There are nearly 1200 islands in the Maldives, yet it is truly hard to fault any one of them. The islands offer unparalleled luxury, pristine white-sand beaches and an amazing world to explore under their azure waters.
Strung out like a pearl of jewels in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives offer watersports, fine dining, places to be pampered and some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling. The sheer diversity of the colourful underwater life is enough to get even the most dedicated sunbather leaping into the water to head out again and again for the coral gardens.
Divers here can encounter manta rays, turtles and sharks without even needing to don a wetsuit. The water is warm, the visibility is amazing and a cornucopia of sealife awaits: come on, dive in!
Areas & Neighbourhoods in the Maldives
The Malé Atolls – The capital city of Malé is densely crowded and feels a million miles from the laid-back pace of life elsewhere on the islands. Yet, not far away from it you will find the delightful North and South Malé atolls that harbour many of the country’s most famous tourist spots. Some parts of the southern atoll cater more to the adventurous backpacking crowd, whilst the northern atoll keeps it strictly luxury. Both are blessed with natural beauty, and excellent dive sites can be found in the channel that separates them. If its surfing that you are after, visit the North Malé Atoll where some of the Maldives’ best surfing beaches can be found.
Southern Atolls – If you really want to get away from it all you should head to the south of the Maldives. It offers some of the least developed areas yet, with five regional airports now serving it, it is very accessible indeed. Explore the areas around the resorts and you will quickly come across the traditional Maldivian way of life – but wander back to base and you’ll still find safari boats, dive sites, surfing trips and watersports aplenty!
Baa Atoll – Spreading itself over 13 islands, this atoll is famous for its artisanal lacquer work and the production of feyli, a fine woven cotton sarong. A designated UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve for its diverse marine life, this is where whale sharks and manta rays come to breed.
Addu Atoll – Situated in the deepest south of the Maldives, this heart-shaped atoll is where the most colourful coral gardens of the Maldives can be found, and they face some very stiff competition!
Things to See in the Maldives
The museums and galleries of Malé offer an excellent introduction to the history and culture of the Maldives. What most people are after, however, are the stunning sunsets over pristine white-sand beaches which can be enjoyed on boat cruises, helicopter flights or by ordering a cocktail and laying back on your lounger.
Things to Do in the Maldives
You can visit secluded beaches on uninhabited islands, swim with a whale shark, breakfast with a hammerhead, snorkel through coral gardens teeming with life, get pampered in a spa or tackle the surf in the most spectacular of surroundings. Of course, the most important thing to do here is simply to enjoy every last minute of your taste of paradise!
