Maldives ‘Top 5 Tropical Yachting Spots’
A magnet for superyachts and one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world, The Maldives is one of the few top cruising destinations lifting Covid-19 restrictions early on. The Maldives is featured in Superyacht Times 3/3/2021 issue as one of the “Top 5 Tropical Yachting Spots in 2021”, reports Mohamed Hameed of Asia Pacific Superyachts.
The decision to open during the pandemic has been a positive and beneficial one for international vessels and for the country, notes Hameed: “We are seeing one of the busiest seasons of all for visiting yachts in the Maldives. The country’s entrance formalities and restrictions are very easy to comply with and there has been a lot of demand and inquiries, especially when compared to other competitive markets/countries.”
Maldives: Top 5 tropical yachting spots for 2021
A fail-safe holiday favourite, this archipelago situated in the Indian Ocean is a picturesque yachting destination in which one will never get bored. Visitors to the Maldives are currently not required to quarantine, but they must fill out a health declaration form prior to entry.
Some top yachting destinations in the Maldives include:
Baa Atol
Visit one of the Maldives’ least touched islands, this spot is perfect for maintaining distance and privacy from others — making it an ideal pandemic-proof spot. Baa Atoll is known for its white powder-sand beaches and lush vegetation.
Utheemu
The northernmost Maldivian islands offer signature beautiful beaches, but also gives visitors the chance to engage with local culture and history. The island is the birthplace of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu who fought off Portuguese invaders in the 16th century.
*UPDATE: Due to Covid-19 it is restricted for tourists for day visits to explore local islands where locals are living (unless they have a guest house booking confirmed). This is a step taken by government to minimize risks and cross exposure of Covid-19 among locals and tourists alike.
Lhaviyani
One of the Maldives’ most famous scuba diving destinations, those who dare to dive will share the waters with an array of wildlife such as sharks, manta rays, and reef fish. There are a total of 54 islands in the Lhaviyani atoll of which only 5 are inhabited: Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo and Olhuvelifushi. This makes it a great spot for adventuring.
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