Maldives yacht cruise: best offers, prices, what to see

According to the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Maldives, there are currently over 100 units of a variety of boats and yachts registered in the region, most of which offer travelers such a stylish and fun way to experience the Maldives like a cruise.

Traveling on a yacht around the Maldives is possible in two formats full yacht charter (with or without skipper) or booking only a cabin. Any cruise should be booked as early as possible, at least a few months in advance, as booking at the last minute can be difficult due to the popularity of the Maldives and the limited number of seats on the desired yacht.

When planning a boat trip, it is best to avoid the rainy season, which lasts from May to October/November, whenever possible, as unstable weather conditions can affect the boat trip experience.

The Maldives offers travelers a wide variety of yacht, sailing and powerboat charter options. You can explore the archipelago with a yacht provided by your hotel, or you can hire a third party company.

Alina Kacharho

Hotel yacht cruise

Some resorts have their own private yachts at their disposal, which provide guests with ample opportunities to explore the Maldives.

Yacht ESCAPE at W Maldives

This luxurious 24-meter sailing yacht has two cabins, each equipped with a king-size bed, flat-screen TV, DVD player and sound system, portholes and glass mosaic bathrooms.

The guests of the resort are offered mainly short boat trips. Among them:

• evening cruise including champagne and snacks;
• a trip to the Ari Atoll, the participants of which can retire on a sandbank in the middle of the Indian Ocean or go snorkeling or diving.

W Maldives

Yacht Soneva in Aqua

Part of the Soneva Resort chain, this 23m luxurious sailing yacht has two large bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and a glass-bottomed spa bath. In addition to the cabins, on an area of ​​150 square meters, there is a solarium for spa treatments, a library, and an outdoor jacuzzi.

Soneva's signature luxury can be experienced on one of the following walks:

• a 3-day and 2-night Baa Atoll trip encompassing the very best of the atoll, including culture, recreation and marine life;
• surfing travel to the spots of Baa Atoll, Noonu and Goydu Island, one of the Maldives' most famous surfing spots;
• a 4-day and 3-night trip from Soneva Fushi to Soneva Jani to explore the best of Baa and Noonu Atolls.

On your travels, you will be accompanied by captain, sous chef, butler and wellness therapist, as well as an astronomy specialist and an experienced diving instructor (upon request).

Soneva Fushi

In addition, a variety of day and night trips are available, during which you can watch turtles, dolphins and manta rays, as well as enjoy a personalized menu prepared by the on-board chef.

Estimated price from $ 5,250 per night.

Choose villas and bungalows in Soneva hotels

• Soneva Fushi
• Soneva Jani

Soneva Jani

Yacht Bella at Hurawalhi Maldives

Enjoy scuba diving in the incredible locations of Noonu Atoll in search of whale sharks, snorkelling in the Hanifaru Bay Marine Sanctuary, explore the deserted islands of Lhaviyani Atoll, or sail on your own unique itinerary.

The yacht can be rented both for an hour and for the whole day.

Estimated price $ 3,000 for 2 hours, $ 8,000 for a full day.

Hurawalhi Maldives

Other cruise options

Both local and foreign companies operate in the Maldives providing yacht rental and sea cruise services.

For example, SamBoat, an online boat rental company around the world, makes it quick and easy to book one of 11 boats in the Maldives and explore the collection of these beautiful islands.

Estimated price from 500 euros per day.

The company Yacht Maldives, which organizes cruises in the Maldives and Sri Lanka, has developed more than two dozen of the most fascinating routes around the archipelago for travelers.

The company owns two modern yachts called Dhoni Stella, modeled on traditional Maldivian boats, as well as the innovative Over Reef motor catamaran, designed and manufactured in Italy. Each of the yachts is equipped with two suites and is intended exclusively for private charter of families, couples or honeymooners.

Charter guests can choose from a variety of cruises on offer lasting from 3 to 10 days, or plan their cruise according to personal preferences diving, surfing, snorkeling, fishing, island hopping and other favorite activities.

Depositphotos

Yachts can also be booked for private day trips.

What makes Yacht Maldives special is that CEO Max Molteni has a wealth of experience both as a diving instructor and yacht skipper and is the author of the most comprehensive navigational guide to the Maldives archipelago. With well-planned itineraries, you can visit the most beautiful places in the delightful tropical island chain.

Travelers who don't put an emphasis on exclusivity and are willing to share the cruising experience with other passengers can embark on a 7-day cruise aboard Secret Paradise's Felicity.

Felicity has seven cabins that can comfortably accommodate 12 passengers. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, bathroom with shower, small wardrobe, chest of drawers and portholes. The yacht has an outdoor dining area as well as a closed one (in case of rain). The interior area of ​​the salon is equipped with a dining table and armchairs, TV, DVD and stereo, as well as an area for charging equipment.

During the cruise, you will visit several islands, including Guraidhoo and Fulidhoo, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, visiting the sandbank or simply relaxing on board.

During the trip, guests are provided with full board.

Price: $ 1,699 per person.

Depositphotos

Liveaboard (dive safari)

This type of acquaintance with the Maldives is not a cruise in the classical sense, since such trips are primarily aimed at active diving enthusiasts. However, family members and friends are happy to take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters, watching stingrays and turtles, or admire the beauty of the Maldives from a luxury yacht.

Among the dozens of yachts that offer this service, the Four Seasons Explorer, owned by a chain of famous hotels, is worth mentioning, and has the status of the fastest and most luxurious diving in the Maldives.

Four Seasons