The Republic of Maldives is made up of a double string of 1,190 coral islands to the southwest of Sri Lanka, in the Indian Ocean. Stretching north to south to a point just south of the equator, the archipelago is 130 km wide at its widest point and 820 km long. It is the flattest land in the world, with the highest natural point less than 2.4 metres above sea level.

Grouped into 26 atolls – ring-shaped coral formations, which provide a natural defense against wind and wave, enclosing a lagoon – Maldives covers a total area of 90,000 m², only 0.5% of which is land. Not surprisingly, this aquatic nation is considered one of the top 10 diving spots in the world. With only 200 inhabited islands and an additional 98 islands developed exclusively as tourist resorts, tourism is the dominant support for the economy. Paradise beaches, turquoise lagoons and a fascinating underwater world dominate the look and feel of most islands.

Malé, the capital of the Republic of Maldives, is an island 2 km long and 1 km wide. Malé is clean and quaint, with markets, mosques and a maze of small streets that about 65,000 people call home.

Throughout the year, the Maldives enjoys warm, humid weather made pleasant by constant sea breezes. The daytime high is around of 30° Celsius year-round, dropping to about 25°C in the evenings, The average water temperature is also about 27°-30° Celsius, so no wonder that the shallow und quite waters of the lagoon are tempting by day and night. 

The Maldives are an all-year-round travel destination, although May to November are referred to the wet season, known as hulhangu. By late November, exceptionally calm seas mark the beginning of the dry season, known as iruvai, from December to March, which is the main season on the Maldives – and thus the most expensive time for holidays.

On average the sun shines 7 – 9 hours a day and as the Maldives are located very close to the equator, the sun rays are very intense, even if the sky is cloudy. Strong sun protection is a must in your suitcase – and tourists with fair skin are advised to spend a lot of time in the shade.

Besides fantastic beaches and the exciting underwater world, you will obviously find little attractions on a small island, a mere meter above sea level amidst the Indian Ocean. Therefore interests should match with lazy, relaxing or romantic vacation days, indulging in wellness and spa treatments, enjoying all sorts of water sports and water activities and feeling at home with delightful Maldivian and Asian food and menus.

Many tourists of course come to the Maldives for the exceptional diving experience, said to be one of the most exciting in the world. But even, if you only go snorkeling at the coral reefs bordering your island or lagoon, you will be rewarded with a glorious underwater world and incredible sights. And it is a fact: There is hardly a better place in the world than an idyllic tropical island to relax, unwind and recharge the batteries of your body, your mind and your soul.   

Diving in the Maldives

Maldivian waters are a paradise for divers – and belong to the best and most beautiful diving and snorkeling spots of the world. The atolls consist of numerous coral reefs, which often almost reach water lever and the average visibility is around thirty meters sometimes even extending to sixty meters.

The abundance of the coral gardens and multiple coloured tropical fish that swim lazily in the crystal clear waters is stunning. For a visitor, the ideal holiday cannot be fulfilled without a glimpse of the many single sea creatures, tropical fishes and big schools of fish.

The chances to see large fish are above average. Turtles, rays, sharks, barracudas, tunas, pelages, all provide an exciting view. The colors and fish diversity is simply breathtaking.

Many resort islands have their own diving centre and to go on diving excursions you only need your diving certificate from PADI, CMAS or another reputable diving school. If you do not have a diving certificate, it is simple to sign up for a diving course. All you need is a health certificate from your home country.

Top Dive Sites

Nassimo Thila
The main attractions are several large coral pinnacles scattered on the north-eastern side of the thila and the abundant fish life they attract. You won't see the water for the fish
Location: North Male Atoll / West of Lanakanfinolhu (Paradise Island)
Depth Range: 10m-30m

HP Reef
Spectacular reef formations - the entire length of the reef on the southern side has beautiful outcrops of corals and plenty of caves and crevices. Tons of pelages for those who are after big thrills, as well as plenty of macro attractions for those who appreciate the small wonders of the sea.
Location: North Male Atoll: between Himmafushi and Girifushi
Depth Range: 9m-30m

Voshimas Thila
Truly amazing fish life. You are likely to come across plenty of sharks (gray reef and white tip), tunas and big schools of fish. Outstanding hard coral growth.
Location: North Male Atoll/Rasfaree and Reethi Rah
Depth Range: 16m-30m

Kandooma Thila
Great fish life, corals and reef formations. Excellent, with gray reef sharks, white tip sharks, eagle rays, pelagics and lots of soft and hard corals.
Location: South Male Atoll/between Cocoa Island and Kandooma Island.
Depth Range: 16m-30m

Maldive Victory
Wreck dive, ascent and descent on a rope

Location : In front of Hulule Airport
Depth : 16m - 30m

Time Zone

GMT +5 hours in Malé

Language(s) spoken

Dhivehi, a language spoken only in Maldives, is as exotic as it sounds, but since the 1960s, English has become widely understood, spoken and written by locals.

Electrical system

Local voltage is 220 to 240 volts AC. Adapters are available in all rooms, and transformers are available through Housekeeping.

What to bring

Sun blocker, light summer cloths, bathing shoes

Travel Regulations:

You do not need to apply for a visa (you will automatically receive a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival), but your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.

Important Maldivian Laws:

The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim country and it is important that guests respect local culture and legislation. Topless sunbathing, for example, is not allowed. It is illegal to bring alcohol, pork or pornographic material into the country. The use of drugs is strictly prohibited and punished by harsh prison sentences.

Maldives Environment

Global warming and the continuing growth of tourism and other industries in the Maldives pose a serious threat to the fragile eco-system of the atolls. For this reason we ask all our guests to help protect the environment by saving water and electricity, not throwing rubbish over board and taking care not to touch corals or reef animals during dives

Crime and Dangers on the Maldives

It’s hard to imagine anywhere much safer than the Maldives. Theft from resorts is very rare, given that only staff and guests have access to the resort island; but still, make use of the safes in the rooms, keep your doors locked and don’t leave cash around wherever you are.

The most likely danger is sunburn – don’t ever underestimate the power of the equatorial sun at midday on a bright, cloudless afternoon. Sadly many people do especially when snorkelling or travelling by boat, and receive bad burning and exposure to dangerous UV rays.

Second to the sun is the water. While it’s true most diving accidents happen on the diving boat, it’s extremely important to take diving seriously. You should also not try surfing unless you know where you are and what you’re doing – the surf breaks over coral reefs and you could be badly grazed, or knocked unconscious.

Third to the sun and water are falling coconuts. It might sound unlikely, but it does happen quite often, more so in windy weather. Imagine a 2 kg coconut falling 15m onto your head. Check if a coconut tree is laden with big coconuts before lying underneath it.