Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling Cruise

Travel with purpose aboard the Secret Paradise & ORP Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling Cruise  

Join us on a unique seven night sea turtle conservation cruise and explore Maldives’ pristine blue waters. You will swim with sea turtles, participate in vital citizen science research, and practice responsible tourism. Our partners Secret Paradise Maldives have been organising positive impact tours since 2012. The Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling Cruise will take the guests through a seven night cruise of South Malé and Vaavu Atoll aboard the MV Felicity. Accompanied by Secret Paradise’s tour leader and ORP’s sea turtle expert, you are sure to have an unforgettable journey that blends adventure with purpose.

Cruise Details

The Experience

Guided Snorkelling Tours

Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with life and discover lush seagrass meadows. Witness the awe-inspiring sea turtles, majestic guardians of this underwater paradise. You might even encounter graceful dolphins, sharks, and other marine creatures! Whether you are a seasoned snorkeler or a curious beginner, our guides will help you snorkel responsibly, ensuring you explore the underwater world with confidence and respect for the environment.

Interactive Educational Sea Turtle Sessions

Dive deep into the fascinating world of sea turtles with our sea turtle expert. You will learn about their biology, anatomy, behaviour, as well as their role in the marine ecosystem. Discover the threats they face to their survival and the vital conservation efforts underway. You may even become an official ORP Sea Turtle Guardian by completing the Sea Turtle Guardian Programme (optional).

Contribute to Sea Turtle Research As A Citizen Scientist

Our sea turtle expert will teach you how to collect valuable sea turtle data using photo-identification techniques. Your participation as a citizen scientist will contribute to our sea turtle population research and help inform conservation strategies for sea turtles in the Maldives.

On-Land Adventures

Not all of your adventures will be confined to the water. You will also have the opportunity to disembark on an uninhabited island, where ORP’s sea turtle expert will take you through sea turtle nesting behaviours and patterns. If you are lucky, you may even spot tracks left by nesting sea turtles on the beach. After exploring the island, you will take part in a beach clean-up, ensuring safe nesting habitats for sea turtles.

On another visit to the local island of Gulhi, you will have the chance to explore Maldives’ oldest dry dock boat yard.

Why Join the Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling cruise?

While there are countless experiences in the Maldives to pick from, here’s why we believe the Secret Paradise & ORP Sea Turtle Conservation Snorkelling Cruise deserves your patronage:

• This is a tour that prioritises responsible tourism and follows good practice around wild animals ensuring minimal disturbance
• You will learn how to swim and snorkel with sea turtles and identify behaviours that can alert you of their mood
• You will gain in-depth knowledge about sea turtles – their biology, anatomy, threats, conservation techniques and more
• You will learn how to be a citizen scientist and contribute to ORP’s crucial sea turtle population research by taking and submitting sea turtle Photo-ID. If you identifying a new sea turtle, you get first dibs on adopting and naming the turtle!
• You will get an inside look into the culture of Maldives, facilitated by your Maldivian tour leader
• Your participation will support responsible local tourism and economy
• 15% of your booking fee goes directly towards our sea turtle conservation efforts when you mention ORP on your booking form

What is included:

• 7 Night twin/double cabin accommodation including breakfast aboard MV Felicity
• 7 breakfasts, 7 lunch & 7 dinner
• Daily morning and afternoon snacks
• Airport and transfer assistance
• Return transfer of guests airport – boat – airport
• Welcome drinks on arrival
• Unlimited house tea and coffee
• Unlimited drinking water – bring a reusable water bottle
• Snorkelling activities
• Local Island Tour
• Dingy or dhoni transfer to snorkelling points and islands
• Services of English-Speaking Secret Paradise Tour Leader and Olive Ridley Project Sea Turtle Expert

Please note that international flights to and from Maldives is not included.