Maldives – Best Complete Tourist Guide

Maldives have the ring of a very exotic destination and rightly so. This archipelago consisting of 1,190 coral islands is home to some of world’s finest beaches and world class diving opportunities. Each island of Maldives is very flat, only sticking a little bit out of the Indian Ocean. The highest point of an entire archipelago is mere 2.3 metres (7 ft 7 in) above sea level. Because of that, Maldives are affected by global warming and rising sea level more than any other country in the world. From the sea, Maldives look like an oasis with palm trees growing out of the endless ocean.

Maldives Islands

Maldives islands are grouped into Atolls. There are 26 Atolls in Maldives, each consisting of a group of islands. Most Atolls are known to general public by their English name, but in native Dhivehi language they are named differently. There are 20 administrative Atoll groups in the Maldives, 10 of which are open to tourism. The list of the Atolls is below and includes its English name and Dhivehi name in the brackets:

Lhaviyani (Miladhunmadulu Uthuruburi), Raa (Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi), Baa (Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi), Kaafu (North and South Male Atoll), Alifu (Ari), Vaavu (Felidhu), Meemu (Mulak), Faafu (Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi), Dhaalu (Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi), Seenu (Addu), Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu, Nyavinani, Seenu, Shaviyani, and Thaa

Getting to Maldives

The only way to Maldives is by plane. There are no boats that sail to Maldives and even once you have landed, you will be taken to your resort island by air taxi, rather than boat. Navigating among the reefs surrounding Maldives is risky and many boats and yachts saw their end trying to reach the islands. Furthermore, permits allowing foreign boats to sail to Maldives are so expensive you’re better off flying.

Male International Airport (IATA code is MLE) is on Hulhule Island which is the island located right next to the capital city of Male (as you can see on the map above).

Maldives Resorts

There are 93 resorts in Maldives. Hotels only exist in the capital Male. Larger islands have fewer resorts, but majority of resorts take up their own island so beach occupation is limited to resort guests. If you seek tranquility, the farther a resort is from Male, the less populated it will be, however regardless of which part of Maldives you find yourself in, beaches will not be overcrowded. You are in fact likely to find a beach where you are all alone, separated from everyone and everything else. It’s great for unwinding and having a little time for yourself. It’s also perfect for honeymooners.

Overwater bungalows are a popular means of lodging for resort tourists and while it has its charm and should be tried by anyone visiting Maldives, it gets difficult to handle during a longer stay. If you happen to have a stormy night while staying in a bungalow, the noise from waves crashing into the stilts will make it difficult to sleep. Bungalows are also often cramped closely next to each other which makes for challenging times especially if you’re a couple on honeymoon trying to have your moment.

Maldives Weather

The weather in Maldives is tropical year round. Maldives are located around the equator in the Indian Ocean, providing it with climate with little temperature fluctuations. Regardless of when you visit Maldives, the temperature will likely remain within 24°C to 33°C range. Humidity is high, however ocean breezes move across the islands all the time making it more bearable as sweat gets washed away with breeze.

The highest recorded temperature in Maldives occurred in April and reached 37°C (99°F). The coldest recorded temperature occurred in January and reached 17°C (63°F).

Maldives – The Best Time to Visit

Rainy monsoon season in Maldives lasts from April to October. During that time it rains a lot, it’s windy and storms are frequent. The best time to visit Maldives would be in March, when average temperatures reach enjoyable 29°C (85°F) yet participation is low. February is the month with least precipitation, but while temperature remains tropical, it gets cold at times so on occasion you’d have to wear long sleeve shirts and may find the ocean water cold from the beginning.
Scuba Diving in Maldives

Endless coral reefs surrounding Maldive atolls are hundreds of kilometres away from highly populated, industrialized areas which makes for clear water and abundant sea life – perfect conditions for scuba diving. While scuba diving in Maldives is significantly costlier than in coastal areas of mainland Asia, the gear rented is in excellent condition and well maintained. Safety standards are strictly adhered to and guides are knowledgeable and friendly. You’d miss out a lot if you didn’t go under water on your vacation in Maldives.

Honeymoon in Maldives

I’ve mentioned it a few times before already – Maldives is a perfect destination for honeymooners. With their tranquil, desolate resorts that often take up one small island, peaceful and enjoyable honeymoon is pretty much guaranteed. This is where I’m going to go on my honeymoon, if I ever find a lady crazy enough to marry me.