Welcome to the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago of islands in the Indian Ocean that spans across the equator. The country comprises 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 871 kilometres. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometres, only 298 square kilometres of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 natural atolls.

The country’s unique geography mesmerises the visitor. Reefs that offer bands of colour, tiny jewel-like islands rimmed with the whitest of soft sand surrounded by the clearest shallow waters that one can imagine. Only about 200 of the islands are inhabited, and a select few on each of the atolls are resorts, while some are used for industry and agriculture.

The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water. The Maldives is home to about five per cent of the planet’s reefs that come with an explosion of colour contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home.

Weather

Maldives has a tropical climate, which is warm and sunny throughout the year with little variations in temperature. The temperature varies between 26-32 Degrees Celsius with the hottest being April. Tourist peak season in the Maldives is from December to April when there is little rainfall and low humidity.

The year is divided into two seasons based on the monsoons. The North East Monsoon (Iruvai) lasts from December to April and is marked by very little rainfall, lower humidity, calm seas and constant sunshine. High humidity and heavy rainfall occur during the wet South West Monsoon (Hulhangu), which lasts from May to October. Seas are rougher during this time with potential for strong winds.

Getting In and Around

The Maldives is well connected with the rest of the world. Several flights from Europe, Middle East and South East Asia operate to Velana International Airport, the main gateway to the Maldives. The highest international traffic is from Colombo, Sri Lanka, various Indian cities and Dubai, while several scheduled and charter flights bring in passengers from all major European capitals, and South East Asian cities.

Once in the Maldives you can travel to any of the 12 domestic and international airports to which several daily flights are operated. Scheduled ferry services also operate from Male’ to most of the atolls.

If you are travelling to a resort, your transfer will most likely be pre-arranged at the time of booking your accommodation. Transfers to resorts around the airport are by speedboat and transfers to resorts and islands further afield are by seaplane.

Resorts

From the super luxury frequented by the world’s travel elite to the more affordable, the resorts of the Maldives have one thing in common: each resort boasts its very own private island and it’s yours to enjoy. Private beaches, sumptuous meals, a host of activities that will certainly quench your thirst for whatever you have in mind.

Be it the thrill of diving, the excitement of watersports, exquisite spas, and amazing excursions they offer it all.

While some are focused on family holidays others may offer a higher degree of adventure and activity. Whatever resort you choose you can be assured of your freedom, peace of mind and adventure, together with the impeccable service Maldives is so well known for.

Hotels

Hotels are a great choice if you wish to combine business with pleasure. While hotels are located in convenient locations in the city providing you access to your business needs, they also offer great getaway packages that would certainly fit in with your interests.

Hotels in the city also offer dive excursions to dive points around Male’, excursions to resorts and other islands and convenient connectivity to all regions of the country.

Liveaboards

A liveaboard offers a different taste of the country. It’s a great opportunity to explore and experience more of the country. You are on the move throughout your holiday, each day a different taste, a new experience.

No matter what you desire you get the chance to experience more of the Maldives. If it’s a surfing vacation or a dive holiday a liveaboard will take you to more breaks and more dive locations in various atolls.

Get to visit local islands of various sizes along the route and get the opportunity to visit a number of resorts as well.

Guesthouses

If you are more inclined to get a taste of local life, then one of the many guesthouses in a local island could fulfil your thirst for the new.

Experience your holiday in a local island and still get to enjoy all the serenity and fun the Maldives has to offer. Diving, watersports, excursions are all on offer at guesthouses around the country. Many offer exquisite spa treatments as well. It’s exciting for the whole family, romance for honeymooning couples, great fun for friends travelling together to experience a great time together mixed in with adventure.