Bluetits Maldives: Conservation Gulet Cruise 2027

The Maldives is a stunning island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Comprising around 1,200 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls, the Maldives is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It is one of the world’s most unique and fragile ecosystems, home to an extraordinary variety of marine life, including turtles, manta rays, reef sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish species.

Traditionally a fishing-based society, the Maldives has grown into a global tourism hotspot, attracting visitors with its overwater villas, world-class diving, and serene island lifestyle. The capital, Malé, is a bustling city, but most travellers explore the quieter, more remote islands and atolls.

The country is particularly vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels, making marine conservation and sustainable tourism key national priorities. The local culture is shaped by Islamic traditions, with strong community values and a rich heritage expressed through music, crafts, and cuisine.

Whether you’re exploring vibrant coral gardens, relaxing on a sun-drenched deck, or learning about marine conservation efforts, the Maldives offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and environmental awareness.

On this trip, you can make a meaningful difference by actively contributing to marine conservation efforts and supporting sustainable tourism in the Maldives. Through guided snorkelling sessions, you’ll help collect valuable citizen science data, including turtle photo identification and fish species monitoring, which aids ongoing research into marine populations and reef health. This non-invasive data collection helps scientists better understand and protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems.

You’ll help directly reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment and contribute to global pollution-tracking databases, helping researchers monitor environmental trends. You’ll also learn about threats facing coral reefs, such as climate change and human impact, and gain practical knowledge on how to snorkel responsibly and reduce your ecological footprint—skills you can apply and share long after the trip ends.

Supporting local communities is another important aspect. By engaging with Maldivian islanders, learning about their culture, and participating in responsible tourism practices, you help foster economic opportunities that value conservation over exploitation.

Ultimately, your presence supports grassroots NGOs, local livelihoods, and long-term sustainability efforts, making this trip more than a holiday, it’s a chance to be part of a positive, lasting impact.

The Maldives enjoys warm tropical seas throughout the year, with typical surface water temperatures ranging from about 26°C – 30°C.

A traditionally crafted and built Turkish gulet complete with sails, the MV Felicity has a length of 28m, a beam of 6.85m and a draft of 2.60m.

With two decks and 6 cabins, Felicity accommodates 12 passengers comfortably. All cabins are air-conditioned with an attached bathroom including shower, small wardrobe, drawer and storage facilities, portholes and a DC wall fan. Comfortable but not luxurious is how we would describe the cabins!

Due to the layout of the gulet, there are unfortunately no single cabins available on this trip.

There is an outdoor dining area and an indoor area just in case of rain!

The indoor saloon area is furnished with a dining table and seating, plus 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 banquette seating.

A gulet is a traditional wooden sailing vessel originally used for fishing and sponge diving. Today, gulets are popular for leisure cruises and are equipped with modern comforts, including cabins and en-suite bathrooms. They typically have two or three masts and can sail using both wind and motor power. Combining classic design with contemporary amenities, gulets offer a relaxed and comfortable way to explore coastal waters on group holidays or private charters.

All meals are fully inclusive, with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and afternoon snacks freshly prepared each day by the onboard chefs. The cuisine is a delicious blend of Maldivian and European dishes, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Maldivian food centres around tuna, coconut, and chilli, with staples such as white rice and roshi (a local flatbread). Fish is typically prepared smoked, fried, barbecued, or roasted.

Common ingredients include onion, ginger, garlic, lemon, and a variety of spices, adding rich flavour to the meals. To support sustainability, pork products are not served, and beef is excluded to help reduce carbon emissions. The chefs are happy to cater for most dietary requirements. Please ensure any specific needs are noted on your booking form.

Unlimited drinking water is available – bring a reusable water bottle!

You do not need to be a Bluetit or have any experience of wild swimming to take part in this adventure. It is advised that you know how to tread water to be able to get the most enjoyment out of the trip.

Anyone aged 18+ can take part in the adventure. You must have a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry) and be in good health. You will enjoy the trip to the fullest if you enjoy being outdoors and want to gently challenge your limits with a supportive group of people. The Bluetit values are Trust, Fun and Inclusivity, and if you share these, you will love this holiday!

Please also note that all participants must be able to swim and tread water comfortably.

You will be accompanied by a Bluetit host who is a qualified swim coach as well as a local guide who has an excellent knowledge of the culture in the region. There will also be an experienced local Tour Manager who will instruct and manage the conservation aspects of the cruise.

The guides are first aid trained and will support you throughout your journey.

Normal swimwear is adequate for swimming. It is very informal on the gulet and you are more than welcome to stay in your swimming costumes all day if you wish!

Swim shoes and goggles are essential.

You may wish to bring some dry clothes to change into after your swim and for evenings on deck. Your body temperature continues to cool for 20-30 minutes after you exit the water and warming up immediately is essential. Loose-fitting clothes, such as big fleecy pyjamas and oversized jumpers, are easier to put on with numb hands and fingers.

Please see the full suggested kit list below.

Visit here to find the kit list relevant to this trip.