← All Maldives liveaboards
Traditional dhoni cruise · Classic dhoni

Sample Dhoni Cruise

A week on a traditional Maldivian dhoni between local islands. No diving needed. [SAMPLE BOAT]

Length22 m
Cabins6 · 12 guests
In the waterTwo snorkel stops a day
ExperienceNone needed

[SAMPLE TEXT – replace with the partner boat's own description.]

A wooden, hand-built Maldivian dhoni that sails between local islands rather than resorts. Days run on snorkel stops, sandbank picnics, village visits and night fishing with the crew.

Dates & prices

Choose a departure

DatesNightsRoutePer personAvailability
12 Dec – 19 Dec 2026 7 Local islands loop
South Malé Atoll · Vaavu Atoll
US$1,390 6 spaces
16 Jan – 23 Jan 2027 7 Local islands loop
South Malé Atoll · Vaavu Atoll
US$1,390 2 spaces left
20 Feb – 27 Feb 2027 7 Local islands loop
South Malé Atoll · Vaavu Atoll
US$1,390 10 spaces
10 Apr – 17 Apr 2027 7 Local islands loop
South Malé Atoll · Vaavu Atoll
US$1,290 12 spaces

Per person, twin cabin. These are the operator's own prices. Green tax and crew tips are paid on board.

Day by day

A sample week

  • Day 1Malé to GuraidhooBoard at Malé harbour, sail south and anchor for a sunset swim.
  • Day 2South Malé reefsTwo snorkel stops on turtle reefs, then a walk through the island village.
  • Day 3Sandbank dayPicnic lunch on a sandbank. Night fishing after dinner.
  • Day 4Into VaavuCross to Vaavu and snorkel a channel where nurse sharks gather at dusk.
  • Day 5Felidhoo villageA morning with a local family, a reef swim and a beach barbecue.
  • Day 6Manta pointLook for mantas at a cleaning station. Last night on deck under the stars.
  • Day 7Back to MaléFinal snorkel, sail north and a farewell lunch.
  • Day 8DepartBreakfast on board and transfer to the airport.

The route changes with weather, currents and marine life. The captain makes the final call each morning.

Cabins

Where you sleep

Twin2 single beds · shared bathroomIncluded in the price
DoubleDouble bed · private bathroom+ US$220 per person

Private charter: the whole boat for up to 12 guests from US$14,500 per trip. Whole dhoni for up to 12 guests [PLACEHOLDER price]

On board

Life on the dhoni

Facilities

  • Air con
  • Sundeck
  • Kayaks & SUP
  • Yoga deck

In the water

Activity
Two snorkel stops a day
Experience
None needed
Snorkellers
Welcome
Courses
Try-dive on request [PLACEHOLDER]

Also on the trip

  • Village visits with a local guide
  • Sandbank picnic
  • Night fishing with the crew
  • Sunrise yoga on deck

A Kineo host travels on board with the group.

Routes

Where the boat goes

Local islands loopSouth Malé Atoll · Vaavu Atoll

The dhoni route: snorkel stops, local island villages and sandbank picnics, never far from shore.

  • Village visits with a local guide
  • Sandbank picnic
  • Night fishing with the crew
Season: All year · calmest Dec–Apr
What's included

In the price, and not

Included

  • All meals, cooked Maldivian-style by the crew
  • Snorkel gear
  • Sandbank picnic and night fishing
  • Village visits with a local guide

Not included

  • Flights and insurance
  • Scuba dives
  • Maldives green tax
  • Tips
Paying

Deposit, balance and cancelling

Deposit
20% to hold a cabin [PLACEHOLDER]
Balance
60 days before departure [PLACEHOLDER]

Cancellation

[PLACEHOLDER – operator's cancellation terms]

Safety on board

  • First aid kit and oxygen on board
  • VHF radio
  • Life jackets for every guest

Operated by [PLACEHOLDER – partner operator name] · Licence [PLACEHOLDER – tourism licence no.]. Kineo Pursuits arranges your booking and is paid commission by the operator, so you pay the same as booking direct.