Everything you need to know

An Ark Quest is a curated, multi-day Maldives travel experience designed by our local team. Unlike standard resort holidays, our quests take you island-hopping, immersing you in authentic Maldivian culture, marine life, cuisine, and adventure — all tailored to your interests and pace.

We are a 100% Maldivian-run team with deep local knowledge. We do not simply book resorts — we design personalised journeys that blend local islands, boutique stays, and unique experiences you will not find in any guidebook. Every quest is handcrafted, never a template.

We recommend booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance, especially during peak season (November to April). For holiday periods like Christmas and New Year, 3-6 months ahead is ideal. That said, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests — just reach out.

Each tier (Essential, Elevated, Luxe) includes a different level of accommodation, meals, transfers, and activities. All quests include a dedicated quest designer, airport meet-and-greet, and 24/7 local support. Detailed inclusions are listed on each quest page and in your personalised proposal.

Cancellations made 30 or more days before departure receive a full refund minus a small administration fee. Cancellations within 15-29 days receive a 50% refund. Within 14 days, unfortunately no refund can be offered. We strongly recommend travel insurance. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

We love helping make special moments even more magical. Whether it is a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, or proposal, we can arrange private sandbank dinners, surprise decorations, personalised cakes, photographer coverage, and other special touches. Let us know what you have in mind.

Absolutely. Every quest is a starting point. Tell us your interests, fitness level, dietary needs, and bucket-list items, and we will adapt the itinerary to suit you. Want to add an extra dive day or swap a cooking class for a fishing trip? Consider it done.

Yes! While snorkeling and diving are highlights, many of our experiences are land-based or boat-based — cultural tours, island walks, cooking classes, sunset cruises, spa treatments, and more. We will tailor your quest so you are comfortable at all times.

Our Girls/Boys Quest works best for groups of 4-12 people. Smaller groups enjoy a more intimate experience, while larger groups bring more energy and fun. We can accommodate groups of any size — just let us know your numbers and we will design the perfect itinerary.

Not at all! Our cooking classes are designed for all skill levels. Our local chefs guide you step by step through traditional Maldivian recipes. Whether you have never cooked before or you are a seasoned home chef, you will enjoy the experience and leave with new skills.

It depends on the experience you want. For our introductory dives, no certification is needed — our PADI-certified instructors will guide you through everything. For deeper dives and advanced sites, an Open Water certification is recommended. We can also arrange certification courses as part of your quest.

Our Wellness Quest features Hatha and Vinyasa yoga, adapted to all levels from complete beginners to advanced practitioners. Sessions are held at sunrise and sunset in stunning beachfront settings. We can also arrange private sessions, meditation, and breathwork upon request.

Our liveaboard fleet includes traditional Maldivian dhonis reimagined for modern comfort, as well as contemporary motor yachts. All vessels feature en-suite cabins, sun decks, and onboard dining. The specific vessel depends on your group size, budget, and itinerary.

Absolutely! Our Build Your Own Quest is designed exactly for this. Want to combine diving with a cooking class and a spa day? No problem. Tell us everything you want to experience and we will weave it all into a seamless itinerary.

The Maldives' inner atolls are generally very calm, with minimal swell. Most guests do not experience seasickness. However, we recommend bringing seasickness medication as a precaution, and our crew are experienced in choosing the calmest routes and anchorages.

The Maldives is one of the world's richest marine environments. Depending on the season and location, you may encounter manta rays, whale sharks, reef sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, moray eels, and thousands of species of tropical fish. Our guides know the best spots for each encounter.

Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives. You will need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a confirmed hotel booking, and a return ticket. We will provide full pre-travel guidance once you book.

The dry season (November to April) offers the calmest seas and clearest skies — ideal for diving and beach time. The wet season (May to October) brings occasional rain showers but also smaller crowds, lower prices, and excellent surfing conditions. The Maldives is beautiful year-round.

Depending on your tier and itinerary, transfers between islands are by speedboat, domestic flight, or seaplane. Essential quests typically use public ferries and speedboats. Elevated and Luxe tiers include private speedboat or seaplane transfers. We handle all logistics so you never have to worry.

Yes! All our quests accommodate dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, halal, gluten-free, and other needs. For the Culture & Food Quest, we even offer vegetarian versions of traditional Maldivian dishes in our cooking classes. Just let us know your requirements when booking.