Spanning more than 277,000km of the viridian Indian Ocean, the ethereal archipelago of the Maldives is revered worldwide for its unique tropical islands and atolls, surrounded by glittering lagoons brimming with exotic marine life.
Travellers flock to the destination to explore these underwater delights, and to admire the views from the comfort of day beds on the pristine white sand, but one of the best ways to experience the destination is from on top of the water. From world-class surf breaks to luxury yacht safaris, the Maldives caters magnificently to those craving aquatic adventurers.
VAKKARU MALDIVES
For travellers eager to delve into the soul of what makes the destination special – its aquatic wonderland – Vakkaru offers an impressively long list of water-based escapades, including sea bobbing, jet skiing, kayaking, catamaraning, windsurfing and relaxing in the sun on a private dhoni journey.
The Baa Atoll is renowned as a place of outstanding beauty and unique biodiversity. Guests can snorkel and explore the underwater marvels on the resort’s magnificent house reef or venture further to see the whale sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay.
A team of PADI-accredited dive instructors are on-island to show guests – from beginner to advanced – the highlights of the surrounding marine life. From guided trips for certified divers, to introductory dives for non-certified divers, and even a young divers program starting for children eight years and above, there’s an option for everyone.
Guests with a hankering for exploration and discovering the nuances of a destination can also embark on an island-hopping tour, an atoll-discovery tour, a guided expedition with a marine biologist, or pursue the best view of the stunning islands on a parasailing excursion.
ST REGIS VOMMULI
St Regis Vommuli invites guests to experience the region’s rare and precious waters on board Norma, an Azimut Flybridge 66, which is the most technologically advanced cruiser in the world.
Norma takes her name from Nourmahal, a 250-foot yacht owned by John Jacob Astor IV, the legendary, fun-loving founder of St. Regis. It was often said that John Jacob Astor IV spent his happiest memories on board Nourmahal with his son, Vincent.
Norma embodies the same dignified opulence of her namesake, fuelled by a sense of unbridled exploration; appointed with state-of-the-art modern conveniences, lavish cabins and spacious decks that comfortably accommodate up to eight guests.
Norma is perfect for exploring the wonders of the Maldives, making truly magical memories. The renowned St. Regis hospitality extends onto Norma, as guests find their every on-board need catered to by an impeccable St. Regis butler, a personal chef and dedicated crew.
SONEVA IN AQUA
If a sea safari through the region’s pristine waters and coral reefs sounds like your cup of tea, Soneva in Aqua is the perfect high-end way to experience the Maldives, especially if you like the idea of holidaying in paradise without any crowds.
Essentially a floating version of Soneva’s luxury resorts, this vessel includes all the five-star service you’d expect from the brand, as well as customisable staff including personal chefs, dive and surf instructors, sommeliers, and private spa therapists.
The ultra-luxurious 23-metre yacht sets sail from Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, with voyages ranging from day trips to longer, live-aboard adventures. Ideal for up to four adults and two children, the two-bedroom yacht has spacious decks and elegant interiors, including an on-deck Jacuzzi, dining areas, and glass-bottomed spa tub. The experienced crew onboard includes the captain, local skipper and fishing guide, Barefoot Guardian, chef, wellness therapist and mechanic. On request, they can also be joined by a dive master, surf instructor, astronomer, or digital storyteller to capture photos and videos.
SIX SENSES LAAMU
Six Senses Laamu has a monopoly on the diving and surfing options in the Laamu atoll, as it is the only resort in the region that offers either experience for guests.
For surfers, the resort has partnered with luxury surf outfitters, Tropicsurf, whose seasoned surf instructors offer guidance on empty breaks, all year-round. Whether it’s your first time in the water, or you’re a seasoned pro, the surf points around the resort offer a huge range of waves suitable to every ability.
Lessons are available for all abilities, and beginners are recommended to make use of the friendly conditions situated right off the beaches of Six Senses Laamu.
The resort is also home to Deep Blue Divers, a PADI 5* dive centre. The multilingual team of professional diving instructors teach PADI courses ranging from Discover Scuba Diving to Divemaster for adults, with youth aged 10+ and children aged 8+ welcome to participate in the resort’s hildren and youth diving programs.
NIYAMA PRIVATE ISLANDS
Niyama takes luxury surf trips to the next level and offers a unique experience for beginner to intermediate surfers. Discover a bevy of empty and playful surf breaks (including a point break) in one of the Maldives’ best kept secrets, the Central Atoll. Want more waves? Just a 5-minute speedboat journey will take you to one of the longest right-handers in the Maldives!
Niyama Resort in the Maldives is located in the Western Central Atoll region of Dhaalu Atoll and offers up waves suited to beginner to more experienced surfers. From mellow and playful, to hollow barrels and steep take-offs, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for empty waves, this is one of the Maldives’ best kept secrets, with a variety of surf breaks only a short boat trip away. Niyama is also the only island in the area with a wave that breaks right onto the shore.
GILI LANKANFUSHI
Ideally located in the North Malé atoll, this resort puts guests within easy access of some of the best surf breaks in the country. Tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds only add to the appeal. Gili has teamed up with the experienced instructors at luxury surf company Tropicsurf to offer an array of lessons and surf trips, tailored to guests of all experience levels, from beginners and intermediate surfers to expert wave warriors.
Guests can ride barrels in the same spot where surfing in the Maldives was born. A traditional Dhoni boat whisks surfers to some of the country’s finest surf breaks, three of which are just a five-minute boat ride away (and many more within 20 minutes).
Surfing at Gili Lankanfushi is a magical setting for everyone from first timers to experts, with its tropical water temperatures, consistent swells, and light crowds.
COMO MAALIFUSHI
COMO Maalifushi also partners with Tropicsurf to offer exciting surf adventures and teaching for all levels. The ever-popular Farms area is a great starting point, with a contoured reef-corner that delivers mechanical-shaped waves ideal for many different styles of surfing.
If you’re looking for some 5* luxury, alongside uncrowded surf breaks, then this is the resort you’ve been looking for! Situated in the quiet and stunning Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi is a Maldives surf resort that’s certainly well off the beaten path. It gives you access to some truly uncrowded surf spots and the experienced surf guides of Tropic Surf will help you score across three Atolls – Thaa, Dhaalu and Laamu – with 20 breaks within an easy boat transfer of the resort.