Maldives

The coral beauty of the Maldives islands is one location where sailing trips need not be the expensive excursions they are for more affluent and less discerning holidaymakers.

For many, the attraction of the 1000+ islands that make up the Maldives is the impression they convey that this is a part of the world that has been waiting to be discovered.

An erroneous notion certainly, but it is one that demonstrates the inherent spirit of adventure that attracts visitors to this region of the world. The islands are, essentially, an ancient coral wonderland of unrivaled beauty which provides the ideal playground for holidaymakers to explore by the means of sail.

Exploring the islands in this manner makes those choosing to do so master their destiny. There are more than 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives and although all have their own special attractions, only thorough exploration will uncover that sought-after once-in-a-lifetime spot where the best of memories is created.

To find the location or pastime that truly floats the boat for visitors to the Maldives, cruising around the islands to pick and choose from the multitude of activities taking place is a good way to experience much of what is going on and find that perfect island paradise – whatever it may be and wherever it may be found.

It seems obvious to say that ocean-orientated activities account for a great deal of the pleasure to be had in the Maldives. The sea, as the Maldivians are accustomed to saying, is the ‘heart and soul’ of the region.

The sea is also the source of the fine cuisine found in the Maldives. Fresh seafood and fresh fruit cocktails are the main culinary attractions, made from ingredients provided by the islands themselves.

When the understandable desire for food and drink gives way to the desire for some degree of activity, water sports are ready as one would imagine. The Maldives is home to a number of the world’s best scuba diving spots in the world – a veritable haven for an almost infinite variety of aquatic life.

Above the waves, a wide range of water sports activities for tourists can be accessed on just about all of the islands with windsurfing being a particular attraction. Parasailing is also a popular sport and is a great way of getting fantastic aerial views of whichever island has been chosen as the stopping-off point.

Just as the sea is the heart and soul of the Maldivian people, so is the fishing to be found in the islands. Offering relaxation but with a mild measure of exertion required, Big Game fishing (should this be the angling of choice) is a great opportunity to traverse the ocean and capture a mammoth fish with recourse only to the traditional fishing methods long used by generations of fishermen on the islands.

Should fishing excursions and exertions require a soothing response, the Maldives has many relaxing spas to choose from so that the day ends as it began, in comfort and relaxation with only the decision as to where the next port of call will be providing anything remotely approaching a concern.

Luxurious but not pocket emptying, a yachting trip around the Maldives will leave you with a ton of glorious memories and an overwhelming desire to return and experience once more all that this paradise on the earth.