Overview
Unlike the Mediterranean, the Maldives has very few traditional marinas. Charters are based around Malé, the capital, with most boats — typically crewed catamarans — anchoring at sandbars, reefs, and resort islands rather than using marina berths.
Malé & Hulhumalé
Malé and the reclaimed island of Hulhumalé, beside the international airport, form the main hub. Charters provision and depart here. The transfer from the airport to your boat is quick, and most crews handle all logistics.
How charter works here
Because there are few marinas, the model is different: you board a fully provisioned, crewed catamaran and live aboard, moving between atolls and anchoring each night. Resort marinas exist but are private; most cruising is anchorage-to-anchorage.
Practicalities
Fuel and water are managed by the crew, often topped up at resort islands. Independent provisioning is limited, which is another reason crewed charter — with an onboard cook — dominates the Maldives.