island hop & snorkel for shark conservation

22 - 28

March 2026

7 days,

6 nights

15 travellers,

3 guides

Moderate

Active Discovery

maldives island hop & snorkel

Join us for a week of shark conservation, island hopping and ocean exploration! SOSA has teamed up with shark conservation nonprofit Miyaru for a 7-day island hop and snorkel adventure across the infamous white sand beaches of the Maldives. You’ll swim alongside Miyaru scientists, support in collecting real-world data, experience local culture and dive into one of the most biodiverse ocean ecosystems on Earth.

meet your team

Because when you travel with SOSA, you travel with experts.

Arzucan (Zuzu) Askin

Miyaru Co-Founder & Conservation Scientist

Zuzu is a National Geographic Explorer, political ecologist, and expedition leader passionate about the complex relationship between humans and sharks. A graduate of Oxford University’s Seascape Ecology Lab, Zuzu has led shark research across the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Caribbean, focusing on issues like illegal wildlife trade and shark tourism. She even spent a year at sea studying human-shark interactions! Zuzu is a commercial and closed circuit rebreather diver who brings deep expertise and bold energy to every expedition.

Sara Scroglieri

Miyaru Marine Biologist

Sara is a marine biologist and research manager at Miyaru. With a background in tropical marine biology from the University of Essex, she has worked across island ecosystems leading coral propagation projects, megafauna surveys, and community outreach. A passionate diver and science communicator, Sara bridges research and tourism - bringing guests, local schools, and global partners into the heart of marine conservation. Her work with Miyaru combines hands-on science with powerful storytelling to inspire action for the ocean.

Blake Moynes

SOSA Founder & Conservationist

Blake is a conservation guide, expedition leader, and storyteller focused on connecting people with purpose in the wild. He holds a Diploma in Outdoor Adventure and a degree in Tourism Management, emphasizing eco-tourism and sustainable travel. Blake has worked across many continents alongside scientists and conservationists in marine, savanna, jungle, and forest ecosystems. Trained in search and rescue, guiding, and wilderness first response, he brings practical field skills to every project and adventurous energy to each expedition.

about

Miyaru Programme

Miyaru (pronounced mee-ya‑ru) is a Maldivian non‑profit organization and research network dedicated to shark research and conservation. “Miyaru” means “shark” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives.

Founded in January 2023, its objective is to conduct and support interdisciplinary research & conservation projects focused on shark species in the Maldives and the wider Indian Ocean.

Miyaru works through three main pillars: science, community engagement, and conservation. Their approach emphasizes collaboration between local and international team members, transparency, inclusive research, and capacity building in local communities.

experience highlights

Malé Island → Fulhadhoo Island → Maalhos Island → back to Malé Island for departure

Manta Rays & Luxury Island Stays

Snorkel with graceful manta rays, explore vibrant reefs, and unwind in luxury hotels featuring private pools, on-site restaurants, and spa access for the perfect balance of adventure and comfort.

Culture, Cuisine & Local Traditions

Experience island walks, relaxed beach hangs, Hedika tea time, Boduberu drum shows, cooking classes, and traditional family dinners, topped with a classic Maldivian sunset fishing trip.

Daily Snorkelling & Shark Conservation

Enjoy daily guided snorkelling and in-field shark research, join Shark ID workshops, and learn coral reef restoration techniques directly from Miyaru’s scientists and conservation experts.

Island-to-Island Maldivian Journey

Travel from Malé to Fulhadhoo and Maalhos before returning to Malé, exploring pristine islands, remote atolls, and peaceful beaches while discovering authentic Maldivian life along the way.

“I finally found my purpose. This trip truly changed my life.”

Kim, Botswana 2025

trip Details & Pricing

📍 Maldives, South Asia

Trip details

March 22 - 28, 2026

Cost per person

Single Occupancy Room - $6, 583 USD
Dual Occupancy Room - $5, 376 USD

Includes

Luxury hotel accommodations with pool and Wi-Fi access
Three meals per day
Daily activities as specified
All internal speedboat island transfers

Excludes

International flights to and from Malé Island
Premium beverages
Travel insurance
Gratuities

$1645.75 USD 25% Deposit (Single Occupancy) $1344.00 USD 25% Deposit (Dual Occupancy)

trip itinerary

Arrival in Malé & Fulhadhoo Island

Day 1 – 4

Arrive in Malé and board a scenic speedboat transfer across turquoise atolls to the quiet, palm-lined shores of Fulhadhoo Island. Settle into the Fulhadhoo Luxury Dive Hotel, your base for four days of marine exploration and Maldivian culture. Each day brings guided snorkeling sessions and hands-on shark research with Miyaru scientists, where you’ll learn how conservation strategies are shaped by real-time field data. Between ocean adventures, enjoy slow island living with beach hangs, a village walking tour, and a dreamy sandbank picnic. Evenings showcase the culture of the Maldives; from Hedika (traditional tea time) to a lively Boduberu drum performance and a cooking class guided by local hosts.

Maalhos Island Retreat

Day 5 – 6

Continue your journey with a speedboat ride to Maalhos Island, where you’ll check into the Island Luxury Retreat. Here, laid-back island charm meets rich marine biodiversity. Days include a Shark ID workshop, guided snorkeling with manta rays, and time unwinding by the pool or on your private beach. You’ll also share traditional family-style dinners with local hosts and head out on a classic Maldivian sunset fishing experience, an unforgettable way to spend golden hour.

Departure from Malé

Day 7

Travel by speedboat back to Malé for a final island walking tour, last-minute shopping, or one more taste of local life before your evening departure. Your journey ends with salty hair, new friendships, and a deeper connection to shark conservation and the vibrant underwater world of the Maldives.

YOUR IMPACT

Why Sharks Matter

Sharks are the guardians of our oceans, when they thrive, entire ecosystems flourish. With over 20 shark species calling the Maldives home, including globally threatened favourites like Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Indo-Pacific Leopard Sharks, and Whitetip Reef Sharks, their protection is more important than ever.

Your Impact as a SOSA Member

By joining this journey, you become part of something bigger: your presence directly supports ongoing shark and marine research led by Miyaru. Every snorkel, every workshop, every day spent learning from the team helps fund real conservation action. You’re not just observing the ocean, you’re helping protect it!

SOSA’s Contribution to Miyaru

Alongside your impact, SOSA is helping strengthen Miyaru’s research capacity by raising funds for a new BRUV camera, a tool that will dramatically expand what their scientists can study. BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video systems) quietly film marine life without disturbing it, capturing moments even divers rarely see.

QUESTIONS?

If you have questions about SOSA experiences or, visit our FAQ Page - and if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for, send us a message by filling out our experience inquiry form!

FAQ: Traveling to Maldives with SOSA

Velana International Airport (MLE)

Tourist visas are granted at the airport upon arrival to the Maldives for all passports except for Israeli passports - as long as the basic entry requirements are met.

Basic Entry Requirements - as found on Maldives Immigration

A passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 month validity - passengers with an extended validity period will not be accepted.
A complete travel itinerary + confirmed booking at a registered facility (SOSA Experience confirmation), confirmed return flight tickets, and sufficient funds to cover the stay in the Maldives (cash and/or credit card on hand).
Entry requirements to their onward destinations (if you are going somewhere other than back home post-trip; ensure you have your next destination’s tourist visa if applicable).
Completed ‘Traveller Declaration' Form - free of charge, MUST be completed within 96 hours (4 days) of arrival.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate for all travellers coming from an endemic country (applicable African or South African countries).

Travel insurance is mandatory for the boat excursions we will be partaking in. We are required to provide your travel insurance details (policy number, issuing company details and emergency telephone number) to the boat operators before the trip, or you will not be allowed to participate. A Comprehensive Travel Insurance package typically offers the highest level of trip protection. Our hotel recommends World Nomads Travel Insurance if of interest.

Upon paying your 25% deposit, you will be given the option to select a payment plan. SOSA will issue a payment plan aligned to your preferred structure (subject to your booking date) and all final payments will be scheduled no later than 90 days before the experience starts.

Available options:

25% Installments (deposit now; remaining installments per schedule)
50/50 (deposit now; two payments of remaining balance)
Payment in Full (deposit now; one payment remaining balance)

Moderate - Active Discovery: this experience includes 2-4 hours of daily snorkeling and leisurely walks around the islands.

Absolutely! SOSA Experiences are designed to create community. Join us on an adventure and meet like-minded, animal loving individuals. We have a proven track record of our guests making life-long connections.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to connect@thesosa.com. Your cancellation is only effective once you receive written confirmation from SOSA.

Refunds depend on how far in advance you cancel:

90+ days before trip start: 25% of the total trip cost (your non-refundable deposit) is retained; 75% refunded.
61–89 days before trip start: 50% of the total trip cost is retained; 50% refunded.
60 days or less before trip start: 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable. If we can fill your spot, partial refunds or travel credit may be considered at SOSA’s discretion.

Travel credits may be offered in some cases and when granted, are valid for 12 months, non-transferable, and non-refundable. SOSA will always make reasonable efforts to fill your spot and recover costs from third-party vendors.

Please direct any additional questions to our team at connect@thesosa.com

DISCLAIMER

Please note daily schedules and activities are likely to change dates and times due to the nature of working with wildlife, weather and operations. While we strive to offer an unforgettable wildlife experience, sightings of specific animals or species are subject to their natural behaviors and cannot be guaranteed. Animal placement, veterinary medical emergencies, and program schedules can potentially cause delays or conflicts in schedule. SOSA will do its absolute best to make sure you are able to participate in this category.

Staple Series

Conservation Collectibles