Currently exploring the countless islands of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean is the 136-metre superyacht Flying Fox.

The largest motor yacht available for charter in the world has been spotted in the Maldives, according to Superyacht Times.

When did the Flying Fox arrive?

It’s not clear when the Flying Fox arrived in the Maldives or who chartered it.

In late March, the Maldives enforced a blanket suspension of on-arrival visa in a bid to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

All international airlines have since suspended scheduled operations to the Maldives.

Even before the visa suspension, the Maldives had closed its borders to arrivals from some of the worst-hit countries.

Cruise ships and foreign yachts were also banned from docking at any of the country’s ports.

But the Maldives has since relaxed the border restrictions, introducing a special entry visa for resort owners, investors and diplomats.

So, could it be that the Flying Fox is just riding out the pandemic, cruising the waters of the Maldives? Or, did the VIP that chartered the superyacht get a special permit?

A look at the Flying Fox

Part of Monaco-based Imperial’s fleet of charter yachts, the mammoth measures a staggering 466 feet in length and nearly 74 feet in width.

Built by German yacht maker Lürssen and delivered in 2019, the vessel lays claim to the 14th largest interior in the world, according to Superyacht Times.

That ample space provides room for 22 guests and a crew of 54. It also holds 11 staterooms, including a private master suite on the top deck with its own jacuzzi, and a number of VIP suites with terraces and ensuite bathrooms.

Elsewhere, the tastefully appointed Mark Berryman–designed bar area includes a two-storey saloon, a wooden fireplace, a huge dining table with enough room for every guest and a movie theatre with state-of-the-art A/V capabilities.

The boat’s self-proclaimed “curvy and extraordinary” exterior, which was designed by Espen Øino, includes a 39-foot swimming pool, an extra-wide swim platform, beach club, on-deck jacuzzi and sundeck, not to mention a beauty salon and barbecue area.

There’s also a 13,000-square-foot spa that offers a hammam, sauna, massage area and a gym.

And just for kicks, the yacht also boasts not one but two helipads — because you never know who might be flying in for a visit.

Should you get antsy on the vast deck, no need to get cabin fever. The Flying Fox has a small fleet of nine tenders, a professional dive centre and a plethora of recreational toys, including four Sea-Doo jet skis, four Seabobs, kayaks, paddleboards and four Vespa GTS Super 300s in case you need to explore any nearby islands.

Despite its gargantuan size, the boat is no slouch when it comes to performance, either. According to Imperial, the superyacht is capable of a top speed of 20 knots and cruises at 15 knots.

Cover photo: Zidhan Ibrahim. Rest of the photos sourced from Imperial.