Maldives tourism
Maldives map
Where is Maldives
Maldives is a tropical island nation located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It is an archipelago of 26 atolls, comprising of over 1,192 coral islands.
The capital and largest city of Maldives is Male, which is located on the island of the same name. The official language of Maldives is Dhivehi, although English is also widely spoken.
Tourism is the largest industry in Maldives, with visitors attracted to its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-renowned diving spots. Other important industries include fishing and the production of coconut products.
The Maldives has a population of approximately 540,000 people, with a mix of ethnicities and religions. The majority of the population is Muslim, and Islam is the official religion of the country.
The Maldives is a presidential representative democratic republic, with a president as the head of state and government. The country gained independence from Britain in 1965, and is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
The climate in the Maldives is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from November to April, which is the dry season.
The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), and the country operates on the Maldives Time Zone (MVT), which is five hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5).
Places to see in maldives
The Maldives is known for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque beaches, making it a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the top places to see in Maldives:
Male: The capital city of Maldives, Male, is a bustling hub with a range of attractions including the fish market, the Presidential Palace, the Grand Friday Mosque, and the National Museum.
Hulhumale Island: This man-made island is located just a short distance from Male and is a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water sports.
Maafushi Island: A popular destination for budget travelers, Maafushi Island has a range of guesthouses, restaurants, and shops, as well as beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Ari Atoll: One of the largest atolls in the Maldives, Ari Atoll is known for its stunning marine life and is a popular destination for diving and snorkeling.
Addu Atoll: Located in the southernmost part of the Maldives, Addu Atoll is known for its diverse wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles.
Sun Island: Also known as Nalaguraidhoo Island, Sun Island is a popular resort destination with stunning beaches, lush vegetation, and clear waters.
Alimatha Island: This picturesque island is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear lagoon.
Banana Reef: A popular diving spot, Banana Reef is known for its vibrant coral gardens, colorful fish, and underwater caves.
Fuvahmulah Island: This remote island is located in the southernmost part of the Maldives and is known for its unique wildlife, including rare bird species and the Maldivian flying fox.
Dhigurah Island: Located in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah Island is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, and the chance to spot whale sharks and manta rays.
Maldives language
The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi, which is also known as Maldivian. Dhivehi is an Indo-Aryan language and is closely related to the Sinhalese language spoken in Sri Lanka.
English is also widely spoken in the Maldives, especially in tourist areas and among professionals. Many people in the Maldives also speak other languages such as Hindi, Urdu, and Arabic, due to the country's historical and cultural ties with neighboring countries.
In addition, there are also some regional dialects of Dhivehi spoken in different parts of the Maldives, such as the dialects spoken in the northern atolls and in the southern atolls.
Thinghs to do in Maldives
The Maldives is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a great destination for a variety of adventurous activities. Here are some of the top adventures to do in the Maldives:
• Scuba diving: With its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, the Maldives is one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Divers can explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with sharks and rays, and spot a wide variety of tropical fish.
• Snorkeling: Snorkeling is a popular activity in the Maldives, and many resorts offer guided snorkeling tours to nearby reefs. Snorkelers can spot colorful fish, turtles, and even dolphins.
• Surfing:
The Maldives is home to some of the best surf breaks in the world, with waves that are suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The surfing season in the Maldives runs from March to October.
• Parasailing: Parasailing is a fun and exhilarating way to see the Maldives from above. Parasailers can enjoy panoramic views of the islands and the surrounding waters.
• Fishing: Fishing is an important industry in the Maldives, and visitors can try their hand at traditional Maldivian fishing methods, such as hand-line fishing or night fishing. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including tuna, barracuda, and grouper.
• Jet skiing: Jet skiing is a fun way to explore the waters around the Maldives. Visitors can rent jet skis from many resorts and ride through the waves at high speed.
• Island hopping: The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, and visitors can explore different islands and experience the unique culture and traditions of each one. Many resorts offer island hopping tours to nearby islands.
• Seaplane rides: Seaplane rides are a popular way to see the beauty of the Maldives from above. Visitors can take a scenic flight over the islands and enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
How to reach Maldives
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible from many countries. Here are some ways to get to the Maldives:
✈• By air: The main international airport in the Maldives is Velana International Airport, located on Hulhule Island near the capital city of Male. Many airlines, including national carrier Maldivian, operate flights to and from the Maldives from major cities around the world.
⛵• By sea: Visitors can also arrive in the Maldives by sea, either on a cruise ship or by private yacht. The Maldives is a popular destination for luxury yacht charters, and many yachts dock at the various island resorts.
• Transit through nearby countries: Visitors can also transit through nearby countries such as Sri Lanka or Dubai and take a connecting flight to the Maldives.
Once you arrive in the Maldives, you can take a domestic flight, speedboat, or seaplane to reach your resort or island destination. Many resorts offer transfer services to and from the airport or seaplane terminal, so be sure to check with your accommodation for transportation options.
Maldives Hotels
The Maldives is home to some of the world's most luxurious resorts and hotels, offering visitors an unforgettable experience in paradise. Here are some of the best hotels to stay in the Maldives:
• Soneva Fushi: This eco-luxury resort on Kunfunadhoo Island offers guests spacious villas with private pools and access to a pristine beach. The resort also features a spa, organic gardens, and a wide range of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to stargazing and cinema under the stars.
• Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru: This stunning resort on a private island in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers guests beach and overwater villas with private pools, as well as a variety of restaurants, a spa, and a marine discovery center.
• Cheval Blanc Randheli: This ultra-luxury resort on the Noonu Atoll features spacious villas with private pools, a spa, and a range of dining options, including a 5-star seafood restaurant. The resort also offers a variety of water sports and excursions, from diving to island hopping.
• Baros Maldives: This award-winning resort on a small island in the North Male Atoll offers guests luxury villas and overwater bungalows, as well as a spa, a variety of restaurants, and a range of activities, from snorkeling and diving to sunset sailing.
• Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas: This resort on the Baa Atoll offers guests spacious overwater villas with private pools, as well as a spa, a variety of restaurants, and a marine discovery center. The resort also features a unique underwater restaurant, where guests can enjoy a meal surrounded by the colorful marine life of the Maldives.
• Huvafen Fushi: This luxury resort on the North Male Atoll offers guests contemporary villas and overwater bungalows, each with a private pool or a Jacuzzi. The resort also features a world-class spa, a variety of dining options, and a range of activities, from diving and snorkeling to night fishing and sunset cruises.
• COMO Cocoa Island: This boutique resort on a private island in the South Male Atoll offers guests intimate villas and overwater bungalows, as well as a spa, a yoga pavilion, and a range of water sports, from kayaking to diving. The resort also offers healthy dining options, including a raw food restaurant.
• St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: This luxurious resort on the Dhaalu Atoll offers guests overwater villas and beach villas, each with a private pool, as well as a spa, a variety of dining options, and a range of activities, from snorkeling and diving to yacht excursions and beach picnics.
• Velaa Private Island: This ultra-luxury resort on a private island in the Noonu Atoll offers guests spacious villas and overwater bungalows, as well as a golf course, a spa, and a variety of dining options. The resort also features a submarine, a mini-submarine, and a seaplane, allowing guests to explore the Maldives from above and below.
• Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: This iconic resort on Rangali Island offers guests luxury beach villas and overwater bungalows, as well as a spa, a range of dining options, and a variety of activities, from snorkeling and diving to island hopping and sunset cruises. The resort also features the world's first undersea restaurant, where guests can dine while surrounded by the colorful marine life of the Maldives.
Best time to visit maldives
The Maldives is a year-round destination with warm temperatures and sunshine throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the Maldives depends on your interests and preferences.
Maldives weather
The peak tourist season in the Maldives is from December to March, during the dry season when there is less rainfall and lower humidity. The weather during this time is typically sunny and warm, with calm seas and good visibility for snorkeling and diving. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, and prices for accommodation and activities may be higher.
The shoulder season from April to June and September to November is a good time to visit the Maldives, as the weather is still generally good, and there are fewer tourists. The sea is also calmer during these months, making it a good time for water activities such as diving and snorkeling.
The monsoon season from July to August is the rainy season in the Maldives, with more rainfall and occasional storms. However, the rains are usually short-lived, and the weather can still be sunny and warm during this time. The upside of visiting during this time is that prices for accommodation and activities are often lower, and the underwater visibility is usually excellent for diving and snorkeling.
Which is the hottest month in Maldives?
The Maldives has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year, and the average temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). However, there is a slight variation in temperature depending on the season. The hottest month in the Maldives is usually considered to be April, which falls during the dry season. During this time, the temperature can reach up to 32°C (90°F) in some parts of the country. The humidity is also high during this time, which can make the heat feel even more intense. It's important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen if you're traveling to the Maldives during the hot months.
Religion of maldives
The Maldives is an Islamic country, and Islam is the official religion of the country. The majority of the population (around 98%) are Muslims, and Islamic customs and practices play an important role in the daily life of the people in the Maldives. The Maldivian constitution guarantees the freedom of religion to all its citizens, but the practice of other religions is restricted, and public observance of non-Islamic religious ceremonies is not allowed. Visitors to the Maldives are also expected to respect the Islamic customs and practices, especially when visiting local islands and communities. For example, it is recommended to dress modestly, avoid public displays of affection, and refrain from eating or drinking in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
Which currency is used in Maldives?
the Maldives currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). The Rufiyaa is divided into 100 laari, and there are coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 laari, as well as banknotes for 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 Rufiyaa. It's important to note that US dollars are widely accepted in the Maldives, especially in tourist areas, and many resorts and hotels quote their prices in US dollars. However, it's always a good idea to have some Rufiyaa on hand for smaller transactions and for use in local markets and shops. ATMs are also widely available in the Maldives, and most of them accept international cards.
Maldives Tour Packages
The Maldives is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean, and it is known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. There are many tour packages available that cater to different interests and budgets. Here are some types:
• Honeymoon Package: Many couples choose the Maldives as their honeymoon destination due to its romantic ambiance. Honeymoon packages usually include accommodation in a luxury resort, airport transfers, candlelight dinners, and romantic activities such as sunset cruises and spa treatments.
• Family Package: The Maldives is also a great destination for families. Family packages usually include accommodation in a spacious villa or suite, airport transfers, meals, and activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping.
• Diving Package: The Maldives is famous for its incredible diving opportunities, and many tour operators offer diving packages that include accommodation, airport transfers, and diving excursions to the best dive sites in the region.
• Luxury Package: The Maldives is home to some of the most luxurious resorts in the world, and luxury packages usually include accommodation in a high-end villa or suite, airport transfers, fine dining, and exclusive activities such as private island tours and spa treatments.
• Budget Package: If you're on a tight budget, there are also many affordable tour packages available. These packages usually include accommodation in a budget hotel or guesthouse, airport transfers, and basic activities such as beach walks and snorkeling.
It's important to note that the Maldives is a Muslim country, and there are certain cultural norms that visitors should respect. For example, alcohol is only available in resorts and is not allowed in public places. It's also recommended to dress modestly when outside of the resorts.
Is visa required for Maldives ?
Visitors to the Maldives may require a Maldives visa depending on their nationality and the length of their stay. Nationals of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union member states, can obtain a 30-day visa on arrival for free. This visa can be extended up to a maximum of 90 days by applying to the Department of Immigration.
However, some nationals may need to obtain a visa in advance before traveling to the Maldives. To check whether you need a visa or not, and for information on visa requirements and application procedures, you should contact the Maldives embassy or consulate in your country or visit the official website of the Maldives Immigration.
It's important to note that visitors to the Maldives must have a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of entry, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. Visitors may also be required to show proof of accommodation during their stay.