Alex Untola
With sunny skies and idyllic landscapes the Maldivian archipelago is perfect for every type of boating activity imaginable. Here are some of the top boat bound activities the country has to offer.
Tipped to be one of the most relaxing and rewarding boating activities in the Maldives sailing is a popular past time among seasoned visitors to the archipelago. Catamaran sailing excursions are also available through tour operators such as K1 Top Cat while Hobbie Cat sailing packages are also available. Those who have little or no experience in sailing can hire a catamaran or yacht with a skipper while seasoned deckhands can simply reserve a sailing boat for several hours.
Regarded as one of the best personal boating activities available for adrenalin junkies and high speed fanatics nothing quite compares to gliding across the water on an ultra fast Yamaha WaveRunner. With vast oceanscapes at every turn the paradise archipelago is the ideal venue to let lose among the waves on a motor powered machine made for wave riding. Guided Jet Ski packages are also available for inexperienced riders and couples who wish to discover the thrill of a ride minus the risk of accidents.
Often described as one of the most exciting water based activities available in the Maldives, windsurfers of all ages can hit the waves of the paradise isles to enjoy the adventure of a lifetime. Vessels such as the Adventure Island Hobie range are available through windsurfing academies and gear rentals in the country while those with a flair for acrobatics can strap a sailing kite and fly across the waves as well.
Offering breathtaking views of the Maldivian islands and its pristine natural environment parasailing is another engaging activity available to curious sprits vacationing in the paradise isles. Accessible on the beach and near lagoons and resort isles parasailing is a sport that can be enjoyed by those who dare.
Allowing visitors the luxury of discovering the beauty and majesty of the Maldivian isles at their own pace kayaking tours are also widely available in the resort isles of the archipelago. Meandering along the waterways and lagoons of the islands visitors can experience the joys of kayaking on a traditional oceanic kayak or the immensely popular glass kayaks which affords views of marine life beneath the vessel.
Another water sports activity popular among seasoned visitors to the islands is of course water skiing. Propelled along the waves by the power of speedboats such as Gulfcraft Swan 20 with engines that can generate 150-horsepower speeds water-skiers can expect the thrills and spills rarely experienced on resort havens. Those who wish to take up the sport and learn the basics of wakeboarding and waterskiing can also take lessons from resort instructors and private institutions.
If one is fortunate enough to stay at an establishment that specializes in nearly all the water sports Maldives has on offer such as the Anantara Veli, Maldives the boating activities' on offer can truly seem endless. The Water Sports Centre at Anantara not only provided lessons and equipment to engage in boating activities such as sea kayaking and sailing but also offer private charter vessel rentals and a stunning lagoon on which most if not all of these activities can be practiced before heading off to open waters.
