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Introduction to Maldives

History of Maldives

Snorkelers, Scuba divers and fishing enthusiasts will want to choose accommodation close to their interests to minimise travel time as much as possible: The Baa Atoll is well known to have some incredible reefs (known as gilis and thilas depending on how deep they are below the surface), and they are often visited by dolphins, turtles and rays. Some of these can be accessed using just snorkelling equipment, while others are deeper down and Scuba divers will enter a whole other world filled with diversity and brilliant colours.

The Ari Atoll is a favourite for big game fishing, though not the only place in the Maldives for those who want to travel even farther off the beaten track: The Mulaku Atoll and Huvadhu Atoll are also some excellent alternatives.

The Addu Atoll is the southernmost atoll in the Maldives, and most visitors coming here will do so for the spectacular diving opportunities around the reefs and at Villingili, the atoll’s only resort island, where the wreck of the BRITISH LOYALTY lies after it was scuttled in 1946.

The Maldives has numerous spa resorts, to give those with a focus on health and wellbeing a place to enjoy some pampering and achieve inner peace. Culture seekers who want to see the modern side of life on the islands before discovering its natural treasures will find many five-star hotels available close to Malé, whilst options thin out at farthest destinations to the north and south; booking early to avoid the summer rush is highly recommended.

Luxury yacht charters are a popular choice for those who want to see and do as much as possible during a visit to the Maldives: Sailing yachts such as catamarans provide excellent stability and have contemporary surroundings, plenty of sunbathing space on board, a selection of water toys just for your group and a chef and steward/stewardess amongst the crew for delectable meals that cater to all dietary requirements and first-class service along the way. When the adults in the group want some time to themselves to rest and recuperate, the crew will keep the little ones entertained, or for older kids there are plenty of films and usually the option of board games and a games console keep everyone satisfied.

The Baa Atoll is one popular destination where romantics can walk the white sand beaches hand-in-hand at sunset, or hike the lush island interiors as you listen to native birdsong in places such as Dharavandhoo. Head into the Hanifaru Marine Protected Area for encounters with manta rays, iconic clownfish and so much more at the amazing snorkel and Scuba diving sites. The Lhaviyani Atoll is a great alternative or addition to the Baa Atoll, and is renowned for its biodiversity where it is common to see sharks and mantas swim among schools of fish at the gilis and thilas or its greatest attraction, the two 40-year-old shipwrecks known as ‘The Shipyard’.

Another exceptional location to witness the Indian Ocean marine life is the Addu Atoll far to the south. Shark Point has been nicknamed the ‘Shark Hotel’ because of the grey reef sharks that visit in numbers, and Turtle Point, as one might expect, offers opportunities to get up close to Hawksbill and Green turtles. The coral-covered wreck of the BRITISH LOYALTY is also located in the atoll, where it’s possible for divers to swim through the hull. More experienced divers can go on night dives and drift dives, and even complete beginners can gain experience Scuba diving in shallow, clear conditions and be richly rewarded with their beautiful surroundings as they learn.

For some pampering while surrounded by colourful schools of fish, the spa services at Huvafen Underwater Spa on Huvafen Fushi cannot be beat. If however you want to remove the glass barrier between yourself and the wildlife, then there is an abundance of water sports and activities available at the resorts that will grant you close encounters and memorable moments swimming amongst amazing coral reefs. 

Tropical white sand beaches surrounded by cerulean waters is the first impression many have of the Maldives, yet nothing beats the reality of actually leaving footprints in those powdery soft sands. The Maldives is all about taking life at you own pace, free from distractions whilst enjoying all the indulgences of our time. Rest on sun loungers or in hammocks and catch up on your reading list before catching up with family and friends over lunch and refreshments. A quick nap in the shade will have you ready for an afternoon of water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, kiteboarding and even surfing in some locations where the waves are right. In many places, the shallows offer the perfect place for a snorkel or a swim, and deeper out there are exceptional Scuba diving sites designed for beginners through to advanced to create an engaging experience for everyone.

Bonefishing and deep sea fishing are popular sports in the region, and there are expert guides available for hire to take you to some of the best spots in the archipelago. The Mulaku Atoll is the place to be for those who love the challenge and reward that fishing brings. Cook up your catch on a beach side barbeque and served with a fresh salad and the perfect refreshments to bring out the natural flavours.

Back on land, Malé is a city of culture that has a cluster of museums, galleries, boutiques and cafes around Sultan Park, and a half-day walking tour is available to take in the best sights and learn about their history. Malé is the best place for shopping too; find souvenirs on the streets around the Republic Square and the Singapore Bazaar, which is the Maldives’ largest craft market.

Destinations such as the Addu Nature Park are a desirable place to go on a biking tour, taking in the scenery of the impressive Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands along the way.

Depending on what time of the year you head to the Maldives, the festivals might be in full swing and you’re welcome to join in the vibrant celebrations.

Laamu Atoll has a couple of dishes unique to this archipelago, one of the most common being Golha Riha. This is a fish ball curry made using reef fish, and is typically flavoured by the Maldivian curry paste Dhivehi Havaadhu as well as herbs and other spices. Rice or chapati is served as an accompaniment.

For dessert, ‘Naroh Falidah’ is made with breadfruit and jasmine water and dhiyaa hakuru, and is sometimes referred to as the Maldivian Doughnut by the international community due to the similar resemblance.

Addu Bon’di is often eaten as a snack or a dessert, and is made of sweetened coconut, jasmine or rose water, and sometimes dhiyaa hakuru.

The fruit of the Kashikeyo plant, also known as a screwpine, is used in a variety of desserts. One of the delicacies in Baa Eydhafushi is called Kashekiyo Foah, and is made by cooking the fruit into a pulp and adding scraped fresh coconut, jasmine water and sugar. Cornflour is then added to the mixture and heated until a dough forms, which is cooled and then rolled into small balls.

Visitors to Kulhudhuffushi in Haa Dhaalu Atoll might receive a gift to take back home: A crepe-like local delicacy made using water, rice, egg and sugar, and can be eaten on its own or with milk.

There is the option of hiking or biking tours on the inhabited islands and through the nature parks, while the untouched islands leave only the option for exploring on foot, leaving little trace of your presence behind.

Those willing to risk visiting during the monsoon season will find manta rays at the Hanifaru Marine Protected Area from June to November, and fishing enthusiasts have the best chance to catch big game between November and March. Surf season in the North Malé Atoll runs from April to October, while the southern atolls are best visited from February to April.

Holidays provide an opportunity to immerse yourselves in local festivities; however local attractions, banks and restaurants are likely to be closed on these days.

Although the Maldives has its own currency, the Maldivian Rufiyaa, USD is accepted in most destinations and often gives a slightly better price than using the Rufiyaa. Resorts will accept credit cards, however it is also useful to take cash, and this should be withdrawn in Malé before heading out to the sparsely populated atolls.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen for swimming in the sea; bottles tend to be on the smaller and more expensive side in the Maldives, and the price will soon mount up for a family of four or larger groups spending at least a week in the sunshine.

The Maldives grants all nationalities a free 30-day visa upon arrival, however overstaying will incur a substantial fee.

Visitors will find the cuisine a blend of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, with the creativity of the Maldivians using fresh local ingredients to make the recipes their own.

Traditional drumming and dancing known as ‘boduberu’ was brought by sailors from East African countries, and handicrafts such as weaving and carpentry have been a point of pride for the national identity, though in recent years these skills have been in decline as it is no longer possible to make a living from them and modern technology along with imported goods has created more efficient solutions in work and everyday life.

Weather in Maldives

The tropical climate of the Maldives provides ideal temperatures throughout the year, hovering around an average high of 28°C/82°F during the day and lows around 25°C/77°F. Humidity is kept low by the constant sea breezes, which also have a cooling effect that benefit those who want to spend as much time outdoors as possible throughout their visit.
Rainfall is highest from September through to December, although the Monsoon season is considered to run from May through to December. The sea temperature is a warm 29°C/84°F for most of the year, with temperatures dipping in December as the Monsoon season comes to an end.

The best time to visit is between the beginning of December and the end of February, when there are blue skies and low humidity with little chance of rain as temperatures drop at sundown.

MALDIVES WEATHER