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Secret Paradise Maldives

Host and Volunteer, 10-Night Maldives Whale Shark Research Expedition, Marine Life Conservation Reasearch

Message To Secret Paradise Maldives

About Us

'I'm Ruth,and I discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago, visiting as a scuba diver in search of mantas and whale sharks! I always consider myself lucky to have made a group of Maldivian friends who would invite me to their family homes for dinner, share afternoon hedhika, coffee and betel nuts.....

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Why to Choose Us?

● Joining the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a truly life-changing experience. Their research expeditions give you the chance to take part in hands-on data collection, deepen your understanding of marine conservation, and enjoy every moment while doing it. You’ll be involved in every aspect of MWSRP’s work—from taking identification photos to counting vessels and helping record vital information. Your contribution directly supports their ongoing research and helps protect whale sharks and their marine habitat.

● Make a meaningful impact on whale shark science by joining MWSRP aboard the expedition vessel MV Akoya Pearl, where you’ll assist in gathering important data on the largest fish in the ocean. Each day, you’ll head out on a survey trip aboard our accompanying dhoni, exploring the South Ari Marine Protected Area—the largest MPA in the Maldives. This remarkable region is home to a group of whale sharks that are uniquely present year-round and exhibit the highest natural residency rate recorded anywhere in the world.

More Details...

The expeditions run for 10 nights. During our time in South Ari Marine Protected Area undertaking surveys, the hour by hour program for the day can change depending on conditions. For instance, perhaps one day we will do a shorter survey due to unfavourable weather and make up the hours lost else where in the week. Or perhaps in the afternoon, after data input is complete, we take a trip to a sand bank or explore a local island In terms of the day by day itinerary, the following lists give you an idea of what the plan for each day typically entails. Please bear in mind that this is just a sample itinerary and there could be changes in the schedule depending on weather conditions and planned activities.

Day 1
Participants meet at Male Airport (Velana International Airport) 10:00.Transfer by 11:00 speedboat to South Ari Atoll.
Day 2
First day of survey with snorkel safety tests and whale shark presentation
Day 3
Second day of survey
Day 4
Third day of survey
Day 5
Fourth day of survey (half day survey with option for scuba diving/snorkel in the morning)
Day 6
Fifth day of survey
Day 7
Sixth day of survey
Day 8
Seventh day of survey
Day 9
Eighth day of survey
Day 10
Ninth Day of survey
Day 11
06:30 Speedboat transfer to Male airport arriving approx 09:00

● MV Akoya Pearl
● A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet complete with sails.
● With two decks and 6 cabins, Akoya Pearl accommodates 10 passengers comfortably. All cabins are air-conditioned with an attached bathroom including shower, drawer and storage facilities and portholes.
● There is an outdoor dining area protected from the weather in the event of rain!
● The small indoor saloon area is furnished with banquette seating and is equipped with a TV-DVD-Stereo area and an equipment charging area. The communal open-air deck space is furnished with sun mats and seating

● Full board meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, High Tea and Dinner
● Unlimited Tea and coffee (house coffee)
● Unlimited drinking water – bring your reusable water bottle!

€ 250 Euro per a day.

●  The expedition is very physical, with lots of swimming and snorkeling, exit from the water and back onto the boat involves a boat ladder and we also cross between our ‘home’ base Akoya Pearl and our research dhoni regularly throughout the day. The Maldives can experience strong currents, even on the calmest of days and currents may change during a snorkelling activity. It is always possible we may encounter the occasional day of rough seas and therefore an ability to swim unaided is essential as the in-field surveys are done via snorkeling &/or basic freediving.
 

● 10N Standard Cabin accommodation on the cruise based on single or double/twin share
● Full board meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, High Tea and Dinner
● Unlimited Tea and coffee (house coffee)
● Unlimited drinking water – bring your reusable water bottle!
● Dingy or dhoni transfer to snorkeling points
● Airport and domestic transfer assistance
● Return transfer by speedboat ( airport- Akoya Pearl- airport)
● Local Tax (10% Service Charge, 17% GST and $12 Green Tax per person per night)

● International Flight
● Travel Insurance
● Snorkeling Equipment
● Alcoholic beverages from USD$5 (payable at end of cruise)
● Diving activities ( payable on board from $75 per single dive)

Diving, snorkeling, local island visit, yoga.

More Details...

Message To Secret Paradise Maldives
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© 2025 HostandVolunteer. All Rights Reserved.

Name

● ‘I’m Ruth,and I discovered the Maldives over 20 years ago, visiting as a scuba diver in search of mantas and whale sharks! I always consider myself lucky to have made a group of Maldivian friends who would invite me to their family homes for dinner, share afternoon hedhika, coffee and betel nuts! My love and appreciation of this country resulted in me visiting the archipelago on over 30 occasions, before co-founding Secret Paradise in 2012. It was my own experience of Maldivian hospitality that gave rise to the community aspects of our tours which allows you to engage with local businesses, families and NGOs. I feel privileged to call the Maldives my home, and in the spirit of being a considerate guest, I hold deep respect for the country, its communities, and of course its beautiful and diverse natural environment’.

● The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying the whale shark and fostering community-focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives and the greater Indian Ocean.


● What initially began as a scientific expedition in 2006, the MWSRP has grown to become the only long-term organisation dedicated to study the iconic, yet vulnerable whale shark species in the Maldives.

● Our goal is simple: we seek to advance the field of whale shark knowledge and to advocate for sound conservation policy in the Maldives. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, we are able to leverage the scientific research to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that are the basis for not only whale sharks, but also life, livelihood and culture in the Maldives.

● Secret Paradise Maldives is an award winning, positive impact tour company based in the Maldives. We are a certified Travelife Partner and Climate Literate company. In 2025 we were shortlisted for the World’s Leading Small Sustainable Organization in the 2025 World Sustainable Travel and Hospitality Awards. In 2024 we were finalists in the Regenerative Travel Impact Awards in the education category. In 2023 we were awarded silver at ICRT Responsible Tourism Awards in the category Best for Nature-Positive Tourism. In 2022 Wanderlust ranked us in their Top 10 Sustainable Initiative Tour Operators. In 2020 we were commended in the ‘Meaningful Connections’ category World Responsible Tourism Awards and long listed for the 2015 ‘Best for engaging people and culture’ category, World Responsible Tourism Awards.


● Whether you are a solo traveller, couple, family with children or friends seeking a new adventure, we would be delighted to assist in planning your trip. Our style of guided tour offers much more than a conventional beach holiday and will immerse you in the culture and traditions of the Maldives, its amazing marine life, friendly local communities and provide you with a greater understanding and knowledge of our fragile environment.

● One of our local tour leaders accompanies you throughout the tour allowing access to experiences most guests visiting the Maldives will not encounter. You can travel safely in the knowledge that you are in capable hands, all our team are certified in the care and safety of guests holding First Emergency Response, PADI Snorkeling Guide and Lifeguard certification.

● Our guests travel responsibly, absorb, engage and explore, leaving the Maldives having trodden lightly on its environment and contributed in a meaningful way.

  The expeditions run for 10 nights. During our time in South Ari Marine Protected Area undertaking surveys, the hour by hour program for the day can change depending on conditions. For instance, perhaps one day we will do a shorter survey due to unfavourable weather and make up the hours lost else where in the week. Or perhaps in the afternoon, after data input is complete, we take a trip to a sand bank or explore a local island In terms of the day by day itinerary, the following lists give you an idea of what the plan for each day typically entails. Please bear in mind that this is just a sample itinerary and there could be changes in the schedule depending on weather conditions and planned activities.

Day 1
Participants meet at Male Airport (Velana International Airport) 10:00.Transfer by 11:00 speedboat to South Ari Atoll.
Day 2
First day of survey with snorkel safety tests and whale shark presentation
Day 3
Second day of survey
Day 4
Third day of survey
Day 5
Fourth day of survey (half day survey with option for scuba diving/snorkel in the morning)
Day 6
Fifth day of survey
Day 7
Sixth day of survey
Day 8
Seventh day of survey
Day 9
Eighth day of survey
Day 10
Ninth Day of survey
Day 11
06:30 Speedboat transfer to Male airport arriving approx 09:00

● MV Akoya Pearl
● A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet complete with sails.
● With two decks and 6 cabins, Akoya Pearl accommodates 10 passengers comfortably. All cabins are air-conditioned with an attached bathroom including shower, drawer and storage facilities and portholes.
● There is an outdoor dining area protected from the weather in the event of rain!
● The small indoor saloon area is furnished with banquette seating and is equipped with a TV-DVD-Stereo area and an equipment charging area. The communal open-air deck space is furnished with sun mats and seating

● Full board meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, High Tea and Dinner
● Unlimited Tea and coffee (house coffee)
● Unlimited drinking water – bring your reusable water bottle!

€ 250 Euro per a day.

●  The expedition is very physical, with lots of swimming and snorkeling, exit from the water and back onto the boat involves a boat ladder and we also cross between our ‘home’ base Akoya Pearl and our research dhoni regularly throughout the day. The Maldives can experience strong currents, even on the calmest of days and currents may change during a snorkelling activity. It is always possible we may encounter the occasional day of rough seas and therefore an ability to swim unaided is essential as the in-field surveys are done via snorkeling &/or basic freediving.

 

● 10N Standard Cabin accommodation on the cruise based on single or double/twin share
● Full board meal plan – Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, High Tea and Dinner
● Unlimited Tea and coffee (house coffee)
● Unlimited drinking water – bring your reusable water bottle!
● Dingy or dhoni transfer to snorkeling points
● Airport and domestic transfer assistance
● Return transfer by speedboat ( airport- Akoya Pearl- airport)
● Local Tax (10% Service Charge, 17% GST and $12 Green Tax per person per night)

● International Flight
● Travel Insurance
● Snorkeling Equipment
● Alcoholic beverages from USD$5 (payable at end of cruise)
● Diving activities ( payable on board from $75 per single dive)

Diving, snorkeling, local island visit, yoga.