Maldives: Sunsets & Sea Life

Blue never looked so good: we'll meet you at the airport and board the public speedboat together. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins between chats with your trip mates (small talk is natural at this point) as we jet across turquoise waters from Male to Dhangethi.

Snorkel, snorkel, snorkel: take the early ferry to maximise snorkelling time! Safety first with a briefing from your expert Trip Leader. Then, it's time to acclimatise. Float, swim and soak it all in.

The first sunset: you've probably seen gorgeous sunsets, but this one might top them all. As oranges transform to pinks, feel the powder-soft sand between your fingers and let the moment wash over you. Dinner's waiting!

Possibly the best day of your life: as dawn breaks over South Ari Atoll, you'll be on the water seeking playful whale sharks. After your captain demonstrates their tracking skills, learn about this creature's gentle behaviour and (hopefully!) snorkel right alongside them. Your being here directly contributes to NGO Maldives Whale Shark Research.

Back on land: shake off those sea legs during a walking tour with your local Trip Leader who's in-the-know with all things Dhangethi. Crack open a coconut, chat with locals, and stop for hedika - a traditional afternoon snack.

What would a manta ray's mantra be?: something to ponder as you glide through sparkling waters beside these graceful creatures during this morning's snorkel.

Seagrass snorkels: this afternoon, we're snorkelling through seagrass beds – a crucial part of the ocean's wild ecosystem, with a bad rep. You'll discover there's so much more to these flowing grass blades.

Dinner and sunset: another day on paradise, another included dinner followed by a free evening to create memories with these incredible people who were strangers just three days ago. Sunset mocktails, anyone?

Delve deeper into local life: this morning, our private speedboat takes us to Omadhoo where you'll meet beaming locals. Here, a slower pace is vital so allow your body to relax and take in every moment of magic.

More reef homes: thought you were done with the snorkel equipment? Compare suction lines on each other's faces after another float through the house reef. Look out for reef sharks, sting rays, eels and the Napolean wrasse! And after? Dry off under the beaming sun with a stroll to the swing sitting in the sea (careful you don't drop your phone!).

Lunch like a Maldivian: what do you think about tuna and coconut going *claps hands* together? Mashuni is a traditional delicacy here, blending a trio of cultures, and you're going to create it yourself – with a little help from a local. You'll also make fresh Mas Fen and roshi (yoghurt and flatbread). Concoctions created, it's time to taste! Sit together and swap plates to see who makes chef of the day.

Time for you: soak up the sun at Bikini Beach. Take in more reef life on another snorkelling tour. Or experience Maldives resort life on an optional visit to Ellaidhoo. Whether you want solo time or to create more memories with your trip mates, this is the place to do it.

Snooze the morning away: or get back into ocean waters. There's an optional house reef snorkel to scout out more sea life or you can book a scuba dive! Newbie or pro, there's a place for you.

No man's land: ready to see what an uninhabited island looks like? Today's the day! First, get those shoulders moving with a beach clean-up. Human points earned, paddle in the sea, lounge on the beach, or have a snooze.

Sunset cruise: gorgeous memories need gorgeous backdrops, right? You and your small group will take the leisurely route back to Omadhoo as the sky explodes into oranges, pinks and reds.

Natural beauty that feels unreal: this morning's activity will steal your breath in 0.1 seconds. Pristine sands, surrounded by teals, turquoises and aqua blues. 360-degree ocean views from the Sandbank are yours. Another snorkel session? Go on then.

This is your moment: your final afternoon is yours for the taking. Dive into another guided house reef snorkel or splay across the sand. Whatever you choose, soak up every second.

Dine under the stars: just like that, our week in the Maldives comes to an end. Tonight, we're giving this journey the sendoff it deserves – with dinner on the beach as the stars glisten, seemingly just for us.

One last breakfast: whether you sleep in or get up when the sun yawns awake, you have final breakfast together as a group before hopping on one of two speedboats back to Male.