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The Complete Guide To Visiting The Maldives

October 10, 2021

The Complete Guide To Visiting The Maldives: From the Maldives, you need to bring peace of mind and T-shirts with the saying “No news, no shoes”. Shoes are not really needed here. The snow-white sand, soft and tender, embraces all 1200 islets of the archipelago in a wide strip. To get around any of them, you only need some 20-40 minutes of a leisurely pace. News, especially from TV, does not get along at all under the thatched roofs of local bungalows. Therefore, it is easy to find peace in these parts. The main thing is to follow a simple daily routine: alternate sunscreen with aromatic oils in the spa, cocktails on the shore with candlelit dinners, floundering in the warm ocean with walks to uninhabited islands.

The islands of the Maldives are like stars in the sky overhead: there are hundreds of them, they are scattered in random order, and most of them are completely unexplored. But those that are known are working out their heavenly appearance in full – the islands have been turned into luxurious and expensive resorts, where a week of rest sometimes costs a fortune. Get ready for the fact that 24 hours a day you will hear the sound of waves – hotels “on the second line” in this country do not exist as a class. Some of the islands are so small that you can walk around them in just half an hour. Villas, bungalows, and cottages in the Maldives – for every taste: if you want – on the coast in the thickets of coconuts and with a personal mini-beach, if you want – with a glass floor right above the coral-emerald ocean depths. One island – one hotel. Read about the details of living in the Maldives at the information desk.

There are two dozen atolls in the Maldives, and less than half of them are inhabited. The main atoll in North Male, where the capital of the country is located, an international airport called “Hulule” (the runway takes up an entire island – an amazing sight when landing), as well as a lot of hotels. The second most popular among tourists (especially those who go on vacation with children) is South Male Atoll – you can get to it by boat from the airport in a matter of minutes. The question of the origin of the Maldives is still open. Local atolls consist of many islets. The theory that the islands are part of the rim of the craters of exploding volcanoes (which is applicable to most of the world’s atolls) is only a guess. For example, the giant North Male atoll, when viewed from above, does not at all resemble the crater of a former volcano – and in size, and in shape. Therefore, another theory of the emergence of the Maldives, associated with faults and shifts of oceanic plates, is a little more like the truth.

There are few activities – what to hide – in this beach paradise. Endless sunbathing here alternates with diving (for it you need to go to the Ari, Vaavu, Addu, and Haa Alif atolls, although scuba diving is organized on almost all the islands), windsurfing, and yachting (usually combined with fishing). An additional “option” in the list of vacation cases appears for those who are going to get married. You can get married in the Maldives almost anywhere – in a dense grove of palm trees, on the beach at sunset, and right under the water. The main thing is to notify the hotel of your intention in advance. Everything else is the work of the Maldivians. It is not in vain that they regularly win international awards in the nominations “The most romantic destination” and “The best country for a honeymoon. “

Places to visit in the Maldives

Addu Atoll

The southernmost islands of the Maldives. During World War II, there was a British Air Force base here, and from it on Addu (another name for the atoll – Seenu), there are bulk dams connecting several islands, and English, which the locals are fluent in.

Colonial legacy

In 1956, the British moved their naval base from Sri Lanka to Addu, and along with it, good roads and other infrastructure appeared here. And although more than three decades have passed since the departure of the British, the locals who speak impeccable English and the elusive colonial charm remain Addu’s trademark.
The most important sights of Addu Atoll are the only freshwater lake in the Maldives with winter quarters of rare birds and living corals almost at the ocean surface (on other atolls, corals at shallow depths almost all died due to sharp warming of the water).

Gan Island (Addu Atoll)

The spacious and green island of Gan was once the home of a British naval base. Today, thanks to the system of dams and bridges left from those times, in Ghana you can not sit in the “golden age” of a luxury hotel, but explore the surroundings on your own. For example, go to the islands of Feydhoo, Maradhoo, and Hithadoo, which are part of the atoll, on mopeds (rental price – $ 25 for 6 hours) or bicycles, stopping along the way in local villages for a fish curry.
Diving in Ghana is very good, two places are especially popular – Drop Offs (caves) and Wrack (endless fields of coral).
There are as many as two three-star hotels in Ghana (a truly unique case for this country). The first is one of the most democratic hotels in the Maldives Equator Village (everyone who comes here on vacation is issued a certificate of crossing the equator!), The second is J Resort Handhufushi. And although prices for a double room in both hotels start at $ 120 – by Maldivian standards, it is practically free. The third local resort is the Shangri-La Maldives Resort & Spa, an international luxury resort chain.

You can get to the island of Gan by seaplane from Male in 1.5 hours.

Diving on Addu

Addu Atoll is famous among divers for the most interesting coral communities that survived the massive epidemic of 1998. In the vicinity of the atoll, there are amazing table, brain-like and branchy corals, whose age can reach several hundred years.

A British oil tanker was sunk near the entrance to the atoll’s bay in 1944. Today, this coral-covered boat, lying at depths of 16 to 33 meters, is a favorite diving site for scuba divers who come to Addu. In the northern part of the atoll, there is a diving spot called “Shark Hotel” – here you can always see reef sharks basking in the water penetrated by the sun rays. On the island of Gan, there is a small diving center Riverland, where you can rent the necessary equipment and enlist the support of an experienced instructor.

by the way, From Addu Atoll, it is convenient to take a boat trip to the strange and mysterious island of Fuamulaku with a mosque, the ruins of an ancient temple, and an abundance of mangoes, oranges, and pineapples. They say that people on this island live for a long time and hardly get sick (at least the locals firmly believe in this).

Faafu Atoll

Faafu Atoll unites two dozen islands, of which only five are inhabited, and only one is equipped to receive tourists – Fileitio. The interior of the atoll, filled with colorful coral reefs, is a great spot for diving and surfing. Like most of the southern atolls, Faafu was opened to tourists only at the end of 1999, so the nature here is still untouched, and the sand on the beaches is really snow-white. The only hotel on the atoll bears the name of the island on which it is built – Filitheyo Island Resort.

Island Nylandu (Nilandhoo Island)

A small island in the Faafu Atoll is famous for being the second oldest mosque in the Maldives. The Ansari Mosque (Aasaari Miskiiy) was built during the reign of Sultan Muhammad ibn Abdullah in the 12th century. The structure is built of stone and decorated with intricate wood carvings inside. However, the mosque is not the oldest building on Nilandu Island. The famous traveler and explorer Thor Heyerdahl discovered the remains of an extinct civilization here. The ruins of the mysterious pagan and Hindu sanctuaries on Nilandu still remain practically unexplored.

Diving on Faafu

The atoll has two good diving spots. First, Filiteyo Reef (Filitheyo Reef), is the site of a marine reserve. The coral reef stretching deep into the depths with wide steps is densely populated with various fish and other sea creatures. The second dive site Faafu due to its appearance called “Two Brothers» (of Two Brothers). Two coral columns sticking out in the middle of a narrow strait are a favorite habitat for sea turtles and underwater inhabitants of more modest size.

Dhaalu Atoll

Unlike most of the Maldivian atolls, Dhaalu is rich not only in nature but also in historical sights. In the capital of the atoll, on the island of Kudahuvandhoo, the famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl once participated in archaeological excavations and left on the trail of civilization unknown to science.

Ribundhoo Island is famous for a whole village of jewelers – despite the fact that there were no gold deposits in the Maldives. According to one version, the natives had to master a profession so original by local standards after a merchant ship with a cargo of yellow metal wrecked right on their shores. Jewelers also live on the neighboring island of Hulhudheli, but their specialization is silver and skillful carving of coral, mother of pearl, and other seafood.

Seafarers have always considered the reefs around Daalu to be very dangerous. In addition to the aforementioned “gold-bearing” galleon, in the depths around the atoll lie the remains of ships from different eras, which have become popular objects for wreck diving. In addition to the sunken ships, Daalu also boasts “traditional” spots. Fushi Kandu Marine Reserve is home to the whitetip reef shark family, while Macro Spot’s shallow coral bay will appeal to novice scuba divers and underwater photography enthusiasts.

The Sun International Diving School operates on Daalu. You can stay on the atoll in two resorts – the chic Angsana Velavaru and the small cozy Vilu Reef.

Dhaalu Atoll is 120 kilometers from Male International Airport. The seaplane covers this distance in 30 minutes.

Bandos Maldives

Night fishing is very popular among guests of the Maldivian resorts, as evening entertainment in local hotels is not very diverse. Such a boat trip will appeal not only to fishermen – after all, the view of the night open ocean is unforgettable in itself.

Such excursions are regularly organized at the Bandos Island Resort and Spa, which is located on the islet of Bandos (North Male Atoll). At night, schools of fish come to feed closer to the reef, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking for potential trophies. The spinning rod is great for catching yellowfin tuna, bonito and barracuda. Local chefs will prepare the whole catch the next day for a small fee in the restaurant kitchen.

Night fishing usually takes place from the traditional wooden dhoni boats and lasts 2-3 hours. Such a pleasure costs $ 30-40 per person.

Whale watching

The Maldives is one of the five most popular whale and dolphin-watching destinations on Earth. More than twenty species and about a quarter of the entire world population of these mysterious marine mammals live here.

Whale and Dolphin Company is one of the firms that organize whale watching trips. Its founder is Dr. Charles Anderson, the author of several scientific books, who devoted most of his life to the study of marine life. His company organizes multi-day cruises, during which you can get up close and personal with dozens of inhabitants of the waters of the Indian Ocean – from bottlenose dolphins, blue whales, and sperm whales to beaked dolphins and killer whales.

Maldivian whales and dolphins have a clear daily routine: in the morning they swim closer to the atolls to feed, and in the evening they go out into the open ocean. This schedule allows many Maldivian resorts to arrange boat excursions for their guests “to visit” the dolphins. While nothing is 100 percent guaranteed in the wild, the chances of seeing whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in the Maldives are higher than anywhere else.

Fotteyo | Maldives

The giant Fotteyo Reef (located on the eastern side of Vaavu Atoll) is famous among divers around the world. This amazing system of underwater caves, tunnels, and grottoes is inhabited by a wide variety of marine life. Tuna, grouper, barracuda and even hammerhead sharks congregate here in the shade of colorful coral galleries, hiding from the bright daytime sun.

The uniqueness of the reef lies in the fact that its walls are covered with white soft corals. In combination with clear azure water and a sandy bottom, this looks especially impressive. However, sometimes red-violet corals can be found on Fotteyo, from which you should stay away – they are very fragile and can be damaged even with a light touch.
Diving to the reef is organized by dozens of diving centers operating in Maldivian hotels.

Ari Atoll

It is a large atoll with 26 resort islands. Far from Male – 100 km. Therefore, most often people get here not by boat (2 hours), but by seaplane – about half an hour. Of course, it is more expensive to fly, but the view of the islands is very beautiful.

The islands Alaveli, Macchafushi, Viligilivaru, Ellaidu, and Batala are most suitable for diving: there are very convenient approaches to coral reefs directly from the beaches (which, by the way, are gorgeous – snow-white sandy), there are no strong underwater currents and there are marine reserves very close. The most “beach” island of the Ari atoll is Angaga: a quarter of its territory is covered by bathing and sunbathing places.

Luxury resorts: Kudafoludu with a huge banyan tree, Rangali Finolu with Hilton (Hilton Maldives Resort & Spa – multiple winners of the title of the best hotel in the world) and one of the best diving schools in the Maldives, Nalaguraidu with the largest pool (why is he on the shore of the warmest ocean?) and Kuramati- already almost a “Russian” island: because of the relative budget of hotels, our compatriots loved to travel there, and they also contributed to the deterioration of Kuramati’s reputation: they complained about the theft of money and things from safes and rooms. Recently, Kuramathi was reorganized, from 3 hotels they made one – an expensive four-star Kuramathi Island Resort with full board, the hype around thefts has subsided, and those who were on the island recently were quite satisfied.

Todo Ostrov (Island Thoodoo)

A small island 15 kilometers from the northern tip of Ari Atoll is interesting mainly for the life of the aborigines. They are engaged in traditional crafts such as fishing and growing watermelons, and some locals tour Maldivian resorts with a folk dance program. Recently, a Buddhist temple more than two thousand years old was discovered on the island, but the most valuable parts of the find were taken to the National Museum in Male. There are no hotels on Todo, and you can get here only as part of organized excursions.

Diving on Ari

The fame of Ari Atoll as a diving site has long spread throughout the world. Some of its resorts are actually entire diving stations. The medical center on Kuramati Island is equipped with a decompression chamber and has a staff of qualified doctors in case of unexpected events. Fans of underwater walks are attracted to Ari by the diversity of the local underwater world, the abundance of large fish such as rays or sharks, as well as the opportunity to go wreck-diving near the remains of sunken ships.

The most popular diving spots are Hammerhead Point in Rashdu Atoll, famous for its hammerhead shark population and exceptional water clarity, and the coral-covered fishing trawler Fesdu Wreck, parts of which lie at a depth of 18 to 30 meters.

South Male Atoll

It is very popular for its proximity to the capital (only 15 km from the airport), especially with families with small children: no transit overnight in Male while waiting for a transfer and no delays in returning. But newlyweds and romantic couples who want privacy and quietness may not like it here.

Attractions include ocean reserves with corals, starfish, and underwater caves. It is better not to enter the caves without an instructor-diver: at best, bites and burns will remain.

There is also the island of Kudahuvadhoo, famous for its mysterious embankment – habitats. These are the remains of some incomprehensible walls, the stones in which are fitted with amazing accuracy. Archaeologists have not worked here yet, so there are only versions and assumptions. Maybe it’s the ruins of a Buddhist temple. When Thor Heyerdahl saw them at one time, he was delighted and said that he had not seen such jewelry precision in the laying of stones even at the Inca wall in Peru.

Surfers have chosen the island of Kanduma: there are big waves, especially in the rainy season.

Of the hotels, the most talked about is Adaaran Club Rannalhi.

Haa Alif Atoll

The atoll at the northern tip of the Maldivian archipelago is a good place to escape the hustle and bustle of nature. The first hotel opened here in 2005. This is the Island Hideaway luxury boutique resort, whose luxury cottages are finished with precious onyx and noble teak. In addition to him, the island has two more five-star resorts – Cinnamon Island Alidhoo and The Beach House at Manafar.

The most remote from civilization, Haa Alif is famous for its diving spots and places for a real underwater safari. Literally a couple of tens of meters from the shore, right between the “chicken legs” of your bungalow, you can see sea turtles, manta rays, moray eels, reef sharks, and other inhabitants of coral reefs. Every hotel room is equipped with masks, snorkels, and fins for snorkeling on Haa Alif, and the local diving center Meridis Diving School supplies guests with more serious equipment for scuba diving.

All hotels organize sea fishing for their guests, on which it is quite common to catch a ten-kilo tuna or two-meter marlin. The catch is prepared for free in the restaurant kitchen right after returning from the “hunt”.

How to get there: About an hour by seaplane from Hulule International Airport in Male, and then 20-40 minutes by boat to the selected hotel.

Raa Atoll

Raa Atoll, lying to the north of Male, was recently included in the tourist area, therefore, it is intensively overgrown with new buildings and enmeshed with routes for sea safari and fishing. The waters around the atoll are literally teeming with commercial fish. Avid anglers can easily catch huge tunas, barracudas, reef sharks, and perches here.

The only hotel on the atoll is Meedhupparu Island Resort. Its green territory is framed by white beaches, and the main contingent of guests are British and Germans. It features an Ayurveda wellness center and a Balinese spa.

North Male Atoll

On the main atoll of the Republic of Maldives is the capital of the same name – Male, as well as the main international airport called “Hulu”. The islands of North Male were among the first to receive tourists. There are now several dozen first-class resorts operating here, with a gigantic experience in receiving tourists.
pluses of central atolls

Perhaps the central atolls lack the atmosphere of unity with nature that is characteristic of the “wild” northern and southern islands of the Maldives. But the proximity to Male airport allows you to minimize the tedious transfer to hotels scattered across the Indian Ocean by seaplanes and boats. The hotels closest to the airport bring their clients “to their rooms” on amazing traditional wooden boats – dhoni. A quick transfer allows you to save not only time and effort but also a pretty impressive amount of money. And the opportunity to make an excursion to Male at any time adds at least a little variety to a sleepy beach vacation.

The island of Himmafushi, which is part of the atoll, is one large souvenir market where you can find cheap authentic souvenirs. And the islet of Dhiffushi is famous for its tropical fruit plantations.

There are over two dozen resorts in North Male, so there is plenty to choose from. Among them are relatively budget (by Maldivian standards) “four” like Club Faru with free snorkeling and excursions in Male, and confident “five” like Angsana Resort & Spa Ihuru Maldives.

The underwater world of the atoll has been diligently explored by diving enthusiasts. Diving sites here for every taste: for experienced scuba divers, and for beginners, and for those who want to get acquainted with giant manta rays and dive in underwater caves. There’s even your own marine reserve called “Banana Reef» (Banana Reef). And on the island of Meeru, there is a large and well-equipped diving center Ocean Pro Dive School.

Vaavu Atoll

Vaavu is two dozen small islets, of which only five are inhabited. The island population does not exceed two thousand people. This most sparsely populated atoll is considered one of the best diving spots in the Maldives. That there is only a huge underwater rock called Fotteio (it is covered with rare white corals), which often falls into all kinds of ratings of the most interesting diving spots in the world. In addition to Fotteyo, there are about thirty other decent places for snorkeling and scuba diving on Vaavu.

In addition to diving, Vaavu provides an insight into the daily life of Aboriginal people not yet employed in the tourism industry. For example, on the islands of Fulidhoo and Rakeedhoo, it is worth watching the locals build large wooden boats.

Hotels on Vaavu match the atoll – with a “diving” bias. For example, Alimatha Aquatic Resort includes windsurfing lessons in its wide bay at the price of accommodation and offers guests all the necessary equipment for diving and snorkeling (but for a fee).

Vaavu Atoll is located 65 kilometers south of Male, so getting here by speedboat or seaplane is not difficult.

Meemu Atoll

It is a lost atoll, whose coral reefs are a favorite habitat for reef sharks and sea turtles. Of the 35 Miimu islands, only nine are inhabited and only two are adapted to receive foreign guests. Meemu was discovered to tourists only in the late nineties, and this atoll is still an extremely quiet and little-explored corner of the Maldives.

There are two diving spots in the vicinity of the atoll. The first – “Shark language» (Shark’s a reply Tongue), which is due to its strong currents suitable for experienced divers only. In this place, at a depth of 20 meters, gray reef sharks gather. The second place, available for both beginner scuba divers and snorkeling fans, is called the Giant Clam. Here you can almost always see several giant sea turtles and gaze at the paradise bushes of bright anemones, algae, and corals.
There are two hotels on meemu: the five-star Medhufushi Island Resort, which many call one of the best resorts in the Maldives, and the more modest four-star Hakuraa Club.

Meemu Atoll is located 130 kilometers south of Male, and a seaplane transfer here will take about 40 minutes.

Big Game Fishing in Maldives

Fishing is a traditional and often the only way to get food for many residents of the Maldives because there is an endless ocean around the atolls. Almost all local resorts offer their guests to participate in sea fishing and feel like a real Maldivian fisherman.

In the Maldives, you can catch marlin, tuna, barracuda, sailfish, and sharks all year round. Various international fishing competitions, and caught record-breaking fish are recorded in a special ranking are held regularly by the International Association of Sport Fishing (- IGFA International Game Fishing Association). Usually, fish are caught from a sea boat or a small wooden boat – dhoni, whose crew is ten brave “sailors”. Such boats cannot go far into the open ocean and fish near coral reefs.

Freedom for the marlin!

All fish caught in the Maldives are considered the property of the fishermen – they are usually prepared upon return in the hotel kitchen or have a romantic BBQ party right on the beach. The exception is rare fish such as a sailboat or blue marlin – they are tagged and released back into the sea.

But at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, they decided to approach the issue of fishing with a truly “five-star” scale. Here at the Universal Big Game Fishing Center, there is a state-of-the-art fishing boat equipped with the latest technology. Shoals of fish at a depth are found by a special radar-echo sounder paired with a cunning apparatus for field reconnaissance. Further, it is already a matter of technology. Fish are caught with spinning and trawling.
The cost of renting such a fishing boat starts at $ 350 (for four fishermen and 4 hours of fishing).

Baa Atoll

The atoll is small, located an hour’s flight north of Male, and is famous for its underwater reefs, as well as the rescue of the 17th-century French navigator Francis Pirard after the wreck of his ship Corbin.

Here you can buy local souvenirs at manufacturer’s prices – colorful dishes and boxes “lielaa yehun”, and only on Baa vases from the Alexandria laurel (the islanders call it “Funa tree”) and national clothes “feliz” made of pure cotton are sold only on Baa.

On Baa, all hotels are five stars, but this is a gradation of travel agencies and not the real state of affairs. For example, in Coco Palm Resort and Spa the interior in the rooms is on the C grade: ugly tiles hastily knocked together furniture, shabby bathrooms. And in Royal Island – old equipment and there are no umbrellas on the beach. But the ocean and the sun are equally first-class everywhere.

Voyages Maldives

Feeling like a captain of the first rank in the Maldives is easier than ever. Some resorts arrange for their guests to go out to sea on a sailing catamaran or a traditional dhoni boat – with a captain or on their own. In a few hours or days of lessons (depending on the chosen program), you will be taught how to sail and understand navigation devices and will share other wisdom necessary to navigate a yacht. Standard rates for an hour of classes start at $ 40, for a day – from $ 150.

You can even give up the hospitality of luxury Maldivian hotels and spend the whole vacation onboard. Voyages Maldives Yacht Club owns a fleet of various boats, catamarans, and yachts and offers its clients both standard diving safaris and cruises to all the atolls of the Maldives. Such a trip is a great way to visit several islands at once and explore unexplored corners of the archipelago far from the resorts.

The minimum “crew” for such a cruise is four people (the cost of pleasure is from $ 350 per day for each member of the group). Service on Maldivian yachts is in no way inferior to five-star hotels: onboard you can find spas, restaurants, jacuzzis, and even 24-hour gyms. If we add to this the azure waters of the open ocean and the deserted beaches of uninhabited islands, it becomes clear why more and more travelers are moving from land to sea.

Lhaviyani Atoll

Another large and remote atoll from the Maldivian capital (120 km north of Male). The easiest way to get from Male is by seaplane, but you can also take a boat. The nature here is very beautiful – as, indeed, everywhere in the Maldives.

The most famous of the islets of Lhaviyani Atoll is Kuredu. There is a large Water Sports Center, on the basis of which you can swim with a snorkel, and take diving lessons at the Prodivers school, and go sailing, and catch the wind while riding windsurf.

Luxury hotel – One and Only Kanuhura. For luxury – increased rates. There are few Russian citizens.

Pasta Point

This is perhaps the best surfer spot in the Maldives, which was discovered back in the 70s by Australian Tony Hind. The surfer ended up on the tiny island of Chaaya Island, marveled at the waves here, after which he married a local aboriginal woman, started his own business, and stayed on the islands forever.

The village of Tari has long been transformed into a large resort called Chaaya Island Dhonveli. Most of the guests of the hotel ride here, although the “entrance” is open to anyone who has inquired about the dashing local waves. The main thing to keep in mind is that due to the small size of the island, there can be a limited number of people on it, so it is worthwhile to arrange a visit in advance through Atoll Travel.

Maldives Surfing – Waves of the Maldives

The surfing season in the Maldives is out of phase with the traditional resort season. “Beach” tourists and divers go to the atolls in winter, from November to April, when the sea is calm and there is no rain. And in summer, from May to October, strong winds bring high waves to the shores of the Maldives, which surfers hunt for. It is important to know that the local waves are only suitable for confident surfers and professionals. It is dangerous for beginners to ride here because of the abundance of sharp coral reefs. In addition, there is not a single school in the Maldives where they can help get up to surf.

Surfing in this country has a number of features. Firstly, the coasts of many resort islands, along with their waves, are closed to outsiders, and only hotel guests have the right to ride here. This applies, for example, to the Louis surf spots at the Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi or the Macaroni Bowl at the Tari Village Hotel. There are also quite exotic spots like “Jail Break” right on the coast of the prison island. The second feature of Maldivian surfing is the problem of moving from one spot to another. In fact, this can only be done by boat, since the strong currents in the straits between the islands do not allow you to swim across them on your own.

Water Sports in the Maldives

Windsurfing in the Maldives is possible at almost all resorts. For beginners – in quiet lagoons, for experienced athletes – right in the open ocean. The wind almost always blows, although the best season is from May to October. Sometimes lessons with a coach are initially included in the price, but most often you can try yourself in this sport for a fee (from $ 50 per lesson). A complete course for beginners, including a certificate, will cost $ 200-250.

Dozens of surf stations are scattered across the many islands of the Maldives. One of the largest local water sports centers – Sun Water Sport – has three branches. The first is on the Noonu Atoll, at the Hilton Maldives / Iru Fushi Resort & Spa. The second one is on Dhaalu Atoll, at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort. Finally, the third station is located at Haa Alif Atoll ( Waldorf Astoria Maldives hotel ).

The instructors of the center accept as pupils all comers aged 7 to 70 (!) Years and teach how to sail even those who are terribly far from sports. If you are indifferent to windsurfing, pay attention to sailing catamarans, which are also taught here to “go around”.

Diving School Prodivers

Almost all hotels in the Maldives have full-fledged diving centers equipped with the latest technology, with a staff of English-speaking and sometimes Russian-speaking instructors. In almost all centers, you can not only rent the necessary equipment or go for a diving safari, but also take training for one of the PADI certificates.

Providers is one of the largest diving centers in the country, with solid training experience and three affiliates spread across three different islands. The “headquarters” of the center is located on the Lhaviyani Atoll, at the four-star Kuredu Island Resort, from where it is convenient to drive to four dozen diving spots surrounding the atoll. The training options are different – both for beginners who saw diving equipment for the first time in their lives and for experienced scuba divers who want to swim with stingrays and turtles, as well as do professional photography underwater.

Other branches of the school are located in South Ari Atoll (Vakarufalhi Island Resort) and on Komandoo Island in the northwestern part of Laviani Atoll (Komandoo Island Resort).

What is a diving safari?

Dozens of centers in the Maldives organize so-called diving safaris. These are daily boat cruises to several dive spots. In addition to diving, the program usually includes boating, relaxing on the beach of some not very inhabited islands with a barbecue lunch, and visiting a fishing village to buy simple souvenirs. The average cost of such a safari is $ 200 per person.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives

Q. Is the Maldives a safe country?

A – Fortunately, when it comes to the Maldives, this archipelago is considered particularly safe for tourists. The crime rate and imprisonment rate are very low. However, petty thefts and robberies have become common in the past few years, especially in the capital Male.

Q. How expensive is the Maldives?

A – The country is made up of several islands and is an exotic paradise and dream destination for many travelers, especially those looking for a special honeymoon spot or romantic getaway.

Q. Is Maldives Indian?

A – The Maldives, a tropical island country, is located in the southwest of India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Maldives A perfect retreat for honeymooners and families a natural submerged garden, Maldives is a collection of atolls thrown over the Indian Ocean that includes hundreds of its atolls.

Q. Can I drink alcohol in the Maldives?

A – Legally, if you are 18 years old and you are not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. Although the Maldives is an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned from the local population. However, almost all resorts and liveaboard yachts are licensed to serve alcohol, usually with a steeper markup.

Q. What is illegal in the Maldives?

A – It is an offense to import the following items into the Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, material considered contrary to Islam, including ‘statues for worship and the Bible, pork and pork products and Contains alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are only available on the resort islands.

Q. Can unmarried couples go to the Maldives?

A – Yes, unmarried couples can go to the Maldives. While it is a popular destination for honeymooners, Maldives is equally in demand by unmarried couples as well. There are no rules that prohibit unmarried couples from visiting the Maldives and sharing a room together at a resort.

Q. Is the currency of the Maldives higher than that of India?

A – The rufiyaa is the currency of the Maldives and is subdivided into 100 lari. The US dollar rate and currency issuance are regulated by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).

Q. Is Indian Rupee accepted in the Maldives?

A – Indian currency is not accepted. The running currency for anything is the United States dollar. Any food and drink you purchase will be subject to a 10% service fee and a general sales tax of 6%.

Q. Does the Maldives have its own currency?

A – A rufiyaa is made of 100 lari and has coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 lari. A 10 lari coin costs less than half a paise. You can pay using sterling or euros at some resorts, while the US dollar is legal tender throughout the Maldives.

Q. Can you travel to the Maldives now & Who can go?

A – Currently, the Maldives is open to visitors from all destinations as long as they have proof of a negative COVID test taken no later than four days prior to their arrival. The Maldives was one of the rare travel successes of 2020, and it looks like the trend continues for 2021, despite a few setbacks.

Q. Is the Maldives open to tourists for Covid?

A – Tourists can travel between islands and resorts that do not have COVID-19 cases and are not under surveillance for COVID-19, but inter-island travel requires prior approval from splitstays@tourism.gov.mv.

Q. Do I need a visa for the Maldives?

A – Entry requires onward/return tickets and a valid passport with sufficient funds. A no-cost visitor visa valid for 30 days is issued upon arrival. For the most current visa information, visit the Republic of Maldives, Immigration and Emigration Department.

Q. Which month is the best to visit the Maldives?

A – The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April – at this time of year, you can expect dry, sunny days and lots of blue skies.

Q. What is the rainy season in the Maldives?

A – May to October is considered the rainy season, with monthly and frequent strong winds between 5 and 10 inches of rainfall being seen in the islands. Visitors are likely to find better deals for this time of year (although, the word “bargain” is relative, as the Maldives is a valuable place year-round).

Q. Which month is the hottest in the Maldives?

A – March is the hottest month in the Maldives with an average temperature of 29 °C (84 °F) and the coldest January is 27 °C (81 °F), with February having the highest daily sunshine hours at 10.

Q. Is it raining a lot in the Maldives?

A – Total annual rainfall is slightly more abundant in the southern atoll, where it is about 2,200/2,300 mm (87/91 in) per year, and less abundant in the north, where it is about 1,700/1,800 mm (67/71 in). inches) ) per year.