Overview
This astonishing collection of atolls sprinkled across the Indian Ocean has the distinction of looking "just like the brochure". The Maldives boasts four international airports, and the chain of islands is covered by a comprehensive seaplane network.
A few islands are home to Maldivian villages, but the resort islands outnumber everything else. Each resort has to be as self-sufficient as a superyacht - everything is imported. There are a number of official anchorages and any number of informal ones; just steer clear of the marine reserves. Some resorts welcome yacht guests ashore for dinner, others do not.
For visiting superyachts the draw is obvious: turquoise lagoons, world-class diving and snorkelling, and a string of atolls that runs from Haa Alifu in the north to Addu, south of the equator. A new yacht marina is in development at Hulhumale, beside the capital.
Atolls & Map
Map Key - Ports & Marinas
- Port of Male (port of entry)
- Hulhumale Yacht Marina (in development)
- Uligamu, Haa Alifu (northern port of entry)
- Gan, Addu Atoll (southern port of entry)
✈ Velana International Airport (Male)
Also a port of entry at Noonu Atoll. Avoid the marine reserves.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Clearance is handled by the Maldives Immigration service and the Maldives Customs Service. Ports of entry are Male, Uligamu (Haa Alifu Atoll), Gan (Addu Atoll) and Noonu Atoll, all monitored on VHF 16. A local agent is strongly recommended.
Government Contacts
Immigration: immigration.gov.mv
Customs: customs.gov.mv
International Airports
Velana International (Male) · Gan International (Addu) · Hanimaadhoo International (Haa Dhaalu) · Maafaru International (Noonu).
Key Anchorages
Uligamu · Baa Atoll (Island Hideaway) · Male & Hulhumale · Airport Anchorage · Gan (Addu).
Local Services
Agents
Asia Pacific Superyachts · Antrac Holding · JLS Yachts · SEAL Maldives · Maldives Yacht Support
Diving
Dive Butlers International · Delphis Diving Centres
Marina & Resort
Crossroads Maldives
Repair & Refit
Maldives Marine Services
Yacht Management
Tango Shipping · Trans Maldivian Airways
Cruising
Baa, Male & Addu Atolls
APSA Grand Tour: Maldives
Nadhira Muneer leads APSA's Grand Tour of the Maldives, from the lagoons of Baa Atoll to the seaplane network that knits the archipelago together.
APSA Members in Maldives
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to the Maldives?
The ports of entry are Male, Uligamu in the north (Haa Alifu Atoll), Gan in the south (Addu Atoll) and Noonu Atoll, all monitored on VHF 16. A local agent is strongly recommended.
When is the best time to cruise the Maldives?
The prime cruising window is October to May, during the drier northeast monsoon, when conditions across the atolls are at their calmest.
Where can superyachts berth in the Maldives?
Berthing is limited: there is a marina under development at Hulhumale beside Male, plus the Port of Male and numerous official and informal anchorages throughout the atolls.
Can yachts visit the resort islands?
Some resorts welcome visiting yacht guests ashore for dinner and other services, while others do not. Resorts are highly self-sufficient, and the marine reserves must be avoided.
Which APSA members are based in the Maldives?
The Maldives' APSA members are Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives, based in Male, and Island Sailors Maldives, providing shore-based agency, provisioning and superyacht support.