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
- Maldives Dhoni Explorer
- Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Cruise - 8 days
- Maldives Cruise: Indian Ocean Dhoni Life
- 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
- Maldive Dhoni Cruise
A traditional dhoni boat sails through the turquoise waters of Vaavu Atoll with stops at Rihiveli Lagoon, Biyaadhoo's reef, and the coral gardens near Maafushi. Snorkel with green turtles, reef sharks, and schools of red tooth triggerfish at Alimatha, then check out the Keyodhoo Shipwreck's shallow lagoon where colorful corals cling to the mast above water. This 8-day trip includes a hedhikaa tea time at a local café in Fulidhoo, a Maldivian breakfast cooking class in Guraidhoo village, and a traditional Bodu Beru drumming performance on the beach, all while staying in ensuite cabins aboard a 12-passenger vessel.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Vaavu Atholhu, Ruhhurihuraa, Bodumohoraa, Hulhidhoo, Fulidhoo, Guraidhoo Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,070
10% Off- US$2,763You save $307
Maldives Dhoni Explorer
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a good tour with good people.”
Pragya, 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
10% Off- US$2,299
The traditional wooden gulet MV Felicity sails through South Male Atoll and South Ari Atoll, home to the only year-round aggregation of whale sharks in the world. Snorkel alongside these gentle giants with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, collecting vital identification data at sites near Dhangethi and Dhigurah islands. Help with hands-on coral restoration at Save the Beach's nursery near Villimale, snorkel at Renee's Coral Garden, and swim with stingrays in Hulhumale Lagoon.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Maafushi, Gulhi Island, Hulhumale Age Range Ages 13+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$2,725
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 $2,299
35% Off- US$1,494You save $805
The MV Felicity gulet sails through the South Male and Vaavu Atolls, where you'll snorkel vibrant coral reefs and seagrass meadows while helping marine biologists with photo identification research of green and hawksbill sea turtles. Head to Maafushi's coral rehabilitation site to see propagation techniques in action, participate in beach clean-ups on uninhabited nesting islands, and check out the historic boatyard in Gulhi featuring the Maldives' oldest dry dock. This 8-day conservation cruise includes 7 nights in private ensuite cabins with all meals, unlimited drinking water, and expert-led sessions on reef ecosystems, turtle anatomy, and responsible snorkeling practices.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Maafushi Age Range Ages 13+ Operator On The Go Tours From $2,725
10% Off- US$2,453You save $273
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 $2,299
10% Off- US$2,069You save $230
Crystal-clear Maldivian waters stretch from Male to Maamigili, featuring stops at Vaagali Caves and Guraidhoo Corner. The route includes renowned dive sites like Miyaru Kandu and Hudhu Thila, plus potential whale shark sightings at Maamigili Corner, before peaceful evening anchorages.
Duration 8 days Destinations Male, Rannaalhi, Anbara, Ariadhoo, Maamigili Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- US$2,612
Duration 7 days Destinations Male, Hulhumale, Rasdhoo, Ukulhas Island, Mathiveri Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
10% Off- US$1,379
Your vessel winds through Maldivian waters to Vaagali Caves and Maaya Thila dive sites. The route from Male crosses South Male, Vaavu, and Ari Atolls, stopping at five major islands, with sunset sailing and overnight stays in secluded bays.
Duration 15 days Destinations Male, Kalhuhuraa, Rannaalhi, Ariadhoo, Maamigili Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- US$4,337
Maldive Dhoni Cruise
48 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Mantas were possibly my best highlight. Everything we asked to see, he found.”
Karen, 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 $2,040
15% Off- US$1,740You save $300
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."