Maldive Dhoni Cruise
9 days Traditional Dhoni - Cruising Through the 'Flower of the Indies'
Life on the Dhoni
Arriving on Hulule 'airport island', we transfer directly to our Maldivian
sailing 'dhoni' and set sail for a nearby island for our first night
on board. The dhoni is the traditional means of transport of the Maldives
and is thought to have derived from the Arab Dhow. Our vessels have
been converted into live-aboard cruise boats with couchette accommodation
and a saloon area inside plus plenty of room on deck both in the sun
and shade for relaxing and watching the world go by. Meals on board
tend to be planned around the catch of the day - a treat for those that
enjoy seafood!
Cruising the Atolls
The coral and sand islands that make up the Maldives are clustered into
26 different Atolls, formed originally by volcanic activity. Leaving
the main North Male Atoll behind, we aim to head through South Male
and Felidhoo Atolls, stopping in small harbours or at uninhabited islands
along the way. Continuing south we reach Meemu (Mulaku) Atoll, a group
of islands with very few resorts, where we visit small fishing villages
and possibly see boatbuilders at work. There will be plenty of opportunities
for swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters to see the varied
and vibrant marine life that abounds. At one of the villages - possibly
Dhiggaru - we hope to enjoy a traditional 'Bodu Beru' (Big Drum) performance.
Male
Crammed onto an island 1.8 sq km in area, Male houses a fifth of the
total population. We walk around the main sights of this important capital
including the Grand Friday Mosque, the Islamic centre and the local
markets which are busy with the barter of islanders haggling for goods.
Accommodation & Meals: 7nts on Dhoni; 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches & 7 dinners included.
Mode of Travel:
Boat/On foot.
Comment:
A short relaxing tour to an exotic location. Accommodation on
the dhoni is on a twin share basis. All meals are included whilst on
board and snorkelling equipment is provided.
Group Size:
Approx. 12 to 18.
Tour Staff & Support:
Tour Leader, captain, crew and cook on dhoni.
Prices and Dates
08 March 08 - 16 March 08 : £1,099
22 March 08 - 30 March 08 : £1,099
23 Aug 08 - 31 Aug 08 : £1,099
04 Oct 08 - 12 Oct 08 : £1,099
18 Oct 08 - 26 Oct 08 : £1,099
15 Nov 08 - 23 Nov 08 : £1,099
27 Dec 08 - 04 Jan 09 : £1,199
03 Jan 09 - 11 Jan 09 : £1,139
31 Jan 09 - 08 Feb 09 : £1,139
07 Feb 09 - 15 Feb 09 : £1,139
07 March 09 - 15 March 09 : £1,139
21 March 09 - 29 March 09 : £1,139
04 April 09 - 12 April 09 : £1,499
22 Aug 09 - 30 Aug 09 : £1,139
