Sail Maldives

Assalaa mu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. When you arrive in Male at the airport, you’ll be met at 12 pm by a local representative. You’ll then take a small boat to the marina where your dhoni (traditional sailing boat) will be waiting for you. There will be a safety briefing onboard before you set sail. Settle into your cabins, meet your small crew and start sailing, watching the expanse of the Indian Ocean as you go. Stop for a swim near a sandbank in warm waters between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius. Tonight, you’ll have your first night aboard the boat in Rihiveli Lagoon, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat under a clear sky full of stars.

Wake up in the lagoon this morning, surrounded by clear, light blue waters – you might even be lucky enough to see your first dolphins of the adventure! Maybe hop straight in the calm waters for a morning swim, then sail through the lagoons of Vaavu Atoll, soaking up the paradisical scenery on your way to Khudi Boli. When you arrive, take to the water for a snorkel among the large expanses of coral that shelter hundreds of shimmering fish. Back on the boat, maybe open one of the books in the library to learn more about the varieties and species here. If you like fishing, maybe go with the captain on the motor dinghy and catch some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner on board.

Sail southwest of the Atoll today, for a full day of snorkelling around one of the small untouched islands, Ruh Hurihuraa. Dive into the warm waters and discover some of the most beautiful bottoms and drop-offs of the island. If the weather’s good, you’ll spend the night close to the island. Otherwise, at the end of the afternoon, you’ll sail for the lagoon of Bodu Mora – an uninhabited island reserved for oceanographic scientists.

Cast your sights northeast today, sailing towards the Keyodhoo Shipwreck – resting on a relatively shallow lagoon, this ship’s mast rises just above the water and is a popular spot in the Maldives for snorkelling. This morning is all about exploring the ship, full of life with its colourful corals and reef fish. After lunch aboard, you’ll sail to the island of Hulidhoo, which is covered with coconut trees and mangroves. Head out for your second snorkel of the day, as the drop-offs here promise a beautiful aquatic landscape. Continue to Alimathaa and watch the sunset over the lagoon tonight.

The Maldives is home to one of the largest nurse shark populations and it’s only growing in numbers. This morning, go snorkelling and maybe even spot some reef sharks and manta rays, too! After, sail to a coral garden that’s filled with life and snorkel among sea anemones and clown fish. Then, set sail to Fulidhoo – famous for the construction of wooden boats. Make your first journey to land for a walk through the local village, learning about the local customs and way of life on the island. Later, take part in a hedhikaa (Maldivian treats) experience at a locally owned cafe. Enjoy some traditional homemade snacks served with black tea and chat with the locals. Tonight, you’ll have dinner on the beach accompanied by a performance of Bodu Beru (translating to ‘big drums’) and Langiri folk music – a form of traditional music centred around percussion with roots from East Africa. This is the most popular traditional music in the Maldives, and you can join in with the locals to learn a few traditional dance moves!

If luck is shining on you today, you’ll see manta rays, triggerfish and turtles! Head to Biyaadhoo’s reef and swim with the green turtles and schools of red tooth trigger fish and banner fish. Explore the underwater coral garden near Maafushi, where a beautiful drop off showcases tabletop coral and oriental sweetlips. After an afternoon full of marine wildlife, you’ll carry on to the Guraidhoo Island’s lagoon. When you arrive, touch the sand and head to the village, where you’ll share a cup of tea at a small, locally owned café. Tuck into some freshly made savouries and sweets served with black tea or coffee.

For breakfast this morning, head back to the village of Guraidhoo Island for a short cooking demonstration on Maldivian cuisine. Learn how to make traditional mas huni (a typical Maldivian breakfast with tuna, onion, coconut and chili) and tuna curry. Then, sit down to enjoy these traditional dishes for breakfast, usually served with freshly baked roshi flatbread and sweetened hot tea. You’ll then set out for a morning of snorkelling through corals and multi-coloured fish. Later, sail back to the capital of Male – only 2.5 km long and 1.5 km wide, this city can easily be explored on foot. When you arrive, you’ll visit the mosque, the presidential palace and the bazaar. End at the fish market and the fruit and vegetable market and maybe taste some local specialties like dried fish, huvadhoo bondi (local sweets) and exotic fruits. Tonight, toast to an amazing sailing adventure with your group!