Sailing routes in the Maldives
The Maldives are atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean: the water inside the reef ring is calm, while the open channels between atolls carry currents of 2–3 knots. From the Malé area a week takes in North and South Malé and Ari atolls in legs of 10–30 nm, with nights at anchor off local islands and snorkelling and diving on reefs with mantas and whale sharks. You sail by day only and pick through the reefs in good sunlight, with a local skipper or guide: the Maldives require a cruising permit and a local agent, and most yachts are chartered with crew. The season runs December to April (the north-east monsoon, dry and settled); May to November brings the south-west monsoon with rain and swell.
Maldives
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the Maldives?
In the Maldives the season runs December to April: the north-east monsoon, dry weather, a calm sea and the best visibility underwater. May to November is the south-west monsoon, with rain, wind and a westerly swell; boats then keep to the inner waters of the atolls, and open crossings can be hard going.
Which sailing route should I pick in the Maldives?
Sailing routes in the Maldives, planned day by day: “Hulhumalé — Ari”, 8 days, about 136 nautical miles. Each route page has the legs, miles and overnight stops.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
For a bareboat charter (no skipper or crew provided), yes: a skipper's licence and, as a rule, a VHF radio certificate. Without a licence, we add a skipper, paid separately from the boat price.
What is the security deposit and how is it paid?
The security deposit is your insurance excess in case of damage, usually €1,000–8,000. It is taken at the base at check-in on a credit card issued outside Russia: charter companies don't accept Russian cards or debit cards. With a hired skipper the deposit terms may be different, and not every charter company accepts a cash deposit or deposit insurance: check with the manager.
