Charter Itinerary

Maldives: Atolls, Whale Sharks & Sandbanks

Experience the utmost luxury journey

Maldives: Atolls, Whale Sharks & Sandbanks Charter Itinerary

Yacht Charter Itinerary

A week through the atolls of the Maldives, a diving and anchoring charter rather than a touring one, where everything happens at the waterline or below it. From the year-round whale sharks of South Ari to the bioluminescent shallows of Baa Atoll, this is the Indian Ocean at its most elemental, shaped around the light, the tides and the reef worth the detour.

Day 1

Male to Maayafushi

Clear Male and run west into Ari Atoll, where the water shifts through four blues before the reef rises beneath the hull. Anchor off Maayafushi, swim with turtles on the house reef, and watch the light go quickly this close to the equator.

Day 2

South Ari Atoll

South into the part of the country divers plan whole years around, where the channels funnel current between ocean and lagoon. Dive the channel on the incoming tide, then paddleboard over coral gardens in three metres of water.

Day 3

South Ari - Whale Sharks

South Ari holds one of the few year-round whale shark aggregations on earth, ten metres of fish entirely indifferent to you. Afterwards, take the tender to a nameless sandbank for lunch, with no other yacht in sight.

Day 4

South Male Atoll

East to South Male, an atoll of thirty mostly uninhabited islands. Snorkel the reef, then go ashore at Guraidhoo, where the fishing dhonis come in each afternoon and the island keeps its own clock.

Day 5

Dhiffushi

Dhiffushi is a local island rather than a resort one, and the better for it, a village, a harbour and a beach longer than the island seems to allow. Fish the deep lagoon at dusk as the bait balls come up.

Day 6

Baa Atoll

North into Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of freshwater islets and coconut groves. Dive with turtles in the morning, then wait for dark, when the bioluminescent plankton light up the wash behind the tender.

Day 7

Vabbinfaru

End at little Vabbinfaru, ringed by one of the healthiest reefs in the country. Swim the reef edge where it drops away, then spend the afternoon on the water toys in a flat, glassy lagoon.

Yachts for Charter

Let the sea set you free!

Renting a yacht offers the ultimate luxury escape combining privacy, personalised service and breathtaking views. Explore remote destinations inaccessible by land, indulge in gourmet cuisine and create unforgettable memories with friends and family amidst the serene beauty of the open sea.