Maldives · Indian Ocean
Twenty-six atolls, and a boat is the only sensible way through them.
A resort gives you one island. A yacht gives you the passage between them, which is where the diving is.
Overview
The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls a thousand kilometres long and, at its highest point, about two metres above sea level.
The interest is underwater. The channels between atolls funnel current, and the current brings manta rays, whale sharks and grey reef sharks depending on the month and the monsoon.
Chartering here means moving on the tide rather than the clock — the good dives happen when the water is doing the right thing.
- Best time to visit
- January to April for visibility; May to November for mantas
- Charter season
- Year-round
- Position
- 4.18°N 73.51°E
Suggested itinerary
A week, day by day
Select a day to see what it looks like. Every route is adjusted for weather before you sail.
7-Day Maldives Charter
Typical conditions
What the weather usually does
Seasonal averages for planning, not a forecast. Your captain works from the live picture.
| Month | Air | Sea | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 28°C | North-east monsoon, F3 |
| March | 31°C | 29°C | Light, F2–3 |
| May | 30°C | 29°C | Changeover, squally |
| July | 29°C | 28°C | South-west monsoon, F4 |
| September | 29°C | 28°C | South-west monsoon, F3–4 |
| November | 30°C | 29°C | Changeover, light |
On the ground
Where to stop, swim and eat
Anchorages
Lankan, North Malé
Beside a cleaning station mantas use most of the year.
Dhigurah, Ari
Long sandbank; whale sharks on the outside.
Fotteyo, Vaavu
Strong current in the channel; anchor inside it.
Rasdhoo lagoon
Flat water inside, a 300-metre wall outside.
Beaches
Dhigurah sandbank
Three kilometres of sand and nothing on it.
Fulhadhoo, Baa
A local island with an untouched south shore.
Hurawalhi sandbank
Appears and disappears with the tide.
Tables worth booking
Sandbank service
Table, lanterns, a grill and the tender standing by.
Symphony, Malé
Maldivian home cooking near the fish market.
Aboard
On most Maldives charters the galley is the best kitchen for 40 miles.
Gallery
Maldives
The fleet
Yachts we would suggest
Elsewhere
