Nature Travel Maldives: Whale Shark Expedi­tion

If you would like to join the whale shark expedition in the Maldives you need to be at least 18 years old, have sufficient English skills and be a good swimmer. Furthermore, you need to have a valid diving license plus a valid insurance that covers diving accidents. You will need to bring proof of this with you to show the guides when you check in. It is your responsibility to check what depths your insurance policy covers you for before your arrival. As taking part in the trip involves physical work (diving, swimming – often in the sun), we ask you to hand in a doctor’s certificate confirming your state of health and physical fitness. In order to be able to enter the Maldives and to obtain a 30-day tourist visa, you need to have a passport valid for at least six more months after arrival plus a return/onward flight ticket. Last but not least it is obligatory for each participant to obtain travel health insurance before departing to the Maldives.

Our team will secure a spot in the trip and provide you with comprehensive support during your travel preparations. We are always available to answer your questions, advise you on the choice of travel insurance and help you book your flight. We will also provide you with information material before your departure and will be available 24/7 during your time in the Maldives.

The programme fee also covers all programme-related transfers, three daily meals (incl. water, tea, coffee and snacks) and accommodation on a research vessel during the expedition. You will join three daily dives (except for first and last day) and will be instructed and supervised by experienced staff. The programme fee does not include flights, potential visa fees, travel insurance costs, additional drinks and snacks, diving equipment, tips, costs for WiFi as well as other personal expenses (e.g. travel, souvenirs etc.).

Yes, getting travel insurance is necessary in order to go on the whale shark expedition in the Maldives. You are furthermore required to have valid insurance that covers diving accidents.
In general, it is advisable to get vaccinated against measles-mumps-rubella, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough or to have those vaccinations refreshed during longer journeys. In addition, vaccinations against hepatitis A and also against hepatitis B and typhoid fever are advisable. We strongly recommend getting vaccinated against rabies. More information/advice can be found, for example, on the pages of the CDC.

In addition, you should take sufficient amounts of medication with you that must be taken daily. Before starting your journey, it is best to get information from a travel doctor about possible dangers, vaccinations and protection options. Even authorities such as the Foreign Office of your country can provide you with comprehensive travel and safety information about your destination. In case you suffer from a chronic condition (such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy etc.) you must inform us and our partner beforehand. Every traveller should also think of their own small first-aid kit that includes plasters, (head) pain killers, travel sickness aids, diarrhea medication, electrolytes and antihistamines.

First of all, you will need to bring diving equipment. The equipment suggested is: mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit, regulator, BCD, SMB (with a minimum of 5 metres of line to deploy during the safety stop) and a dive computer with spare batteries as well as a torch for any night dives. As the average water temperature is 29°C we recommend a 3mm shortie or wetsuit. Diving equipment is also available for rent.

You also need personal clothing, toiletries and proper swim clothes. Women should also take a long scarf or cloth to cover their skin when on land. Moreover, you need light and comfortable clothes and open shoes like flip flops. Besides that you need sunglasses, refillable water bottle(s), water-proof bags and sunscreen. We also advise you to pack a swim shirt with UV protection, a sun hat and insect repellent. Don’t forget important documents (diving license, proof of (diving) insurance, logbook, passport), your smartphone, personal medication and ear plugs. We recommend bringing something like a duffle bag instead of a hardcase suitcase.

We will support you during the planning process, but you will have to book the flight on your own. You need to get a ticket to Malé International Airport first. When arriving at the airport, you will be issued a 30-day tourist visa at the immigration desk. Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six more months after arrival, and that you have a return/onward flight ticket. After your arrival you will be met by a representative holding a sign. You will then take a small boat to get to the main vessel.

After your arrival at the research vessel you can settle in and get to know the whole team and the facilities. After you’ve spent your first night on the boat, the whale shark excursion starts the next morning.

You will take part in two to three dives per day, except for the first and last day in the programme. The first dive takes place in the early morning, the second one in the late morning/early afternoon and the third one in the late afternoon or even night. In between dives the search surveys for whale sharks will take place and any sampling work. Moreover, evening presentations will be given. The three main meals are all at set times to work around these activities. Your group will also aim to visit local and uninhabited islands where possible.

The rooms must be free at 7 AM on departure day. Group transfer to the airport from the vessel takes place between 7 AM and 9 AM. The latest check-out time is 9 AM, but requires an extra transfer for an additional charge of 15 USD per person.

The group usually consists of around 18 people.

There will be no diving on arrival and departure day. 16-17 dives per week, meaning 2-3 per day are offered. Divers must ensure that they leave a minimum of 24 hours between their last dive and their flight departure (or going to altitude). For each diving site you will visit during the expedition, dive guides will give you a detailed briefing before you enter the water. You are required to dive in a buddy team; should you be a single diver a buddy will be allocated onboard. You must begin, execute and end the dive with your dive buddy. The maximum depth for diving in the Maldives is 30 metres with an equally qualified buddy. Your maximum diving depth will be dependent on your level of training and experience.

The dive guide will not provide any dive training during the dive and you and buddy dive together at your own risk. The guides may decide upon seeing each diver's ability not to enter the water for every dive and will remain onboard providing surface support only. As qualified divers, you are responsible for your own and your buddy’s safety during the dive and to `plan your dive, dive your plan’ using a personal dive computer.
Decompression diving, solo diving and technical diving are not allowed.

Participants will live on a large, comfortable research vessel – 32m long and 10m wide – which was built in 2002 and redesigned in 2017. Participants will usually share a double-bedded cabin or twin bed standard cabin. Prior to the trip you have the opportunity to request a single cabin, a deluxe cabin or an upper deck cabin for a surcharge. All rooms are equipped with an air conditioner and a fan.

On the vessel you can find 12 shared bathrooms, all of them have a shower, sink and toilet. Ecofriendly shampoo and shower gel as well as towels will be provided for you. The vessel also has different outside areas, a bar and a common room.

You will be provided with three daily meals, usually buffet-style with a variety of dishes to suit everyone. Water, tea, coffee and small snacks are complimentary whereas soft drinks, fresh juices and alcohol (cocktails, liquors, wine and beer) need to be purchased extra.

Yes, it is possible to follow a vegetarian or another diet (vegan, gluten-free) during the trip. Please let us know about your diet and possible allergies beforehand.

The expedition is twelve days and you will spend most of this time studying and exploring. Leisure time will mostly be around lunch time and in the evening.

We advise you to bring some recreational items such as books, games or music. You can also simply enjoy the atmosphere of the Maldives’ South Ari atoll and relax in the vessel’s outside area. Furthermore, several recreational dives in some of the world’s most spectacular diving spots will be offered.

During the expedition itself you only need to expect a few expenses. Programme-related transfers, board and accommodation are included in the price – you might need additional money for renting diving equipment (if you don’t bring your own equipment), for purchasing any additional drinks aboard the vessel, for tips, for buying souvenirs or for doing some additional travelling before or after the excursion. Therefore, we strongly advise bringing a certain amount of extra money, preferably in USD. You can change it into the local currency Rufiyaa or take it with you aboard the vessel. On the vessel, USD, Euro and Rufiyaa are accepted. You can also bring your credit card and get cash in the local currency at an ATM in Malé. Please contact your bank before departing to the Maldives to make sure your credit card is working.

The research vessel is equipped with Wi-Fi and internet is available when a mobile signal is present – this is normally the case when being nearby or in port. This service is for limited internet browsing and to connect with communication applications. On the vessel you can purchase 2 GB for 20 USD. Signal strength can vary which may result in intermittent and/or slow connections. The service is dependent on the local mobile provider. Furthermore, it is possible to get a Maldivian prepaid card to make international phone calls.

Yes, there will always be guides and instructors on board which can help you in case of questions or problems. Furthermore, the team at Natucate is available 24/7 to support you if you need assistance.

The Maldives have a constant warm and tropical climate with high humidity. Even at night the temperatures usually won’t drop below 25°C. There are no seasons in the Maldives, except the monsoon season. Between November and April the weather is shaped by the northeast monsoon and between May and October the southwest monsoon affects the weather.

The research vessel that you will live and work on throughout the trip has an emergency protocol in place as part of their license. This protocol will be briefed to participants on arrival.

Yes. Since the Maldives are a Muslim state you have to follow certain rules. It is prohibited to buy or consume alcohol – except at hotel sites or on the vessel. Keep in mind: You will not be permitted to dive after consuming alcohol or under the influence of a hangover as this seriously impairs your judgment and increases your risk of decompression sickness.

Especially during Ramadan, you may not bring or consume pork. Furthermore, it is important that you cover yourself up. You may not show too much skin. You should not wear bikinis or tight bathing trunks. Tattoos or pieces of jewelry should not show any other religious symbols but Muslim. If you want to visit a Mosque you have to do so after prayer times and always cover your skin. During Ramadan you should not drink, eat or smoke in public places. Smoking is generally not allowed inside your room.

You should inform yourself about the code of behaviour before travelling to the Maldives. It is a country with very strict anti-drug law. If any participant is caught with drugs he will be expelled and send to public authorities.