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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Giritale - Elephant back safari in Habarana £14.00; Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park £17.50
or in Kaudulla National Park £12.50 (park varies depending on the season).
Kandy - Cultural Show £2.50. ADAM’S PEAK Ascent of mountain £2.00 (December - April only).
Unawatuna - Boat Excursion to coral reef £5.00.
Half Day Trips - Including transport, Boat ride to Cinnamon Islands; Glass bottom boat ride; Tsunami affected areas; Picnic lunch; Transport - £9.00.
Unawatuna - Whale watching boat trip £60.00.
All customers departing from Ibrahim Nasir International Airport Male will be required to pay US$25. Payment can be made in cash at the check in desk, or by major credit card (with the exception of American Express) at dedicated payment machines. A receipt for payment will be issued and this is required before a boarding pass will be issued for the flight.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly, you should allow £50 for tipping (£25 in Sri Lanka and £25 in the Maldives). Your tour leader will account to you for any organised tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: US$ and UK£ are equally good.
Where to Exchange: In most major towns.
ATM Availability: Yes, usually in major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: Credit cards can usually be used in most large shops and restaurants. Please note that Foreign Office advice warns about the problem of credit card fraud in Sri Lanka so please consider this when deciding if to pay by card while on tour.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in most major towns.
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Maldives Local Currency: Rufiyaa.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: All transactions on board the dhonis are done in USD only. No other currency will be accepted. You must bring US dollars cash if you wish to buy drinks on board the boat. It is unlikely that you will need any local currency (Rufiyaa) but your tour leader will brief you on this on arrival.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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| UK | Maldives | Sri Lanka | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $0.75 | £0.40 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | 1.50 | £0.40 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $2.00 | £0.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | 4.00 | £2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $7.50 | £4.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $17.50 | £6.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | ||
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Maldives: A free 30 day permit is given to travellers of the following nationalities on arrival in Male – UK, Aus, NZ, USA, Can. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All foreign nationals who intend to visit Sri Lanka for a short stay of up to six months, including transit passengers, must apply for travel authorization online prior to their travel to the country.
To obtain a visa you must visit http://www.eta.gov.lk to apply for the ETA, prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the ETA approval notice with you.
The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Sri Lanka: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis and polio. Good mosquito repellent containing DEET is advisable.
Maldives: Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis & polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. Travellers may wish to immunise themselves against meningitis.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThe Dhoni
The traditional Dhoni is thought to derive from the Arab Dhow, but the design has been used and refined for so long in the Maldives that it really is now a local Maldivian boat. It is still used for transporting everything imaginable (including people) between the villages and islands.
Traditionally Dhonis have a tall, curved prow used by a man at the front of the boat to hold on to whilst leaning out to help the captain navigate through the _ reefs and channels. Many Dhonis have done away with this now as it is inconvenient and gets in the way when docking. However some still have a detachable prow.
Originally the boats were constructed using wood from the coconut trees held together using coir (coconut fibre) rope. Nowadays the keel will usually be made from imported hardwood. The hull may still be made from coconut wood, although imported timber is becoming more common in the construction.
It will take twelve workers approximately 45 days to complete a 14 metre hull. No plans will be used (still!).
Our Dhonis
We work with a local operator who owns a number of different Dhonis; all of which are different sizes with different layouts.
The boats we are most likely to be using are 9 and 14 berth Dhonis. We will either use one or two 9 berth boats, or the 14 berth boat (depending on the group size and make-up of the group).
All Dhonis that we use are fitted with diesel engines, which are used most of the time that we are travelling. Some of the boats still have sails but these are used very infrequently.
All Dhonis are inspected annually in order to retain their license. They carry enough lifejackets for all clients and crew plus buoyancy aids and a dinghy with small outboard engine. All boats have a CB radio, and for most of the voyage the boat is in mobile phone range of the islands. Full fire fighting equipment is also carried on every boat.
There will be a minimum of 4 or 5 crew on board including the captain and cook – depending on the number of people on the boat.
Most of the cabins offer couchette accommodation on a twin share basis with all bedding provided. The cabins are small and simple but adequate for sleeping and changing. In most of the cabins there will be bunk beds and so the person on the top will need to be prepared to climb up to their bed. Facilities are shared, and each boat has 3 or 4 toilets and 2 or 3 showers on board.
Good quality snorkelling equipment including mask, snorkel and flippers is provided (we will ask for your shoe/flipper size before you travel!). You are free to bring your own equipment should you wish. No scuba diving equipment will be carried on board.
All meals are provided on board the Dhonis.
Back to topSri Lanka: Year round high temperatures in coastal regions: Colombo averages 27°C. It is much cooler in the hills with Kandy averaging 20°C and Nuwara Eliya down to 16°C. Two monsoon periods: April-September when rain is confined to the southwest; and October-March when it falls in the northeast.
Maldives: Day time temperatures are remarkably consistent throughout the year ranging from 30°C to 32°C dropping to between 25°C and 26°C at night. Although rain is heaviest in June, July and August, heavy rain can fall at any time of year – even in February and March when statistically only 50mm usually falls during those months combined. The south-west monsoon lasts from May to November and not only brings the rains but also stronger winds and storms, although the transitional periods of early May and late November are supposed to be calm with exceptionally clear water.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a daysac. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember, hotel porters are not always available, so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topSri Lanka: Select your clothes carefully, bearing in mind that the climate is tropical and that upland areas are cooler and more temperate. Lightweight rainwear is also essential, and warmer clothing for the highland walks and chilly night temperatures in the mountains. When visiting religious sites you will need to dress respectfully by covering you knees and shoulders, plus taking off your shoes and hats. You may like to wear socks for temple visits as the ground can get very hot and burn the soles of your feet. You will need to bring long trousers, or buy a sarong locally.
Maldives: Only lightweight clothing is needed. Local people in Male and in villages on the islands find western styles of dress extremely offensive. Brief shorts, tight fitting clothing etc. should be avoided by both men and women. A sarong and something to cover the head (for women) is recommended. Don’t forget swimming gear & clothes to protect you from the sun including a wide brimmed hat. You may consider wearing a Tshirt whilst snorkelling to avoid bad sunburn on the back and shoulders.
Back to topLightweight shoes and sandals.
Back to topSri Lanka: A water bottle is recommended for walks. If you plan to climb Adam's Peak (Dec-Apr only) a torch is useful. Although mosquito nets or screens are provided at most nightstops and in spite of fewer mosquitoes due to higher elevation, you may choose to bring your own (attachable with nails and tape) for use here. Alternatively, please bring mosquito coils. In the tea areas you will find leeches and you may wish to bring leech socks.
Maldives: You may like to bring your own snorkel and mask although they will be provided on the Dhonis. Bring a torch. Also high factor sun protection. We recommend Factor 30 plus for snorkelling as the water intensifies the sun’s strength. Both bath and beach towels are provided on the Dhoni.
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topPlease note that festival dates and events may be subject to last minute changes and we cannot guarantee exactly what will take place. We would endeavour to contact you to inform you of any change made known to us in advance of departure.
Back to topIn the Maldives, it is illegal to import any materials deemed contrary to Islam including “idols of worship” and “bibles”, pork and pork products and alcohol.
Back to topActual routes and overnight stops may vary due to the weather, the season, tides and especially the direction of the winds. An ability to swim is essential as we spend a week at sea on our dhoni.
Back to topA Typical Day on the Dhoni
Typically we will moor near a small village harbour or beach for the night – usually dropping anchor some way off the island. As all the islands are surrounded by coral reef most transfers to shore are done in the boat’s dinghy, which does involve climbing up and down steps and occasionally clambering aboard from a beach. The morning will generally be relaxed with breakfast served on board. We then head off for our next destination or spend time exploring the place that we are in. Although there is a planned itinerary the pace of each day will be determined by the captain. As well as local conditions (weather/wind direction etc), the wishes of the group members will be taken into consideration, and plenty of time will be given for personal exploration and free time for swimming and snorkelling. On any one travelling day several islands may be visited as part of the journey. The maximum cruising time in one day is 4 hours, and the average is 2-3 hours – although this may be longer if several stops are made. Lunch and dinner are also mostly served on board. We aim to have a beach BBQ at some stage along the way.
Back to topWhilst in the Maldives the trip is accompanied by a local representative plus boat crew. We will not have the usual Explore tour leader for this trip.
While there is plenty of time to snorkle in the Maldives there is no opportunity to scuba dive at any point on this tour.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topElectric sockets on the Dhoni- Please note that on board the Dhoni you will have access to plug sockets with a normal 3 pin socket like in the UK.
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