Under The Hull In The Maldives & Thailand
Dive into the magic of the Maldives & Thailand on your next yacht charter.
This winter, if you are searching for off-the-beaten-path alternatives to the well-trodden and crowded hotspots of the Caribbean, look no further than charter locations in the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. The crystal clear waters here are teeming with marine life, and the picture-postcard backdrops make for an unparalleled superyacht charter in these waters. Home to some of the world's most alluring islands, getting underwater beneath the hull will differ from anywhere else.
Covering an expansive area, we speak with the Captain and Dive Instructor from GALILEO to get their top tips and locations for diving into the big blue here in two of the best slices of paradise, The Maldives and Thailand.
The Maldives
Hardly noticeable on a map is the jewel of the Indian Ocean, the 26 atolls of The Maldives, comprising over 1,000 low-lying islands. Diving into the depths of the turquoise waters of this archipelago will introduce you to a kaleidoscope of marine life, home to over 700 species of Indian Ocean fish and others thriving below the surface. Boasting clear visibility and super-sized marine life within the Indian Ocean, The Maldives is famed for its incredible diving hotspots. While every spot in The Maldives is full of life, here are some top spots to explore while on a yacht charter.
Dean Cole, the scuba diving instructor from GALILEO, says: "The Maldives is known for its 'thilas' (underwater pinnacles), channels, and overhangs. The channels, in particular, attract pelagic species and make for exciting drift dives." “There is excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, and the diving conditions are generally good year-round, with the dry season, December to March, being particularly popular,” he adds.
North Ari Atoll, Maaya Thila
This protected dive site in a marine protected area has long been voted The Maldives’ number one dive site for divers of all abilities. The underwater oasis can be easily accessed by a superyacht. Under the water here, you can meet a whole host of marine life, from vibrantly colored schools of fish to reef sharks. A particularly great spot for night diving, you can experience their nocturnal activities.
South Ari Atoll, Kuda Rah Thila
Another iconic and protected marine reserve is in South Ari Atoll, Kuda Rah Thila. A colorful reef with abundant soft corals and marine life makes for excellent snorkeling and scuba diving here. Keep an eye out for whale sharks, sea turtles, and white-tip reef sharks. Be sure also to explore Manta Point, which attracts whale sharks and manta rays. Situated off the island of Kuda Rah, you can enjoy the pristine sandbanks after exploring the underwater world here.
Baa Atoll, Hanifaru Bay
Located in the Northern atolls, one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean is Baa Atoll; given UNESCO World Biosphere status in 2011, the atoll includes 75 islands rich in biodiversity. On the southeastern edge is Hanifaru Bay, famed for the feeding congregations of manta rays and whale sharks. As a marine protected area, diving is prohibited, but you can swim and snorkel amongst these gentle giants.
Lhaviyani Atoll, Komandoo island
The Maldives also has impressive shipwrecks to explore; in the central atoll of Lhaviyani, you can find the dramatic Shipyard Wreck. There are two wrecks here, one on the surface and one for more experienced divers, deeper at 30m. The site has been overtaken by nature, with coral growth and plenty of marine life congregating here.
South Male Atoll
Diving in this atoll caters to divers of all skill levels, from shallow to drift drives. Unique currents here contribute to the exceptional conditions, promising encounters with various schools of fish and whale sharks at famous dive sites such as Guraidhoo Corner and Knadooma Thila.
Thailand
Onwards to the Andaman Sea, the west coast of Thailand is perfect for more under-the-hull adventure. Home to more world-class scuba diving and snorkeling hotspots. The beautiful waters of Thailand host over 300 islands with incredibly diverse diving sites. Phuket is a convenient yacht charter beginning and the gateway to diving in Thailand. The tidal changes from the North Pacific Ocean and the swells of the Indian Ocean bring in nutrient-rich and clear waters.
"Thailand has a mix of dive sites, including coral gardens, underwater pinnacles, and wall dives. The Similan Islands are famous for their underwater granite boulders and diverse marine life," explains Cole. “Diving conditions in Thailand vary depending on the region and time of year. The Andaman Sea generally has better visibility and calmer conditions from November to April,” he adds.
Mu Koh Lanta
Just a short hop from the island of Koh Lanta, this marine park is home to some well-protected and famous divers, such as the Hin Dang and Hin Huang, known as the red and purple rocks due to the soft coral coloring on them. With abundant marine life found here, these are spots not to miss on your yacht charter.
Similan Islands
The beautiful Similan Islands are West of Phang Nga Bay; 11 secluded islands comprise this protected area. It has long been ranked as one of Thailand's best dive areas, with the opportunity to spot whale sharks, manta rays, reef sharks, and various turtle species. Elephant Head Rock is a great spot to visit on a yacht charter. Back on dry lands, these islands have spectacular sandy beaches where you can relax.
Surin Islands
Close to the Similan Islands are the Surin Islands, with five islands of unspoiled nature that have been a marine national park since 1981. One notable dive spot is the Richelieu Rock, a coral-covered pinnacle attracting whale sharks. Above the surface, the islands are home to rare, exotic birds to watch out for.
If you want to get off the beaten track and under the water in The Maldives or Thailand and are interested in a yacht charter, contact us today. We offer bespoke itineraries catered to your needs and will provide you with the best yachts for your vacation.