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Sail Maldives

8 Days

  • TOUR DESCRIPTION
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Enquire Now
  • Travel Insurance by Allianz

Tour Description

Take a trip to paradise and climb aboard a traditional Dhoni boat for a sailing trip through the Maldives. On this eight-day getaway, you’ll spend your days sailing, swimming and snorkelling among colourful corals, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical fish. Maybe see dolphins, turtles, manta rays and nurse sharks and watch the gorgeous sunsets to end each day of bliss. Have tea and locally made sweets with the locals on tiny islands, be treated to a traditional music and dance performance after dinner on the beach and learn how to make Madivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration and breakfast. With a local crew and leader by your side, you’ll be sure to see all the best bits of island living!

Priced From:

$ 3582.00pp *

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Male

End Location: Male

Countries: Maldives,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

  • Soak up the beauty of bright blue waters, white sands, palm trees and marine life with one full week cruising aboard a private, traditional Dhoni in the Maldives.
  • Swim and snorkel every day with tropical fish by your side – you might even be lucky enough to swim with manta rays, stingrays, triggerfish, turtles, reef sharks and nurse sharks – the Maldives is home to the biggest population in the world!
  • Snorkel at Biyaadhoo Reef to see the resident green turtles and schools of red-tooth triggerfish and bannerfish. Explore the colourful coral garden near Maafushi, with its beautiful drop off full of tabletop corals and oriental sweetlips.
  • Be treated to fresh, local Maldivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to make traditional mas huni and Maldivian tuna curry. Then, have tea at a small, locally owned cafe.
  • Enjoy a beachside dinner with traditional East African Bodu Beruand Langiri folk music, and dance with the locals as the sun goes down, moving to the beat of the drums.

    • Itinerary

    Day 1 Location: Male to Rihivelli Lagoon
    Assalaa mu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive in Male at the airport, you’ll be met at 12 pm by a local representative. You’ll then take a small boat to the marina where your Dhoni (traditional sailing boat) will be waiting for you. There will be a safety briefing onboard before you set sail. Settle into your cabins, meet your small crew and start sailing, watching the expanse of the Indian Ocean as you go. Stop for a swim near a sandbank in warm waters between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Tonight, you’ll have your first night aboard the boat in Rihiveli Lagoon, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat under a clear sky full of stars.
    Day 2 Location: Rihivelli Lagoon - Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi (Vaavu Atoll)
    Wake up in the lagoon this morning, surrounded by clear, light blue waters – you might even be lucky enough to see your first dolphins of the adventure! Maybe hop straight in the calm waters for a morning swim, then sail through the lagoons of Vaavu Atoll, soaking up the paradisical scenery on your way to Khudi Boli. When you arrive, take to the water for a snorkel among the large expanses of coral that shelter hundreds of shimmering fish. Back on the boat, maybe open one of the books in the library to learn more about the varieties and species here. If you like fishing, maybe go with the captain on the motor dinghy and catch some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner on board.
    Day 3 Location: Kudi Boli / Kuna Vashi - Anbaraa - Ruhhurihuraa (South Vaavu Atoll)
    Sail southwest of the Atoll today, for a full day of snorkelling around one of the small untouched islands, Ruh Hurihuraa. Dive into the warm waters and discover some of the most beautiful bottoms and drop-offs of the island. If the weather’s good, you’ll spend the night close to the island. Otherwise, at the end of the afternoon, you’ll sail for the lagoon of Bodu Mora – an uninhabited island reserved for oceanographic scientists.
    Day 4 Location: Bodumohoraa – Keyodhoo Shipwreck - Hulhidhoo
    Cast your sights northeast today, sailing towards the Keyodhoo Shipwreck – resting on a relatively shallow lagoon, this ship’s mast rises just above the water and is a popular spot in the Maldives for snorkelling. This morning is all about exploring the ship, full of life with its colourful corals and reef fish. After lunch aboard, you’ll sail to the island of Hulidhoo, which is covered with coconut trees and mangroves. Head out for your second snorkel of the day, as the drop-offs here promise a beautiful aquatic landscape. Continue to Alimathaa and watch the sunset over the lagoon tonight.
    Day 5 Location: Alimatha - Coral Garden (Vaavu Atoll) - Fulidhoo
    The Maldives is home to one of the largest nurse shark populations and it’s only growing in numbers. This morning, go snorkelling and maybe even spot some reef sharks and manta rays, too! After, sail to a coral garden that’s filled with life and snorkel among sea anemones and clown fish. Then, set sail to Fulidhoo – famous for the construction of wooden boats. Make your first journey to land for a walk through the local village, learning about the local customs and way of life on the island. Later, take part in a hedhikaa (Maldivian treats) experience at a locally owned cafe. Enjoy some traditional homemade snacks served with black tea and chat with the locals. Tonight, maybe pop down to the jetty, sit on the edge and watch as the nurse sharks dance beneath your feet, scavenging for the fisherman's offcuts.
    Day 6 Location: Fulidhoo Village - Vilivaru – Biyaadhoo – Coral Garden Guraidhoo Island
    If luck is shining on you today, you’ll see manta rays, triggerfish and turtles! Head to Biyaadhoo’s reef and swim with the green turtles and schools of red tooth trigger fish and banner fish. Explore the underwater coral garden near Maafushi, where a beautiful drop off showcases tabletop coral and oriental sweetlips. After an afternoon full of marine wildlife, you’ll carry on to the Guraidhoo Island’s lagoon. When you arrive, touch the sand and head to the village, where you’ll share a cup of tea at a small, locally owned café. Tuck into some freshly made savouries and sweets served with black tea or coffee. Tonight, you’ll have dinner on the beach accompanied by a performance of Bodu Beru (translating to ‘big drums’) and Langiri folk music – a form of traditional music centred around percussion with roots from East Africa. This is the most popular traditional music in the Maldives, and you can join in with the locals to learn a few traditional dance moves!
    Day 7 Location: Guraidhoo Island - Male
    For breakfast this morning, head back to the village of Guraidhoo Island for a short cooking demonstration on Maldivian cuisine. Learn how to make traditional mas huni (a typical Maldivian breakfast with tuna, onion, coconut and chili) and tuna curry. Then, sit down to enjoy these traditional dishes for breakfast, usually served with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea. You’ll then set out for a morning of snorkelling through corals and multi-coloured fish. Later, sail back to the capital of Male – only 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, this city can easily be explored on foot. When you arrive, you’ll visit the mosque, the presidential palace and the bazaar. End at the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market and maybe taste some local specialties like dried fish, huvadhoo bondi (local sweets) and exotic fruits. Tonight, toast to an amazing sailing adventure with your group!
    Day 8 Location: Male
    This morning, transfer to the airport in Male and say goodbye to your home for the last week. With no further activities planned, your sailing adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

    Dates & prices

    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date :
    16MAR2025
    Return Date :
    23MAR2025
    4715NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    20APR2025
    Return Date :
    27APR2025
    4385NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    22JUN2025
    Return Date :
    29JUN2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    13JUL2025
    Return Date :
    20JUL2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    03AUG2025
    Return Date :
    10AUG2025
    4310NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    24AUG2025
    Return Date :
    31AUG2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    14SEP2025
    Return Date :
    21SEP2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    05OCT2025
    Return Date :
    12OCT2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    26OCT2025
    Return Date :
    02NOV2025
    4215NZD
    available
    Departure Date :
    09NOV2025
    Return Date :
    16NOV2025
    4385NZD
    available

    Trip Notes

    Trip title

    Sail Maldives

    Trip code

    HPSM

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

    Introduction

    Take a trip to paradise and climb aboard a traditional Dhoni boat for a sailing trip through the Maldives. On this eight-day getaway, you’ll spend your days sailing, swimming and snorkelling among colourful corals, white-sand beaches, mangroves and tropical fish. Maybe see dolphins, turtles, manta rays and nurse sharks and watch the gorgeous sunsets to end each day of bliss. Have tea and locally made sweets with the locals on tiny islands, be treated to a traditional music and dance performance after dinner on the beach and learn how to make Madivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration and breakfast. With a local crew and leader by your side, you’ll be sure to see all the best bits of island living!

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Sailing

    Transport

    Dhoni

    Physical Rating

    3

    Physical preparation

    No particular level of physical fitness is required for our sailing trips, although you should have a good level of mobility and enjoy good health. We do ask that you read through the essential trip information to ensure that this trip is right for you. Please keep in mind that there are a number of shore excursions offered on your voyage. Some are walking tours and may involve a reasonable amount of walking over varied and sometimes slippery terrain. We recommend you bring a good pair of walking shoes, carry a water bottle and don’t forget the sunscreen and hat. Depending on the excursion, disembarking the ship may be by tender or onto a dock.

    Joining point

    Velana International Airport

    Male

    MALDIVES

    Joining point instructions

    Your trip starts at 12pm on day one at Male International airport. Upon arrival, after clearing customers, exit the arrivals terminal and go to counter number E2 (located outside of the arrivals terminal) where you will meet your Intrepid leader. You’ll then take a small boat to the marina where your Dhoni (traditional sailing boat) will be waiting for you.

    Finish point

    Velana International Airport

    Male

    MALDIVES

    Important information

    This trip is operated onboard a traditional Dhoni boat. This trip starts on day 1 at 12pm at Velana International airport in Male and finishes at 9am on day 8 back at Velana International airport, Male. ACCOMMODATION ONBOARD THE BOAT This trip is accommodated entirely on board a Dhoni style boat (a traditional wooden motor sailing boat). All cabins have one set of twin bunk beds, an ensuite bathroom, and all cabins are located on the lower deck. Rooms are allocated on arrival by our skipper according to group composition, which means it is not possible to reserve or guarantee any specific berth or cabin. Single passengers will be paired up with another single passenger of the same gender in a twin bunk bed cabin. If you’d prefer not to share a cabin, a single cabin supplement is available at an additional charge and is subject to availability. Couples travelling together on the same booking number will be placed in a cabin together. While not everyone may feel entirely comfortable living in such close quarters, those who are looking to revel in the adventure and exhilaration of a sailing trip usually find any discomfort from cramped living conditions is more than made up for by the whole experience.

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Soak up the beauty of bright blue waters, white sands, palm trees and marine life with one full week cruising aboard a private, traditional Dhoni in the Maldives.

    Swim and snorkel every day with tropical fish by your side – you might even be lucky enough to swim with manta rays, stingrays, triggerfish, turtles, reef sharks and nurse sharks – the Maldives is home to the biggest population in the world!

    Snorkel at Biyaadhoo Reef to see the resident green turtles and schools of red-tooth triggerfish and bannerfish. Explore the colourful coral garden near Maafushi, with its beautiful drop off full of tabletop corals and oriental sweetlips.

    Be treated to fresh, local Maldivian cuisine with a cooking demonstration where you’ll learn how to make traditional mas huni and Maldivian tuna curry. Then, have tea at a small, locally owned cafe.

    Enjoy a beachside dinner with traditional East African Bodu Beruand Langiri folk music, and dance with the locals as the sun goes down, moving to the beat of the drums.

    Is this trip right for you

    This trip is aboard a traditional Dhoni (a traditional wooden motor sailing boat). All cabins have twin bunk beds and will have ensuite bathrooms, are on the lower deck. It’s recommended that you pack light, as cabins are cosy. All cabins will experience a light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when you drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper. A good swimming ability is essential on this trip to enjoy all activities. Many meals are included onboard the boat. Where meals are not included, you’ll have time on land in beachside towns and resort towns for optional meals. If you’re travelling with your own group of friends or family and would like to book a private departure on this sailing trip, our Tailor-Made team will be happy to help: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/tailor-made

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    All meals are included onboard the Dhoni boat. Additionally, cordials, juice and tea/coffee are available on complementary basis. We also provide complimentary unlimited drinking water onboard. Soft drink, alcoholic drinks and Lavazza coffee are available onboard for purchase. You can set up a bar tab and pay for any additional drinks at the end of your trip. Please bring cash for these purchases.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. ON BOARD ACCOUNT An account will be opened for your cabin for any bar purchases onboard the Dhoni boat. You will then be asked to settle your account on the last night of your trip. The boat accepts payment by cash (US dollars) or credit card. Any credit card payments attract a credit card processing fee of 5%. It is also wise to travel with sufficient cash to pay for incidentals on your last day such tipping for your crew and leader. TIPPING If you're happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. If you are happy with the services received, the suggested amounts below are an appropriate amount for your leaders and crew onboard. Leader & Crew (5 crew members) USD5 to USD6 per customer per day Any tips given to the crew will be split equally amongst all crew members.

    What to take

    Please travel as lightly as possible so as not to restrict space in your cabin. Soft bags are more practical than hard suitcases. The dress code on board ship is casual. Swimming will be offered so swimwear is essential. Below is a suggested general packing list. Daypack (a smaller back pack that you can take with you on shore excursions) Comfortable clothing for warmer temperatures [shorts, t-shirts, light long sleeved tops and pants] A sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings or early mornings A light rain coat or poncho Comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions Sandals or thongs/flip flops/jandals Sunscreen [bio degradable and waterproof if available] and lip balm [to combat the effects of wind burn] Sunglasses Sunhat [that can be secured as it can get windy out on the water] Swimming costume Water bottle Bio-degradable shampoo, conditioner and soap Pegs [so you can hang your swimming costume or towel out to dry] Insect repellent European adaptor/electrical plug Camera

    Climate and seasonal

    The Maldives has a tropical climate and as such there is relatively little change in the overall temperature throughout the year. The Maldives, like many tropical destinations, has two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season between approximately November through April, sees temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in September. Temperatures in rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius). As like many tropical destinations, even the wet season can bring sunny days and any heavy downpours can often only last a few hours and then it can be dry and sunny for the rest of the day. Air conditioning is provided onboard on the Dhoni for those warm days.

    A couple of rules

    Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid DMC Sri Lanka: Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +94 76 831 6000

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip directly supports Eden Reforestation Projects, who are tackling climate change by restoring forests across the world; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within local communities. Donations support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries, including Madagascar, Kenya and Nepal. To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/eden-reforestation-projects 

    Accommodation notes

    On this trip you will travel onboard a traditional Dhoni boat (a motorised vessel used in the Maldives) which houses 12 passengers with a small crew of five, including your captain and onboard chef. The six cosy cabins all feature ensuites with wooden interiors. You can spend your days aboard looking out to sea on the sundeck, chilling out in the dining area or the bar, or making the most of the snorkeling equipment. At night, maybe watch the sunset from the sun loungers with a drink.

    Transport notes

    This trip is aboard a traditional Dhoni (a wooden motor sailing boat). All cabins are located on the lower deck, have twin bunk beds and have ensuite bathrooms. It’s recommended that you pack light, as cabins are cosy. All cabins will experience a light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when you drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

    Accommodation

    Traditional Dhoni style boat (7 nights)

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    World Travellers Riccarton is 100% owned and operated by Kiwis who belong to the fastest growing travel cooperative in New Zealand. We’re more than just a travel agency, we are well established travel professionals, dedicated to providing outstanding service to world travellers just like you. Think of us as your personal travel concierge – at no extra cost!

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