The 1,200 dazzlingly beautiful islands and 26 atolls of the Maldives in Southeast Asia is a growing magnet for superyachts. These exotic atolls stretch across the equator, oozing luxury and elegance on shores dotted with exclusive resorts.
This island nation in the Indian Ocean covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, although only 298 square kilometers of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls.
The country’s unique geography mesmerises visitors. Reefs offer bands of color and tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand are surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine. Only 200 of the islands are inhabited with a select few on each of the atolls being resorts, and some islands are used for industry and agriculture.
The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water as it is home to about five percent of the planet’s reefs that come with an explosion of color contributed by the soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.
“….around 240 varieties of corals can be found in these crystal-clear waters of the archipelago.”
At sea, the Maldives is characterised by its splendidly unique underwater life and ecology, a paradise for dive & snorkelling aficionados. The warm waters are home to a diverse array of exotic marine life, with each creature more colorful than the next. 99% of the Maldives territory is made up of seawater, and around 240 varieties of corals can be found in these crystal-clear waters of the archipelago.
An example is Hanhushi’s coral reef, showcasing 1000 species of fish and 20 species of whales and dolphins. A dive and snorkelling paradise, the corals are home to some of the most diverse sea life on the planet.
Visiting yachts can drop anchor and relax on one of their powder-fine white coralline shores and enjoy a meal or some pampering at one of the 150+ truly world-class island resorts. A number of resorts feature their own house reefs – easily accessible coral reefs within swimming distance.
“…….some of the most special underwater sites on the planet for yacht visitors.”
The great thing for divers is that whether you are an experienced diver or a casual snorkeller, there will be a dive site for you, making the Maldives one of the most exciting and accessible places to visit underwater. Even better, most of these amazing spots are easily accessed by boat, reserving some of the most special underwater sites on the planet for yacht visitors.
Populated by large and friendly manta rays, masked banana fish, spangled emperor fish and even some approachable sharks, you will find over 2,000 species of fish lurking beneath the Indian Ocean. In fact, the Maldives is one of the few places on Earth where whale sharks can be encountered all year round and is home to 14 species of sharks, the largest being the whale shark.
There is no need to fear these gentle giants as they live on a diet of plankton and tiny fish, cruising close to the water’s surface with their mouths open to get their feed. The months of December through February offer an opportunity to snorkel at night with the giant whale shark, which is up to 40 feet long and 20 tons.
Each of the three areas -Northern, Central and Southern- have their own characteristics. The Northern Atolls are less busy and covered with soft corals, colorful sponges and an abundance of fish life. If you want to dive amongst larger species, head to the central Rasdhoo Atoll, where you will find dolphins, hammerhead sharks, reef sharks, large manta rays, parrotfish and more.
The Southern Atolls are the most popular dive sites and the diving here is incredibly reliable. You are almost guaranteed to view a plethora of species such as whale sharks, eagle rays, white tip sharks, blacktail barracuda, batfish and much more.
Some of the top dive sites -as recommended by diving instructors and experts- include Ulkulhas Thila in the North Ari Atoll, a great place to see majestic manta rays; Kuda Tah Thila in the South Ari Atoll, a beautiful dive teeming with reef fish; and Kandooma Thila in the South Malé Atoll, a 300m long teardrop shaped pinnacle, with a whole mix of marine life from white-tip reef sharks to schools of eagle rays.
There are 23 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) recorded in the Maldives, all protected under Maldivian law. As you relax on the sundeck of your yacht, you will almost certainly see the spinner dolphin following its distinctive daily pattern of travelling to the atolls in the morning to rest and then back out at sunset to hunt.
If you are a wildlife lover and tempted by a night away from the luxury of your superyacht, the Conrad Maldives on Rangali Island has underwater rooms where you can drift off to sleep watching some of the planet’s most amazing creatures gliding gracefully through the sea, mere meters from your head.
THE ENVIRONMENT
The Maldives has one of the most delicate environments anywhere on the planet. Coral reefs are the foundation of the islands. They offer protection and a natural defence system, and the country’s economy depends heavily on the health of its reefs and ecosystems.
Several conservation efforts are underway to protect the valuable marine environment of Maldives. While several marine species and birds are protected by law, protected areas have been designated to ensure the conservation of specific ecosystems and the rich biodiversity of the country. This includes designated nature reserves in islands of various atolls to protect wetlands and mangroves. Also, the protection of marine areas and the designation of biosphere reserves that cover coral reefs, islands, seagrass beds and mangroves.
Several resorts also conduct their own programmes. While some conducted by resorts focus on the protection and rehabilitation of sea turtles, others are engaged in cutting-edge research into the regeneration of coral reefs. Several community education programmes are also conducted by resorts for school children and the community at large. Non-governmental organisations also play an important role through their voluntary programmes and conduct regular beach and reef cleanup programs.
“Visitors to the Maldives are advised to carry back their own non-biodegradable waste….”
Visitors to the Maldives are advised to carry back their own non-biodegradable waste and to take care not to stand on, touch or remove coral structures while snorkelling or diving. More and more international luxury yachts are visiting the Maldives in 2023 reports MAYA, the Maldives Association of Yacht Agents, with superyachts mostly docking in the Malé, Ariarea and Baa areas.
“The most number of superyachts flock to Maldives from Nov to May”, reports MAYA VP & Founding Member, Mohamed Hameed, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives. “Our APS full-flagged team is ready with almost every kind of skill, ready to meet all your needs. We assist in obtaining all necessary official permits and we provide all services needed in-house and from within our team – from sea transport to bunker, hospitality through provisions and administration to technical services.”
www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com/maldives
