The Maldives is a picture-perfect archipelago in the middle of the Indian Ocean, some 750 kilometres from the Asian continent’s mainland, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. The island nation consists of 1,192 coral islands that are grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, some of which lie north of the equator and some to the south. Only about 15 per cent of the islands are inhabited, but that doesn’t mean your choices are limited. In fact, there are over 175 resorts to choose from, making it easy to see why the Maldives was awarded the World’s Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards for four years in a row!
Getting There
Most visitors arrive in the Maldives at the Velana International Airport, which is located on Hulhulé Island just across the water and part of the same atoll as Malé, the capital city. Many airlines fly between Australia and Malé - including Malaysia Airlines which commences a new route from August this year - and you won't need a visa, just a valid passport and proof of your onward journey.
Transportation from the airport is by either speed boat or seaplane. Some resorts are as close as 20 minutes by boat while more remote islands and resorts may be up to an hour's flight away. Travelling by a seaplane is a unique experience by itself – affording stunning aerial views of the islands, atolls and the many shades of blue that surround them.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of resorts to choose room, ranging from club-like to chic boutique properties and offering family fun through to those that are exclusive to adults. There's also the option to stay on a liveaboard. These 'floating hotels' typically accommodate 16 to 20 guests and offer dedicated surf and dive cruises or simply a leisurely cruise from one atoll to another. They're especially popular for divers keen on having direct access to some of the Maldives' most remote and pristine underwater environments.
If you choose to stay in a resort, you'll quickly notice the lack of elevation. In fact, the Maldives is the flattest country in the world and has an average elevation above sea level of just 1.8 metres! You'll also gain a new appreciation for the term 'white sand beaches'. Beaches in the Maldives are made of rare coralline sand which is composed of coral fragments, crushed shells, and calcium carbonate from marine organisms. These materials are naturally bright and reflective, giving a white, pristine quality to the sand which is only found in about five per cent of beaches worldwide.
What to Do
With over 99 per cent of Maldives territory being ocean, it's not surprising that water-based activities are high on the agenda. Pretty well every water activity imaginable is available, including snorkelling, diving, sailing, jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, parasailing, kayaking and fishing. Below the surface, the Maldives has one of the world's biggest whale shark populations, especially at South Ari Atoll where a Marine Protected Area offers year-round opportunities to spot these gentle giants. Five of the seven species of sea turtle also call the Maldives home, most commonly the green turtle and hawksbill turtle but also loggerheads, leatherbacks and Olive Ridley turtles. Other marine life that you're likely to see are manta rays, reef sharks and spinner dolphins.
When to Go
By now you probably just want to know when the best time is to visit! The Maldives enjoys a warm and sunny, tropical climate all year round but there is a wet and a dry season. Between November and April, warm temperatures and little precipitation will appeal to sunbathers and those looking to relax by the beach or pool, sipping on an ice-cold beverage. This is also when the islands are at their busiest. The off-peak season from May to October has higher chances of rain but fewer tourists and ideal scuba-diving conditions with colours and sea life rarely seen elsewhere.
Ready to dive into the Maldives? Contact with your Travellers Choice agent and book your trip to paradise!
