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At a glance
Scattered like glitter in the turquoise Indian Ocean, over a thousand tiny coral islands make up the Maldives, where everyone's an island castaway. Lacy coral reefs, jewel-coloured fishes and talcum powder sands: we promise you'll never see anywhere as beautiful as this.
What's best for you?
Things to do
Memorable moment...
Discover a tropical underwater world, snorkelling in lagoons filled with beautiful exotic fishes and exquisite coral reefs, as the sun warms the turquoise waters.
Things to do
With over a thousand tiny islands to explore, in 26 atolls, uncover their unique identities with boat trips. Snorkel and scuba dive around coral reefs, with trips available for beginners and experts. Try watersports and deep sea fishing or take leisurely dhoni boat trips to secluded beaches. From some islands you can visit the capital island, Male, to explore the Friday Mosque and markets.Beaches
The beaches here are amazing, with soft white sands making them paradise for sunbathers. The clear blue water is incredible too, where you can swim, snorkel or go scuba-diving.
Each resort has its own beach and on many of them you can walk on the beach all the way around the island.
Watersports can be found on most beaches as can excursions to other islands, like Male. One of the best sights from the beach has to be the stunning sunsets though, very romantic.
Explore your destination
Male Excursion
Most resorts are within a two hour transfer from Male and regular trips are made to this capital city, not only to shop but also to explore. There is a colourful local market to browse and streets are lined with souvenir shops, government buildings and places of cultural interest. Make your own way around or join an organised tour to get the most from your day out. Please note: not available from Kuredu, Vilamendhoo or Meedhupparu Island resorts.
Island Hopping
On this popular excursion you can discover the unique identity of the resort islands, uninhabited islands and fishing islands, with their local houses, and gain a fascinating insight into Maldivian lifestyles and traditions.
Scuba-Diving
There are scuba-diving schools on every resort island and courses are available locally, for both beginners and experienced divers. All equipment is available for hire. Prices vary depending on your chosen course and resort. Please check your travel insurance covers you fully for scuba-diving before you leave, as it's generally excluded from standard policies and must be covered by taking out a 'top up' policy.
Highlights
- Lazing the day away on soft, powdery, white sands; the beaches here are the greatest on Earth, ideal for catching some rays and watching the sunset on holiday in the Maldives.
- Making a splash on your Maldives holiday, where there's plenty of watersports on offer, with sailing and windsurfing being the most popular ways to get wet.
- Sharing a kiss with someone special in beautiful surroundings, you can take a catamaran or boat excursion around the islands if you're being a Casanova.
- Diving into the amazing sea, where there's a whole world of beautiful marine life to be discovered and some islands even have their own house reefs to explore.
- Visiting the capital city of Male, a busy and bustling island, which has plenty of shops and markets to browse.
- Taking to the sky and see the Maldives in all its glory, getting some amazing photos, as you fly on a seaplane over the gorgeous blue sea and speckles of sandy shores.
- Catching fish on a fun night-fishing trip on a dhoni, during your holiday in the Maldives.
- Jumping from island to island on an island hopping tour, discovering local fishing villages and traditional Maldivian life.
- Checking out the attractions and historical sights on the capital island of Male including, The Tomb of Mohammed Thakurufaanu and the National Museum, or chill out in Saltan's Park.
Food and drink
Coconuts are widely grown and available in the Maldives as are mangoes, pineapples and papayas. Fish is extremely popular too and is eaten with rice, which is a major part of the Maldivian diet.
Fish curry is a popular dish, although chicken and other meat is sometimes eaten too. If you like Indian food, you're in for a treat as the Maldivian curries are quite similar and can be pretty hot and spicy.
You can't drink alcohol outside of the resorts, except at the airport bar and on safari boats when the boat is outside of the port. Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits are available at most resorts.
Evening Flavour
Most resorts have entertainment in the evenings, which may include dancing, folklore shows and even Sri Lankan fire dancers. Night fishing is also available in some resorts and is well worth trying out.
Male is lively in the evenings with people filling the late night cafes and shopping. There's no clubs, bars or alcohol, so it may not be a partygoers dream, but still makes for a good night out.
Shopping
Some resorts have hotel-based shops selling gifts, but if you're looking for more variety you'll need to pay a visit to Male. Here, you'll find souvenirs, clothes and gifts, as well as some locally produced crafts, though much of the work is imported from India and Sri Lanka.
Lacquer work, jewellery, woodcarving and music is also available in Male and there's some good duty free shops at the airport too, where you can pick up some bargains to take home from your Maldives holiday.
Fact File
Information
Language: Dhivehi (English is widely spoken). Currency: Rufiyas. Standard GMT: + 5 hrs. High Commission of Maldives: 22 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5NF. Tel: 020 7224 2135. www.visitmaldives.com. For essential information on visas, departure taxes, vaccinations, transfers and other issues please click on 'info' at the top of the page.
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