About The Maldives
A peaceful island in the Maldives
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If you were asked to define paradise, you would probably imagine something similar to the Maldives - deserted white sandy beaches, gorgeous turquoise waters, fabulous marine life bursting with color, and a warm, gentle climate.
The Maldives are an atoll of 1100 islands 400 miles south of India in the Indian Ocean. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands. These islands form an amazing sailing area, with unlimited secluded anchorages and diving spots.
The Maldives holds the record for being the flattest country in the world, with a maximum natural ground level of only 2.3 meters (7 1/2 ft), though it has been raised a bit in areas of construction. Over the last century, sea levels have risen about 20 centimetres (8 in); further rises of the ocean could threaten the existence of Maldives.
The Maldives, with coral reefs clearly visible
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This reef is composed of coral debris and living coral. This acts as a natural barrier against the sea, forming lagoons of peaceful water that give the Maldives their famous calm and ability to build literally right on the water.
The barrier reefs of the Islands protect them from the storms and high waves of the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean has a great affect on the climate of the country by acting as a heat buffer, absorbing, storing and slowly releasing the tropical heat. The heat is further mitigated by cool sea breezes.
Getting to the Maldives
The Maldives are are accessible from most of the major European and Asian Airports. Countries servicing the Maldives include India, United Kingdom, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Malaysia, Singapore, France, Germany and Kuwait, Italy and Russia.
The major airlines that fly to Maldives include Air Seychelles, Aeroflot, Air Europe, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Indian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Condor and others. In addition, many of the major Charter Airlines, such as Thomas Cook and Monarch, fly to the Maldives.
No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.
Yacht Chartering in the Maldives
A Sea Turtle to greet you in the Maldives
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The Maldives offers all types of chartering, but the two most popular are catamarans and Super Yachts. The Maldives increasingly are also chartered for Honeymoons, Anniversaries and other family events.
Catamarans have become the sail boat of choice because they are nearly perfect for exploring coral reefs. Their low draft and easy access to the water make them well suited for hopping around the Maldives. Click here for a complete discussion on chartering a catamaran.
Increasingly, Super Yachts and Luxury Yachts are finding their way to the Maldives. For those looking for perfect weather, amazing sea life, and the ability to get away from it all, you couldn't ask for a better destination than the Maldives. More and more often yachts are brought to the Indian Ocean for the Winter, as opposed to the Caribbean, which avoids the Atlantic crossing and opens up all of the amazing Indian Ocean Destinations such as the Maldives, Maldives and Mauritius. More on chartering Super and Mega Yachts.
Honeymoon charters. The romantic islands and sublime weather also make the Maldives the perfect, and increasingly frequented, destination for a honeymoon charter. A crewed yacht will spoil you and offer you everything you dreamed of on the perfect honeymoon.
The serene sea
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Climate and Weather
The Maldives is blessed with tropical weather condition throughout the year. The temperature consistently ranges from 22º C to 33º C year round. As it is very near the equator, these islands enjoy moderate weather. An ideal time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, making it a great escape from the cold Northern Hemisphere winters.
The Malidives, like nearly all Indian Ocean destinations are subject to Monsoons. Two monsoons determine the wind directions and rainfall in the Maldives. The southwest monsoon, normally in June and July, brings adequate rainfall and the northeast monsoon from the months of November to April makes Maldives dry with little wind. Sea breezes tend to keep the environment moderate even if it is a hot summer day.
Maldives Cuisine
A sampling of fresh Maldives ingredients
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Maldivian cuisine offers a wide range of tastes ranging from mild to very hot and almost always the dishes are prepared using local ingredients. Being an archipelago, it is not surprising that a wide variety of fish and other sea food should form an integral part of the Maldivian cuisine. Some of the chief fishes cooked are baracuda, trevallies and tuna which are served with different types of curries. Local wines and other western beverages are included in the cuisine of Maldives.
Oriental buffets and curries constitute popular food of Maldives. Preparations of these dishes consist of traditional local recipes and these are sold in the beach shacks on the beaches and local eateries. Maldives cuisine is an exotic combination of flavors ranging from sweet to hot, spicy and mild.
Maldivian cuisine contains the influences of Sri Lankan and Indian food and dishes. Despite this influence Maldivian cuisine retains its idiosyncratic flavor that has a long-lasting effect. Finally, the local desserts consisting of tropical fruits and other ingredients.
Our Charter Yachts
Maldives is a true Indian Ocean paradise. Boatbookings.com knows the region and boats, and can find you the ideal charter yacht, be it bareboat, crewed, sail, motor or catamaran. Click here to see our Maldives Charter Yachts or simply contact us and we'll recommend the best boat for you.
 
Other Indian Ocean destinations: The Seychelles | Thailand | Myanmar/Burma | Malaysia | Mauritius | India
Some information courtesy of Wikipedia and the Maldives Tourist Board
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