Cruising Itinerary for the Baa Atoll in the Maldives

Why choose the Maldives cruising grounds?

When you want to disappear from the heavily touristed luxury yacht charter destinations and spend quality time reconnecting with family, friends and the natural world, the Baa Atoll in the Maldives will be a dream come true.

Spend your days on one uninhabited island paradise after another, choosing between unwinding on your sundeck, walking on white sand beaches or taking out the water toys to discover the thriving marine flora and fauna.

Whether you choose a motor or sail, catamaran or monohull, your on board amenities and professional crew will ensure that you have plenty of entertainments and first-class service at your fingertips.

Your on board chef will be able to provide a varied menu that caters to all allergies and dietary requirements, while the children will be entertained as the adults take some time for themselves.

Day 1: Hanifaru Bay

This remote location is awash in pastel-coloured hues and worth the journey by sea plane or a half-day cruise to reach: Snorkel or Scuba dive with manta rays and brightly coloured fish gently gliding through coral beds. This protected marine area offers the peace and quiet you can only achieve away from civilisation, and quality time spent with family and friends can be spent using your luxury yacht's amenities or learning new skills such as Scuba diving or underwater photography.

Location highlights: Hanifaru Bay Marine Protected Area

Day 2: Goidhoo

The inhabited island of Goidhoo offers cafes and restaurants to the north and untouched forest to the south, where guests can wander through palm trees serenaded by the local bird life and encountering freshwater lakes along the trail.

Back along the coast, enormous hermit crabs trundle along the powdery white sand, some of these crustaceans greater than 0.3m/1ft in size.

Snorkelers and Scuba divers are treated to an underwater wildlife haven, where whale sharks, turtles, rays and dolphins are among the larger species to be encountered. Wind-powered water toys will be in their element here and windsurfers and kite surfers could easily spend an entire afternoon cruising along the Goidhoo Reef.

Location highlights: Goidhoo Reef

Day 3: Innafushi

To the west of Goidhoo is the island of Innafushi, completely deserted and the island perimeter is nothing but crystal white sands - the perfect place to propose over a candle lit dinner or spend time just with each other on a honeymoon or anniversary.

Location highlights: Innafushi beaches

Day 4: Hithaadhoo

Begin your day with an alfresco breakfast on the main deck aft then soak up the mid-morning sunshine on the sunbeds as your crew prepares the water slide or other water toys.

The region is known for its excellent sport fishing and you can spend the day pursuing Bluefin, grouper and snapper. Should you catch a prize before lunch time, for expert on board chef can prepare it on the barbeque grill.

If you want to spend some time on Hithaadhoo - the third largest island within the Baa Atoll - you can people watch from one of the local cafes or wear off your lunch with a stroll through one of the parks.

Location highlights: Dhigumagu Park, Saandu City Park

Day 5: Fares

Take your time exploring beautiful Fares and discover the little fish and flora surrounding this idyllic isle. Tie up your hammock between two palm trees and sip on a pina colada in the shade and catch up on your favourite genre or simply lie back and admire the colours of the sea stretching all the way to the distant horizon.

There is a gentle slope into the water for younger children to paddle and search through the rock pools, and older children and adults can make use of the beach games and full collection of water toys.

Location highlights: Fares Reef

Day 6: Kendhoo

Built-up Kendhoo and the uninhabited islands to the east present the group with opportunities to savour more of the local dishes in the cafes and restaurants, or disappear off into the wilds. Birdwatch in Kotharu Park, kayak around the isles and spend time on hobbies and group activities. On the penultimate day of your adventure have a sunset beach party and revel long into the night.

Location highlights: Kotharu Park

Day 7: Dharavandhoo

Return to the area where you began your week-long cruise with a trip to Dharavandhoo, where the best on-land attractions have been saved until last: The island interior of Landaa Giraavaru is a lush forest abundant in wildlife such as geckos, dragon lizards and the unusual great frigate bird.

Should you wish to extend your stay following your luxury yacht charter, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers an Ayurvedic retreat and spa massage services, as well as a cocktail bar and restaurant so that, even when parted from your expert crew, you can still indulge in top quality meals, services and entertainment.

Location highlights: Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

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