Maldives Yacht Charter Itinerary

Why choose the Maldives cruising grounds?

A Maldives luxury yacht charter for a week or longer is for those truly intending to reconnect with nature and spend quality time with family and friends. From inhabited islands to untouched atolls in less than an hour, guests can experience nature at its most colourful and complex - after a dive among lagoons, resurface to cocktails on your sundeck amidst the Mulaku Atoll, or stargaze from your sunbeds in the virtually uninhabited Laamu Atoll.

Visitors have a range of options for getting between destinations, from large celebration-ready motor yachts packed with such amenities as a spa massage room, cinema and swimming pool to family-oriented catamarans boasting excellent efficiency, cutting-edge technology and a shallow draft to get you up close to the beaches.

Each crew has its own expertise and in addition to a highly trained chef, it's possible to have a jet ski instructor, Scuba diving instructor or professional masseuse on board.

With few distractions on land, you will be living your adventure with loved ones as you dive deep and encounter the region's wonders together.

Day 1: Malé

Before you disappear into the pristine wilds of the Maldives, start your luxury yacht charter in bustling Malé city: Visit the local markets, taste local delicacies and take in the sights around Sultan Park, which include the old and new National Museums, the National Library & Art Gallery as well as the Friday Mosque that dates back to 1656. Nearby, the colourful president's office from 1906 is a picture perfect addition to your tour.

Location highlights: Sultan Park, Old National Museum, New National Museum, National Library & Art Gallery, Friday Mosque, Muleeaage (President's Office)

Day 2: Vaavu Atoll

The Vaavu Atoll is comprised of five islands from the Felidhoo Atoll and the Vattaru Falhu Atoll and has a small population of little more than 2,000 inhabitants, leaving guests with a playground of white sand beaches for beach games, barbeques and resting on board and socialising in the sunshine or shade.

You'll find yourself off the well-beaten track already and numerous dive sites for beginners through to advanced are waiting to be discovered below the topaz blue surface, where there are triggerfish, manta rays, turtles and hammerhead sharks glide among the reefs.

End the day with a meal along the pale shores under the stars and savour a sumptuous meal freshly prepared by your expert on board chef.

Location highlights: Alimatha Island, Ambara Island, Bodu Mora

Day 3: Mulaku Atoll

Nine inhabited islands and 30 uninhabited islands make up the Mulaku Atoll, also known as the Meemu Atoll, and visitors can join the fishermen at the best local fishing spots for a relaxing morning catching lunch, with drinks and sunbeds on-hand to make the most of the idyllic weather.

Guests on board with a passion for Scuba diving and surfing - or those wishing to learn - will find that perfect conditions await them at Mulaku Atoll. More experienced surfers will find a challenge on the eastern side, where Boahurra Point, Mulee Point and Veyvah Point attract thrill-seekers.

Chapati Tilas and Dhekunu Thila offer atmosphere and a shallow lagoon dive of 15m/49ft that beginners will enjoy, while drift dives such as the Boahurra Express and Shark's Tongue give visitors the chance to join the current and effortlessly pass through the majesty of the Indian Ocean.

Location highlights: Boahurra Point, Mulee Point, Veyvah Point, Chapati Tilas dive site, Dhekunu Thila dive site, Boahurra Express dive site, Shark's Tongue dive site

Day 4: Thaa Atoll

If there was anywhere in the Maldives to simply spend the days unwinding and making best use of the facilities and water toys on board, then Thaa Atoll - also called Kohlmadulu Atoll - is the place to do it. Guests need not set a foot in the water to witness the spectacular marine life, however those prepared to immerse themselves will be surrounded by schools of fish of all shapes and sizes as well as the giants of the region.

Drift dive at Dhiffushi Kandu and Dhiyamigili or remain close to your luxury yacht and snorkel, kayak or jet ski for some high-octane fun.

Location highlights: Dhiffushi Kandu dive site, Dhiyamigili dive site

Day 5: Laamu Atoll

Only 10 of the 82 islands in the Laamu Atoll (a.k.a. Haddhunmathi/Haddummati Atoll) are inhabited and this romantic destination is fringed with coral reefs and lagoons rich with sea life. Join 20 different whale and dolphin species on a drift dive through the Isdhoo and Maabaidhoo Kandu dive sites, or spend your honeymoon on powdery white beaches watching the sunset hand-in-hand.

Location highlights: Isdhoo dive site, Maabaidhoo Kandu dive site

Day 6: Huvadhu Atoll

As the second largest atoll in the Maldives the region is often referred to as a northern and southern part - Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu. The plethora of dive sites will satisfy snorkelers as well, while those wishing to stay dry can take in the vibrant coral reefs from a glass-bottomed kayak.

Location highlights: Dhevana Thila dive site, Hafsa Thila dive site, Short Cut Channel dive site, Kaaddhedhoo Kandu dive site

Day 7: Rathafandhoo

Cross the archipelago to reach Rathafandhoo, a forested island paradise with a few cafes and shops close to the shore, the rest a bucolic wonderland for swimmers and sun lovers.

Location highlights: Three Ruh Park

Day 8: Villingili

The last stop on your tour will take you to one of the most spectacular wreck dives in the Maldives: The BRITISH LOYALTY, where corals flourish on the exterior hull and fish swim through the open doors to the dark areas within.

Before jetting off, there's time to fit in more high-speed thrills with the water toys, or simply snorkel along the shore followed by a sumptuous lunch. Pick up some mementos then rest weary feet while you dine in one of the local cafes and restaurants, then watch the islands from your trip disappear into the big blue as you fly off home.

Location highlights: British Loyalty dive site

Read the full Maldives Charter Guide and Indian Ocean Yacht Charter Guide