1190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance. They stretch for about 820 km from North to South, 130 km at the widest point and do not exceed a length of 4.5 miles or an altitude of 6 feet above sea level.

No more than 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities.

The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75.000 people which is about one third of the population.

The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures, separated by lagoons.
The atolls are in fact part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge, which stretches over 2000 kilometres.
The islands are low lying with the highest point at approximately 8 feet above sea level. 'Faru' or ring-shaped reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide natural defense against wind and wave action, on these delicate islands.

Cruising in the Maldives offers you the best of both worlds. The chance to see many of the 1,200 beautiful islands of the Maldives, and the opportunity to experience firsthand some of the world's greatest dive sites. Find out how to get the best out of your cruise - both ways.
Many people believe that a cruise is the best way of really appreciating the unique beauty of the Maldives, 99% of which is water.
You may choose between a diving safari and a relaxing cruise through the atolls, which lets you be in total harmony with nature as your boat winds its way through the multitude of islands.

You don't need to pack much ,T-shirts, shorts, wraparound skirts and swimming suits are everyday wear suitable for more "mundane" occasions such as visits to tourist resorts as well. Avoid rigid suitcases, which are difficult to stow on board.

Life on board follows the rhythm of the sun, what with diving, snorkelling, visits to local villages and walks on desert islands, there will be no time to get bored, and the days will pass pleasantly.
Confirmed scuba divers will be in the water constantly, while those who love to relax will be lying lazily on the deck of your yacht, perhaps reading a good book. Everyone enjoys the bright and colourful sunsets, perhaps with a long cool drink.

In the evenings, perhaps if you are in the mood, get off at a resort close by and enjoy a drink or two at the bar, or get a break from the relaxation of the day by taking part in the disco.
On the other hand it could be a fire-lit barbecue on the beach of a desert island, under the stars, or enjoying local music at a fishing village.

And then, it's the end of another memorable day in paradise and off to sleep, to wake up anew, to more of the same dream.

. . . on a Sailing Safari . . .

A competent tour guide or the captain will assist in making new itineraries.
Day 1
Welcome on board at the Airport or at Malé the capital.
Sail to "Waagali" island (uninhabited) or to a resort island.
Lunch aboard.
Swimming, snorkelling.
Night at anchorage.

Day 2
Breakfast. Departure to Felidhu Atoll
Lunch on the way.
Visit a fishing village, "Fulidhoo" or "Felidhoo". Walk through the island, meet the local people, observe their crafts like boat building, etc. and their lifestyle.
Night at lagoon.

Day 3
Breakfast. Departure to a beautiful uninhabited island, "Vashugiri" or "Fohtheyo" or "Ambara".
Relax on the beach. Snorkelling, swimming.
Beach barbecue if there is a good catch and weather permits.
Night at anchorage or camped on the beach.

Day 4
Day at leisure
Early morning fishing, swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing on the beach.

Day 5
After breakfast sail to another inhabited island, "Felidhoo" or "Keyodhoo".
Meet the islanders.
Night at anchorage.
traditional entertainment of "Bodu Beru" on the island. ("Bodu Beru" means Big Drum where a group sits around and sings and dances to a rhythmical beat of drums till it reaches a crescendo and stops abruptly.)

Day 6
Breakfast.
Departure to Malé atoll. Lunch on the way.
Visit Malé Shopping, Sight-seeing - the Islamic Centre, Museum, local fish and fruit markets etc.
Late afternoon depart to a close-by resort island. Snorkelling on the reef.
Night at anchorage.

Day 7
Breakfast. Depart to the Airport.

..... On a Diving Safari....

The famous diving spots in the Maldives like "Maayaathila", "Ellaidhoo Thila", "Bathala Thila" and "Mushimasmigili Thila" are found in Ari Atoll.
A competent tour guide or the captain will assist in making new itineraries which include these spots. Weather and tidal currents can require adjustments on anchorage and dive sites.

Day 1
Welcome on board at the Airport.
Sail to Laguna Beach Resort. Light meal on the trip. Visit the resort bar.

Day 2
Breakfast. Departure to Rasdhoo Atoll .
Morning dive. Lunch on board.
Afternoon dive.
Anchorage in lagoon (fisherman village or resort, according to the weather conditions).
Visit the island. Dinner. Visit the resort bar (if anchored nearby).

Day 3
Breakfast. Departure to Ari Atoll .
Morning dive. Lunch in Mayafushi Lagoon.
Afternoon dive. Anchorage in Mayafushi Lagoon.
Visit the resort. Dinner on board. Visit the resort bar.

Day 4
Breakfast. Morning dive.
Barbecue on uninhabited island.
Afternoon dive. Anchorage in Halaveli Lagoon.
Dinner on board. Visit the resort bar.

Day 5
Breakfast. Morning dive at Shark Point.
Departure to South Ari Atoll. Lunch on trip.
Afternoon dive. Anchorage in Mandhoo (Fisherman Village).
Visit the island. Dinner on board.

Day 6
Breakfast. Departure to Dhangeti.
Morning dive. Anchorage by uninhabited island.
Lunch on board. Afternoon at leisure.
Tea and biscuits. Night-diving. Dinner on board.

Day 7
Breakfast. Morning dive.
Lunch on board. Visit Malé the capital.
Afternoon dive. Anchorage at Farukolhufushi Resort Lagoon (Club Med).
Dinner on board. Visit the resort bar.

Day 8
Breakfast. Depart to the Airport.