Family Island-Hopping Cruise — Gentle 4-Day Maldives Snorkel Safari from $890 | Book Maldives Holiday

Family Island-Hopping Cruise

The Maldives for the whole family — gentle reefs, dolphin cruises, sandbank picnics and a relaxed pace everyone can enjoy

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Family snorkelling and relaxing on a sandbank during a Maldives island-hopping cruise
Duration 3 Nights / 4 Days
Route North & South Malé Atoll islands and sandbanks
Departs From Velana International Airport jetty, Malé
Cabin Count 8 cabins (incl. 2 family cabins)
Max Pax 16 guests
Style Family Snorkel & Island-Hopping
From $890 per person (twin sharing)
Meals Full board — family-friendly buffet, snacks, water/tea/coffee
Activities Easy snorkelling, sandbank picnics, dolphin cruise, local-island visit, fishing
Best For Families with children, multi-generational groups, gentle first-timers

Overview

The Family Island-Hopping Cruise is a gentle, relaxed Maldives safari designed around families rather than hardcore divers. Over three nights aboard a comfortable, fully air-conditioned safari dhoni, you cruise the calm waters of the North and South Malé Atolls, stopping at pristine sandbanks for picnics and swimming, snorkelling easy house reefs alive with reef fish and turtles, visiting a friendly local island to see Maldivian village life, and joining a sunset dolphin cruise. The pace is deliberately unhurried — short crossings, plenty of beach and pool-clear lagoon time, and activities pitched for children and grandparents alike. Two of the eight cabins are family cabins with a double bed plus two singles, and child-size snorkel gear and life jackets are carried on board. This is not a dive trip, so no certification or experience is needed, though certified divers can arrange a couple of guided dives as an optional extra. The galley prepares family-friendly meals, with vegetarian, Jain and mild Indian options on request. Children under 5 cruise free; children 5–11 receive a 30% discount. Departing the Velana International Airport jetty with transfer included, this is our top pick for families wanting the Maldives' beauty at a pace the whole group can enjoy.

Pricing & Cabin Types

Prices in USD per person. Twin-sharing basis. Family cabin (2 adults + 2 children) available from $2,990 total. Children under 5 free; 5–11 at 30% off.

Cabin Type Price (per person) Size Bed View Bathtub
Standard Cabin $890 12 sqm Double or Twin Porthole —
Deluxe Cabin $1,090 15 sqm Double or Twin Sea-view window —
Family Cabin $2,990 (total for 4) 20 sqm Double + 2 singles Sea-view window —

Day-by-Day Itinerary

  • Airport pickup at Velana (MLE) and transfer to the jetty
  • Welcome, cabin allocation and child life-jacket fitting
  • Easy snorkel on a sheltered house reef
  • Afternoon sandbank stop for swimming and sandcastles
  • Sunset on deck and family dinner
  • Morning guided snorkel on a gentle turtle reef
  • Visit to a friendly local island — village walk and bikini beach
  • Lunch on board as you cruise to the next lagoon
  • Optional sunset line-fishing with the crew
  • Star-gazing on the sundeck
  • Snorkel a colourful coral garden full of reef fish
  • Long lagoon swim and beach time at a quiet sandbank
  • Sunset dolphin cruise (spinner dolphins, seasonal)
  • Farewell BBQ on the beach or sundeck
  • Early-morning swim or final reef snorkel
  • Buffet breakfast on board
  • Cruise back toward Malé
  • Transfer to Velana International Airport jetty

Inclusions & Exclusions

✔ What's Included
  • Full-board family-friendly meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, water/tea/coffee)
  • Three nights in selected cabin category with ensuite bathroom
  • Guided easy snorkelling with mask, fins and snorkel (adult and child sizes)
  • Sandbank picnics, local-island visit and sunset dolphin cruise
  • Life jackets including child sizes
  • Airport transfer Velana (MLE) ↔ boat jetty
  • Children under 5: free (sharing parents' cabin)
  • Children 5–11: 30% discount
✗ Not Included
  • International/domestic flights to Malé
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional guided scuba dives for certified divers (additional fee)
  • Personal expenses, tips and souvenirs
  • Green Tax, fuel surcharge and any port fees
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks beyond included water/tea/coffee
  • Single supplement

Ship & Vessel Details

Type
Family safari dhoni, fully air-conditioned
Built
2017
Refurbished
2023
Length
26 m
Cabins
8 (incl. 2 family cabins)
Max Guests
16
Decks
2 (cabin deck + shaded sundeck)
Air-conditioning
Yes — all cabins and saloon
Wifi
Yes (satellite, best effort)
Life Jackets
Yes — child-size jackets and snorkel gear on board
Safety
Maldives Coast Guard certified; relaxed, family-paced itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — it is designed for families. Child-size life jackets and snorkel gear are on board, snorkelling is in calm, shallow lagoons with a guide, and there is plenty of safe sandbank and beach time. Non-swimmers can wear a buoyancy vest near the guide or relax ashore.
No — it is a gentle snorkel and island-hopping safari, so no certification or experience is needed. Certified divers in the family can arrange a couple of optional guided dives at nearby sites for an additional fee; just ask at booking.
Yes. The galley prepares mild Indian-friendly dishes — plain rice, dal, mild vegetable curries and flatbread — plus full vegetarian and Jain meals, with at least 72 hours' notice.
Yes. The pace is relaxed with short, sheltered crossings, the dhoni is stable, and activities are optional — grandparents can snorkel gently, join the dolphin cruise and sandbank picnics, or simply relax on the shaded deck. Tell us of any mobility needs in advance.
Family cabins are around 20 sqm with one double bed and two singles — comfortable for 2 adults and 2 children — with a sea-view window and private bathroom. Only two are available, so book early.