The Maldives
Whale- and Dolphin-watching in the Indian Ocean

Saturday 22 - Sunday 30 January 2011 (9 days)
Saturday 26 February - Sunday 6 March 2011 (9 days)
Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 October 2011 (9 days)

The Maldives is a small island nation in the central Indian Ocean, some 400 miles southwest of the southern tip of India. The country is composed entirely of coral atolls. On the atolls are some 1200 sandy islands. All are small, and most can be walked around in less than an hour. These really are the picture postcard islands of your dreams, with swaying palm trees, white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons. This will be our third year of trips.

download a report of one of our previous trips to this area The exquisite islands and coral reefs of the Maldives have become a well-known tourist destination. But it is not widely realised that the Maldives also possess a particularly rich whale and dolphin fauna. Especially exciting is the great diversity of cetaceans found here. On our last trip we saw nine species, with an astonishing 18 species seen from the boat in the last three seasons. Spinner Dolphins, Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins and Short-fin Pilot whales are all common. Spotted Dolphins, Striped Dolphins and Dwarf Sperm Whales are all regulars. Recent highlights have included superb views of sperm whales, blue whales and Bryde's Whales, and also beaked whales including Cuvier's and Longman's. This last was long considered the rarest whale in the world, but is now know to occur regularly around the Maldives.

Tailor-made extensions
 If any clients would like to extend their stay with a more time in the beautiful Maldives, why not stay on a resort island immediately before or after your whale watching trip. We would be happy to provide a quote.

Outline Itinerary
Day 1Overnight flight London-Malé.
Day 2Transfer to Ari Queen and put to sea.
Days 3-7Whale, dolphin and seabird watching in the central atolls.
Day 8Whale and dolphin watching off Malé Atoll.
Day 9Depart for London

Click here for a full, printable itinerary

Price: £ 2,995

Single supp**: £ 390

Deposit: £ 400 per person

The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of economy scheduled return flights London-Malé*, airport taxes, Government Tourist Tax, atoll permits, full board accommodation, boat transport as described, incidental tips and the services of the leader and guide.

The price excludes travel insurance, optional tips to local boat crew, drinks and other personal expenses.

*For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Malé), please deduct £ 695 per person from the tour cost.

** A very limited number of cabins are available as singles.

These trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays.

Leader: Dr Charles Anderson

Maldives map