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Sri Lanka & Maldives Journey


Tour Highlights: Journey through Sri Lanka’s golden southern beaches, wildlife-rich national parks, misty highlands, and vibrant cultural heart before sailing the Maldives aboard a liveaboard boat. Dive, snorkel, and experience incredible marine life while discovering authentic island culture beyond the luxury resorts.

  • Welcome to Sri Lanka! After arriving and clearing customs, enjoy a 20-minute transfer to the coastal town of Negombo. One airport transfer is included and it’s likely many of us will arrive on the same flight; for anyone arriving separately, transportation can be easily arranged. Settle into the oceanfront hotel with a pool, bar, and restaurant. Relax after the long journey, enjoy the beach atmosphere, and meet the group before the adventure begins early the next morning.

    Accommodation: Camelot Beach Hotel
    Meals Included: None

  • Head south along Sri Lanka’s scenic coastline to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. Enjoy free time for lunch before wandering with our guide through charming colonial streets, oceanfront walls, cafés, and hidden corners before continuing to the laid-back beach town of Dikwella.

    Accommodation: Dikwella Resort & Spa
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • A chance to slow down and enjoy island life. Spend the day swimming, relaxing, exploring the shoreline, and keeping an eye out for sea turtles. The Sri Lanka portion of this trip is fairly fast-paced, so enjoy a day to unwind and recharge on Sri Lanka’s world-class beaches before continuing the adventure.

    Accommodation: Dikwella Resort & Spa
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Start the day at beautiful Nilwella Beach before heading inland for one of Sri Lanka’s signature experiences—a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park. Keep your eyes open for wild elephants, birdlife, and other native wildlife.

    Accommodation: Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Start the day early with a safari game drive and a packed breakfast. Next, leave the lowlands behind and journey into Sri Lanka’s hill country. Stop at a scenic viewpoint for lunch along the way before ending the day with a peaceful Dhamma talk at a Buddhist monastery overlooking the mountains. Tonight, we stay in the lesser-visited tea hill station of Haputale—a quieter alternative to some of Sri Lanka’s more popular and crowded mountain destinations.

    Accommodation: Akway Resort in Haputale
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • One of the most adventurous days of the trip. Trek (or take a tuk-tuk) up to Lipton’s Seat for panoramic views over Sri Lanka’s tea country, then continue to Upper Diyaluma Falls to explore natural pools, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain scenery. Settle in for a relaxing evening back at our resort in the hills.

    Accommodation: Akway Resort in Haputale
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Board one of the most beautiful train rides in the world through Sri Lanka’s tea-covered highlands to Nanu Oya. Continue by road toward Kandy with a scenic stop at Ramboda Waterfalls and lunch along the way. If timing and weather allow, climb the iconic Ambuluwawa Stupa Tower for panoramic views.

    Accommodation: Thilanka Hotel in Kandy, overlooking the city with an infinity pool
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Discover Sri Lanka’s cultural heart with a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Kandy and a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Continue north and stop at the incredible Dambulla Cave Temple before continuing on to Sigiriya. In the evening, relax by the resort pool and, if we’re lucky, local elephants may wander through the grounds.

    Overnight: Elephas Resort & Spa in Sigiriya
    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Rise early for the climb up legendary Sigiriya Lion Rock and watch sunrise over Sri Lanka’s ancient landscape. Return to the resort for breakfast before driving to Colombo. In the evening, experience the city through a tuk-tuk tour, exploring hidden streets and local flavors.

    Overnight: Granbell Hotel Colombo with an infinity pool overlooking Colombo’s coast and skyline
    Meals Included: Breakfast and food tour for dinner

  • After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take a short international flight to the Maldives—the second chapter of the journey begins. The flight is included.

    Upon arrival in Malé, board your private traditional Maldivian dhoni and set sail through the turquoise lagoons of South Malé Atoll. Settle into life on the water as you cruise between tropical islands, enjoy dinner onboard, and watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

    Overnight: Maldives Dhoni
    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (all meals included during the Maldives portion)

  • Wake up surrounded by crystal-clear water as you cruise toward Vaavu Atoll—one of the Maldives’ most pristine island chains.

    In the morning, participate in a beach and plastic clean-up supporting a local NGO and learn about the environmental challenges facing the Maldives and its marine ecosystems. Then enjoy the rest of the day snorkeling vibrant coral reefs. Keep an eye out for reef sharks, rays, and colorful tropical fish before relaxing on a secluded sandbank. There is also an option for scuba diving for $100 USD per dive.

    Overnight: Maldives Dhoni
    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Today offers a chance to experience the real Maldives beyond the resorts. Visit a traditional local island and learn about everyday island life and culture. As a sign of respect for local customs, we will dress modestly during our visit.

    Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying the unreal shades of blue surrounding you. In the evening, gather for a private beach BBQ dinner beneath the stars hosted on the island (weather permitting).

    Overnight: Maldives Dhoni
    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Slow down and enjoy a full day immersed in the beauty of the Maldives.

    Cruise through shallow turquoise lagoons and stop at remote sandbanks for swimming and relaxation. Activities may include kayaking, paddleboarding, or sunset dolphin spotting depending on weather and timing. For those interested in visiting the world’s most densely populated capital city, we can arrange a short visit to Malé, including the city’s famous fish market. Guests with evening departures may also choose to fly out tonight.

    This is your final full day to unplug, soak in island life, and enjoy one last sunset at sea.

    Overnight: Maldives Dhoni
    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

  • Enjoy one final breakfast onboard before transferring to Malé Airport for your journey home.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  • Based on shared room with two beds. Upgrade to private room in Sri Lanka for $525 USD- private room will not be available during the Maldives portion of trip.

    Tipping is expected in the tourism industry. To simplify the experience, we collect a $150 USD group tip which covers all structured tour-related tipping throughout the journey.

    Sri Lanka Only Option: $2,300 USD per person

    The Sri Lanka to Maldives flight is only included for guests joining the full Sri Lanka + Maldives journey.

    Optional: Certified scuba diving opportunities will be available during the Maldives portion for approximately $100 USD per dive + additional tip directly to dive guide.(subject to weather, operator availability, and logistics).

  • Sri Lanka: 4-star, locally run resort-style accommodation. All properties feature swimming pools and are a slightly higher standard than accommodations used on previous Far Out tours. All our accommodations will have an on-site restaurant and bar.

    Maldives: You will be staying aboard a professionally operated traditional Maldivian dhoni liveaboard vessel powered by a diesel engine. The boat is fully equipped for multi-day island cruising and includes ensuite cabins with bunk beds, a dining area, bar, and sun deck. Each cabin has one set of bunk beds & small bathroom, so two travelers per cabin.

    The vessel is supported by a complete operational and safety infrastructure, including backup generators, a water desalination system, full navigation and communication equipment, and emergency systems.

    Onboard facilities also include snorkeling and fishing equipment and a dinghy support boat. The experience is run by a dedicated crew of four, including a captain and chef, who manage both navigation and onboard meals throughout the journey.

    • All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

    • All transportation as outlined, including the flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives

    • All activities listed in the itinerary, including applicable entry fees

    • Daily breakfasts in Sri Lanka and one guided food tour in Colombo

    • All meals during the Maldives portion of the trip

    • Local English-speaking tour guides, professional drivers, and transportation (vehicles and boat)

    • Far Out tour manager- I will be on the tour ensuring we are having a great time.

    Pre-trip support:
    A dedicated WhatsApp group will be created prior to departure covering all key trip details. This includes a virtual pre-trip briefing, coordination of flights, and ongoing updates as departure approaches.

    • International flights to Sri Lanka and return flight from the Maldives
      We recommend booking a multi-city itinerary (arriving into Colombo and departing from Malé), which is typically priced similarly to round-trip flights rather than two separate one-way tickets.

    • Travel insurance (required)

    • $150 USD group tip collected at the start of the trip (covers structured tipping throughout the journey)

    • Alcoholic beverages

    • Lunches and dinners during the Sri Lanka portion of the itinerary

    • Personal expenses including souvenirs and additional incidental costs

  • Reach out to me at seanhira125@gmail.com or Direct message on instagram. All travelers must be vetted by a call with me to ensure this trip is a good fit. We accept Paypal, Venmo, and credit card(4% processing fee for credit cards). I will host a virtual meeting with all travelers for an information session.

    $1500 USD deposit to secure your spot in Dec’27. $1500 final deposit in Jun’28. If for some unforeseen reason the tour is cancelled the deposit(s) will be fully refunded. If you have to cancel, then I will do my best to get the deposit back but cannot guarantee it. I will provide you with an official receipt and invoice.

  • Physical rating: Moderate. Expect active travel days with frequent movement and walking. The sunrise hike up Sigiriya Rock can be challenging. Accommodation throughout the trip is comfortable, allowing time to rest and unwind after activities. In the Maldives, guests should be comfortable staying aboard a boat for several nights.

    Group size: Maximum of 9 travelers. This is a small-group trip with ages typically ranging from mid-20s to early 60s, with an average in the 30s.

    Visa / Passport: A visa is required for Sri Lanka and must be obtained in advance via an online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (~$50 USD). The Maldives provides a free visa on arrival for most nationalities. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

    Safety: Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are generally safe, tourist-friendly destinations. Weather systems can occasionally affect travel in the region, so we require travel insurance that includes evacuation coverage.

    Comfort: Far Out trips are designed to balance adventure with comfort. While accommodations and logistics are well-organized, travelers should be comfortable stepping outside their comfort zone and embracing a flexible, adventurous travel style.

    Food: Meals will be arranged at quality, trusted restaurants. Treated drinking water will be available throughout the entire trip.

    For any additional questions, feel free to reach out: seanhira125@gmail.com

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