Sun, sand and sea, an archipelago of ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands, huge lagoons with various depths and dazzling underwater coral gardens make this the ideal tropical holiday destination. More than just a destination for honeymooning lovebirds, a unique and varied wildlife offers plenty of excitement for nature lovers.
What’s Cool
Stunning beaches, uninhabited islands, diving waters with 50 meters visibility, fresh seafood, posh resorts, ocean bungalows on stilts, local Bodu Beru music and dance, great surfing, whale and dolphin watching, game fishing and submarine tours.
What’s Not
Sun, sun and more sun; expensive drinking water, booze and phone calls; rip-off cafés, canoodling honeymoon couples, everyone expecting a tip, locals soliciting to be your guide, pushy tourist shops in Malé and tsunamis.
Where to Go
Highlights
Malé: is surrounded by sea walls and boasts an old bazaar and the beautiful 17th century Friday Mosque.
Seenu (Addu Atoll): is the best base from which to visit traditional Maldivian island communities.
Reethi Rah: is an untouched and beautiful island on the northwest of the North Malé Atoll, offering traditional Maldivian-style living.
Nakatchafushi: boasts the country’s largest lagoon and lays claim to the title of the most photographed of all the islands.
Banana Reef: was one of the first dive sites of international fame and offers excellent snorkeling.
Makunudhoo Island: is famous for its excellent cuisine and outlandish prices.
When to Go
The Maldives have a hot, tropical climate with two monsoon seasons.
The southwest monsoon (May to September) brings rough seas and strong winds.
The northeast monsoon (December to April) sees clear skies, low humidity and very little rain.
The temperature rarely falls below 77°F and the best time to visit is November to April.
Festivals & Events
Maldives festivals are held according to the Islamic calendar and vary from year to year. Here are some of the best to get to.
Ramadan: is a month during which Muslims fast for 30 days.
Eid ul-Adha: is a time for pilgrimage to Mecca, while those who stay behind hold celebrations and feasts.
Kuda Eid: follows the end of Ramadan and is a period of feasting marked by a three-day public holiday.
July: Independence Day features drills and traditional dances performed by hundreds of schoolchildren in colorful attire.
Things to Do
Diving and snorkeling: are the main activities here, with excellent reefs and facilities.
Sightseeing: trips to fishing villages combined with a trip to an uninhabited island and a beach barbecue.
Boating: in traditional boats (dhoni) or speedboats for private hire.
Glass bottom boats: offer underwater sights for land rats.
Submarine tours: take you to 100 feet below the ocean and are a unique way to experience the marine life while keeping your feet dry.
Surfing: on North Malé’s atoll, which is gaining international repute for its waves.
Fishing: in the morning or at night ensuring you have some tales about the one that got away to tell your friends back at home.
Whale and dolphin watching: at one of the world’s top sites, with over 20 species visiting the islands.
Getting There
The main airport is just off Malé and inter-island travel can be done by air as well as by frequent ferry services. Local charter boats can also be easily hired. Few islands take more than 30 minutes to cross on foot, while Malé has some taxis for weary travelers.
Health & Safety
The Maldives are a very safe travel destination, although some petty crime has sprung up as a result of increasing drug use. Anything deemed mildly indecent, including alcohol and girlie magazines, will be confiscated on arrival, so don’t be surprised if you’re Sex in the City DVD collection gets mistaken as something a bit more hardcore. Try to avoid the midday sun unless you want to be mistaken for a crustacean that’s featured on the resort menu.