Visit the Maldives this Winter

Why visit the Maldives?

The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. With an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius between October and April, the country is comprised of 1,192 islands grouped in 26 atolls that stretch along a length of 871 kilometres. A yacht is the ideal way to explore the tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with white, soft sand and clear shallow waters.

The Maldivian atolls are known for their pristine islands and bursting underwater wildlife, creating an excellent holiday destination for all ages and group sizes, offering both relaxing beach escapes, and action packed activities to explore. The Maldives is renowned for its abundance of deep sea fishing, reef diving and snorkelling in the numerous turquoise lagoons all of which is easily accessible by yacht.

• Explore 1,192 jewel-like islands grouped into 26 atolls
• Average temperature of 30 degrees C between October and April
• Luxury destination for all ages and groups
• Soft white sand beaches to relax on and world famous diving locations

Entering and travelling within the Maldives

After 110 days of closing the borders, on 15th July, 2020, the Maldives reopened its borders to international tourists.

• Resorts and yachts are currently in operation whereas guest houses will reopen on 15th October 2020.

• All tourists and other short-term visitors are required to have a certificate of a negative PCR test result for COVID-19, taken a maximum of 72 hours prior to departure to Maldives (PCR tests for infants aged less than one year are exempted).

• All passengers must undergo thermal screening at the arrival terminal.

• All passengers should wear masks and sanitise hands as well as maintain physical social distancing guidelines advertised.

• All tourists are also encouraged to install the Contact Tracing app “TraceEkee.”

• For guests seeking to travel to two resorts, “Split Stays” are permitted between resorts that meet all compulsory requirements under the ‘split stay guideline’ approved by Health Protection Agency. Requests for approval of these “Split Stays” should be submitted to the Ministry of Tourism two days prior to the traveling date.

However, guests visiting the Maldives by yacht are unable to enter resorts but can have inter island and intra atoll cruising, as well as visiting uninhabited sandbanks and islands.

Activities in the Maldives

Rhincodon typus. The largest fish in the ocean and it eats mostly plankton, which is comprised of some of the smallest animals and plants in the sea. Harmless but can be curious. Grows to 40-45 feet.

Presently at the Maldives the following activities can still be done by guests staying on a yacht:

• Inter and Intra Atoll cruising
• Fishing
• Diving
• Watersports from the yacht
• Uninhabited Island exploration and visits
• Swimming off the yacht and in lagoons
• Sandbank visits
• Barbecue dinners at sunset on uninhabited islands
• Snorkelling to see the varied marine life at different reefs and atolls.
• Enjoying the varied cuisine and even taking a masterclass from the chef if so inclined.

Visiting the numerous luxury resorts that are scattered across the atolls is a top highlight the Maldives has to offer during a yacht cruise. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Yacht to Resort movement is presently not allowed so restaurant bookings and resort visits cannot be organised.