Snorkelling Cruise through the Maldives

An Adventure through the “Great Sand Sea”

The Yasawa Princess cruises through the central atolls of the Maldives – including South Malé, Vaavu, and Ari – and takes you to breathtaking underwater worlds that amaze snorkelers and divers alike. The itinerary features selected highlights such as night snorkelling with nurse sharks and stingrays at Alimathaa, a whale shark safari at the southern edge of Ari Atoll, and an optional excursion to see majestic manta rays.

In addition to underwater adventures, you’ll visit both inhabited and uninhabited islands as well as stunning sandbanks – perfect for relaxing, exploring, or taking photos.

The cruise starts every Monday and lasts 14 nights. For guests who wish to stay only one week, a domestic flight between Malé and Maamigili (or vice versa, depending on the schedule) is available after 7 nights.

Detailed travel description

Travel Itinerary

Day 1

(Monday) – Welcome to the Maldives

Arrival at Malé Airport, boat transfer to the Yasawa Princess, check-in to your cabin. Welcome briefing, meet the crew and fellow guests, safety procedures. Overnight onboard. (L, D)

Day 2

(Tuesday) – Kalhuhuraa Sandbank

Relax and swim in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3

(Wednesday) – Hathikolhu Sandbank

Snorkeling and relaxing on another beautiful sandbank. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4

(Thursday) – Dhiggiri and Alimathaa Sandbank

Enjoy turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. Optional morning snorkeling at Dhiggiri Thila with nurse sharks (USD 20 + tax). Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 5

(Friday) – Oshagali Finolhu & Dhagenthi

Island visit and local experience in Dhagenthi. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 6

(Saturday) – Dhigurah

Explore pristine beaches and clear lagoons. Full day on the island with picnic and beach BBQ. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 7

(Sunday) – Ariadhoo

Two days on the peaceful agricultural island of Ariadhoo. Optional whale shark safari (USD 30 + tax). Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)

Day 8

(Monday) – Ariadhoo (continued)

Optional second whale shark excursion. (B, L, D)

Guests booked for the 7-day cruise transfer today to Maamigili Airport. 

Day 9–14

(Tuesday to Sunday)

Discover more hidden treasures including:

• Hurasdhoo: secluded island and optional manta ray trip (USD 25 + tax)
• Embudhoo: quiet beaches, night fishing
• Alikoi Rah: stunning sandbank surrounded by vibrant reefs
• Meerufenfushi: full day with beach picnic and BBQ
• Maayafushi & Madivaru Finolhu: sandbanks and birdwatching
• Return to Malé, with optional city and aquarium visit
  Overnight onboard throughout. (B, L, D)

Day 15

(Monday) – Return journey

Breakfast, transfer to Malé Airport and return flight. (B)

Meals: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner (occasionally served as picnic)

• Highlights
• Snorkel vibrant reefs and wrecks
• Optional excursions: night snorkelling, manta rays, whale sharks
• White sand beaches and lagoons
• Sunset BBQs and island visits
• Night fishing and beach picnics

 

Itinerary subject to change due to weather or local conditions. Final routing remains at the captain’s discretion.

• Departure
  Flights not included
• Prices per person
  Prices (per person)

  (Lower Main Deck cabin, double occupancy, 1 week, full board, early bird rate) - 1 week from 1.845,00 €

  Minimum group size: 14 full-paying guests

  Departure Dates (Monday–Monday)

  One-week cruises (2025): Nov 10, 17, 24 | Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

  One-week cruises (2026): Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 | Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 | Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Apr 6, 13, 20

  Two-week cruises (2025): Nov 10, 24 | Dec 8, 22

  Two-week cruises (2026): Jan 5, 19 | Feb 2, 16 | Mar 2, 16, 30 | Apr 13

  About the MV Yasawa Princess The MV Yasawa Princess offers 28 twin/double cabins across three decks: • Bridge Deck (7 cabins): ~10 m², large windows, air-conditioning • A Deck (14 cabins): ~11 m², large windows, air-conditioning • Lower Main Deck (7 cabins): ~13 m², porthole windows, air-conditioning All cabins have private bathrooms with showers, adjustable air-conditioning, a mini safe, and some include a ceiling fan. For safety, all windows are fixed. The restaurant and bar are located indoors and offer Wi-Fi. Guests can relax in indoor or outdoor lounge areas, and the spacious sundeck provides loungers and shaded spots.

  Meal plans: • Full board: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinking water, tea, and coffee • All-inclusive: Full board plus soft drinks, wine (no champagne), beer, and daily cocktails during happy hour (5–7 PM)
• Included
  • English-speaking cruise manager
  • English spoken onboard
  • Roundtrip transfer from/to Malé Airport
  • Domestic flight (Malé – Maamigili or vice versa) for 7-day cruise
  • Daily mineral water, tea, coffee
  • Island visits, snorkeling opportunities, and BBQs as per itinerary
  • One night fishing excursion per week
  • 7 or 14 nights aboard Yasawa Princess in selected cabin
  • Meals according to itinerary

  Not included:

  • International flights
  • Meals and drinks not specified
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Optional excursions and activities
  • Diving equipment (can be rented on-site)
  • Optional snorkeling trips (sharks, mantas, night snorkeling)
• Entry

  Luxembourgish and German citizens need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date. Passports must be in good condition with sufficient blank pages. An online immigration form must be filled out within 96 hours before departure: https://travel.immigration.gov.mv
  No vaccinations are required, but standard immunizations should be up to date. All COVID-19 entry restrictions are currently lifted (as of 04/2025), but this may change depending on developments.

• Note

  Additional Notes

  • Depending on flight schedules, a pre- or post-night hotel stay may be required (with adjusted transfers; costs apply).
  • Wi-Fi is available onboard (in the restaurant and bar), though coverage may be limited.
  • Flight prices are based on tour operator fares. We are happy to offer suitable flights upon request.
  • Travel insurance is not included. We highly recommend purchasing travel health and cancellation insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage.
  • This trip is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Please let us know before booking if you have specific needs.
  • This trip is operated in cooperation with partner tour operators – quality is not affected.
  • Cancellation policy (deviates from standard terms):
    • Up to 22 days before departure: 55% cancellation fee
    • 21 to 1 day before departure or no-show: 100% cancellation fee

  General Terms and Conditions of Bollig Tours apply.