There’s something wonderfully satisfying and mesmerizing about ocean travel – be it on a cruise liner, a spacious live-aboard, a tugboat for two, or a bustling public ferry. The unobstructed views, the wind in your hair and the sea spray on your face, the time away from real life, seeing every shade of blue imaginable, including, yes, that otherworldly cerulean of the sea that it turns out doesn’t only exist in tour brochures, and the repetitive rocking – these all make sea rides decidedly appealing.
In a country where land makes up only 1% of the territory and the rest being surrounded by the sparkling ocean, means that there are boat rides aplenty right on our doorstep. They vary widely – in terms of the vessels and trips – so let your requirements and budget guide you.
Here are 8 of the best Maldivian boat trips.
You’ve always been one to chart your own course through life – are you ready to take it to the ocean? Uncover the unspoiled beauty of the Maldives with Carpe Vita on a seven-night cruise through a chain of atolls, and experience a tropical journey unlike any other.
Route: Malé via North Malé, South Malé, Vaavu, Ari, Rasdhoo, Baa and Raa Atoll
Duration: 7 Days
Distance: –
Cost: USD 1,863 (twin sharing basis)
Good to know: With no more than 20 passengers aboard, the 38-meter Carpe Vita features 10 cabins divided over 3 decks with four standard dives for each guest everyday during her dedicated scuba diving trips.
Contact: +960 330 0883 / E-mail: info@carpediemmaldives.com
Where to find it: –
Gaze away at thousands of square miles of cobalt-blue waters during a trip to Noonu atoll aboard a motorized public ferry. Cruise through the islands, shallow submerged reefs and wave splashed sandy shoals that make up the beautiful island nation.
Route: Leaves from Malé North Harbor, via Manadhoo, Magoodhoo, Miladhoo and Lhohi island.
Duration: 11 hours (Dependent on weather)
Distance: 180.4 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 200/- per person/per way
Good to know: Manzil Boat offers local dinner and breakfast en-route to Noonu Atoll from Malé and the cost of both the meals are included in the ferry ticket price.
Contact: +960 774 2753, +960 774 4547 or +960 759 5515 / E-mail: manzilboat@gmail.com
Where to find it: Malé North Harbor
The view from the land is one thing, but the view from the sea is something completely different. Blue skies, crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands – be mesmerized by occasional dolphin sightings during the short trip.
Route: Malé via Velana International Airport to Maafushi
Duration: 30 minutes by speedboat (public ferry)
Distance: 28.3 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 170/- for locals and US$ 20/- for tourists (per person/per way)
Good to know: iCom Tours operates five daily scheduled trips from Malé via Velana International Airport to Maafushi.
Contact: +960 790 2069 / E-mail: info@icomtours.com
Where to find it: Waterfront across MMA (Malé) Departure jetty (Velana International Airport)
Prepare to brave the Maldivian waters with spectacular views that will leave you speechless: clear, warm waters, white velvety sand, romantic sunsets and breathtaking sunrises, and picturesque lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. Your journey will take you through the banks of these wild and lush atolls and through the gentle sound of the waves.
Route: Malé via Omadhoo and Hangnaameedhoo to Mahibadhoo
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes by speedboat (public ferry)
Distance: 80.4 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 400/- for locals and US$ 25/- for tourists (per person/per way)
Good to know: HMHI Travels operate one daily scheduled trip from Malé to Mahibadhoo via Omadhoo and Hangnaameedhoo.
Contact: +960 998 0462 , +960 798 0462 / E-mail: travels@hmhicompany.com
Where to find it: Waterfront across from Bank of Ceylon at Boduthakurufaanu Magu
This blissful Indian Ocean archipelago dazzles the eye with the idyllic turquoise waters and the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish of every hue in the southernmost two atolls of the archipelago – from the Heart-shaped atoll of Addu to the one-island atoll of Fuvahmulah. Both the atolls and the islands have many unique features that stand out from rest of the islands of the Maldives.
Route: Feydhoo to Fuvahmulah
Duration: 1 hour by speedboat (public ferry)
Distance: 54.4 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 250/- (per person/per way)
Good to know: Southern Transport Link operates four weekly speed boat ferries on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Contact: +960 689 9339 or +960 795 9339
Where to find it: Southern Transport Link Ferry Terminal, Feydhoo
Here’s another short boat trip for the anxious traveler looking for a slice of Maldives paradise at Dhiffushi island. Leave with memories of your journey in a heaven of endless blue shared with the soothing sounds of gently rolling waves behind.
Route: Malé via Velana International Airport to Dhiffushi
Duration: 45 minutes
Distance: 37 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 175/- for locals and US$ 25/- for tourists (per person/per way)
Good to know:
Contact: +960 955 5971 / E-mail: meeexpressaltec@altecmaldives.com
Where to find it: Waterfront across from Bank of Ceylon at Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Just imagine cruising on a luxury yacht with the company of whoever you choose to be with! Cruising wherever and whenever you want to. Retire to your luxurious cabin and awake to the first light of the day, before enjoying breakfast in bed, on the deck of the yacht or on a secluded sandbank.
Route: Private charter
Duration: –
Distance: –
Cost: US$ 6500 – 8000 a night (charter)
Good to know: Ritrella Cruise Hotel is currently the largest cruising yacht in the Maldives. At 58 meters in length, the vessel features 5 decks, 2 bars, 25 cabins, a restaurant and a swimming pool.
Contact: +65 6909 7270 / E-mail: marketing@ritrella.com
Where to find it:
For the adventure junkies, here’s the perfect location and ultimate boat trip experience, an adrenaline rush – all without burning a hole in the pocket. A thirty-six hour boat trip to the south of the equator, also the most southern point of Maldives.
Route: Malé via Gdh. Gadhoo & Ga. Villingili to Hithadhoo
Duration: 36 hours (Dependent on weather)
Distance: 535.6 Kilometers
Cost: MVR 500/- for locals and MVR 700/- for tourists (per person/per way)
Good to know: Aagalaa Queen boat offers local breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner en-route to Hithadhoo from Malé and the cost of the meals are included in the ferry ticket price.
Contact: +960 790 2019, +960 790 2018, +960 777 3865
Where to find it: Malé North Harbor
Good luck braving the waters!
No Comments