Sail Maldives

Assalamu alaikum! Welcome to the Maldives. You’ll be met by a local representative at the Male airport at 12 pm. 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 on board before you set sail. Settle into your cabin, 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. Then, spend your first night aboard the boat in Rihiveli Lagoon, falling asleep to the gentle rocking of the boat under a 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 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 local fish species. If you like fishing, maybe join the captain on the motor dinghy and catch some fresh fish for tonight’s dinner on board.

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

Kick off today with a snorkelling adventure at Felidhoo Goni. Search for tropical fish like butterflyfish and parrotfish between the colourful boulder and brain corals. As you’re exploring, you might see the remnants of the once-popular Keyodhoo shipwreck, which was badly damaged during a storm in 2025. After lunch on board, 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 – 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 world’s largest nurse shark populations, and it’s only growing. This morning, go snorkelling and maybe even spot some reef sharks and manta rays, too! Along the way, visit the Fulidhoo shipwreck. This vessel, the Sea Lion, once played an important role in the Maldivian fishing industry. Limited coral growth on the wreck means you can get an up-close look at the ruins. Then, continue 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 origins in 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 redtoothed triggerfish and bannerfish. 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 lagoon at Guraidhoo Island. When you arrive, touch the sand and head to the village, where you’ll have a cup of tea at a small, locally owned cafe. Tuck into some freshly made savoury and sweet treats served with black tea or coffee.

For breakfast this morning, head back into the village on 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 chilli) and tuna curry. Then, sit down to enjoy these traditional dishes for breakfast, usually served with freshly baked roshi (flatbread) and sweetened tea. You’ll then set out for a morning of snorkelling past 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 your walk at the fish and fruit and vegetable markets and maybe taste some local specialties like dried fish, huvadhoo bondi (a sweet coconut patty wrapped in a banana leaf) and tropical fruits. Tonight, toast to an amazing sailing adventure with your group!