - 19th April

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Today we visit and snorkel in one of the Maldives' most spectacular protected marine environments.

Expect vibrant coral reefs, incredible biodiversity and opportunities to encounter turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and thousands of tropical fish.

Bring your underwater cameras.

A person stand-up paddleboarding on clear, turquoise water with a vast blue sky and clouds in the background.

Day Nine - 20th April

Ocean Adventure Day

Today is all about enjoying the water.

Choose from a variety of optional activities including kayaking, paddleboarding, additional snorkelling or simply relaxing on some of the most beautiful beaches on Earth.

We'll finish with a beach barbecue beneath the stars.

Three dolphins swimming and leaping out of the water.

Day Ten - 21st April

Wild Dolphin Cruise

Today we'll head out mainly in search of pods of wild spinner dolphins.

Watching hundreds of dolphins leap from the water against a tropical sunset is one of the Maldives' most magical experiences.

Hopefully we will also see whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles again.

A person lying in a hammock tied between two leafless trees on a white sandy beach with turquoise water in the background.

Day Eleven - 22nd April

Private Sandbank Experience

Imagine standing on your own tiny island surrounded by nothing but turquoise water and beautiful marine life.

Today we'll visit one of the Maldives' famous sandbanks where we'll enjoy a private picnic, snorkelling and plenty of time to relax and take in the natural beauty.

Underwater scene with sea turtle and yellow fish swimming over coral reef.

Day Twelve - 23rd April

One Final Adventure

Our final full day.

Depending on weather and wildlife activity we'll revisit our favourite snorkelling locations in search of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and more before gathering for a farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable expedition together.

Set up for a beach wedding with a table and chairs facing the sunset, two teepees, and tiki torches on the sand shoreline during sunset.

Day Thirteen - 24th April

Goodbye Maldives

After breakfast we'll transfer back to Malé International Airport for your onward travel.

You'll leave with thousands of photographs, unforgettable wildlife encounters and memories that will last a lifetime.

Until the next adventure.