Palm-fringed coral islands, strung out across the Indian Ocean… it’s not surprising that the Maldives has become one of the world’s favourite luxury holiday destinations. But, beautiful as those beaches are, a trip to the islands does not have to be all about sunbathing. Those clear blue seas are ripe for exploring on a Maldives sailing holiday.
Take a journey through Maldives’ waters and you’ll sail over the clear, shallow waters of the nation’s coral atolls. Beneath the surface in the Maldives lies a wealth of tropical marine life – a big draw for visitors and for many sailors. One of the attractions of a Maldives sailing trip is the ease with which you can combine it with diving and snorkelling.
The Maldives is made up of over 1000 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited. Of those, 44 are resort islands. The rest are home to a population which lives with and from the sea, sailing traditional boats and fishing as it has done for generations. It is possible to charter a Maldivian dhoni boat and cruise the island backwaters, away from the big resorts.
Of course, you can also sail a more familiar boat around the Maldives, with both crewed and bareboat charters on offer. Catamarans are common, lending themselves particularly well to the shallow, coral-filled waters. Hop between deserted islands, knowing that luxury and civilisation is never far away. The water is calm and the sun is warm…perfect.
A Maldives sailing holiday is a dream holiday for many. It’s not hard to see why. It’s an indulgent but adventurous tropical journey, with the chance to get to know a side of the Maldives that few visitors ever will.
