Cultural Cruise

To combine tourism and culture in the Maldives, a cruise was created consisting of a splendid holiday in the unspoilt sea of the Maldivian archipelago, while also experiencing ethnic and cultural elements. This cruise alternates guided tours to some cultural locations with splendid dives, snorkelling and fishing in the South of the Atoll of Ari. Among the stops are a visit to the Cultural Centre of the Atoll of Ari on the island of Dangheti, the island of Fenfusi and Male’s museum. As well as visiting these interesting places to learn about local traditions, during the autumn/winter period the southern part of the Atoll of Ari lends itself  to underwater sightings of manta rays and whale sharks which are almost resident here thanks to an abundance of their favourite food, plankton. The cruise is on board our fantastic boats of superior and luxury category, which have been designed according to the highest quality standards in the Maldives to satisfy the requirements of élite customers. Our programmes include two dives a day plus one night dive a week; all dives will take place in the company of two or three instructors/divemasters. As well as snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons, excursions, fishing and canoeing.
Both diving and the other activities will take place with the help of our trusted diving dhoni and a very comfortable tender.

South Ari Cultural Centre

On the island of Dhangethi, situated on the lower western side of the atoll of Ari, is one of the few examples of structures created to show to the public the traditional lifestyle of Maldivian people. The Centre comprises three houses characteristic of the archipelago and various other typical structures where the various activities of the islands’ communities used to take place. Although the buildings are reproductions of the originals, they have been built using ancient techniques and local materials and they have been furnished with authentic artefacts and tools. The Cultural centre also offers demonstrations of industrial and handicraft techniques belonging to local tradition and also some exhibitions of typical dances. Among the cruise stops is the island of Fenfushi.  The island’s mosque, which was dates back to the XVII century, is made of madrepore finely sculpted and carved into intricate geometries and floral patterns, according to the best Islamic traditions. Near the mosque there is a well for ablutions dating back to the same period, a sundial carved in madrepore and a cemetery with finely sculpted tombstones. To the sides of the entrance to the mosque are the patterns which were reproduced on the first Madivian coins, whereas inside are numerous varnished decorations on wood.
The cultural cruise ends with a visit to Male’s National Museum.
Many objects exhibited in the museum used to belong to sultans: clothes, tools, weapons and a throne. The fabrics exhibited, the sumptuous brocades in particular, are splendid and the wonderful technique of lacquering is represented by the large bowls and by the tray which were used to offer gifts to the sultans. Of particular interest are also the stone sculptures dating back to the pre-Islamic period gathered by Thor Heyerdahl.