Visit Maldives

The mere mention of the word Maldives sends a shiver of happiness through lovers of beautiful sunkissed beaches. It was on an island such as this that Robinson Crusoe would have been marooned.

Diving and watersports

Diving is the main attraction for travelers to the Maldives. More than half of visitors take part in this activity at least once during their stay. Indeed, many sites of the archipelago are quite conducive to diving. You can get information about the majority of these dive sites with the help of the hotels of the Maldives. If they’re not close by, they can be reached by boat in just a few hours.

If you're wondering why it might be fun to dive, the reason is simple: the seabed, which houses many beautiful tropical fish, captivating coral and wrecks to explore along the coasts of the Maldives. Surfing is also a great way to enjoy the sea and if that does not tempt you, there is jet-skiing, windsurfing, and other water sports available.

Malé is a place not to be missed because it is a capital with extraordinary originality. The streets are quiet and the markets are amazingly attractive. The sights are few, but one can still peruse the National Museum, Sultan Leparc or the countless cafes in the heart of Malé, which is excellent for independent travelers or those on a budget. Among the hotels in Malé, there are some that offer very reasonable rates.

Another place to visit is Seenu with its traditional community. An island, special for its fertile agricultural land, stands out for its production of exotic fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and oranges. It’s in Fuamulaku, where the inhabitants differ from those of other islands by their imposing stature and, it is written, by their increased longevity.

In terms of plant life, besides the ubiquitous coconut tree, the Maldives has almost 600 species of plants (such as pandamus, mangroves, banyan trees). Tropical flowers are abundant and easily found on most islands (e.g. hibiscus, frangipani, and bougainvillea). Wildlife is not very diverse and what you will see are essentially geckos, shrews, rats; fortunately, fatal or poisonous animals are rare enough to keep you at ease. But it should be noted and emphasized that the Maldives have twenty native species of birds, out of the 110 species of birds that can be admired on the archipelago.

The nightlife will leave the floor for wild parties. Indeed, when darkness falls, sightseeing decreases greatly. Yet the dance floor (pretty simple, admittedly) exists in many parts of the Maldives and where they dance, the music can be traditional or international.

Before going to the Maldives, you should know that tourism can be perceived as elitist. Suffice to say, you'd better have deep pockets before venturing to the Maldives since the hotel rates are proving to be very high, especially in high tourist season. Another good tip is not to spend time on the islands in the midst of monsoon season, as other tourists will be few a far between. But as we know, the unforgettable moments are priceless.

Budget for a week: More than 1,200 Euros
Taxes and gratuities: Think of the tourist tax from 5 euros per day. Tipping is common practice.
National Motto: In Unity, We Welcome Our Nation.
Local Currency: Rufiyaa
Language spoken and/or official: Divehi, English.
International dialling code: + 960
Area: 298 km²
Population: More than 379,000
Major Cities: Malé
Electricity: 230V - 50 Hz
6 types of electrical outlets :
- Type A (NEMA US/Japon, 2 flat prongs) 15A Without ground
- Type D (UK, 3 round prongs) BS 546 with ground
- Type G (English model with 3 flat prongs in a V) BS 1363 up to 13 amps.
- Type J (3 round prongs with ground) SEV-1011 Swiss 10 A
- Type K (type 3 prongs above 1 ground, plate) 10 A Danish
- Type L (3 round prongs in a row, Italian) CEI 23-16/VII, version 10A; CEI 23-16/VII, version 16 A

Health advice: If you visit a region prone to malaria, it’s recommended to get appropriate vaccinations. In some areas, the water is not drinkable. Recommended vaccinations are at least hepatitis, diphtheria, tetanus, polio. In the capital, water is drinkable, but otherwise carry bottled water.

Visas: A monthly visa is free at the airport. You can be granted a four-month extension.

General: Maldives

• Hotels in Dhaalu Atoll
• Hotels in Raa Atoll
• Hotels in South Ari Atoll (Alifu)
• Hotels in Seenu Atoll (Addu)
• Hotels in Haa Alifu Atoll
• Hotels in Male Atoll
• Hotels in Meemu Atoll
• Hotels in Lhaviyani Atoll

Maldives WEATHER

Now

24° C

Tomorrow

27° C