Why opt for a Maldives safari aboard Dhoni Stella?

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The Maldives is the ideal archipelago for an aquatic safari and our charters are the perfect solution for your private cruise focused on scuba diving or snorkeling. Sharks, mantas, eagle rays, barracudas, colorful soft corals, sea fans and acroporas - the Maldives reefs offer all of this and more.

Hover your cursor over the white dots on the map below to discover all of the marine and natural reserves of the archipelago, as well as the best diving sites, a few selected resorts, and other places of interest.

Read more here about the four types of charter we propose for your freestyle Maldives safari.

Is a Maldives safari expensive?

Our charters offer great value with plenty included in the fare. Not only does your holiday include accommodation, meals with beverages, and room service, it also comes with complimentary activities that can be enjoyed by everyone: snorkeling, fishing, resorts visits, fun at desert islands, excursions to local villages and to the capital, Male. So, if you do your sums, you will find that few other holidays in the Maldives offer you so much to see and do at such affordable rates, all provided in a private luxury atmosphere.

What can I do during a Maldives safari a part of snorkeling and diving?

Set against the beautiful scenery of the tropics and in addition to the complimentary activities, Our charters offer a great line-up of leisure options to choose from. Each day on board can be fashioned into another fantastic experience with visits to local villages and resorts, night fishing at sunset, sunbathing on sandbanks, exploring the abundant life of the reefs and watching the breath-taking sunsets. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family holiday or a marine exploration voyage to discover the amazing underwater fauna, a Maldives safari will cater exclusively to your needs.

Browse here the logbook of a Maldives safari.

Maldives safaris last too many days. What can I do if I don't have enough vacation time?

In addition to longer cruises, we offer shorter excursions of 3 nights or even day tours, to visit amazing corners with start from Male International Airport or from your favorite resort. Our cruises truly suit every holiday need.

Is a Maldives safari a good option for honeymooners?

Our charters are also the perfect solution for an exclusive and private Maldives safari for honeymooners. Elegance, luxury and privacy while sailing around the archipelago - our yachts offer to couples all the elements of an unforgettable cruise.

Can I visit different resorts during a Maldives safari?

Our charters offer you 'freestyle cruising' in the Maldivian archipelago. If your goal is to visit the finest resorts of the Maldives during your safari and perhaps to spend a night in few of them, we offer you the opportunity to sail in style from resort to resort with your private yacht. Each day, enjoy a different spa for a treatment, a different bar for a cocktail or a different restaurant for dinner (visits are subject to the resorts authorization).

Irufushi Resort & Spa: Irufushi Resort & Spa

Irufushi is a newly built resort and located on the 800m long and 300m wide island in the Noonu Atoll.
Zithali Resort & Spa Dholhiyaadhoo: Zithali Resort & Spa Dholhiyaadhoo

Brand new 4-star resort in the North of Noonu atoll. Distance from airport: 200 Km.
Six Senses Laamu: Six Senses Laamu

The Six Senses Laamu is a place of unfailing attention to detail and a bastion of the authentic rustic luxury experience.
Hanifaru Biosphere Marine Reserve: Hanifaru Biosphere Marine Reserve

During the SW monsoon the southern part of Hanifaru reef is a feeding aggregation site for whale sharks and manta rays.
Makunudhoo Kandu Marine Reserve: Makunudhoo Kandu Marine Reserve

White-tip reef sharks are seen resting on the sandy bottom. Lionfish are everywhere. Turtles are spotted frequently.
Angafaru Marine Reserve: Angafaru Marine Reserve

During some periods of the year dolphins, whale sharks and mantas are sighted. The area carries mantas ‘cleaning stations.
Male International Airport: Male International Airport

The first International Airport to the Maldives. Just next to the capital, Male’.
Anantara Khiavah Villas: Anantara Khiavah Villas

The latest jewel of Anantara Resorts. A small luxury hotel in a secluded location.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru: Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru

Top class resort of the famous Four Seasons chain.
Royal Island Resort & Spa: Royal Island Resort & Spa

Very good level resort in the middle of Baa Atoll.
Soneva Fushi by Six Senses: Soneva Fushi by Six Senses

Six Senses' first resort in the Maldives. Pioneer of the barefoot luxury.
Coco Palm Dhunikolhu: Coco Palm Dhunikolhu

Very good hideaway in the remotest corner of Baa Atoll.
One & Only Reethi Rah: One & Only Reethi Rah

Perhaps the most luxurious resort in the Maldives.
Coco Palm Boduhithi: Coco Palm Boduhithi

The best resort of Coco Palm chain. Host of Miss France 2010.
Four Seasons Kuda Huraa: Four Seasons Kuda Huraa

One of first 5- star resorts in the Maldives. Recently renovated.
Gili Lankanfushi: Gili Lankanfushi

Eco and luxury water villas resort.
Hulhule Island Hotel: Hulhule Island Hotel

With its convenient location on the airport island of Hulhule, the Hotel is an ideal choice for those looking to be close to Male.
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Large wonderful lagoon for this fine resort just a few miles away from the airport.
Naladhu: Naladhu

On a tranquil palm-covered island, touching both a peaceful turquoise lagoon and a gently rolling open ocean.
Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa: Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa

Anantara Resort, spread over a duo of islands, offering superb facilities of pure indulgence.
Anantara Veli Resort & Spa: Anantara Veli Resort & Spa

Anantara Resort, spread over a duo of islands, offering superb facilities of pure indulgence.
Cocoa Island: Cocoa Island

Cocoa Island is a small, private island resort designed for those seeking an easygoing, foot-in-the-sand experience.
Constance Halaveli: Constance Halaveli

Five star resort of the Constance chain.
Constance Moofushi: Constance Moofushi

The newest resort of Constance chain. Ideal for divers.
Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island: Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island

Set in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, Conrad combines three distinct resorts on two islands, linked by a bridge.
Lux Maldives: Lux Maldives

For those seeking the ultimate in honeymoon destinations, this exclusive beach resort transforms romance into reality.
Vilu Reef Beach & Spa: Vilu Reef Beach & Spa

Vilu reef is endowed with lush green vegetation, tall coconut palms and surrounded by white sandy beaches.
Angsana Velavaru: Angsana Velavaru

The last addition to the Banyan Tree Group of resorts.
Villa Stella: Villa Stella

Private villa on the local island of Ribudhoo. Responsible tourism in the most genuine Maldivian contest.
Medhufushi Island Resort: Medhufushi Island Resort

This luxury resort offers premium class comfort with complete harmony to its exclusive tropical surroundings.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Hadahaa is set in the secluded North Huvadhoo Atoll, believed to be one of the largest natural atolls in the world.
South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area: South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area

Important Maldivian aggregation area for the whale shark, Rhincodon typus.
Hithaadhoo Natural Reserve: Hithaadhoo Natural Reserve

Most important roosting site for frigate birds in Maldives. High diversity of marine invertebrates. Turtle nesting area.
Olhugiri Natural Reserve: Olhugiri Natural Reserve

Regular roosting of frigate birds. Breeding red-billed tropic bird, nesting turtles.
Hurasdhoo Marine Reserve: Hurasdhoo Marine Reserve

Unusual geological coral reef formation. Unique vegetation. High diversity of marine invertebrates and fish.
Huraa Mangrove Natural Reserve: Huraa Mangrove Natural Reserve

Unique vegetation and a resting place for some protected birds. Ten species of mangrove plants are found in the area.
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Fushi Kandu Marine Reserve: Fushi Kandu Marine Reserve

White tip sharks, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and snappers.
Filitheyo Kandu Marine Reserve: Filitheyo Kandu Marine Reserve

White tip sharks, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and lionfish.
Hakuraa Thila Marine Reserve: Hakuraa Thila Marine Reserve

Eagle rays, grey reef sharks and caves, anemone garden and caves, bannerfish, jackfish and turtles.
Vattaru Kandu Marine Reserve: Vattaru Kandu Marine Reserve

Sharks, soft coral, mantas, sea turtles. High diversity of marine invertebrates and fish
Rangali Kandu Marine Reserve: Rangali Kandu Marine Reserve

A shallow plateau, 10m with a drop off going down to 40m. Manta point in the season from December to March.
Madivaru Thila Marine Reserve: Madivaru Thila Marine Reserve

Whale sharks, mantas, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, Napoleon wrasses.
Nassimo Thila Marine Reserve: Nassimo Thila Marine Reserve

Sharks, Napoleon wrasse, mantas, barracudas, eagle rays and nice soft coral formation.
Kuredhu Kanduolhi Marine Reserve: Kuredhu Kanduolhi Marine Reserve

Overhangs, soft corals, grey reef sharks and many pelagic fish. Home to globally endangered ornate eagle ray.
Dhigali Haa Marine Reserve: Dhigali Haa Marine Reserve

Abundance of red-encrusting coralline algae and nice colonies of digitate and branching acropora corals.
Vilingili Thila Marine Reserve: Vilingili Thila Marine Reserve

Fully live soft corals on the top plateau. It is a field of anemone in variety. Napoleon, red snappers, sting rays and barracuda.
Fushifaru Thila Marine Reserve: Fushifaru Thila Marine Reserve

Two manta cleaning stations.Numerous other fish and fish life.
Miyaru Kandu Marine Reserve: Miyaru Kandu Marine Reserve

Soft corals, large fish such as grey reef and white-tipped sharks. Occasional hammerhead and sail fish.
Kudarah Thila Marine Reserve: Kudarah Thila Marine Reserve

It is steep sided with great clefts, overhangs, caves and swim-throughs. Underwater scenery, bat fish.
Mushimasmigili Thila Marine Reserve: Mushimasmigili Thila Marine Reserve

Fish Head is a large isolated reef. Grey reef sharks can normally be seen at the top up-current end.
Orimas Thila Marine Reserve: Orimas Thila Marine Reserve

Underwater scenery, corals, soft corals, and sea anemones, small fish. White-tipped shark and turtle.
Mayaa Thila Marine Reserve: Mayaa Thila Marine Reserve

It is an isolated submerged reef lying in the center of northern Ari Atoll. Grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks, stonefish.
Shipyard: Shipyard

Exciting dive between two big wrecks. One fully submersed; the second positioned vertically with the prow out of water.
Erlangen Wreck: Erlangen Wreck

A dive in the history of this big wreck sunk in 1894. The prow is on the shallow reef, while the stern is much deeper.
Muthafushi Thila: Muthafushi Thila

It is an isolated reef standing up from a sandy bottom at 30m. Excellent corals; abundant fish and some gray reef sharks.
Guraidhoo Kandu Marine Reserve: Guraidhoo Kandu Marine Reserve

There are two great dives next to the local village of Guraidhoo: Guraidhoo Kandu and Kandhooma Thila. Both feature sharks.
Embudhoo Kandu Marine Reserve: Embudhoo Kandu Marine Reserve

There are many overhangs along the southern channel wall. Grey reef sharks (particularly in the northeast monsoon).
Madivaru Kandu (Rasdhoo): Madivaru Kandu (Rasdhoo)

Diving deep early in the morning for the encounter with the hammerhead shark. Rich marine life.
Bathala Beyru Thila: Bathala Beyru Thila

White tip sharks, grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasses, sea turtles, spotted sting rays and lionfish.
Maalhos Thila: Maalhos Thila

Exceptional isolated deep reef with overhangs rich of soft corals, yellow snappers and other fish.
Panettone & Thudufushi Thila: Panettone & Thudufushi Thila

Two colorful dives in the Thudufushi channel. Soft corals, rich marine life, overhangs and caves.
Broken Rock & Dhangethi Thila: Broken Rock & Dhangethi Thila

Two isolated reefs standing up from a sandy bottom. Sea fans, overhangs, caves, soft coral, and rich marine life.
Foththeyo Kandu: Foththeyo Kandu

Caves of very big yellow soft corals, pelagic fishes, especially tuna and sharks. Occasionally hammerhead sharks.
The Golden Wall: The Golden Wall

Long wall of yellow soft corals along the inner side of Liththolhu Kandu. Caves and overhangs.
Rakeedhoo Kandu: Rakeedhoo Kandu

Caves and overhangs of blue soft coral. Occasionally mantas, whale sharks, giant groupers and hammerhead sharks.
Mulaku Kandu: Mulaku Kandu

Unusual geological coral reef formation with caves and coral blocks fully covered by soft coral. Pelagic fish.
Gaahuraa Kandu: Gaahuraa Kandu

Spectacular narrow channel with soft coral caves, grey reef sharks and schools of barracudas and jackfish.
Muli Kandu: Muli Kandu

The large channel of Muli is the only pass of the area. Grey reef sharks and tunas, mantas in the southwest monsoon.
Olhugiri Kandu: Olhugiri Kandu

Large isolated reef in the middle of the channel very rich of marine fauna. Barracudas and jackfish schools.
Viligili Kandu: Viligili Kandu

Large concentration of grey reef sharks, white-tip sharks, jackfish and tunas.
Nilandhoo Kandu: Nilandhoo Kandu

Narrow channel with schools of pelagic fish. Grey reef sharks and occasionally hammerhead sharks and ocean sun fish.
Maarehaa Kandu: Maarehaa Kandu

Schools of eagle rays, grey reef sharks, white tip sharks, tunas, jackfish, and rich marine life.
Utheemu: Utheemu

The native island of the hero of the Maldives, Mohamed Thakurufaanu. A trip in the history of the country.
Dhangethi Cultural Center: Dhangethi Cultural Center

Colourfull local village with two majestic ficus benjamina in the center.
Fenfushi Mosque: Fenfushi Mosque

Visit to one of the oldest mosques of the country. Very fine coral stones carving.
Innafushi: Innafushi

Wonderful uninhabited island in the northern side of Goidhoo Atoll.
Meerufenfushi: Meerufenfushi

Small desert island next to many marine reserves and interesting diving sites in the center of Ari Atoll.
Kudadhiggaru Finolhu: Kudadhiggaru Finolhu

Twin sand-strips on the inner corners of Kuda Dhiggaru Kandu. Dolphins are common around the area.
Makunueri: Makunueri

Small desert island in the most remote corner of Faafu Atoll. A place for new Robinsons.
Raabandhihuraa: Raabandhihuraa

Isolated island in the northwestern corner of Meemu Atoll. Spectacular house reef.
Doores: Doores

New resort in the northwestern corner of Dhaalu Atoll. Just next to Villa Stella.
Bodufinolhu: Bodufinolhu

Large desert island on the corner of the northern pass of Laamu Atoll. Great beach and nice inner lagoon.
Maanaagalaa: Maanaagalaa

The first beautiful island where to stop on the way from Laamu to Huvadhoo Atoll. Unique house reef and wonderful beach.
Hanimadhoo Airport: Hanimadhoo Airport

Gate to the North of the country.
Kadhdhoo Airport: Kadhdhoo Airport

The only airport in the center atolls.
Kadhedhdhoo Airport: Kadhedhdhoo Airport

Gate to the large Huvadhoo Atoll.
Gan International Airport: Gan International Airport

The second International Airport of the country.
Sigiriya Lion's Rock: Sigiriya Lion's Rock

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is a large stone and ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in the centre of Sri Lanka's cutural triangle, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures.
Polonnaruwa: Polonnaruwa

Under King Parakramabu, Polonnaruwa became a magnificent walled city. He built monasteries, temples, palaces, bathing pools and Buddhist statues, all set in a forested park surrounded by moats.
Dambulla: Dambulla

Dambulla was designated a World Heritage site in 1991. The caves has a mixture of religious and secular painting and sculpture. There are several reclining Buddha's, including the 15m long sculpture of the dying Buddha in Cave 1.
Kandy: Kandy

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is famous for the Temple of the Tooth. Kandy Perahera is a must see show if one is visiting Kandy during July-August: more than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.
Anuradhapura: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura has been made royal capital by the king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree.
Newara Eliya: Newara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya was home away from home for the british colonialist in the 19th century. This city with an elevation of 1900 meters is the highest in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). The Nuwara Eliya golf links, is said to be one of the finest golf courses in the asia pacific region.
Horton Plains: Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park is undoubtedly one of the world's best nature reserves and eco tourism venues. It is characterised by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, covered in upper montane forest and wet patana grassland.
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo: Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

All water bungalows in this stylish resort a few miles away from the airport.
Baros Maldives: Baros Maldives

Stylish, eco-friendly retreat located on its own small circular tropical island
Vivanta by Taj: Vivanta by Taj

Vivanta by Taj is a hip, stylish, yet affordable resort
Yala National Park: Yala National Park

One of the premier eco tourism destinations, Yala plays a very important role of conservation of a large number of flora and fauna in the country. Yala is famed to be one of the parks which has the highest density of leopards in a single geographical area.
Willipattu National Park: Willipattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is the largest park of the island. Looking at fauna mammalian diversity and ecological densities are highest and also total of 31 species of mammals have been identified. In fact varied wildlife as such elephants, sloth bear, deer, and leopards, could be sighted.
Dutch Fort, Galle: Dutch Fort, Galle

Dutch Fort at Galle has the distinction of being the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. A living heritage site, this 90 hectare (222 acre) attraction is a superb blend of architecture, with fortifications that resemble those in the coastal areas of Portugal.
Wasgamuwa National Park: Wasgamuwa National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park is nearly totally encompassed by rivers.There are approximately 150 elephants residing in the Park, although are not confined to it’s borders and are often seen wandering across the protected corridor to the nearby Flood Plains National Park.
Asdu Finolhu: Asdu Finolhu

Small and wonderful sandstrip on the East side of Asdu Resort. A little jewel in a remote location.
Thulusdhoo: Thulusdhoo

Large local village with a natural harbour and the best surf breaks of the archipelago.
Kagi: Kagi

Small uninhabited island with a wonderful house reef.
Rihiveli Finolhu: Rihiveli Finolhu

Three wonderful sandstrips surrounded by turquoise waters and amazing corals in the South of the atoll.
Maabaidhoo & Fushi Kandu: Maabaidhoo & Fushi Kandu

Only two passes on the Eastern border of Laamu atoll, both rich of pelagic.
Velassaru Maldives: Velassaru Maldives

A few km away from the airport, Velassaru offers a fine ambiance and wonderful rooms.
Vashugiri: Vashugiri

Small desert island with a wonderful dive near by.
Maamigili Airport: Maamigili Airport

New domestic airport in South Ari Atoll which operates many daily flights to/from Male.
HP Reef: HP Reef

Spectacular drift dive with creeks and caves entirely covered by red and violet soft corals.
Kottey: Kottey

Unique vegetation and a resting and roosting place for most of the protected birds of Maldives.
Kudahuvadhoo Airport: Kudahuvadhoo Airport

New airport for an easier access to Dhaalu and the other Central atolls.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives: Hard Rock Hotel Maldives

A melody you can't shake, and a tropical experience you won't forget.
Huvafen Fushi: Huvafen Fushi

Endless seascapes. Timeless luxury. Huvafen is a secret haven in North Malé Atoll.
Tea Trails: Tea Trails
Colombo: Colombo
Sri Lanka Beach: Sri Lanka Beach
Kurumba Maldives: Kurumba Maldives

Just a 10-minute speedboat ride from the airport.