Maldives Islands - Itineraries

Albatros Top Boat cruises have always represented an alternative to staying in the islands’ resorts, as they offer everyone – even those who do not practise diving activities – the chance to immerse themselves in a natural paradise from which they would otherwise be precluded: deserted islands, unspoilt beaches and shallow waters teeming with life. The one- or two-week cruises follow exclusive courses and offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences.
The itineraries are tailor-made and are organised according to the holiday’s duration, the guests’ requirements and the weather and sea conditions.

TAILOR-MADE CRUISES

the exclusive service of Tailor-Made cruises is offered only by Albatros Top Boat as our flagship offering:

• Cruises for scuba-divers
• Scientific cruises
• Cultural cruise with stay at Villa Stella
• Cruises for fishermen
• Cruises for surfers (wave, wind and kite)
• Relaxing cruises for snorkelling and sea lovers
• ‘Luxury & Wellbeing’ cruises with ayurvedic treatments

CLASSIC CRUISES

our itineraries touch the atolls of :
North Male - Rasdhoo - Ari – South Male– Felidhoo – Vattaru - Mulaku

ADVENTURE CRUISES

created and selected from more than 18 years’ experience:

• Extreme South Cruise – Atoll of Suvadiva – months of January/February/March
• South Cruise: atolls of Mulaku, Dhaalu and Faafu
• South Cruise: atolls of Thaa and Laamu
• North Cruise: atolls of Bhaa, Rhaa and Laviani
• Extreme north cruise: Noonu- Haa Dhaalu- Haa Alifu

THE MOST POPULAR DIVING CRUISES

• Among manta rays and whale sharks
• Through the passes with sharks
• Hammer sharks
• Magnificent Ari
• The waters of Laamu and Suvadiva

Cruises for divers:

Diving in the Maldives is every diver’s dream and doing it from a comfortable cruise boat is undoubtedly the best way to ensure the best results with minimum effort. On our boats everything has been thought through to satisfy every requirement and, thanks to our long experience, your safari boat will always follow the best course which will guarantee the most beautiful diving experience at the best time.

 

 

Relaxing cruises for snorkelling and sea lovers

The Maldives offer sceneries of incomparable beauty: tiny islands covered in lush vegetation, with beaches of white sand, and surrounded by lagoons bordered by coral reefs reflecting every possible hue of azure, turquoise and blue.
In this wonderful scenery and for those who are not keen on the depths, Albatros Top Boat organises cruises dedicated to snorkelling and the exploration of the reefs teeming with colour and fish of all size and shape.

Swimming in crystal-clear lagoons, sunbathing on the boat’s deck or on dazzling white strips of sand, a regenerative Ayurvedic massage or exploring on a canoe: these are totally relaxing activities for a perfect life on board.

Cruises for fishermen

For fishermen, Albatros Top Boat organizes cruises entirely dedicated to thrilling deep sea fishing and trolling, facing the open ocean in pursuit of large sailfish, marlins, king fish and barracuda. In the evening, in the tranquillity of the lagoon and under the incredible colours of a Maldivian sunset, you can engage in drift trolling. For particular requirements an extra boat can be hired.

 

Suvadiva Cruise

Thanks to their many-years sailing experience in the Maldives’ extreme south, during the winter months Albatros Top Boat leave their boats in the Suvadiva atoll and propose tours among deserted and unspoilt  islands. These well-tested diving expeditions among enchanting lagoons and reefs will never cease to amaze you and will be an unforgettable experience. Currently this is a tourism-free area; these are islands where time seems to stand still, where there is still a somewhat old-fashioned atmosphere.
One- or two-week cruises – internal transfers from Malè with Island Aviation.

Scientific Cruise

Every year, in the months of April or May, Albatros Top Boat organizes the by now well-known Scientific cruise to the Maldives in co-operation with the International School for Scientific Diving, the Centre of Tropical Marine Ecology of the CoNISMa , the Aquarium of Genoa, and with the participation of:

Prof. Paolo Colantoni  (marine geologist – lecturer of the University of Urbino)
Prof. Carlo Nike Bianchi (marine ecologist  – lecturer of the University of Genoa)
Prof. Carla Morri (marine biologist – lecturer of the University Genoa)
Dott. Massimo Sandrini (marine geologist)

These are people well-known in the world of divers, of which they are veritable pillars, who will enrich the cruise with cultural meetings. Thanks to their background and their easy presentation, even those with no previous knowledge of natural science will be able to discover and learn incredible facts on the sea and on Maldivian atolls in a friendly environment, between dives, enjoying a drink on deck or lying on the beach of a deserted island.

The topics discussed focus on the problems surrounding the origins and evolution of the Maldivian islands and atolls and the ecology of the tropical coral reefs, with particular respect to the phenomena linked to the death of coral during 1998, its recovery as well as the recovery of the reef’s ecosystem. Other topics include the variation in the sea level, documented by terraces and caves, the creatures of the tropical reefs or specific questions which may arise following a diving expedition.

Cultural cruise with stay at Villa Stella

As well as offering all other activities usually offered on board (diving, snorkelling, etc.) this itinerary also includes some visits to places of cultural interest in the Maldives.
Starting from the capital city Malè, we sail south towards the Ari atoll. The first stop is at the ancient Mosque made of coral on the island of Feridhoo and the fishermen’s village where, as well as some very pleasant shopping, the ways and customs of local life can be seen.
The Island of Dhangheti on the other hand offers the only Cultural Centre (the South Ari Cultural Center), where old Maldivian houses have been re-built which now showcase the old work tools which retrace the daily life of this marvellous people.
Nearby, on the island of Fenfushi, we will visit the Mosque (XVII century) made of decorated coral; inside well-preserved beams can be seen, whereas outside is the beautiful sundial, the ancient well and the cemetery. This cruise can include an exclusive stay at Villa Stella, on the Island of Ribudhoo (atoll of Dhaalu), for a veritable ethnic holiday in a house built to European standards on this island of fishermen which can only be accessed following an invitation by the owner and permission by Maldivian authorities. Ribudhoo is an island of jewellers where handicraft objects made locally can be bought.
Villa Stella’s guests also have exclusive access to the beautiful deserted island of Dores, where they can spend pleasant days feeling like Robinson Crusoe.