Maldives: Land, Sea, Underwater adventures
- A Secret Retreats journey -
Grant is the captain onboard Soneva in Aqua and likes nothing more than showing guests that the best way to experience the Maldives in onboard the decks of Soneva In Aqua and connecting 2 Soneva Resorts.
All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.
Highlights of the Journey:
- 50 shades of Turquoise
- underwater safari
The Maldives is a nation of 1,192 islands spread across the equator in the Indian Ocean and grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. Its unique geography makes it a dreamlike destination, with reefs offering bands of color, tiny islets rimmed with white soft sand and clear shallow waters all around. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish, manta rays and whale sharks. This is this paradise that Soneva in Aqua makes you discover through a week of cruise from island to island.
Soneva in Aqua is without doubt the most beautifully designed sailing yacht in the Maldives, combining the sense of old-world charm with all modern comforts. The ultra-luxurious 23m yacht is ideal for up to four adults and two children, featuring two cabins, spacious decks and elegant interiors, including an on-deck Jacuzzi, dining areas, and glass-bottomed spa tub. In this itinerary, we propose you to sail to the fairytale-looking bays with crystal clear water and golden rocky walls, to the picture perfect small harbours, to uninhabited islands where only dolphins will be your company.
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Your Journey Day by Day
from 9,000 USD /night for 8 days / 7 nights
for a private charter (based on 4 adults – minimum of 4 nights).
With a possible extension at Soneva Fushi (pre/post cruise).
Day 1 : Soneva Fushi – Boarding Soneva in Aqua (-/L/D)
The yacht will be waiting for you are the resort’s pier.
Your Cruise Director will greet you while your luggage is transferred aboard your floating penthouse. You can enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a tour of the facilities aboard your home for the coming week. You will also meet the crew and receive a safety briefing for your stay with us.
Cruising for just over an hour to Turtle Reef. After snorkelling with these gentle creatures enjoy lunch before sailing for two hours (13 nautical miles) to the northern tip of the Baa Atoll to anchor off a remote sandbank. As the sun sets enjoy canapés and sparkling wine before four-course dinner served onboard, beneath the stars.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 2 : Cruise (B/L/D)
Wake up to freshly baked croissants, muffins, and coffee so good it could have been brewed by a barista. Choose from the selection of aquatic activities: stand-up paddle boarding to the sandbank, sustainable fishing, surfing the outer breaks, or snorkel the reef. Guests can then dine on board or have a picnic lunch on the sandbank before kayaking, skurfing, or fun-tubing the afternoon away. Unwind after a day in the Indian Ocean with a foot massage and cocktails, then end the night with dinner on board.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 3 : Cruise to Viligili Island (B/L/D)
Breakfast is served on board before exploring the underwater marine life with the SEABOB or head to the sandbank for snorkelling and sunbathing. We will lift anchor and cruise for three hours (20 nautical miles) to Viligili Island, lunch is served under sail, followed by a complimentary hour-long massage as we pass deserted islands and a mosaic of blue tones. We stop in a protected anchorage, followed by stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking to a deserted island. If the surf is good, guests can catch some waves with the surf instructor as the sun sets. Dinner will be served on board.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 4 : Cruise to Goidhoo Lagoon and Innafushi (B/L/D)
The Galley serves up breakfast on board before the crew gets hearts pumping with boom swings into the sea below, or our Surf Instructor can take guests to a well-known surfing spot nearby. We lift anchor to cruise to the tranquil waters of the Goidhoo Lagoon, just over three hours away (22 nautical miles). Lunch is served during the journey, with a choice between the Jacuzzi or a spa treatment afterwards. We anchor near the deserted Innafushi Island, which is surrounded by small sandbanks. Guests can snorkel to a sandbank to soak up the sun before dinner on board as the sun sets. End the night gazing up at the stars from the fly bridge, we can set up blankets if guests wish to sleep beneath the open sky!
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 5 : Cruise (B/L/D)
Stretch tired muscles and clear the mind ready with yoga on the deck before breakfast. We will then explore the island of Goidhoo with a hike to the freshwater lake to see the unique biodiversity of the area. Meet the locals and even play a friendly football match! Have lunch on board Soneva in Aqua before a spa treatment and then snorkel the Rose Garden to see the unique coral formations there. Afterwards guests can fish with a local fisherman who know all the best spots, or they can hunt for the lost treasure of the Corbin, a ship that met its demise off the coast of Innafushi more than 400 years ago while carrying a cargo of silver. Dinner will be served on-deck. If guests caught a fish during the day the Head Chef would be more than happy to prepare the catch of the day.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 6 : Cruise (B/L/D)
After breakfast on board, guests can snorkel with the manta rays that frequent the cleaning stations within the Goidhoo lagoon, they might even spot a whale shark. After lunch unwind with a massage before windsurfing across the lagoon or surfing the reef pass on perfect waves. Embrace the castaway life with dinner on a deserted sandbank with nothing but the stars overhead. Return to Soneva in Aqua to view the nocturnal marine life through the bottom of the glass-bottomed spa tub while enjoying a relaxing soak.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 7 : Cruise to Angafaru Lagoon (B/L/D)
Begin the day with sunrise yoga followed by breakfast on board, before taking to the seas on the reef Glider. With this experience guests can glide along behind the tender as though flying across the reefs without any effort whatsoever. Afterwards we lift anchor to cruise north to Angafaru Lagoon, lunch is served during the four-hour journey (30 nautical miles), and while under sail guests can use the trawling rods to catch tuna. Once we drop anchor in the lagoon it is time for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking to a sandbank for some relaxation in the sun. As the sun sets it is the perfect opportunity to go on a guided snorkelling trip to see the reef come to life by the light of the moon. Guests might be lucky enough to see the bioluminescent plankton that add a special kind of magic to the experience. Dinner is served on board.
HOTEL: Soneva in Aqua
Day 8 : Back to Soneva Fushi (B/L/-)
Wake up to the last breakfast on board Soneva in Aqua before cruising back to Soneva Fushi, approximately one hour away (6 nautical miles). We bid our guests farewell around 12:00 noon, before they return to their villa and are offered lunch on the island.
***END***
Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary
Maldives: Land, Sea, Underwater adventures
8 days / 7 nights
from 9,000 USD /night
for a private charter (based on 4 adults – minimum of 4 nights).
With a possible extension at Soneva Fushi (pre/post cruise).
The total price includes:
All meals and non-alcoholic drinks (4 course freshly prepared by our on board chef)
1hr guided snorkelling every day
1hr spa treatment every day / or 1hr yoga class on board or on a deserted island. (Spa therapist on board)
4hrs of cruising/day
Unlimited use of all non-motorised water sports equipment (Stand-up paddle boards, Kayak, surfboards and snorkelling equipment)
Fully customised experiences and itinerary.
The total price does not include:
International airfare, visa or airport tax fees
Excess baggage fees
Scuba diving certification fees
Premium wines and spirits
Crew gratuities
Medical insurance
Extra activities not mentioned in the program
This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Soneva.
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