Maldives - Bubbles, Bliss & a Brush with a Whale Shark
A quick stopover in Doha set the tone: a gleaming airport full of indoor trees, luxury cars, and a 20-minute bus ride just to reach our next gate. We lucked out with extra-comfy seats on the midnight flight to Malé, grabbed a few hours of sleep, and arrived fresh to the Maldives. A smooth speedboat transfer - and another nap along the way 😴 - brought us to Dhigurah in the South Ari Atoll. Palms, white sand, and turquoise water as far as the eye could see. We took the obligatory “first day in paradise” photos, had our first local meal, and ended the day watching a dolphin glide past at sunset.
Days quickly fell into rhythm: 6:30 wake-ups, quick breakfasts, and dive boats heading out across the atoll. Manta cleaning stations, coral gardens, the Rhundi wreck - every site offered something new. Dolphins sometimes joined us on the way back, and afternoons were spent exploring the island, biking to sandbanks, or just sipping coffee by the sea.
We went on the hunt for whale sharks, scanning their usual hangouts, but luck wasn’t on our side at first - just turtles ans reef sharks. Still, the dives were stunning, and every evening brought a sunset that stopped time.
Then came the big one - a dedicated whale shark snorkel trip. Hours passed with no sighting, and I’d already made peace with not seeing one. But as we neared Dhigurah again, there it was: a 5–6 metre whale shark gliding just below the surface. Magical, chaotic, over too soon. Dozens of snorkellers, too many boats, and one poor shark disappearing after someone bumped its head. Still, after years of dreaming about it, that one minute was unforgettable.
Early the next morning we left Dhigurah for Fulidhoo in the Vaavu Atoll - smaller, quieter, just 300 residents. Stingrays and baby sharks patrolled the pier, giving the island a Galápagos feel. Diving was the main attraction, especially “Shark Point,” where nurse sharks gather. Beautiful creatures, though it felt bittersweet knowing they’re lured in by feeding.
Life on Fulidhoo was simple and perfect. Diving, coffee, naps, repeat. Diana wrapped up her Advanced Open Water and Nitrox certifications (no more study sessions on the beach 🤓🥳), and we celebrated with a night dive - a surreal world of glowing plankton and curious fish.
One “lazy” day meant sleeping until 7:30, snorkelling halfway around the island before the current turned us back, then coffee, ice cream and a sunset swim. I couldn’t resist a run around the island and a quick HIIT on the beach - some habits don’t take holidays.
The final day came too soon. We said goodbye to our dive crew, shared drone footage and laughter with our guesthouse manager, and joined a sunrise yoga session before the bumpy speedboat back to Malé. With an hour to spare before our flight, we explored the capital - scooters, noise, and chaos after two weeks of pure stillness.
That evening we touched down in Doha for a one-day stopover. After the quiet islands, the city’s glass towers and heat felt surreal. We explored Pearl Island, Katara Cultural Village, and the Corniche, then joined a walking tour of Souq Waqif - learning about falconry, pearl diving and Qatari life - before ending the trip with a drink overlooking the skyline.
At 5:30 a.m., a golden sunrise marked our journey home. From 32°C in Doha to 11°C in Amsterdam - quite the shock.
The Maldives were everything we’d hoped for: turquoise water, endless dives, sunsets beyond imagination, and the kindness of island life. A place where time slows down, where every dive feels like a dream, and where even a one-minute encounter with a whale shark can make your heart full.
Until next time, paradise. 🇲🇻🌅
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