The Magic of the Maldives

Day 1 (Saturday, January 27, 2024): Upon arrival at Malé Velana International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Academy hosts and Iconic Trip Leader. After collecting your luggage, we’ll transfer 10-15 minutes via private shuttle to the Maagiri Hotel in Malé to settle into your room and relax after your long travel day. For morning arrivals, head out to discover the sights, sounds and culture of this vibrant island and the capital city of the Maldives.

In the evening, after a brief trip orientation and introductions, we’ll head to a local restaurant for a delicious group welcome dinner.

Day 2 (Sunday, January 28): After enjoying breakfast at Maagiri Hotel’s Faru restaurant this morning, we'll take a stroll over to the Marine Research Center to hear from our Academy scientists and partners about the work we will spend the week exploring. Afterward, we’ll transfer to Velana Airport where we’ll board a speedboat for our 25-minute ride to Velassaru Resort. Located on its own private island, this beautiful resort is our home for the next five nights.

After a tour of the resort and lunch on-site, we’ll check into our rooms and enjoy a bit of relaxation time. This evening, you’ll have the chance to head out onto the water in a kayak alongside our Academy experts. Later, join the group for an introduction to the Hope for Reefs initiative from Academy scientist, Luiz Rocha.

End your day with a delicious dinner at the resort.

Day 3 (Monday, January 29): This morning, we’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast at Vela before embarking on a day of underwater exploration aboard a dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat. After getting your sea legs, you’ll have the option to scuba dive (at additional cost) or snorkel alongside your Academy hosts. From there, we’ll make our way to Maniyafushi Island, where we’ll meet with a Maldives Marine Research Institute scientist for a tour of the research center and labs, before enjoying a picnic lunch on the island.

In the afternoon, we’ll head back out on the water for our second snorkel or scuba dive (at additional cost) of the day before returning to Velassaru for some downtime. This evening, we’ll gather together once more for a satisfying and well-deserved dinner as a group.

Day 4 (Tuesday, January 30): We’ll begin the day with breakfast at the resort, then board our dhoni for a morning snorkel and scuba dive (at additional cost) session. Upon our return, enjoy lunch at leisure followed by time to relax or explore Velassaru Island. Consider participating in one of the resort’s activity offerings, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (at additional cost).

Join your fellow travelers this evening for a memorable sunset dhoni cruise, complete with a round of canapes and glass of celebratory champagne, before having dinner back at our resort.

Day 5 (Wednesday, January 31): Today we’ll have another full day of fascinating water-based activities and discovery alongside Academy scientists. With meals at Velassaru throughout the day, we will participate in two snorkel and dive excursions (at additional cost), one in the morning and one in the afternoon.

For those who wish to opt out of the afternoon snorkel and dive session, you may instead enjoy time to explore and relax on Velassaru. Your Iconic Leader will be available to help coordinate alternative activities.

Day 6 (Thursday, February 1): After a delicious buffet breakfast at Velassaru, we’ll partake in our final underwater adventure—a morning snorkeling or scuba diving in the pristine blue. Back at the resort, we’ll have time to freshen up before lunch as a group. This afternoon, get your hands dirty as we participate in one of the local conservation efforts and learn from our Academy hosts on how this work ties into Hope for Reefs priorities.

For our final evening, you’ll join your Academy hosts and fellow travelers for a joyous beach BBQ farewell dinner, and reflect upon this memorable week spent in the Maldives.

Day 7 (Friday, February 2): Breakfast and your time this morning are at leisure before we check out of our rooms and savor a final lunch on Velassaru Island. Afterwards, we’ll be transported via speedboat back to Velana Airport. Flights may be scheduled for any time after 4:30 pm. If departing in the late evening, you’ll be transferred to the JEN Hotel in Malé to relax in a day room before returning to the airport this evening for your flight home.