Backwaters & Blue Waters

Kerala and

the Maldives

March 19–30, 2027

Backwaters & Blue Waters

Kerala and the Maldives

March 19–30, 2027

Take a lesson in relaxation and restoration on this small-group journey through South India’s backwaters and the iconic islands of the Maldives.

We’ll float beneath palm-fringed banks along Kerala’s canals before heading south to the turquoise waters of Dhigurah Island in the Maldives. We’ll spend our time split between the warm, clear waters and the long white sand beach!

Spaces are limited for this 2027 adventure–is the water calling you?

No Single Supplement on this journey–solo travelers are always welcome!!

Only 2 spots available!

(2 single rooms) 

Trip at a Glance

  • March 19–30, 2027
  • Spend 2 nights on a houseboat on the iconic backwaters of Kerala in South India
  • Explore Kochi, where old-world meets coastal cool
  • Relax for 6 nights on a local island in the Maldives (one more night than our 2026 journey!)
  • Enjoy snorkel excursions to see manta rays, whale sharks, sea turtles & more
  • Maximum of 16 guests
  • This journey is double carbon offset
  • $5900 per person, no single supplement!

Click to Jump to…

How to Register For This Journey

1. Please complete the registration form

2. Lauren will reach out via email with more details and options for the deposit.

3. Welcome!

Click Here to Register for this Journey
Click here to email us with any questions!

Kochi

Backwaters of Kerala

Dhigurah, Maldive

A male lion looks into the breeze in Kenya

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.”

– Loren Eiseley

Itinerary at a Glance

March 19 You’ll arrive in Kochi, India, Kerala’s coastal cultural capital, and we’ll spend two nights at a centrally located waterfront hotel near Old Town. 

March 20 Today we’ll explore Kochi’s rich history with an expert local guide. From the spice markets of Jew Town to Chinese fishing nets and Portuguese churches, it’s a walk through centuries of global exchange.

March 21–22 We’ll transfer to a private houseboat and cruise through the iconic backwaters of Alleppey for 2 nights. This is your time to unwind as we float past rice paddies and villages dotting the palm-lined banks. Our merry crew will between 2 to 3 house boats, and we will reconvene for meals on one boat. 

March 23 We’ll return to Kochi today for some free time–opt for an Ayurvedic treatment, explore on your own, or sip a spiced chai and watch the world go by. Tonight we’ll enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance.

March 24 Today we’ll fly from Kochi to the capital of the Maldives, Malé. We’ll transfer by a private speedboat ferry to our home for the next 6 nights: Dhigurah, a stunning local island in South Ari Atoll, known for its resident manta rays, whale sharks, and laid-back beauty.

March 25–29 We’ll spend our leisurely island days split between the long wite sand beaches and the warm aquamarine waters. With luck, we’ll spot whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. We’ll enjoy beach walks, epic sunsets, and delicious meals together! 

March 30  This morning you’ll take a public speedboat ferry back to Malé. From here, you can catch your international flight home or stay a little longer on a nearby resort island–we’re happy to help you extend the magic!

Our Maldives 2026 trip video!

2026 Kerala & Maldives Testimonials

Sandy beaches, friendly people and unbounded underwater wonder. The Maldives is a truly magical place. BJ and Lauren have found the best of the best in this paradise, and their attention to detail and enthusiasm for what they do will make this a trip of a lifetime! ~Wendi B.

Just do it! Leave all your concerns behind with Lauren and BJ. RetreaTours really creates “retreats” for your mind and soul. The enthusiasm they have for life is contagious and the details they put into making sure you have the time of your life is inspiring. Couldn’t have asked for a more magical trip to the Maldives. ~Jam C.

Touring the Kerala Backwaters and snorkeling in the Maldives with Lauren and BJ was an unforgettable experience!! Drifting through Kerala’s serene canals on a houseboat felt like stepping into a peaceful, timeless world, surrounded by lush greenery and village life.
And then we went to the Maldives which offered a completely different kind of magic—crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and an incredible array of marine life just beneath the surface. Snorkeling there was like swimming in a living aquarium!! What a perfect blend of relaxation, beauty, and adventure!!! ~Lois T.

Having traveled for many years I would meet foreigners that would speak fondly of the Maldives. I always thought I would like to visit the Maldives but as the years passed many of the islands transformed into resorts with over the water bungalows that are lovely but very expensive. When RetreaTours announced a trip to the Maldives which would visit a local island I jumped at the opportunity. I have traveled with BJ and Lauren on other trips and I knew the experience would be more in tune with what I would appreciate. It was wonderful with ample time to go on incredible snorkeling trips or simply relax on the beautiful island of Dhigurah. As always, BJ and Lauren take care of everything so one can simply just go and enjoy! ~Marcia C.

A trip to the Maldives was a fantasy fulfilled–cobalt waters perfect for snorkeling & floating upon; magnificent creatures like mantas, whale sharks, nurse sharks, & dolphins; amazing land forms including pristine beaches, magical sandbars connecting islands, & lush forest fauna. A ‘must do’ adventure in one’s lifetime!! ~Delia S.

BJ and Lauren with RetreaTours provide memorable journeys to places I didn’t have on my bucket list (and ones on my list), places I might not have seen otherwise, and which had a lasting impression on me. Their connections with the locals, attention to details, commitment to sustainable travel practices, and well thought out itineraries make them truly the best choice for travel. The Maldives was a luxury tour made affordable by BJ and Lauren! In addition, they are great fun and exceptionally skilled at handling the ‘travel tax’ that can happen on adventure tours. I will go anywhere in the world with RetreaTours! ~Jane M.

Traveling with RetreaTours is a joy. BJ and Lauren create unique itineraries to interesting places and take they care of ALL the details. I love their dedication to partnering with local businesses to find accommodations, restaurants, and guides that are top-notch. In addition to being competent planners and excellent guides, BJ and Lauren are thoughtful individuals who care about and respect the environment, the local communities they visit, and the individuals who have chosen to explore the world with Reatreatours. I highly recommend traveling anywhere with RetreaTours. ~Linda S.

If you have ever wanted to visit the Maldives, but haven’t, perhaps due to perceived fiscal restraints or perhaps due to uncertainty with regards to the safety issues of traveling alone, then look at the offerings of this trip and the cost.

One, it is a trip giving great value for its high quality. BJ and Lauren put a lot of time, energy and attention to detail into selecting accommodations, food and activities. Second, as a male solo traveler, I recognize my experience is very different from a woman traveling solo. Yet, I also speak as the father of two daughters. I would unreservedly recommend to them that they could travel solo with Lauren and BJ. They would be well looked after. This is based on my personal experience while traveling with them on 3 trips.

On this particular trip to the Maldives everyone was a repeat RetreaTours traveler, (I believe for one woman this was her 9th trip); that in itself speaks volumes for the quality and safety of their tours..

So if this or any of Retreatours destination stirs something in you, pay attention to that feeling, it may well be the start/catalyst of a new chapter in your life. Who knows?” Don M.

Daily Itinerary and Highlights

South India

Kochi & the Kerala Backwaters

March 19-23

Hotels

Destination Highlights

  • Cruise the iconic palm-lined backwaters of Alleppey on a private houseboat
  • Explore Kochi, once a major hub in the global spice trade
  • Visit Fort Kochi’s iconic Chinese fishing nets
  • Wander through Jew Town and see India’s oldest functioning synagogue, but in 1568
  • Enjoy a traditional Kathakali dance performance
  • Spot kingfishers, herons, and cormorants from your boat deck
  • Soak up South India’s famously warm hospitality and rich flavors

Kochi

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Namaskaram!  Our tropical adventure begins on March 19th in Kochi, a coastal city in Kerala known for its rich history, spice trade roots, and mix of cultural influences. You’ll arrive here independently on a direct inernational flight or from Mumbai or New Delhi; Kochi is the world’s first 100% solar-powered airport!

Our home base will be Fragrant Nature Cochin, a cozy hotel near the historic heart of the city, complete with a rooftop restaurant, spa, and pool.

The Indian state of Kerala is often called “God’s Own Country,” and it lives up to the name with its lush landscapes, rich traditions, and deep cultural roots. From palm-fringed backwaters and Ayurvedic healing practices to classical dance, spice markets, and a proud history of religious tolerance, Kerala offers a slower, softer side of India.

Kerala is also politically unique: it’s one of the only places in the world where a communist party has been repeatedly elected through democratic means. That influence shows up in its strong public health system, high literacy rates, and an emphasis on education and social welfare, making it one of India’s most progressive and literate states.

On March 20th, we’ll get to know Kochi with an expert local guide. For centuries, Kochi was the center of the global spice trade, drawing Portuguese explorers, Dutch merchants, British colonizers, and Chinese traders, all of whom left their mark.

We’ll walk through Jew Town, a neighborhood once home to the oldest Jewish community in India. We’ll explore the waterfront near Vasco da Gama Square and see the iconic Chinese fishing nets still in use today. It’s a city where colonial mansions rub shoulders with spice warehouses and synagogues, and where history is less of a museum and more of a living, breathing presence.

Front Row to the Backwaters

On March 21st, we’ll transfer to our private houseboat (2-hour drive) to begin our drift through the backwaters of Alleppey (Alappuzha) for two nights. The backwaters of Kerala are a vast, interconnected network of canals, rivers, lakes, and lagoons that run parallel to the Arabian Sea coast.

Lined with palm trees and dotted with villages, they’ve served for centuries as vital waterways for transportation, farming, trade, and daily life–and now, the fine art of complete relaxation.

Each room on our houseboat features air conditioning and a private bathroom, and there’s plenty of common space to hang out and watch the world go by. Depending on the final size of our group, we’ll be in two to three boats as we float lazily through the backwaters. Bring a book, a deck of cards, and your favorite napping PJs–this is your time to remember how to relax.

Back to landlubber life on March 23rd! We’ll return to Kochi with time to explore on your own: pop into a boutique, book an Ayurvedic treatment, or just sip a perfectly spiced chai and watch the city do its thing. That evening, we’ll take in a Kathakali dance performance, a vibrant storytelling tradition using stylized movement, dramatic makeup, and centuries-old flair.

 

The Maldives

Blue Waters of the South Ari Atoll

March 24–30

Hotel

  • Bliss Dhigurah, where everyone has a private room and couples are upgraded to a larger room (as available)

 

 Destination Highlights

  • Snorkel safari in South Ari Atoll, world-famous for manta rays and whale sharks (don’t worry, they only eat plankton!)
  • Swim alongside sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and vibrant reef fish
  • Enjoy 3 guided boat excursions to prime snorkeling sites
  • Relax on Dhigurah’s long, stunning white-sand beaches
  • Stay on a local island for a more authentic, community-based experience
  • Watch epic sunsets from the beach (or the water!)
  • Visit Vaavu Atoll, home to gentle nurse sharks
  • Downtime to relax, wander, rejuvenate

Dhigurah

Vaavu Nurse Sharks

On March 24th, we will take a 90-minute flight to the Maldives–the stuff that vacation dreams are made of!

The Maldives is one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems on Earth: a nation made up of around 1,200 coral islands scattered like pearls across the Indian Ocean. But these islands aren’t built on rock–they’re built on ancient coral reefs that formed atop submerged volcanic mountains. Over millions of years, those volcanoes gradually sank beneath the sea, and the living corals kept growing upward, eventually forming “atolls,” ring-shaped coral reefs that encircle a central lagoon, often with tiny islands along the rim.

The Maldives is made up of 26 of these atolls, stretching over 550 miles north to south. Its land barely rises above sea level, making it the lowest-lying country in the world and particularly vulnerable to climate change. Despite this fragility, its surrounding waters teem with life: whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, reef sharks, and fish in every color of the crayon box call this place home. The coral reefs act like underwater rainforests–complex, vibrant, and vital. Every snorkel or swim here is a chance to witness a rare and beautiful ecosystem up close

From the capital Malé, we’ll take our own private speedboat ferry 90 minutes to Dhigurah, our island home in South Ari Atoll. This is one of the Maldives’ most famous marine regions, particularly for its whale sharks and manta rays.

Local Island Life

Resort islands may get all the press (and influencers), but local islands like Dhigurah are where the real magic happens. You’ll find stunning beaches, great food, and modern comforts without the cultural isolation or inflated prices. You can stroll into a local café and see daily life unfold around you. Most importantly, your stay directly benefits the local economy and helps preserve the very culture and environment you came to experience. It’s a smarter, more sustainable way to do the Maldives.

We’re staying at Bliss Dhigurah, a thoughtfully designed guesthouse steps away from a sunset-facing beach. Everyone will have a private room (perfect for post-snorkeling naps), and couples will be upgraded to premium rooms as available. Bliss offers all the essentials: great food, warm hospitality, and an ideal location steps from the ocean. Bliss’s rooftop is a perfect place to relax and watch the adorable flying foxes as they start to stir at sunset!

Dhigurah island itself is a stunner: a long, narrow stretch of white sand, surrounded by impossibly clear blue water with an equatorial forest running down the middle. There’s a sandbank that stretches forever during low tide, a calm lagoon for swimming, and a rich reef ecosystem just offshore for snorkeling. Sunset on the beach is a nightly ritual here, and the stars here are no joke. Since we are just 3.5° north of the equator, the South Cross and other southern hemisphere constellations peek above the horizon.

The Maldives: Resorts vs Local Islands

Choosing to stay on a local island like Dhigurah is one of the best ways to experience the Maldives–not just as a luxury postcard, but as a living, breathing place. Instead of isolating yourself at a high-end resort where most of your money disappears offshore, staying local means your travel dollars support the actual community: the guesthouse staff, the chefs, the boat crews, the shopkeepers.

It’s a more responsible, more rewarding way to travel–and quite frankly, more fun! You get to taste real Maldivian food, connect with locals, and see what daily life looks like in this island nation.

Local islands come with cultural considerations–alcohol isn’t served, and you’ll want to dress more modestly when walking through town. Swimsuits are absolutely welcome on excursions and the designated “bikini beaches,” and Dhigurah has one of the longest and most beautiful bikini beaches in the country.

You’ll still snorkel the same reefs, spot the same manta rays, and swim in the same turquoise water as the resort guests–just without the $1,000/night price tag. Same ocean, same magic, more heart.

Under the Sea

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for–getting into that deliciously warm water (80 to 85°F). Underwater safari, here we come!

Over the next few days, we’ve included three major boat excursions to snorkel in some of the region’s most biodiverse spots. This is the prime season to try to see whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and plenty of other reef life.

Swimming alongside a whale shark–the world’s largest fish–is an unforgettable thrill, made even better by the fact that these gentle giants are completely harmless. Those big mouths were built for plankton! While sightings aren’t guaranteed (it’s a safari, after all!), the Maldives offers some of the best chances anywhere to experience this underwater encounter.

Reef manta rays glide through the waters of South Ari Atoll with otherworldly grace, their wingspans stretching up to 15 feet. Despite their size, they’re completely harmless–no stingers, no teeth, just gentle, curious giants cruising through some of the calmest, clearest waters around.

We’ll visit nearby Vaavu Atoll, famous for its nurse shark population. These docile cuties know they’re Instagram darlings and they love to pose! It’s an underwater ballet of nurse sharks, remora, unicorn fish, pilot fish, and more.

Each day there will be plenty of downtime to relax, walk the island, swim, nap, and just hang out together (or do your own thing!)  

All meals are included at Bliss’s delicious restaurant, Hermit’s (named after the busy crabs keeping the shore clean).  Flavors are big, and portions are even bigger. But hey, you’ve worked up an appetite on our adventures!

We have two fulls days free for you to explore the island, indulge in a spa treatment, or go on another snorkeling excursion. You can rent kayaks, clear canoes, stand-up paddle boards, and even rent jet skis from a nearby kiosk.

Are you a diver? Let’s talk! You can always opt to dive in lieu of our excursions–diving rates are quite affordable on Dhigurah!

On the morning of March 30th, you’ll bid farewell to Dhigurah and head back by speed boat ferry to Malé. From there, you can catch your international flight home, or extend your stay for a bit more pampering at a nearby resort or adventure. You tell us what you’re in the mood for and we can point you in the right direction, whether it is ultimate luxury at Maldivian-owned resort Baros or flying down to the southern Maldives to dive with the tiger sharks of Fulvahmulah. Please click on the blue box below for some starter suggestions!

Want to stay longer in the Maldives? Click here for some ideas!

If you’d like to extend your time in the Maldives, we have some ideas!

Resort Time

Although we advocate for spending time on local islands, there’s nothing wrong with a little bit of luxury!

There are no lack of resort islands in the Maldives, but we recommend Baros.

We are quite fond of Baros for a few reasons: it’s Maldivian-owned (a rarity!); its proximity to the Malé airport; its stunning house reef and top-notch dive center; and we can vouch for its over-the-top luxury firsthand!

Unlike local islands, resorts have special permits to serve alcohol, and you needn’t worry about covering your knees and shoulders in public.

You may also be interested in these resorts, all perfectly located and the height of luxury:

Diving with Tiger Sharks

If you love diving and you want to spend time with some striped beauties, we can recommend flying to Fuvahmulah Island. Pelagic Divers is a fantastic, safe, ethical outfitter.

More Time on Local Islands

You can extend you stay on Dhigurah or we can suggest other local islands, depending on what you want to do (beach vs snorkel vs dive).

Check out this 60-second video we shot in the same places we’ll be bringing you in 2027! We used a GoPro 10, iPhone 15, and Insta360 to capture some of the magic. If you click “full screen” after you click play, you’ll have a better viewing experience.

“I’m a little nervous in the water–will I still enjoy this trip?

The Maldives can be one of the most beginner-friendly places on the planet to get comfortable in the water–it’s warm, calm, and so clear it’s often like swimming in a giant infinity pool.

There is nice snorkeling directly out from the beach, and it’s a great place to get your feet wet, literally and figuratively, and practice with your gear. 

You’ll always be with us and our expert guides, and there’s zero pressure to do anything that doesn’t feel good. Plenty of folks wear life jackets when snorkeling (seriously, it’s very normal), and it’s a practice we recommend! 

Our whale shark excursion will likely be in open water (aka, the middle of the ocean!), and people swim at a fast clip to keep up with the whale shark. The manta ray and nurse shark snorkeling is inherently more relaxed because the critters themselves aren’t moving very far or fast.  And other reef-based snorkeling excursions from the boat or beach is more or less at your own pace. 

The Need to Knows

Click each box to expand the information

Price & What is Included

This journey is $5900 USD per person, with no single supplement. (Couples or people sharing a bed get upgraded rooms on Dhigurah based on availability.)

  • The non-refundable deposit is $1000 and holds your space
  • The 2nd installment of $3000 is due on September 1, 2027
  • The balance is due on November 15, 2027

There is a minimum of 10 guests required for this journey and a maximum of 16. When we have reached our minimum, we will let you know, at which time you can buy airfare and your travel insurance.

Price Includes

  • Airport pick up in Kochi, India
  • All lodging starting the night of March 19th through the morning of March 30th, including 2 nights on a houseboat in Kerala
  • Flight from Kochi, India to Malé, Maldives on March 24th
  • All meals*, starting with dinner on March 19th and ending with breakfast on March 30th (*except for lunch at the airport on March 24th).
  • Water at all meals
  • Three group snorkeling excursions on Dhigurah Island
  • All tips to guides, excursion staff, hotel staff, and restaurant staff
  • Double carbon-offsetting

 

Price does not include

  • Flight to Kochi, India
  • Flight from Malé, Maldives
  • India visa ($25)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Alcohol*  (Alcohol is not allowed in the Maldives but is available in India)
  • Drinks (coffee, smoothies, juices, soft drinks) on Dhigurah
  • All meals on Dhigurah are provided at our hotel. If you wish to eat elsewhere, you can use cash or a credit card.
  • Laundry
  • Spa treatments
  • Additional activities or excursions from Kerala houseboat, in Kochi, or on Dhigurah

Payments

Please refer to the Price tab for specific information about price & what is included on your journey.

For our American guests, we accept payments via check, credit, or debit card (via PayPal), Zelle, or Venmo. Lauren will send you these details after receiving your registration form.

For our guests outside the U.S., Lauren will connect with you about the best ways to transfer money.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation by our guests

The cancellation charges are as follows unless otherwise indicated on the detailed itinerary for each trip. All cancellations must be received via e-mail or US mail.

  • Cancellations prior to 150 days to departure, money will be refunded minus the non-refundable deposit.
  • Cancellations received 75-149 days prior to departure are subject to a penalty of 50% of the total cost of the trip.
  • Cancellations received 75 days or fewer prior to trip departure will forfeit the entire cost of the trip.

If a trip is cancelled by RetreaTours

When a tour is cancelled in the case of force majeure, the Tour Participant will receive a refund minus any funds that we are unable to recover from any supplier.

You can see the full cancellation policy in our contract here. 

Our Carbon Negative Commitment

RetreaTours is Climate Positive!

We purchase double carbon offsets for your travels with us—that’s from your home, through the entire tour, and back to your home again, times two! 

RetreaTours is officially a Carbonfree® Partner with Carbonfund.org, as well as a partner with Cool Effect.

You may have heard the term “carbon neutral,” which means that a company offsets as much carbon as it produces. With this 200% offset, RetreaTours is actually offsetting more carbon than we produce each year, making us “carbon negative” (or “climate positive,” which has a nicer ring to it!)

Since 2012 we’ve focused on making travel safe and easy for our guests; with our double carbon offset tours, we’re pleased to make our trips as sustainable as they are memorable.

Please see more at RetreaTours.com/CarbonNegative

Vaccines & Staying Healthy on Tour

Vaccines

No vaccines are required to enter India or the Maldives.

You can see the CDC recommendations for India here and NHS recommendations for India here.

You can see the CDC recommendations for the Maldives here and NHS recommendations for the Maldives here.

 

Malaria & Other Mosquito-borne Illnesses

There is no malaria in the Maldives and Kerala is considered no-to-low risk for Malaria. 

However, other mosquito-borne illnesses are still a possibility, including dengue. Plus, who wants to be itchy on vacation? For that reason, you are advised to bring personal mosquito-repellant and/or wear clothes that cover your arms and legs during dusk and dawn.

 

Staying Healthy on Tour

Please visit our comprehensive article, “How to Stay Healthy While Traveling…Naturally,” which addresses all of the most common travel ailments.

Suggested Fitness Requirements

For the Kochi portion, we suggest you are comfortable walking 1-2 miles at a time on even ground.

For the Maldives portion, you’ll want to keep the following in mind:

You’ll be entering and exiting the excursion boat either on a short plank of wood or directly onto the boat from the dock. Depending on the tide, it could be a significant step down. It’s ok to sit on your butt and then hop on the boat. 

When returning to the boat from the snorkeling excursions, you must be able to climb a ladder back into the boat.

If you suffer from moderate to severe motion sickness on boats, you’ll want to come prepared (although this time of year the seas are traditionally very calm). We’ll advise you on motion sickness remedies.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but we would recommend that you are comfortable and confident in the water if you choose to snorkel.

You can wear a lifejacket in the water on the snorkel excursions if you wish; you may even wish to bring your own (we will suggest one in the packing list).

Since our excursions will require jumping from the boat into the ocean, it is important you feel comfortable and confident in such a situation. 

We request that you practice with a mask and snorkel at some point before our trip. 

We’re happy to answer any questions you may have if you are wondering if this is an appropriate trip for you!

 

Travel Insurance

Required Coverage

RetreaTours requires that each guest carries travel insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and emergency evacuation and repatriation.

The minimum coverage should be $100,000 emergency medical treatment and $250,000 emergency evacuation and repatriation.

Please send Lauren your policy information as soon as you have it.

Suggested Coverage

We suggest trip cancellation insurance, as well, as you never know what obstacles life can toss at you leading up to a trip. However, we do not require this coverage, we only suggest it highly.

Please familiarize yourself with RetreaTours’ guest cancellation policy in your journey’s website and contract.

Please read this article to understand a bit more about trip cancellation insurance and what it may or may not cover. “Cancel For Any Reason” policies do exist, as well, although do check to see what percentage of the trip cost they actually reimburse.

When to purchase your policy (Important!)

Please purchase this insurance only when we tell you the trip has reached its minimum. Please do not wait until the last minute, should you need to use your (optional) cancellation coverage before then.

Important: If you are interested in a “Cancel for Any Reason” insurance policy or a policy that covers pre-existing conditions, you may need to purchase that coverage within a certain timeframe from paying the deposit, typically 14 days. If you are interested in this style of insurance but the trip has not reached its minimum yet, please let us know and we will advise.  

Where to search for policies

Below you will find some options to start your search for trip insurance. However, we ask that you carefully consider your choice in travel insurance. What works for some people may not work for others, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions. Please do take the time to consider the best policy for your individual needs.

Squaremouth.com and InsureMyTrip.com are two sites where you can see and compare many policies at once, and you can refine the options by what coverage you would like. Squaremouth’s interface is very easy and intuitive to use, and you can easily opt out of trip cancellation coverage for your quote.

HeyMondo provides policies for guests under 80 and younger that include trip cancellation options. Use the link above and pop in your info to get an immediate quote.

World Nomads provides policies for guests under 70 that include trip cancellation options. Use the link above and pop in your info to get an immediate quote.

It may also be a good idea to check with your credit card companies, especially American Express, to see if they offer any medical coverage for travel.

Temperature & Suggested Packing List

The expected temperatures in Kerala are between 80° and 90° F, with a 20% chance of rain.

The expected temperatures in the Maldives at 83° to 88°F, with a 20% chance of rain. The rain in the Maldives this time of year happens mostly at night or in short bursts throughout the day and is not disruptive to activities. The sea temperature is between 80° and 85°F.

All accommodations will have air conditioning.

A suggested packing list will come in the Fall of 2026. The main takeaway will be lightweight, breathable clothes, as you’ll want to have your knees and shoulders covered in both India and the Maldives (except on the beaches, of course!)

We will recommend bringing your own snorkel and mask so you know it’s just right for you. We’ll even recommend some lightweight, inexpensive travel fins. It’s always nice to have your own equipment that you know fits you perfectly & functions well.

If you desire, you will be able to store any unneeded luggage at the Malé airport on our March 24th arrival. They will store it for $8/day and you can pick it up when you return to the airport on March 30th.

Passport & Visa

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of this journey and have three empty pages in it.

Visa Requirements

You’ll apply for your India visa 30 days before this journey using our in-depth application guide. This will cost $25 USD.

You will receive a free 30-day visa on arrival at the airport in the Maldives.

About our Accommodations

In Kochi, we will be staying near old town at Fragrant Nature Cochin on March 19th, 20th, and March 23rd.

For our backwaters cruise, we will be staying on boats provided by Spice Routes Luxury Cruises. The size of our group will determine which boats we stay on.

On Dhigurah Island in the Maldives, we will be staying at Bliss Dhigurah.  Because they have very few rooms with twin beds, we are including a private room for every guest. Couples wishing to share a bed (or those OK with very close mattresses, like this) will be upgraded to a larger “loft” room (limited availability).

WiFi, SIM Cards & Electricity

Wifi

Wifi is accessible throughout most of this journey, although it may be strongest in the common areas of our hotels, depending on your room location.

Our houseboat may not have wifi; BJ and Lauren will have their phones as a hot spot you can connect to so you can check in with loved ones and check email.

We recommend staying connected with your loved ones via WhatsApp (which we will also use on the tour to communicate the schedule and updates).

SIM Cards

You would be able to use your provider’s international phone in India, or purchase an eSIM online or a physical SIM at your arrival airport.

Currently, AT&T and Verizon do not support international phone plans in the Maldives. If you wish to stay connected to the internet when you are away from wifi, you can either purchase an eSIM or you can purchase a physical SIM card at the Maldives airport if you phone has a slot for a SIM card. You can learn more about that here or you can ask us for advice!

If you want to be connected to the internet away from our hotel, we advise an eSIM from Airalo or Ubigi. You can read more about eSIMs at https://www.retreatours.com/esim/

I recommend Ubigi for India. When you download the Ubugi app, if you use the code YQLW5WY9 you will get 20% off.

Since Ubigi does not have a SIM for the Maldives, I recommend Airalo or Ooreedo:

The wifi at our hotel in the Maldives is quite good, especially in the common areas, so it is completely your call if you want to try to bother with an eSIM/SIM card or not.

Electrical Outlets and Adaptors

We highly recommend a Universal Adaptor such as this (for its Type G adaptor), which also has USB and USB-C outlets so you can charge multiple devices at once.

About your International Flights

We are more than happy to recommend international flights, but ultimately you will make the purchase yourself. Here is some important information if you would like to research flights yourself:

When must I arrive in Kochi?

We advise arriving in Kochi on March 19th. 

You can reach Kochi directly via Doha, Abu Dhabi, or New Delhi.  If you wish to fly from home to New Delhi or Mumbai directly and then onward to Kochi, we can help advise on flights.

If you wish to arrive early, we can help you with hotel reservations in Kochi or you can make arrangements yourself.

Read more about Flight Options in a special note from BJ below.

What time should I book my departing flight from Malé?

You can book your outgoing flight from Malé any time after 12:45 PM on March 30th, to allow time for the 7 AM ferry to take you back to the airport.

What if I am continuing on within the Maldives?

Your best bet is to get back to Malé on the speedboat ferry and have your next accommodation help arrange transport to their island.

 

More from BJ on Flights…

There are so many options to get to Kochi (COK). It depends on if you want to visit another city on the way. You may choose to stop in a city and explore before heading to Kochi. Note: some airlines (Qatar, Emirates, Singapore) sometimes have extra-long layovers (up to 3-7 nights) whereby they subsidize your hotel room for an extended stay/layover.  Otherwise, you can book a number of options to get to Kochi all the way from the USA (or wherever you’re coming from).

Multi-destination:  One can do a multi-destination trip whereby you’d fly INTO Kochi (COK) and then out of Male (MLE) on the same airline. Airlines would include Emirates, Air India, Qatar, and Etihad (there are other airlines that would be possible, but they’d be code-shared with these airlines and the cost would be higher). Flying through the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, etc) should pose no threat of delay or concern otherwise.

Two separate one-way flights:  The other way of doing it will be to do two one-way flights. In that case, it opens up beyond those airlines mentioned above. This option can cost more or less than the multi-destination option above.

Round-trip to a place in India where one would then get flights to Kochi and then back from Male (Delhi or Mumbai are the best examples). I’d only choose this option if someone wanted to extend their time in India and visit sites in North India (near-ish Delhi) [Rajasthan or such] or in South India [near-ish Mumbai or greater South India].

Non-stop flights into Kochi (COK) exist from the following cities:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Dubai
  • Doha (Qatar)
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Bangkok
  • Singapore
  • Kuala Lumpur
    …and more

You’d book yourself a one-way flight into Kochi as you’d then be flying home from Malé. Alternatively, there would be some airlines where you can book a multi-destination flight. That would be into COK and out from MLE back to your home airport. That might cost a little less, but the options of airlines will be more limited.

Flights from MLE (Velana International) back to the USA will go through:

  • Dubai
  • Colombo
  • Bangkok
  • Doha
  • Istanbul
  • Singapore
  • London
  • Paris
    …and more

You can start the process of looking for flights on a site like Kayak or Google Flights. But ultimately, we strongly suggest buying the flights at the airline website because it allows for more flexibility in seat selections and refunds should you require.

Contact RetreaTours

Please write Lauren@RetreaTours.com for any questions you may have about this journey.  If you have not received a reply within 48 hours, please do check your spam folder.

Questions? Click here to write to Lauren & BJ about this tropical adventure!

Photo Album

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These photos were all taken during our 2026 Backwaters & Blue Waters tour!

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