Maldives Island Hopping! Whale Sharks, Manta Ray, Shipwreck & Resort Visit

What our customers ask about this tour

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• E

  Edward

  Asked on February 9th, 2026

  Is it possible to hold the spot for 24-48 hours while I check my availability? Additionally, I would like a quote for a single room.

  Price / Availability

  Single supplement
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written February 2026

    Yes, we can hold the spot for 24 hours. A solo upgrade would be an additional $890 USD.
• J

  Jordan

  Asked on February 2nd, 2026

  I would like to confirm the total price in AUD please.

  Price / Availability
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written February 2026

    The conversion depends on the dates, if there is a sale and also exchange rate at the time of purchase. Although our company is based in Australia, our tours are all sold in USD due to currency fluctuations.
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  Alex

  Asked on January 25th, 2026

  do I book my flights to male to arrive and depart there or a different airport to depart from?

  Flights / Transfers
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    All flights to the Maldives currently go to Malé - Velana International Airport - Airport code is (MLE), so you will be flying in and out of the same airport. The tour commences at Malé International Airport where your Indy Escapes Rep will be waiting for you to check-in at counter E12 desk (out front of the arrivals hall) between 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Saturday (Day 1 of tour). We also provide return transfers Malé International Airport on the final day of the tour. The speedboat transfers depart at 8:00am, 12:00pm and 5:00pm from Maafushi, and the boat takes approximately 45 minutes to the airport, so please keep this in mind when booking flights.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    the flights I'm looking at arrive to male at 11am and on the 7th of march they leave in at 12pm. Would that be a good flight to book to me picked up and dropped off?
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    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, the 11am arrival flight, and 12pm departure flights will be perfect.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    I've just found flights with a different airline it arrives at male airport at 11:40am on the 28th of Feb and then on the 7th of march the flight leaves from male airport at 12:55pm would those times work for pick up drop off??
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    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, those flights should be ok if there are no delays. Our team will be waiting at the airport between 12:00pm and 1:00pm for check in :)
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    If there is any delay would you wait for us?
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    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    If there is a delay, there is a 4pm public speedboat at 4pm for $40 USD.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    I'm just wondering in regards of the whale shark swim is it just our one group that's going to be with the whale shark swimming or is it multiple boats with 100s of people all at once?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Swimming with whale sharks in the Maldives is currently unregulated. Since running our very first Maldives trip nearly ten years ago, we have been strong supporters both financially and operationally of NGOs that are actively lobbying the government to better protect the area, the marine life, and the guests who want to experience these encounters responsibly. While there has been some progress, in our view it has not gone far enough yet. What we can say with confidence is that we have very clear systems and processes in place for whale shark encounters, which genuinely set us apart from many other operators. The evening before the encounter, we run a detailed presentation and safety briefing for all guests. On the day itself, we operate under strict guidelines. We keep our distance from other boats wherever possible and always try to locate our own whale shark rather than joining crowded encounters. That said, in some instances there may already be a small number of boats present if a whale shark has been spotted nearby. There is only one main area in the Maldives where whale sharks are consistently found, so demand in this region can be high. If we arrive and feel there are too many boats present sometimes upwards of 10 to 20 we will make the decision not to swim. This is done to protect both the animal and our guests, and we believe this is a crucial part of travelling responsibly and having a genuinely positive impact on the destinations we visit. It is also something we truly believe very few companies are willing to do.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Thank you for your response my main concern was having multiple people and boats all swimming and the fish being scared, how many people are generally there doing the swim
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    How busy does it normally get, like 20 people or would you say more or less?
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    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    It is hard to say, as every day is different and sightings are never guaranteed. Whale sharks are wild animals and the search area is vast, so encounters can vary from day to day. To be completely transparent, there are occasions when we have seen up to 20 boats in the same area, each carrying between 5 and 20 guests. On our boat, there will be around 15 to 20 guests in our group. We depart earlier to reach the area ahead of most vessels, keep our distance from the main crowds, and use our drone to help locate a solo whale shark where possible. Sometimes another nearby boat may spot one first, and if it is safe for both our guests and the animal, we may join. However, if there are too many boats or people, we will not enter the water and will instead continue searching for another whale shark for our group.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Okay so I'm more worried about the over crowding of the whale shark as 15-20 on our boat is a lot and there's there up wards of 20 boats that's a load if people and I would feel terrible for the fish as it would be scared
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yea, totally understand - we share the same concerns :) That is why we search for our own whale shark and do not swim if there are too many boats. If we feel that us swimming will have a negative impact or is unsafe for guests or marine life, then we do not allow our guests to swim because we do not want to become part of the problem.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Also if we did swim with the whale sharks do you take under photos of us with it or not?
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    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, if we see Whale Shark we will be taking photos for you. Our crew are all freedivers, so we will take videos and photos of all guests on all activities mentioned in the itinerary and give them out for free :)
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    I'm just wondering is is often that there's many boats and more then 30 people with one whale shark and is it more likely to be with juvenile whale sharks or fully grown. Also is it common to find one on your own or do other boats always join in?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, most days there is one shark and 10 boats and if that is the case, we do not swim. That's is why we're are trying to lobby the government to bring in regulations. In regards to us and our sightings. We may see a whale shark one day, then none the next, then we may have it alone, then we may share it with 3 boats. We can tell this is extremely important to you, so we do not want to set incorrect expectations for your experience. If the whale shark encounter with less than 30 people is a deal breaker for the trip, then the Maldives will likely disappoint you. Whilst we have our own systems and procedures to optimise to encountered for guests and animals which are higher than another other operator. There is only one spot everyone goes for the Whale Shark encounter, and although we try our best, the lack of regulations (anyone who owns a boat can be a whale shark guide) is likely to fall short of the experience you desire.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Thanks for the reply is the most common spotting a juvenile or fully grown
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    In South Ari Atoll we most commonly encounter juveniles between 6-10 metres.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Thank you, you said early if there was 10 boats would we try find another whale sharks or would that be a miss opportunity
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    It is all dependant on the guides, guests, weather, depth, time of day and animal behaviour. Some we see three whale shark, other times no boats will see them for 2 weeks.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Thank you for your reply in February are there normally whale sharks
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    South Ari is one of the only places in the world that the Whale Sharks are present 365 days a year, so there is no better or worse time in terms of their presence. Weather conditions are better between November-March which does help a little. We must stress that no wildlife encounters are guaranteed.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Hi I got another question, When is the busiest time of year for the whale shark swim
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    It's hard to say, generally it's busy all year round but ultimately depends on the day and how many boats are there.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Ok thank you, so there's no particular more touristy time of year?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    The busiest time of year is dry season November - April. Then it is monsson season from May - October, so there can be less guests at that time but it is also European summer but it's rough weather.
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    Alex

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    I'm just wondering that one day we go to the all inclusive resort is that included in the price of the package or is that extra?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    No, the Resort Day is not included, it's an optional extra activity.
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• M

  Michael

  Asked on January 3rd, 2026

  Which hotel will I stay in Fulidhoo and Maafushi?

  Accommodation
  • M

    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Is it near a bikini beach?
  • M

    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Can I arrive at any time on the first day or what time is the latest?
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    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    What is the earliest time I can book the flight on the last day for departure?
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    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    How does the stay overnight on an island look like? Is it in tents or just in the open air?
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    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Does it has facillities?
  • M

    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Is it also possible to stay in the hotel in Fulidhoo and is it inclusive?
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    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Does the ramadan has impact on the activities?
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    Michael

    Traveler•Written January 2026

    Is it also possible to have a single room during the whole trip? If yes, what will be the price?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Kinan Boutique
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    No, our check in time at the airport is between 12:00pm - 13:00pm on the departure day and then we take a private speedboat to Fulidhoo together with our group.
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    The earliest boats would get you to the airport at 9:00am, so we would allow 2 hours for check in, which means 11:00am would be the earliest to book a flight.
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    We have no amended this optional extra activity to a beach bonefire and campout on Fulidhoo so it is more inclusive for all guests. Tents, but this is optional - some guests prefer to just walk back to the hotel and stay in their rooms.
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    No, it is a basic tent but the hotel is located a couple of hunderd metres away.
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, the hotel is paid for, this activity is only an optional extra for guests, and you can decide to opt in or out once you meet all of the other guests and see what they are doing. The cost is $30 USD.
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    No :)
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written January 2026

    Yes, a solo room upgrade is $990 USD for the Maldives trip.
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• L

  Leah

  Asked on December 28th, 2025

  How much is the single supplement for a private room please?

  Single supplement
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written December 2025

    The solo supplement on the Maldives trips is $990 USD per person and is subject to availability. We have around ten departures coming up between Jan-April but only have availability on: - 10th January (1 spot) - 28th February (4 spots) - 4th April (3 spots) Would any of these dates work for you?
• J

  Jose

  Asked on December 21st, 2025

  What is the usual composition of the group participants? Where do the people come from?

  Group size

  Tour Details
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written December 2025

    The guests so far are a mix of Australia, North America and Europeans.
• J

  Jane

  Asked on December 19th, 2025

  Could i join this tour even being older than 39 years old? i will travel alone.

  Age Range

  Tour Details
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written December 2025

    Most of our guests are aged between 25-45 so we are flexible in regards to people booking in their early 40s, our tours focus on connecting likeminded travellers in a safe, fun and inclusive environment so if this sounds like you - You're more than welcome to join :)
• D

  Dawn

  Asked on December 17th, 2025

  What time can I reach the airport on the last day. I would like to get an 8am flight but I'm not sure that will be possible?

  Flights / Transfers
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written December 2025

    The earliest boat back in Saturday is 6:30am and will get you to the airport at 7:30am. Is there any chance that you could fly back in a later flight or the following day?
• D

  Douglas

  Asked on October 27th, 2025

  What are the chances we dont see a whale shark and if this does happen is there a way to try again on another day like the beach day for example?

  Tour Details
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written October 2025

    South Ari atoll is one of the only places in the world where you can see Whale Sharks all year round - this is why we chose this location for our encounter. We don't like to over promise and underdeliver, so we generally tell our guests and enquiries that there is a 50/50 chance to see the Whale Sharks. We also work with SAMPA (South Ari Protected Marine Park Area), along with other operators to try and maximise the opportunity to see them. If we do not see them, there is a second opportunity to try again on our final day in Maafushi which will cost between $80-100 USD per person.
• D

  Daniela

  Asked on September 7th, 2025

  Is there only one meeting time at the airport in Male in the departure day 10th January because of boat shuttle? Or are different shuttle times possible?

  Flights / Transfers

  Transport
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written September 2025

    Our Indy Representatives and Guides will meet the group in the arrivals area at Velana International Airport in Male at 12 pm, then guide you to the correct jetty for our private speedboat departure at 1 pm, which is included at no extra cost. If that timing doesn't work, we can also assist with arranging a public speedboat at 4 pm for 40 USD per person.
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    Daniela

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Is it possible to hold a spot for 48 hours? I need to clarify vacation at work for this week and would most likely book within the next two days.
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    Daniela

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Could you provide the hotel details for both islands?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written September 2025

    Here are the hotel details: Fulidhoo: Kinan Boutique, Maafushi: Kaani Grand Seaview
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    Daniela

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Can you provide a rough pricing for the resort trip and the bonfire night as well as night fishing? I realized that these are optional activities, that are not included in the price, right?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written September 2025

    Optional add ons and not included in base trip price: Bonfire dinner with optional camp-out: $30, Sunset cruise with dinner and night fishing: $30, Resort visit (round-trip transfers, entry, international buffet lunch, and all-inclusive drinks package): $150.
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    Daniela

    Traveler•Written September 2025

    Just to confirm: it's a guaranteed departure, so I can book flights once the confirmation has come though, right?
  • 

    Indy EscapesOperator•Written September 2025

    Yes, all of our trips are guaranteed departures and this one is almost full! You are very safe to book your flights!
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