Maafushi: Shipwreck & Shark Snorkeling with Lunch & Guide

Summary

Snorkel with nurse sharks and dolphins near Maafushi plus sandbank BBQ

You’ll swim above a shipwreck near Keyodhoo island, snorkel with nurse sharks and giant trevallies, watch wild dolphins leap in Vaavu Atoll’s bay, and share a beachside BBQ lunch on a remote sandbank. With pickup from Maafushi and all gear included, it’s an easygoing day full of real moments you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

I felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement right before we left Maafushi — you know, when you’re not sure if you’ll actually see the nurse sharks or just float around hoping? Our guide, Sami, was already joking with us as we climbed onto the boat. He handed me a snorkel mask and said, “Don’t worry, the sharks are friendly. Just don’t look tastier than the fish.” I laughed but honestly checked my toes anyway.

The first stop was this old shipwreck near Keyodhoo in Vaavu Atoll. The water was so clear it almost didn’t look real — like someone had cranked up the color filter. I could smell salt and sunscreen mixing in the air. Swimming over the wreck felt strange; there’s something about seeing all that rusted metal under you while tiny fish dart around your hands. Sami pointed out a giant trevally gliding by — I’d never seen one up close before, and it moved like it owned the whole place.

Then came the main event: snorkeling with nurse sharks. They were everywhere, just kind of drifting below us in slow circles. One brushed past my leg (I definitely squeaked into my snorkel). Sami grinned from above and gave me a thumbs-up. After that rush, we went looking for dolphins in the bay — I didn’t expect to actually spot them, but suddenly there they were, leaping out of nowhere. Everyone on the boat started cheering like kids.

Lunch was on this tiny sandbank that looked fake from far away — just white sand and blue all around. The BBQ smelled smoky and sweet at once; I still think about those grilled fish skewers sometimes. We sat barefoot in the sun while Sami showed us photos he’d taken underwater (he caught my awkward shark moment). The day ended with salty hair and a towel wrapped around my shoulders as we headed back to Maafushi — tired but sort of buzzing inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching

• Snorkeling at Shipwreck near Keyodhoo Island
• Snorkeling with Nurse Sharks and Giant Trevallies
• Dolphin watching in the bay
• BBQ Lunch at Sandbank
• Local island hopping
• Underwater photos and videos

Top questions

Is pickup included for this Maafushi snorkeling tour?

Yes, return transfer from/to Maafushi island is included.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, snorkeling equipment is provided for you.

Is lunch included during the day trip?

Yes, a BBQ lunch is served on a sandbank during the tour.

Can I join if I’m staying on another island?

If you're not staying on Maafushi, contact support—extra charges may apply.

Are underwater photos or videos part of this experience?

Yes, underwater photos and videos are included in your trip.

Will we see dolphins for sure?

Dolphin watching is included but sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Where does the shipwreck snorkeling take place?

The shipwreck is near Keyodhoo island in Vaavu Atoll.

What’s included

Your day includes return transfer from Maafushi island, use of snorkeling equipment and beach towel, guided snorkeling at a shipwreck near Keyodhoo plus time with nurse sharks and dolphins in Vaavu Atoll’s bay, underwater photos and videos taken by your guide along the way, and a BBQ lunch served right on a remote sandbank before heading back home salty but happy.