Maldives

Sailing in Maldives

The Maldives has the official name of the Republic of Maldives. It is a state in South Asia, located in the equatorial waters of the Arabian Sea of the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 miles southwest of India, located on a group of 26 atolls. The country's only city and port is its capital, Male, located on the atoll of the same name. Maldives is the world's largest "coral state", since it is a necklace of 1192 islets, slightly rising (no more than 2.4 m) above sea level. Coral reefs are inhabited by a variety of marine ecosystems from planktonic organisms to whale sharks. There are over 1100 species of fish alone.

Climate

The Maldives archipelago has a stable tropical monsoon climate. Temperatures are constantly high (25C-30C) and the air is humid. From May to November, the rainy season, which is characterized by strong winds, reigns supreme. During April and May there is a transition to the humid southwest monsoon, which dominates until the end of August. Due to equatorial currents, the monsoon influence is more pronounced in the northern islands of the Maldives than in the southern ones.

Yachting in the Maldives

Sailing in the Maldives will amaze anyone with its riot of natural beauty and diversity of underwater fauna, but it is not suitable for novice skippers and has some specific features. First of all, there are no yacht marinas here. At the time of this writing, the only private marina in the entire country built for 30 superyachts is Crossroads Maldives Marina. There are high hopes for another ambitious project: Hulhumalé Yacht Marina. This marina with all the necessary infrastructure should appear on a man-made island and will be able to provide high quality services for 300 yachts.

In the meantime, one can be content with the fact that there are a few ports on the atolls, but repair and refueling issues can not be solved in each of them. The situation with anchorages is not much better. Most islands are surrounded by shallow coral reefs, behind which there are huge depths. Therefore, the few lagoons that can be used as anchorages are open, very deep and do not guarantee all-weather protection. Most of them are located on the resort islands, and hotels set a very high price for the opportunity to use such an anchorage.

Despite this, you can easily find a boat charter in the Maldives. They are usually based in Male', but it is possible to arrange for a yacht to be delivered to your charter party elsewhere in the Maldives. I must say that until recently it was impossible to rent a yacht in the Maldives without a captain. But even now charter companies demand to prove your experience of sailing in the tidal zone in the waters of the coral islands and try to impose their skipper as much as possible.

The official religion of the Republic of Maldives is Islam, which imposes a number of restrictions and prohibitions. For example, here you can not sunbathe topless, and to touch alcoholic beverages is considered a great sin. Tell your team that alcohol can not only be drunk here, but also brought into the country - confiscated everything, including bought in duty-free. The only option is bars on the water, maintained by natives of India or Sri Lanka. There, on the high seas, formally does not apply a ban on drinking alcohol on Maldivian soil.

There is a tourist tax of 12% applies to all visitors In the Maldives on goods and services.

Getting to the Maldives

The Maldives is well-connected to major cities around the world by air. The main international airport is in Malé, the capital city. From there, domestic flights, speedboats, and ferries are available to reach various atolls.

Top Sailing Spots

Some of the best places for sailing in the Maldives include the North and South Malé Atoll, the Baa Atoll, and the Ari Atoll. Each location offers unique experiences, from stunning lagoons and rich coral reefs to encounters with diverse marine life.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy while sailing in the Maldives:

1. Snorkeling and Diving: The Maldives boasts some of the world's most vibrant coral reefs, teeming with diverse marine life. Don't miss the chance to snorkel or dive to explore this underwater wonderland.

2. Island Hopping: With over a thousand islands in the Maldives, island hopping is a must. Each island has its unique charm, whether it's a deserted island or a local village where you can immerse yourself in the Maldivian culture.

3. Water Sports: From windsurfing and jet-skiing to paddleboarding and surfing, the Maldives offers a variety of water sports for thrill-seekers.

4. Fishing: The Maldives is famous for fishing. You can either join a local fishing trip or fish straight from your yacht.

5. Relaxing on the Beach: After all these activities, relax on the white sandy beaches or enjoy a spa treatment.

6. Wildlife Spotting: Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, whales, and other marine life as you sail through the clear waters.

7. Photography: With its stunning landscapes and vivid sunsets, the Maldives is a paradise for photographers.

8. Dining: Sample local Maldivian cuisine or enjoy a private beach BBQ.

Remember, no matter what you choose to do, respect the local environment and marine life, ensuring this beautiful location remains pristine for future generations.