Sailing Tours & Trips in Maldives
Ever fancied exploring the Maldives on a traditional boat? Weave through South Male and Felidhu atolls, with the wooden vessel becoming your floating home. Many travelers sleep right on deck under incredibly clear night skies. The crew knows exactly where to stop for snorkeling - you'll jump in regularly with turtles, rays and reef sharks. It's total paradise.
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10 best Sailing Maldives tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaMaldives travel expert at TourRadar
- Sail Maldives
- Maldive Dhoni Cruise
- Maldives Dhoni Explorer
- Maldives Cruise: Indian Ocean Dhoni Life
- Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Cruise - 8 days
- Maldives Sea Turtle Conservation Cruise - 8 days
- Maldives Dhoni Cruise
- Island Hopping in Maldives (from Male to Maamigili)
- Customized 7 Days Maldives Fully Guided Vacation, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Island Hopping in Maldives
A traditional dhoni cruises through Vaavu Atoll's turquoise waters, anchoring each night in lagoons like Rihiveli and stopping at uninhabited Ruhhurihuraa Island to snorkel along vibrant drop-offs. You'll swim with green turtles at Biyaadhoo's reef and check out the Keyodhoo Shipwreck's coral-covered mast.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Vaavu Atholhu, Ruhhurihuraa, Bodumohoraa, Hulhidhoo, Fulidhoo, Guraidhoo Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$3,070
Maldive Dhoni Cruise
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The crew were exceptional, and the tour leader went above and beyond.”
Anthea, traveled in November
A traditional dhoni boat takes you along the Maldives' finest sailing routes from Male through Vaadhoo Canal. The voyage includes premier snorkeling at Hulhidhoo reef and Embudhoo Reef, with stops at uninhabited Fenboa Finolhu for beachside BBQs under starlit skies.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Dhiggaru, Felidhoo, Fulidhoo Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore! From $2,490
11% Off- US$2,210You save $280
Maldives Dhoni Explorer
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Snorkeling was great. Swam with sharks, turtles, shipwreck, etc. Gorgeous.”
Tessa, traveled in May
A traditional dhoni carries you through South Male and Felidhu atolls over seven days. The adventure features snorkeling at shipwrecks, relaxation on Bodu Moro's pristine beaches, and cultural immersion at Fulidhoo Island, with cozy berth cabins for overnight stays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Felidhoo, Dhiggaru Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $2,299
25% Off- US$1,724You save $575
Maldives Cruise: Indian Ocean Dhoni Life
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Good boat, good food, great snorkelling and also the CEO helped me so I could do a dive.”
Josefin, traveled in March
The local crew skillfully guides a traditional 37-ft dhoni through South Male and Felidhu atolls. Twice-daily coral reef adventures await, along with visits to Fulidhoo's cultural sites, and peaceful anchoring at Bodu Moro's pristine beaches, complete with full-board dining.
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Felidhoo Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $1,999
25% Off- US$1,499You save $500
The traditional wooden gulet MV Felicity sails through South Male and South Ari Atolls for eight days on a conservation-focused cruise. You'll snorkel with whale sharks at their year-round gathering spot and help collect ID data with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, visit Renee's Coral Garden near Maafushi, check out the coral nursery at Villimale, and join community clean-ups on uninhabited islands followed by beach BBQs.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Maafushi, Gulhi Island, Hulhumale Age Range Ages 13+ Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$2,725
The MV Felicity gulet sails through South Male and Vaavu Atolls for eight days, where you'll snorkel coral reefs and seagrass meadows while helping Olive Ridley Project researchers collect photo ID data on green and hawksbill sea turtles. You'll visit Maafushi to see coral rehab work, check out Gulhi's historic boatyard, and join beach clean-ups on uninhabited turtle nesting islands before a sunset BBQ under the stars.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Maafushi Age Range Ages 13+ Operator On The Go Tours From
25% Off- US$2,725
Maldives Dhoni Cruise
9 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“White sands, blue skies and crystal-clear waters every day, all day - this is what I call tropical paradise!”
Eli, traveled in March
A classic wooden dhoni boat connects South Male and Felidhu atolls on this aquatic adventure. Seasoned skippers guide you to vibrant coral reefs, authentic fishing villages, and hidden gems like Bodu Moro Island, with prime snorkeling spots home to reef sharks and manta rays.
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Felidhoo Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $1,999
25% Off- US$1,499You save $500
What our customers ask about Sailing Tours & Trips in Maldives
What type of marine life can I expect to see while sailing in the Maldives?
The waters around the Maldives offer a diverse array of marine life particularly around Vaagali Caves and Miyaru Kandu channel. Visitors regularly encounter green turtles reef sharks manta rays eagle rays and schools of tropical fish. Maamigili Corner is known for whale shark sightings while Maaya Thila draws night divers seeking stingrays and barracudas. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "Swimming with whale sharks beautiful fish dolphins exploring ship wrecks wonderful food - it was the most amazing trip I've been on in 40 years of travel."
What's the typical accommodation like on a Maldives sailing tour?
Traditional Maldivian dhoni boats serve as floating accommodations with practical twin-share cabins. Vessels vary in amenities from shared facilities to private ensuite bathrooms like those used by World Expeditions. Many tours begin at the Anantara Resort in South Male Atoll. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The boat the great crew and charismatic dive guide made us feel very safe. The itinerary taking us away from tourist areas so we could explore the sites on our own."
What cultural experiences are included in Maldives sailing tours?
Tours connect visitors with local life through stops at fishing villages such as Fulidhoo and Felidhoo. Guests can watch Bodu Beru drumming performances browse local markets and learn about traditional boat building in places like Dhiggaru Island. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "We visited islands along the way where we got to meet and mingle with the locals. One of the best parts of the trip was that we were so far from the resorts that we had the reefs completely to ourselves."
How many people are typically on a Maldives sailing tour?
Maldivian dhoni boats keep groups small with 8-12 passengers per vessel. Tours in the South Male Atoll typically max out at 10 guests while luxury boats may carry fewer passengers. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The small group made it very personal and personable. We spent a week with some strangers who are now dear friends."
What's the typical daily schedule on a Maldives sailing tour?
Each day starts with breakfast before morning snorkeling at locations like Embudhoo reef or Maaya Thila. Afternoons mix island visits beach time and water activities. Evening programs include traditional night fishing sunset viewing at spots like Kuda Bandos resort and beach barbecues. As one TourRadar traveler described: "Snorkeling 2 or 3 times per day with downtime in between the pace of the trip was perfect."
What happens in case of rough weather during a Maldives sailing tour?
Local captains navigate Maldivian waters with extensive experience adapting routes based on conditions especially in the Vaadhoo Channel or South Male Atoll. When needed alternative activities replace scheduled stops and traditional dhonis are designed to handle local weather patterns. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The crew were exceptional and when conditions changed they quickly adapted to ensure we still had amazing experiences in protected areas."