Best for · Short charters, first-time visitors
North Malé Atoll
Home to the capital and the gateway to the Maldives. Great for short charters from Velana airport — Banana Reef and HP Reef are nearby.
Travel guide
Your Maldives, briefed.
Everything worth knowing before a voyage — the seasons, the atolls, the practical details, and the questions we hear most often.
When to go
Best time to visit.
Tropical weather year-round, with two distinct monsoon seasons — each offers its own voyage.
December – April
Dry Season (Northeast Monsoon)
Sunshine · calm seas · 28–31°CVisibility: 30–50m underwater
- Peak season — ideal for first-time visitors
- Best for sailing and water sports
- Excellent underwater visibility
- Manta ray sightings in Baa Atoll
Perfect for honeymoons and luxury charters
May – November
Green Season (Southwest Monsoon)
Occasional rain · 27–30°C · rougher seasVisibility: 15–30m underwater
- Whale shark season (South Ari Atoll)
- Massive manta ray gatherings (Hanifaru Bay)
- Surf conditions on the outer atolls
- Fewer guests, better rates
Ideal for diving enthusiasts and adventurers
Where to go
The atolls we sail.
Twenty-six natural atolls; a thousand islands. These are the five we return to most. See all destinations.
Best for · Diving, surfing, quieter atmosphere
South Malé Atoll
Less crowded than its northern neighbour with pristine house reefs, stunning channel dives, and the famous Guraidhoo surf break.
Best for · Manta rays, snorkelling, photography
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve renowned for Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather seasonally. A photographer's atoll.
Best for · Whale sharks, advanced diving
North & South Ari Atoll
Year-round whale sharks in South Ari. North Ari offers legendary dive sites like Maaya Thila and Fish Head.
Best for · Lagoons, nurse sharks, seclusion
Lhaviyani Atoll
Pristine lagoons, Fushifaru Thila, and nurse shark encounters. Uninhabited islands with powder-white sandbanks.
Plan your trip
Essential information.
01
Visa & entry
- 30-day free visa on arrival for most nationalities
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (charter confirmation)
- No vaccination requirements (check latest advisories)
02
Getting there
- Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé
- Direct flights from Dubai, Singapore, Colombo, and more
- Private speedboat or seaplane transfers arranged
- Transfer time 20 min – 2 hours, depending on atoll
- Domestic flights for distant atolls
03
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothing (cotton/linen)
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Swimwear and cover-ups
- Underwater camera or waterproof case
- Smart-casual for dinner
- Prescription medication (limited pharmacies)
04
Good to know
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) · USD widely accepted
- Language: Dhivehi · English widely spoken
- Time zone: GMT+5
- Religion: Islam — modest dress on local islands
- Alcohol: on resort islands and liveaboards
- Tipping: appreciated, 10–15%
Is the Maldives safe for travellers?
Yes. The Maldives is one of the safest destinations in the region. Tourist atolls and resorts have very low crime rates, and Maldivians are known for their warmth and hospitality.
How much does a yacht charter cost?
Prices vary by duration, season, and whether you book a full yacht or cabin charter. Full charters start around $5,000 per day; cabin charters from $850 per person. See the charter options page for details.
Do I need to be a certified diver?
Not at all. The yacht offers excellent snorkelling directly from the swim platform. For diving, we offer introductory dives with our PADI-certified dive master.
What's the best month to visit?
For calm seas and consistent sunshine, January through April is ideal. For marine life (whale sharks, mantas), June through October is exceptional. There is no bad time — each season has its own offering.
Start planning
Ready to explore the Maldives?
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