Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash
Maldives
Catamaran charter in the Maldives
Two crewed catamarans with a chef, for living on the water and dropping anchor at a new reef every morning.
Catamaran charter in the Maldives is the best way to turn a single-island holiday into a journey through several atolls. A catamaran draws little water and can anchor in a shallow lagoon beside a sandbank where a large motor yacht cannot go, and twin hulls keep crossings between atolls smooth even for first-timers.
The Lagoon 450, just under 14 metres, is a proven pick for a first sailing holiday: up to 12 guests by day, eight overnight in four cabins, a crew of captain, chef and deckhand, plus a tender and kayak. The 18.9-metre Lagoon 620 is one of the yard's biggest catamarans, with a huge flybridge, a forward lounge, five cabins for ten, four crew, water toys and a dive guide on request.
The Lagoon 450 suits two families or a group of friends after a simple, cosy cruise. The Lagoon 620 is for two or three families, or anyone planning serious diving who wants room to spread out on deck. Both are superb platforms for meeting manta rays and whale sharks.
Catamarans in the Maldives
What it costs
The lowest indicative prices among the yachts of this type on this page.
- Full day
- from €2,000 / day
- Week-long charter
- from €14,000 / week
Indicative "from" market prices for this destination. The exact price depends on dates, duration and the specific yacht, and comes in your personal quote.
Usually included
- Captain, chef and deckhand on the Lagoon 450; four crew on the Lagoon 620
- A tender, kayak and snorkel gear
- Cabins made up for the whole week
Usually extra
- Food and drinks, often charged separately
- Guided diving and tanks
- Local taxes and charges
- Resort or airport transfer if not included
Exact inclusions depend on the yacht and are always listed in your written offer.
Where you go
Cruises start in Malé or Hulhumalé, close to Velana International Airport, sometimes with a resort pick-up. A typical week covers North and South Malé with a crossing to Ari, where whale sharks live off the atoll's southern tip. During the southwest monsoon the route can swing north to Baa Atoll and the mantas of Hanifaru Bay.
Marinas
- Malé
- Hulhumalé
- CROSSROADS Maldives Marina
- Resort pick-up
When to go
The calmest seas and best visibility come from December to April. May to November is more changeable, but that is when mantas gather in Hanifaru Bay, where only snorkelling is allowed. Catamarans here are usually booked by the week, though day trips are possible too.
Catamaran charter in the Maldives: FAQ
How many people can live aboard a catamaran in the Maldives?
Up to eight guests in four cabins on the Lagoon 450, and up to ten in five on the Lagoon 620. By day both take up to twelve.
Is a catamaran right for first-time sailors?
Yes, it is the gentlest option: a catamaran barely heels, and inside the atolls the water is calm. You only feel real motion on crossings between atolls, so pack a seasickness remedy.
Can we scuba dive?
Yes. A dive guide can join the crew on the Lagoon 620, while on the Lagoon 450 dives are arranged separately. Diving is banned in Hanifaru Bay, but snorkelling with the mantas there is allowed.
What should we pack for a week?
A soft bag rather than a hard suitcase, reef-safe sunscreen, rash guards and light clothes for the evening. You will hardly need shoes on board.