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Where to travel

Maldives by catamaran

Guide to the most beautiful atolls and islands in the Maldives archipelago

Island hopping has never been more evocative: discovering the Maldives archipelago by catamaran gives unforgettable emotions and the desire to never go back!

More than 1,000 small islands forming 26 natural atolls arranged from north to south in the middle of the Indian Ocean-this is the almost surreal landscape of the Maldives. Its colors from blue to bright blue fill the eyes, but not as much as the incredible underwater biodiversity. With any luck there is a chance to swim with manta rays or sea turtles, and then spot a group of dolphins swimming happily in sync with the catamaran. Alternatively, you will have to settle for several snorkeling sessions: it is a case of buying an underwater camera, you will not regret it!

The best time to visit the Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives is from December to April, corresponding to the western winter and spring. During these months, in fact, the dry monsoon has already settled over the area, bringing mostly clear weather with weak and sporadic rains. Temperatures are high, 26 to 31 degrees, as is the humidity. Sea temperatures are also high, especially within the lagoons of the various atolls. The sky is deep blue and the sea is generally calm, especially in February and March. Nevertheless, a breeze or moderate wind blows regularly bringing some relief.

Travel Ideas

If you feel like getting away from the daily grind to indulge in complete rest, you've come to the right place. In the Maldives, you will sail on catamarans with local skippers and hostesses preparing excellent meals, island hopping from atoll to atoll and thinking of nothing else but what kind of marine animals you will spot on the next coral reef. A vacation in a unique setting to be indulged in at least once in a lifetime!

Sustainable tourism

The origin of the Maldivian atolls is still unclear, what is certain, however, is the incredible biodiversity that has formed all around them and made them a Biosphere Nature Reserve. Today this heritage is extremely vulnerable due to melting glaciers and warming seas so visiting them in a nature-friendly way is essential and certainly possible on a low-polluting vehicle such as a sailing catamaran.

Perfect for

The Maldives are particularly suitable for couples or anyone who wants to enjoy relaxing among a myriad of white sandy beaches and spots to soak up the sun with nothing else to do. Not surprisingly, they are one of the top honeymoon destinations! Families can also visit them with complete peace of mind: the shallow, clear water is suitable for children who will be ecstatic at the sight of so many fish.

First time on a boat

During the dry monsoon season, the wind ranges from weak to moderate, allowing pleasant sailing even for sailing neophyte. Maldivian weather is subject to changes and brief downpours even during the peak season months, but experienced local skippers will be able to anticipate this and anchor near some of the more sheltered atolls.

Where to go and what to visit in the Maldives

Malé and Surroundings

Once you land at the Maldives International Airport, you have the option of reaching the capital in a few minutes by bus. Like any self-respecting big city, Malé is a dense agglomeration of buildings with paved streets, gardens, museums, and shopping stores. It has more than a hundred thousand inhabitants and here you will be able to find everything you need.

From here, you will move nimbly north or south to visit all the major sandbanks, called Sand Bank, and islands of the Malé Atoll. Among the best known you will definitely visit Rasfari Island, Cuculu Sand Bank and Kuda Bandos where you will spend a lot of time snorkeling to discover colorful coral gardens. At Thulusdhoo you can surf and then move on to Guraidhoo and discover authentic Maldivian life.

Baa and Raa Atolls

Among the most striking atolls to visit during a vacation in the Maldives are definitely those of Baa and Raa, located north of Malé, just a few hours by boat.

The first one you will encounter is the small circular atoll of Goidhoo (Baa) with its coral reefs on the southern side. Further north is the larger atoll of Maalhosmadulu (Baa) consisting of 51 islands. Because of its extraordinary marine wealth, Baa Atoll has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Nature Reserve. It has 260 km² of coral reef and is home to 250 different species of corals, manta rays, whale sharks, gray sharks, turtles and seahorses. Among the best places for snorkeling and diving is the Hanifaru Marine Protected Area.

Raa Atoll, on the other hand, has 88 islands, mostly uninhabited and unspoiled since they are off the beaten tourist track. Aboard your catamaran, you can reach Kotte Faru or Vaadhoo Island to enjoy the landscapes in complete solitude.

Ari Atoll

Ari Atoll extends southward a short distance from Malé Atoll. It includes the small Rasdhoo Atoll formed by a round, inhabited island and two sand tongues enclosing the lagoon in a circle. Outside, the islands are protected by coral reefs making them one of the most beautiful and easily accessible snorkeling spots. The seabed in the southern part of Ari is among the most beautiful in the Maldives and has large coral reef formations, which is why it is often chosen for scuba diving.

Other scenic islands to indulge in include Alikoi Rah, Meerufenfushi, Bodukasshi huraa, as well as Ukulhas an inhabited island where you will also find good local restaurants.

Between atolls and biodiversity

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44 reasons to choose the Maldives for your next sailing vacation

Evocative landscapes
The Maldivian landscape is unique, with an overwhelming number of atolls alternating between the deep blue of the ocean, the azure of the lagoons and the very clear blue of the coastline.
Enchanting underwater world
The massive presence of coral reefs and the shallow waters of the lagoons make the Maldives an ideal place for snorkeling and diving.
Natural habitat at risk
The maximum height of the islands in the Maldives is 3 meters, so they are constantly subject to erosion by winds, currents and tides. Rising sea levels caused by melting glaciers put them at real risk of disappearing in the coming decades.
Relaxation and winter sunbathing
The Maldives is the perfect destination for a winter sun retreat: relax for a week or 10 days and come back much more energized than before!

Practical info

Geography

The Maldives is an archipelago of more than a thousand small islands arranged vertically in the Indian Ocean, south of India and straddling the equator. They all rest on limestone cliffs and coral reefs; some are just emerged sandbars, while others are larger and more inhabited, such as the island of Malé. They are grouped into 26 atolls, or ring-shaped reefs that form offshore and enclose a lagoon of very white sand and shallow water, and very often coral reefs as well.

Getting there

The airport of choice is Velana Airport on the island of Malé, which can be reached from all other major cities.

Getting around

Generally, Maldives cruises depart right from Malé so as to facilitate embarkation and disembarkation. After that, you won't need to book anything else-you'll go comfortably from atoll to atoll on your catamaran.

Winds

The Maldives is affected by the monsoons but, thanks to its proximity to the equator, enjoys generally good weather with short-lasting rainfall. Generally, winds become stronger during the wet season and especially during the seasonal changes in the first half of May and the second half of November. During the dry season, on the other hand, winds are weak to moderate.

Ports and marinas

The main marina in the Maldives is Malé, which can be reached from the airport by bus or on boats dedicated to this service. There are artificially created jetties or marinas on the various atolls to allow boats to approach and moor.

Costs

The cost of a vacation in the Maldives can vary depending on the period and package chosen. A week on a catamaran with all-inclusive service and crew on board can range from 1,200 to 2,200 euros per person.