4 hours
Sandbank and snorkelling
From your resort or Malé to the nearest sandbank for a picnic, swimming and snorkelling on a house reef.
Photo: Matheen Faiz / Unsplash
Maldives
Yacht charter in the Maldives
Lagoons, sandbanks and reefs across 26 atolls, on your own schedule.
The Maldives are 26 atolls and around 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, and the best way to see them is from the water. Most yachts start from the Malé and Hulhumalé area, with easy access to North and South Malé Atolls and, within a day or two, Ari and Baa. Inside the atolls the water is calm, while the outer reefs open onto the real ocean.
Maldives charters come in two forms. The first is a day trip on a yacht or a traditional dhoni: a sandbank picnic, reef snorkelling and sunset fishing. The second is a multi-day cruise on a catamaran or motor yacht with a crew, cook and dive guide, where you live on board and wake up next to a new island every morning.
This kind of holiday appeals to honeymooners, families and groups of friends who want to see more than a single resort, as well as divers, for whom the Maldives are one of the best places in the world to meet manta rays, whale sharks and reef sharks. Many yachts can pick guests up directly from a resort or from Velana International Airport.
Popular yachts in the Maldives
Photo: Shai Pal / Unsplash
Motor yachtDhoni 18 m
18 m · up to 15 guests
from €800 / day
Photo: Luke Moss / Unsplash
Motor yachtAzimut 55 Fly
17.2 m · up to 12 guests · 3 cabins
from €2,200 / day
Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 450
13.96 m · up to 12 guests · 4 cabins
from €2,000 / day
Photo: Fadi Al Shami / Unsplash
CatamaranLagoon 620
18.9 m · up to 12 guests · 5 cabins
from €3,500 / day
Photo: redcharlie / Unsplash
SuperyachtGulf Craft Majesty 100
30.5 m · up to 12 guests · 5 cabins
from €9,000 / day
Prices by yacht type
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts on this page. Hourly rates suit short cruises, daily rates full-day trips, and weekly rates charters with nights on board.
| Type | from / day | from / week |
|---|---|---|
| Motor yachts | €800 | — |
| Catamarans | €2,000 | €14,000 |
| Superyachts | €9,000 | €50,000 |
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
What to see from the water
- 01
Hanifaru Bay (Baa Atoll)
Part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where dozens of manta rays gather during the southwest monsoon. Snorkelling only; diving is not allowed.
- 02
South Ari and whale sharks
A marine protected area in southern Ari Atoll where whale sharks can be seen all year round.
- 03
Sandbanks
Strips of sand in the middle of a lagoon that appear at low tide, perfect for a picnic or a photo shoot.
- 04
Banana Reef (North Malé)
One of the first well-known dive sites in the Maldives, with caves, coral overhangs and abundant fish life.
- 05
Sunset fishing
Traditional Maldivian handline fishing from the deck at sunset, a classic part of any charter.
Popular routes
Full day
North Malé reefs and dolphins
Two or three dive or snorkel sites in North Malé Atoll, lunch on board and dolphin spotting on the way back.
7 days
Malé, Ari and Baa
A cruise through the central atolls: South Ari whale sharks, manta rays, uninhabited islands and nights at anchor in lagoons.
Season
The best season is December to April, the northeast monsoon: dry, calm seas and excellent visibility. May to November brings more rain and wind, but it is manta season in Hanifaru Bay.
Marinas and departure ports
- — Malé
- — Hulhumalé
- — CROSSROADS Maldives Marina
- — Resort pick-up
What's usually included and what costs extra
- The yacht, captain and crew
- Standard equipment and vessel insurance
- Water and soft drinks on many yachts
- Fuel on some yachts and routes
- Food, alcohol, decorations, photographer
- Water toys and transfers
- Taxes, marina fees and APA on weekly charters
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Experience ideas
Yacht charter in the Maldives: FAQ
How much is a yacht charter in the Maldives and what is included?
Indicatively from €800 per day for a dhoni and from €2,000 for a catamaran; a crewed catamaran week starts from around €14,000. Crew, fuel for the route and snorkel gear are usually included. Meals, diving, taxes and transfers vary by yacht and are set out in your quote.
Do I need a licence?
No. In the Maldives yachts are chartered with a professional crew, which is how every listing on our site works.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in the Maldives?
December to April, when it is dry and calm. May to November is more changeable, but it is the best time for manta rays in Baa Atoll.
Is a charter suitable for children and what should we pack?
Yes, especially on a catamaran, which is stable, and the lagoons are shallow. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards, hats and seasickness tablets for crossings between atolls.
How do I book and what happens in bad weather?
A deposit is usually required, with staged payments for week-long cruises. If weather prevents a trip or route, the captain suggests an alternative, and rescheduling or refund policies vary by yacht and are confirmed in the quote.
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from €150 / hour6 yachts
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from €700 / day5 yachts
ThailandPhuketLimestone karsts of Phang Nga, the lagoons of Phi Phi and Andaman Sea sunsets.
from €900 / day5 yachts