Maldives
The Maldives, is an archipelagic state in the southern region of Asia. It is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka, and features a total of 1,192 coral islands scattered across 26 atolls, including close to 200 resort islands and 200 inhabited islands, there are plenty of places to explore in the Maldives. Despite the numerous options, most visitors choose to lounge at their resort, where restaurants, bars, boutiques and activity centers abound.
The majestic turquoise water, colourful coral reefs, serene islands, and unique flora and fauna of the region attracts thousands of visitors from all corners of the world. In addition to its majestic natural beauty, many tourists visit the Maldives to witness its local culture, traditions, history, and religious side. Maldives is also home to some of the most wonderful island resorts and hotels, making it an excellent honeymoon destination.
Water villas (overwater suites) are one of the most romantic accommodation options, particularly amongst the couples who come for the honeymoon. Others prefer having a beach villa with their own slice of private shoreline.
The islands and beachside experiences account for the majority of the tourist attractions in the Maldives. Besides that, tourists also visit Maldives to check out famous religious sites, historic landmarks, and cultural festivals in the region. It include the Tsunami Monument, the Grand Friday Mosque, Independence Day, Utheemu Ganduvaru, etc.
The availability of adventure activities has massively influenced the country’s tourism aspect. Practically every island has a spa and a water sports center offering experiences like Jet Skiing or kayaking, scuba diving, dolphin spotting, parasailing etc. and almost every resort has a “house reef,” where you can snorkel through the clear water and admire the coral reefs from above. For a more relaxed experience, tourists can opt for fishing or shopping in the region. The country is also known for its excellent seafood and signature style of cooking. Partying in the Maldives is also one of its main charms and draws the interest of international visitors.
Those staying at guesthouses will be able to take advantage of excursions and activities, too. It’s also easier to island-hop via public ferries and speedboats when you’re staying at a guesthouse.
Maldives Beaches
Many tourist come to the Maldives solely to relax on the beach – and for good reason. The white sandy beaches and turquoise green water – practically make for the perfect beach vacation backdrop. Every resort island has at least one beach with lounge chairs or salas to relax on. Most also have a “house reef” where you can cool off and admire the marine life.
Some resorts that boast notably beautiful beaches include:
1. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
2. COMO Cocoa Island
3. Fihalhohi Island Resort
4. Dhawa Ihuru
5. Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives
Some resorts and guesthouses offer trips to sandbanks – tiny beaches in the middle of the ocean – if there’s one nearby.
The beach scenes in the Maldives are hard to describe, their beauty is unparalleled. They were particularly taken by the powdered sugar-like sand of the natural beaches, which is made from soft white coral sand.
In addition to lounging around, another big attraction is the abundance of water sports activities in the Maldives. Windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kite-boarding, banana boats and surfing are just a few popular options. Many resorts offer games like beach volleyball for visitors to enjoy, as well as special experiences like private dining on the sand.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The Maldives makes for a great environment for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Many resorts feature a house reef (a coral reef easily accessible from shore), while most also offer snorkeling excursions where a boat and tour operator transport you to even more vibrant reefs around the atoll. Most resorts and many inhabited islands have a dive center, so beginner and seasoned scuba divers alike can enjoy dive trips.
North Male Atoll
North Male atoll, also known as Kaafu Atoll, is where you’ll find the international airport, the capital city, plenty of popular dive sites, several guesthouse & resorts.
A lot of people incorrectly refer to Velana International Airport as “Male airport”, but it’s actually located on an island called Hulhule, which is adjacent to Male. Most visitors don’t ever set foot in Male, and are instead whisked from Hulhule straight to their resort or guesthouse.
Banana Reef
It’s a vibrant site located in the North Male Atoll is popular with divers and snorkelers alike. Its name comes from the curved shape of the reef when seen from above.
To get to Banana Reef, book a diving or snorkeling excursion in Male, Hulhumale or Villingili.
The Banana Reef is located only 15 minutes by speedboat from Hulhumale.
Water Sports
Manta Rays & Whale Sharks @ Hanifaru Bay
Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve was created in recognition of the incredible biodiversity of the underwater ecosystem, and Hanifaru Bay is the jewel in this atoll’s crown. It is a monitored snorkeling site that’s renowned for attracting exceptionally high numbers of manta rays.
In peak season, there could be as many as 100 mantas, plus maybe even several whale sharks feeding there. Hanifaru is one of the only places in the world where so many mantas and whale sharks aggregate in such unusually high numbers.
From November to April, manta rays and whale sharks migrate to feed on the western side of the atolls, then from May to December they can be found on the eastern side of the atolls. The most famous hubs for successful sightings in April to November are Hanifaru Bay (a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll), while Maamigili in South Ari Atoll is the most popular site to spot them from December to April. Hanifaru Bay has a ticketing system to limit visitor numbers and the impact on the ecosystem. You are only allowed to snorkel there (no diving).
Maafushi
Cultural Experience
Influenced by sailors, traders and other explorers from different parts of the world, over a period of more than 2,500 years, the Maldives is a melting pot of cultures.
Here, you can see evidence of the Maldives’ fascinating past through a number of authentic cultural experiences.
The highlights include Boduberu or “big drum;” a form of traditional drumming and dancing. Bandiya Jehun is a folk dance with some similarities to an Indian pot dance. Storytellers sometimes share folklore, such as the tragic love story or the story of the Maldives conversion to Islam.
The craftsmen of Thulhaadhoo in Baa Atoll are the most renowned for lacquer work. It’s an ancient technique
that’s thought to originate from China.
The most fascinating authentic culture of Maldives are the goldsmiths of Rinbudhoo, Fulidhoo’s Boduberu players and Thulhaadhoo for lacquerware.
Resorts & guesthouses often invite local artisans and dancers to give demonstrations. Some of the most authentic ones include Four Seasons and Soneva Fushi.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April :
It is the best time to visit the Maldives . The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C.
January to April
These are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts.
May to December:
Temperatures are still warm during this period, but rain is more likely and there is a risk of storms. However, even during this period there are usually long spells of bright sunshine. Attractive prices and offers mean this is still a common time to visit.