Six incredible ways to explore the Maldives by sea, from a classic tall ship to luxury yachts
It’s expected that many of us will soon be queuing up to splash the cash on bucket list-worthy holidays, and the Maldives will top lots of travellers’ hit lists. And it’s now even easier to explore this gorgeous part of the world without limiting yourself to one island, whether it’s with a dedicated Maldives cruise, a trans-Indian Ocean adventure or a stint on a superyacht.
Widlife on the water
This is a brilliant cruise for wildlife fans – seven days on a luxurious 31m yacht, scouring the horizon for sea creatures. You’ll be joined by Dr Chas Anderson, a marine biologist who will help you identify your sightings, which could include some of the region's beautiful bottlenose dolphins. There are daily snorkelling sessions and you’ll have the opportunity to swim with manta rays in the evenings – when the sun sets, the inquisitive creatures love to gather at the rear of the brightly-lit boat.
Nature Trek’s seven-day Maldives cruise departs February 5, 2021, from Malé. From ￡4,795pp, including flights (01962 733051; naturetrek.co.uk).
Dhoni explorer
In the Maldives, even the plushest over-water villas have a downside – venturing beyond the palm tree-fringed coastline of your chosen island isn’t easy. Not so if you opt to explore the region on G Adventures’ beautiful traditional dhoni, which will take you to the bits other visitors can’t reach. Highlights of your float around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls include a traditional drumming performance on Fulidhoo, the northernmost inhabited island on Vaavu Atoll, and a visit to Bodu Mora, a tiny speck of land few visitors step foot on.
G Adventures’ seven-day Maldives Dhoni Explorer cruise departs January 2, 2021, from Malé. From ￡1,199pp, excluding flights (0207 313 6936; gadventures.com).
Land and sea
Can’t work out whether you’re a landlubber or salty seadog at heart? Soneva, which owns the fantastic Maldivian resorts of Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, has the solution – a four-passenger, 23m yacht which can be hired for multi-night jaunts around the archipelago. Although sailings can be combined with visits to Soneva’s resorts, you don’t have to be a guest to hire the yacht, the pièce de resistance of which is a glass-bottomed spa tub. The crew includes a wellness therapist and so-called ‘Mr Friday’ (I reckon he’ll be the one sprinkling rose petals into your bath) and you can also request the presence of a divemaster.
Overnight sailings on Soneva in Aqua start from ￡3,249 per night, excluding flights (soneva.com).
Middle East to middle of nowhere
It’s understandable: you love the thought of a visit to the Maldives but might be weary of committing to more than a few days marooned on a tiny island. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Dubai to Singapore sailing is a great way to get a feel for the destination – your cruise takes in Oman, Abu Dhabi and Mumbai as well as the Maldives. During your short-but-sweet taster (you dock in Malé overnight) you’ll be able to sign up for various excursions, including a seaplane flight and a visit to the Adaaran Vadoo resort, with its snooze-inducing over-water spa.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 21-night Dubai to Singapore cruise departs on November 22, 2022. From ￡11,339pp, including flights (02380 682280; rssc.com).
Off-grid charter
The next best thing to your very own superyacht? A sail around the Maldives on this gorgeous catamaran, which has six double cabins and comes packed with water sports equipment, including what you need for snorkelling and kayaking. You’ll sail out of Hulhumalé, at the southern end of North Malé Atoll, before cruising around uninhabited paradises such as Muthaafushi and Maarikilu, both of which are brilliant diving spots. You’ll also visit villages out of reach to most travellers. This includes Rasmaadhoo, home to a handful of ocean-loving locals.
Dream Yacht Charter’s 10-night Maldives cruise departs September 3, 2021, out of Malé. From ￡963pp, excluding flights (02380 455 527; dreamyachtcharter.co.uk).
Tall ship, high seas
This is one for traditionalists – a 10-night cruise across the Indian Ocean on Golden Horizon, a tall ship modelled on France II, which became the second-largest commercial merchant sailing ship ever built when she set sail in 1913. Don’t know your bowline from your boom crutch? Don’t panic – there are 159 crew members to look after the guests relaxing on the 272-capacity Golden Horizon as she glides from the Seychelles to Sri Lanka. The Maldives segment includes an overnight stop at the coral-ringed Addu Atoll and in the capital of Malé, a short speedboat ride from some of the Maldives’ prettiest islands.
Tradewind Voyages’ 10-night Indian Ocean Paradise cruise departs Mahé in the Seychelles on April 7, 2022. From ￡2,399pp, excluding flights (020 7399 7670; mundycruising.co.uk).