Remotely positioned in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Republic of the Maldives is one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos. The Maldives is made up of 1,190 coral islands, only about 200 of which are inhabited. Due to the countless number of reefs found among the 26 atolls in the Maldives, you need only travel 15 to 60 minutes by chartered yacht to get to a different dive spot every day. You don’t need to look far to charter a yacht, either. Sea Jaguar, a 102-foot (31-meter) motoryacht, is now based there, available via Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives. Whether you charter Sea Jaguar or have your own yacht cruise there, heed the advice of Mohamed Hameed, a third-generation Maldivian and the head of Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives. Here, as told to Linda Cartlidge, he shares inside information on some of his favorite cruising spots in the country.
Navigating the Maldives
The fabled Baa Atoll is considered the ecological jewel of the entire Indian Ocean. Of its 75 islands, only 13 are inhabited—and of these, only eight are resort islands. the entire Baa Atoll was declared a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in June 2011. These changes and regulations along with significant conservation commitments from leading resorts enhance the Maldives’ yachting future. They are in line with the country’s efforts to share the stunning beauty and appeal of the region while protecting the marine life and area for future generations.
The unique structure of the reefs and channels makes navigation almost impossible without sufficient information about the waters and assistance from those familiar with the Maldives. An experienced local agent can suggest itineraries and assist your captain from arrival through to departure.
Ninety-nine percent of the Maldives is made up of sea, and the chain of islands offers amazing anchorages. The warm seas have water clear enough to see fish passing nearly 50 feet (15 meters) away. The remarkable formation of over 3,000 coral reefs and the free flowing tides of the monsoons have created one of the world’s richest diving areas. Lured by the abundance of food, over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters. You’ll find everything from tiny shrimp to magnificent mantas and a vast number of whale sharks on a scale unknown anywhere else in the world.
Kuda Bandos
One of Hameed’s favorite spots is the Malé Atoll, Kuda Bandos. A breathtaking island a shout away from the main island of Bandos, Kuda Bandos (below) makes for the penultimate “Robinson Crusoe” experience. Enjoy a private beach day or merely the sunset after a day of snorkeling the reef and swimming in the lagoon.
Olhahali Island
This beautiful island offers a couple of small caves, but the Olhahali Cave is special. It’s 131 feet (40 meters) long at a depth of 82 feet (25 meters), with a reef hosting moray eels, stingrays, turtles, and puffer fish. Napoleons, white tip sharks, and eagle rays are often seen out in the free water. A long, pristine, white sandy beach is one of the best for a picnic.
Anantara Kihavah Villas
Situated on a breathtaking island, the Anantara Kihavah Villas resort is home to an extraordinary feature: the world’s only underwater restaurant and wine cellar! Guests can gaze at hundreds of colorful fish and even some turtles passing right by the windows (below) while enjoying the culinary art and wine. Anantara Kihavah Villas initiated the Coral Adoption Programme, a long-term plan designed to share learning experiences with guests and accelerate the regeneration of coral growth in the atoll reef.
Nibiliga & Mendhoo Islands
A small but exclusive island and an add-on for those who wish to spend an extra day in the pristine natural beauty of Baa Atoll is Nibiligaa. Uninhabited islands in the Mendhoo Region are Nibiligaa Island and reef, Mendhoobinmathee Faru, Mendhoo Island and reef, and Kaburu Faru.
There’s a high level of biodiversity and a standing population of hard and soft corals and associated marine invertebrates and vertebrates. There are further nesting sites for green and hawksbill turtles and key bird roosting and nesting sites on Mendhoo Island.
Mudhdhoo Island & Dusit Thani Maldives
A sanctuary sheltered by nature amidst white sandy beaches and encircled by a turquoise lagoon, the Dusit Thani Maldives Resort (above) has top-of-the-line guest villas and natural waterways. The resort’s entire operation is geared toward achieving carbon-neutral status, and it is one of the leaders in sustainable resort development in the Maldives.
BONUS IMAGES: See 12 stunning photos from around the Maldives in a Gallery on the Megayacht News app, available for free via iTunes and Google Play.
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