23 - 29 March 2025
📍 South Ari Atoll, Maldives
🛥️ Private Excursions every day
🤿 No certifications required
🛏️ See all inclusions here
Starting from 2499 CHF
FLASH SALE until SUNDAY – 200CHF OFF
What ?
A full-blown underwater retreat. We will literally be spending every day in the water, taking full advantage of all the beauty within the Indian Ocean.
You will have the chance to encounter wildlife of all sorts (in the water!!!): whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, turtles, reef fish, reef sharks, sting rays, dolphins etc.
You will enjoy the very best of the Maldivian beach and tropical life.
Where ?
Dhigurah Island, Maldives.
This island is our favourite of all the local ones we explored.
It’s a long strip of sand and palm trees, located in the southern part of the Ari Atoll, which is particularly famous for its underwater wildlife.
Dhigurah reef, especially, is home to resident whale sharks which can be seen year round. White sand beaches, crystal clear waters, lush palm trees and so much more…
When ?
23rd to 29th March 2025.
Join us for a 7 day adventure exploring the underwater beauties of the Maldives.
March is during the Maldivian summer and dry season. Temperatures are high during the day, above 30° C (86°F) and they only drop to 25° C (77°F) at night, so it’s literally perfect weather all the time. Although conditions can sometimes be uncertain, March is typically a beautiful month with super clear waters and lots of underwater activity.
Who ?
We will be travelling with you together in a limited number, with a group of max 16 people. All will be young like- minded ocean lovers, with a passion for adventure and with whom we will have the best underwater fun.
Want to join with a friend or group of friends? No problem. Want to join with your boyfriend or girlfriend? No problem. Are you travelling solo and would love to meet new friends? No problem. This is the perfect opportunity!
Anyone is welcome!
Highlights of the trip
Accommodation
Fully enjoy island life by sleeping at Bliss Dhigurah, a modern local guesthouse with all the amenities to best enjoy your vacation. This hotel is literally the best of the local islands in the Maldives. (Note: this is NOT a resort, it’s a beautiful local guesthouse).
Our favourite feature of Bliss is its vicinity to the beach, literally just seconds away from dipping your feet in the turquoise blues of the ocean. Only a few palms separate this lovely property from the Indian Ocean’s clearest waters.
The hotel also has a restaurant, Hermit’s, on the ground floor, with tasty dishes and a variety of food options. But the best part is the terrace on the rooftop, where we will be having our private dinners under the stars.
Each room is equipped with a cute hammock to relax in but if you prefer to socialise, there are bean bags and comfy chairs just outside the hotel to chill under the shade of the palm trees.
Accommodation options include double (shared bed), twin (subject to availability) and single occupancy rooms.
Program
Day One - 23rd March
Arrive in Malé and take your speed boat to Dhigurah. Hop on a turquoise tuk tuk to cross the island and reach your hotel Bliss. A welcome drink will be awaiting you in the lounge and you can start checking into your room. Later, for dinner, join the whole group at a big table on the rooftop for a starlit private dinner.
Day Two - 24th March
Early wake up call and after breakfast at Hermit’s, we head out to look for the whale shark! Boarding a typical Maldivian boat called the dhoni, we will head out fully equipped with our free diving and snorkelling gear.
In the afternoon enjoy some rest and free time, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the beach.
Around sunset, join us for an hour of beach clean-up to show the ocean some love.
Dinner is served on the rooftop.
Day Three - 25th March
Another early wake up call, this time to go looking for manta rays. We leave Dhigurah island aboard the dhoni to find these beautiful marine creatures in their cleaning stations.
We will return at Bliss for lunch. Later in the afternoon we will go to the gorgeous Dhigurah sandbank to enjoy sunset in a white sandy paradise. We will return just in time for dinner on the rooftop.
Day Four - 26th March
This morning we head out once more for wildlife sightings. We will be hunting for whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins, whichever come our way and based on the weather and previous sightings.
Return to Bliss for lunch at Hermit’s.
In the afternoon, it’s time to scuba dive. If you don’t have a certification, today you’ll have the opportunity to join a Discovery Scuba Diving session. It will cover the basics and simply show you how amazing it is to dive and explore the underwater world with a tank. If you already have a diving certification, we will organise a deeper dive in one of the famous Ari Atoll diving locations.
Return will be in time for you to have a shower and head to our rooftop dinner.
Day Five - 27th March
Today we head out to the Vaavu atoll. Vaavu is famous for its clear waters, for swimming with nurse sharks, for shipwreck exploring and for its resident dolphin pod. So today we will spend a few hours here, between amazing wildlife and nature, with a picnic lunch which we will carry with us along the way.
We will return to Bliss mid afternoon for some chill time before dinner on the rooftop.
Day Six - 28th March
This morning is full of different options which will be organised based on how the wildlife sightings go on the previous days.
In any case, we will return for lunch at Hermit’s. The afternoon will be all about chilling on the beach or having some fun on SUPs and kayaks in the island’s lagoon.
In the evening, join us for a moonlit private dinner on the beach. The starry sky will leave you breathless.
Day Seven - 29th March
Before we say our farewells, join us for a tropical breakfast on the beach, served with your feet in the sand and in the shade of the palm trees.
After that, depending on your flight arrangements, head back to Malé to catch your flight home. Optional: take a seaplane all the way to Malé, enjoying the most beautiful views over the atolls.
Miki & Carlo
Freediving Instructors
We founded Bonny & Gava 3 years ago and since then we have been traveling the world and experiencing so many amazing destinations!
A little over a year ago, we started to curate group trips for people like us, people who wanted more than the average tourist experience, people who love spending time in the water and exploring the underwater world, people who wanted to dive into the culture of a place and go back home with more than just pretty pictures.
The Maldives are our favourite destination because of how much life there is underwater. They have been our first international trip we did together and here we fell in love with the ocean. We can’t wait to show you the beauty and magic that is hidden beneath the gorgeous beaches and palm trees. This is the best possible trip to explore them ☺️
What's Included
What's included
- Accommodation: 6 nights accommodation in a local guesthouse, shared room with ensuite bathroom.
- Full board: all meals are included in the price of the trip.
- Private excursions every day for our group to find all the best underwater animals.
- Private day trip to swim with nurse sharks, explore a wreck and look for dolphins.
- 1 scuba dive for certified divers or discovery dive for beginners.
- Beach clean-up to give back some gratitude to the ocean.
- Freediving workshops.
- Underwater photography workshops.
- 3 Minutes in 3 Weeks you will have complimentary access to our breath hold training program so you can arrive to the Maldives ready to make the most of every excursion.
- 1 Beach dinner to dine with our feet in the sand under the palms and the stars.
- 1 Beach breakfast to end the trip on a high note breakfast will be served on the beach.
- Return transfers from Male to Dhigurah by speed boat.
What's not included
- Extra activities: if you are interested in filling up your days with optional activities such as sunset fishing or additional scuba dives this will be possible but at an extra charge.
- International flights: we will take care of you from the moment you land at Malé (MLE airport). Return speedboat transfers to Dhigurah are included, but the trip from your home to the Maldivian airport is not included in the price. We are happy to help you arrange it if you need any advice.
- Diving insurance: A dive insurance is mandatory for this trip. We recommend DAN or DiveAssure. This should cost around 50/70 € if you don’t have one already and will cover one whole year.
- Anything not explicitly included.
Dive Deeper, Leave No Trace
Our mission is simple: inspire people to embrace adventure, explore the underwater world, and protect it for generations to come. The ocean is our playground, and we’re committed to keeping it as healthy and awe-inspiring as it is today.
That’s why this trip is all about giving back to the ocean and ensuring we leave it better than we found it. During our journey, we’ll organize a beach cleanup to collect plastic that has washed ashore, stopping it from re-entering the ocean and helping restore the beauty of the coastline.
We’ll also stay on a local island, supporting community-based tourism instead of luxury resorts. By contributing directly to the local economy, we’re helping to create financial stability for the residents. This, in turn, empowers them to prioritize environmental care, reducing waste and fostering a sustainable way of life.
And perhaps most importantly, the unforgettable memories you create on this trip will inspire both you and those around you to take small but meaningful actions to protect our oceans. Together, we’ll keep the underwater world as awesome as it deserves to be.
Pricing
CHF 2'499 pp
CHF 2'299 pp
approx: 2400€ or 2630$
ROOM ARRANGEMENTS: Double bed (shared) with private bathroom or twin bed with private bathroom (subject to limited availability).
We will pair up participants in the shared rooms based on sex, age and interests to make it the best experience for everyone!
Single occupancy is available at 2’999 CHF p.p.
Our goal is to offer a closed package deal. Unless you have some particular or special requests, once you have paid for this deal, everything will be covered (except souvenirs, extra activities, and international flights from your country).
FLASH SALE: This retreat is on sale until Sunday. Don't miss the opportunity to join us in paradise and save 200CHF
Requirements
Ocean Comfort
Free diving or scuba diving certifications are NOT necessary to participate, but a very good level of swimming and comfort in open waters is essential to enjoy the experiences. Of course, certification is welcome and training will be based on each individual’s level.
Insurance
A dive insurance is mandatory for this trip, and responsibility of the guest. We recommend DAN or DiveAssure. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended.
Gear
Please bring your own gear if you own it (masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, cameras, weight belts..etc). We will provide everyone with weights. If needed we can also organise to provide other missing gear, when duly noted.
Language
It’s important for every participant to speak English at a basic level so that we can all have a fun time together without leaving anyone out.
Terms & Conditions
Deposits
To secure your spot on this retreat you will have to agree to our T&Cs and pay a non-refundable deposit of CHF 200.
Book your spot HERE
Payment
You will then receive an invoice for the remainder of the payment to be made through bank transfer, once the trip is confirmed with a minimum number of guests.
Cancellation
Once the deposit has been made, if you cancel before 90 days prior to departure, then you will not be charged anything extra, although we will keep the deposit.
If you cancel after 90 days prior to departure, then unfortunately as we are a very small business we will not be able to refund you. Should we be able to find someone else to fill your spot in time then we might be able to return the full amount (excluding the deposit of CHF 200 and any bank fees).
Very Important Note for Everyone: this retreat is subject to a minimum number of participants. Please refrain from purchasing flights or from making other non-refundable expenses to avoid incurring in useless fees. Reach out to us to find out if the trip is confirmed.
F.A.Q.
What is the starting time of the trip?
The official beginning of the Retreat will be in the afternoon/evening of the 23rd March 2025, based on everyone’s arrival time.
What is the ending time of the trip?
That will be after breakfast on 29th March 2025. We will organise a speed boat ride back to Malé in the late morning or early afternoon, just in time for you to catch your return international flight. If possible, we recommend an evening flight to be able to enjoy the beach breakfast.
How do I get to Dhigurah?
You only have to worry about purchasing an international flight from your country to Velana International Airport (MLE) in the capital of Malé in the Maldives. Once you have arrived there you will be greeted by a member of our team who will help redirect you to the speed boat transfer which will take you to Dhigurah. While the international flight is excluded from the package price (for obvious reasons), the transfer by speedboat from Malé to Dhigurah (and back) is included and will be handled by our team. Please make sure to purchase a flight to the Maldives which arrives in the morning of the 23rd of March. It is important for you to arrive in Malé in time for the last speed boat of the day which is usually at 16:00. If necessary, we recommend arriving a day early in Malé, sleeping next to the airport one night, to then catch the early connection for Dhigurah the following day. Please reach out to us about this, we would love to help you handle it all.
How does being on a local island affect me?
The Maldives are a muslim country so this implies a few things:
1. No alcohol on the islands. It is forbidden to own and serve it.
2. There’s a dress code to be followed. If you decide to explore the island and head into the village, you will have to cover up by wearing a t-shirt and shorts. However, no need to worry if you go to the bikini beach (the prettiest stretch on the island), or if you jump off from our boat. In the hotel you’re free to wear what you please as long as you cover up your bikini/bare chest.
Are there any optional activities?
Yes we offer extra scuba diving opportunities, as well as transfer upgrades to domestic flights or seaplane flights back and forth from Malé to Dhigurah. These extras have separate prices. Please send us an email/dm for further information.
Do the Maldives require a VISA?
Yes they do, but it is also released and granted automatically upon arrival. Just bring your passport (make sure it’s valid for 6+ months) and have proof of a flight departure from the Maldives.
Depending on your citizenship and residence this may vary, please check here. We are here to help, but VISA permits are the guest’s responsibility.
Is there wifi in the hotel?
Yes, and it should be good enough for everyone. Alternatively you can always purchase a sim card at the airport before arriving in Dhigurah or an esim online.
Should I bring extra cash?
You might want to if you want to have special drinks, look for small souvenirs and gifts to take home or even for some snacks or extra activities (card is often fine too but just to be sure). Make sure you either have American Dollars $ or Maldivian Rufiyaa. If you have neither, you can find exchange booths at the airport which will give you a fair exchange both ways.
What are the sleeping options?
You can either have a private deluxe double or twin room (this you can either have on your own at a higher price or you can share it with a friend or partner travelling with you). Otherwise you can share it with someone else joining the retreat.
Twin rooms are very limited and they are chosen on a first come first serve basis, everyone else get’s a double room with shared large bed and bathroom.
What if I am vegan?
Please let us know of any dietary requirements and we will do our best to fit your needs.
Are drinks included in the full board meal plan?
The full board plan includes 3 meals per day and water. Soft drinks, smoothies and coconuts will be available for purchase. No alcohol as it is forbidden in muslim countries.
Packing List?
The temperatures in the Maldives in March are absolutely amazing so you really won’t need any warm clothes. But be sure to bring:
– For men: light t-shirts and shirts, as well as light shorts. You won’t really need long pants.
– For women: light t-shirts and wide airy shirts will be your best bet against the heat and to cover up a bit. Sarongs are perfectly okay if they aren’t too short or see-through. For the evening long dresses and skirts or light pants are recommended but not-too-short-shorts and skirts are also fine.
– Sandals and filpflops (if any), no need for closed shoes.
– Bikinis and board shorts.
– Masks, snorkels, weight belts, fins and shorties: please bring anything you have for scuba or freediving. Let us know if you are missing something so we can help you out.
– A waterproof bag is not required but may be convenient for the excursions.
– Sun screen.
– Mosquito spray (there’s a LOT of mosquitoes).
– Underwater camera.
Still not sure?
Write to us so we can clear your doubts!
