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The Maldives is what a continent. Where are the Maldives Islands?

One cannot but agree that among all the variety of tourist routes, one of the most idyllic holiday destinations is geographically located where the Maldives are located.

About the Maldives

The Maldives combines everything that a vacationer wants to fully enjoy from a vacation - relaxation on a sandy beach, an even tan in the rays of the gentle sun, emotions from the opportunity to feel like a surfer or diver, impressions of getting to know the local culture. The Maldives is a place where temperatures remain high all season long, where many coral islands combine to form a perfect representation of paradise on Earth, and where there is a very subtle sense of unity with the surrounding nature. What does the average tourist know about this unique country?

Maldives

Location of the Republic

The Republic of Maldives, being an island state, is recognized as a democratic republic with its own local flavor and traditions.

Everyone has heard about the best beach holiday destination, but few people know where the Maldives are. But it is the location that allows Maldivian resorts to remain in the top tourist sales both in 2018 and earlier. It is not so easy to find answers to the questions of where the Maldives are located, in what country, on what continent, since the islands are so small and so scattered that they cannot be immediately found on a geographical map. But if you look at South Asia right at the equator, a whole range of islands will open to the tourist’s eye in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. They are united under the common name of the Maldives, where initially it was the foothills of the volcanic island mountains that formed the coral islands.

The volcanic past of the islands gave the whole world amazing beauty blue lagoons, endless beaches, unique vegetation and a rich underwater world. The opportunity to feel a sense of unity with nature, find out what the sea is like in the Maldives, and also look at the endless and majestic ocean - all this is given to every tourist by a trip to the Maldives.

National characteristics of the Maldives

The Maldives is a country of strict rules, even with all its relaxing tourist atmosphere. Local population always ready to help, show attentiveness, provide the proper level of service, and express peacefulness in the best traditions of island hospitality. But the peculiarities of religious traditions require guests to follow certain rules.

The Muslim religion imposes a mandatory ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages, especially in public places. In addition, before setting off, you should carefully consider the fact that it is prohibited to import alcohol to the Maldives.

Important! Very serious attention should be paid to issues of clothing - adhering to local rules, not to expose yourself too much, showing off your body.

Respect is also required for their national symbols. Maldivians are especially sensitive to the flag and coat of arms, as well as the national flower - the rose. They consider the coconut palm to be the national tree, and the national animal, the tuna, is protected by the state.

Local residents preserve unique national characteristics, speaking among themselves a mixture of different languages, including Arabic. TO national language They also include Dhivehi, which is close to the Indo-Aryan group.

Note! Locals prefer to speak English with tourists.

Subtleties of tourism in the Maldives

A huge number of islands offer tourists the opportunity to have a quality holiday. Hotels, villas, and bungalows offer vacationers everything they need for comfort. Even such a frequently occurring problem when traveling as the issue with sockets will not disturb the tourist here, because everything is thought out in advance.

Each resort region of the Maldives can show tourists an ideal beach holiday, but you shouldn’t expect a variety of attractions. In the Maldives, beaches are considered a national treasure; their cleanliness and beauty are unrivaled. Among the Maldivian cities that can somehow diversify a lazy holiday on snow-white untouched beaches with walks along the embankment, excursion routes along iconic places, only the capital Male stands out. Often travel agencies initially include a visit to it in the itinerary.

Note! The island of Maafushi, which belongs to a budget destination, is very popular among Russian tourists.

It is also called the Russian Maldives. Here you have the opportunity to have a good holiday, learn local traditions and life in the Maldives from the inside, and bring home memories of the Maldivians’ tastes and preferences. You can experience the authenticity of the Maldivians through local cuisine. Both large hotels and ordinary catering places will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with local delicacies, and even to the sound of their music. A variety of fruits will help you feel all the sweetness of your holiday: from the well-known coconuts and bananas to exotic papaya, mango and guava.

It is also important for every tourist to be able to bring something memorable from their vacation. The Maldives, what a country it is - sunny, open and hospitable, so are the souvenirs, filled with light and island flavor. They usually bring brightly painted clothes, water equipment, jewelry, teas and delicacies for themselves or as gifts. The export of corals and any items made from them, as well as turtle shells, is strictly prohibited.

Important! Since danger in the Maldives can only come from the depths of the sea, tourists do not have to worry about their safety.

Undersea world

The main rule here is compliance with basic rules. When diving, it is important to remember that you should not touch anything. This will help avoid many problems. Whale sharks, common in the coastal waters of the Maldives, are completely safe for vacationers. Being the largest fish on the planet, they do not pose a danger to people, because they feed only on plankton. You should be extremely careful when swimming wild beaches. This is especially true when swimming among dangerous marine life. These include stone fish, whose poison poses a serious threat to human life, sea ​​urchins and stingrays. Swimming on coral beaches should be done in special shoes that can protect your feet from injuries that can easily be caused by coral debris.

Note! Being an island nation, the Maldives is prone to tsunamis.

The worst tsunami occurred in 2004. But for now, this natural disaster is not affecting the Maldives. The state is fully concerned about the protection of its vacationers and local residents, and creates programs to protect coral reefs that save the islands from sea currents.

Additional Information! When going on a trip to the Maldives, especially on your own, it is important to know the time zone in which they are located and how much time it will be in the Maldives upon arrival at the country’s airport. Time in the Maldives is measured according to a single time zone, which refers to GMT +05:00. In the Maldives, time is not converted to summer and winter. The difference with Moscow is +2 hours.

Another important issue for tourists is currency. The national currency in the Maldives is the rufiyaa. The current exchange rate of rufiyaa to the ruble is 4.35, and to the dollar 0.065*.

This is interesting:

  • It is important to remember that the Maldives is a Muslim country with a special attitude towards wealth. Showing it off is considered bad form, so there is an opinion that what simpler man dressed, the richer he is.
  • In the Maldives, there is something like a morality police that protects religious preferences, namely Sunni Islam. Other religious propaganda carries penalties up to and including actual prison time.
  • Pigs are not bred in the country; moreover, dogs are also considered “unclean animals”. The exception is shepherd dogs that serve in the police. Bringing a pet to the Maldives is strictly prohibited. Anyone who violates this rule may face not only a serious fine, but also placement in a sanitary zone at the airport.
  • Unlike our generally accepted working week, the Maldivian one differs in that weekdays are from Sunday to Thursday. Maldivians rest on Friday and Saturday; these days are considered official days off.
  • Since the reserves of fresh water in the Maldives are insignificant, even rich residents collect it in any available container when it rains.
  • It is interesting that the Maldivian airport is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean on an artificially created island.
  • Not only local residents, but also guests are prohibited from swimming naked on the islands. The only exception where this can be done is the island of Kuramati.

Kuramati Island

When organizing an independent trip to the Maldives, it is important to remember that there is no possibility to rent a car, and even using a bicycle is problematic. Local transport will also not help you get to your destination, as it is not particularly developed. Some islands are so small that you can walk around them. To help tourists, there are only speedboats and boats that organize communication between the islands.

The most important issue when organizing a tour to the Maldives is, of course, air travel. If the trip is not organized through an agency, then purchasing tickets should not be delayed for months. It is very rare on flight organizing services, but there are still sales on popular destinations. The number of tickets is strictly limited, so don't rely on luck. You can save money by subscribing to mailing lists of services that offer discounts and early booking flights. The most expensive flight to the Maldives for two will be from December to April - this is the most popular time, when everyone goes on vacation to the islands en masse. To reduce the price for this period, you can find a suitable ticket six months before departure. There are no direct flights; transfers are often made through the Turkish direction, but there are many other options. You can fly not only from Moscow; the flight takes on average 11 hours.

Despite the long flight, the Maldives is a fairy tale that is worth plunging into from our reality, at least for a while.

*The prices indicated in the article are current as of January 2018.

Geographic maps are used by both experienced travelers and novice tourists. Modern versions clearly and in detail display the general location of countries, cities and their internal infrastructure.

Maldives on the world map in Russian

This piece of paradise is difficult to spot on a regular world map. The island chain is located off the coast in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. Only zooming in allows you to clearly see the location of the Maldives.

They are located 700 km from Sri Lanka and India. In the southwest there is a famous resort area - the Seychelles.

The Maldives is a chain of 1,192 coral islands united into 26 atolls. Moreover, administratively they are divided into 20 atolls. The most famous of them are: North and South Kaafu;

  • Seenu;
  • Meemu;
  • Faavu;
  • Vaavu.

The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean

An interactive map in Russian will help you understand the specific location of a particular resort.

Maldives on a map of Asia in Russian

Looking at the Maldives on a map, it is clear that they extend north of the equator between Eurasia and Africa. The island state belongs to South Asia, which also includes countries such as Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and India.

The flight to Sri Lanka takes approximately one hour, and a little longer to India. Approximately 5 hours flight from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and 8 hours from China.

Map of the Maldives with resorts in Russian

For the convenience of tourists in navigating the area filled with various vacation spots, a Russian-language map has been created with the designations of all the islands and atolls. The atlas shows general form archipelago. The most popular destinations, routes, and the largest resort areas, where you can find everything you need for a comfortable pastime, are also noted here. Using such a navigator, any guest of the republic without knowledge in English calmly moves among the numerous islands.

Important! Uninhabited places on the territory are not marked.

Map of the Maldives with landmarks shows best places for relax. For example, the Banana Reef Nature Reserve, where lovers of exploring underwater caves enjoy the richness and vibrant life of the marine world.

Addu Atoll hotels on the map

With a local coordinate system, it is easy for tourists to navigate the choice of resorts, the most popular of which are:

  • Male is the republican capital, offering guests a lot of excursion programs and exciting entertainment, markets, and museums. The presidential palace and one of the most grandiose mosques are especially attractive.
  • Faavu is famous among true gourmets who appreciate spas and food in best restaurants and always striving to look 100%!
  • Arias are preferred by lovers of diversity in flora and fauna. The famous turtle bays are located here.
  • It is useful for tourists to study transport links on the map of the Republic of Maldives. In the middle part you can see the main international airport of Male. Next door on the island of Khuhule is the international airport named after Ibrahim Nasir, which is one of the largest for seaplanes. The path to it from the capital by speedboat or ferry is clearly visible. Cafu is the most tourist area. Most of the hotels are located here. Among popular destinations also the Aria and Baa atolls, which are relatively close to the airport.

Note! It is difficult to see a specific island among thousands of islands. It is better to first find the name of the atoll on the map, and then the desired location.

If you plan to stay at several hotels, it will be useful to take a look at nearby resort areas and local airports in advance to get an accurate idea of ​​the trip, the amount of time needed to travel, nearby attractions, entertainment and opportunities. This way you can distribute your vacation time most effectively.

Regions of the Maldives on the map

The Maldives archipelago is not part of any state. It is an independent presidential republic. The map clearly shows separation from other countries and intra-regional demarcation.

The administrative structure of the Republic of Maldives includes 20 island groups and a capital atoll called Male. There are no lakes or rivers throughout the territory. According to its geographical location, the archipelago is divided into 8 regions: Central, Far Northern, Northern and others. Conventionally, they are all divided into 3 large groups of atolls:

  • northern;
  • average;
  • southern.

Chain from the Maldives

It is very interesting to see what the Maldives looks like from above. According to one version, each atoll appeared on the top of a volcano with islands on its crater, part of a chain of extinct volcanoes. This explains the circular arrangement of land areas, as can be seen on the map of the Maldives. Moreover, they are all very similar to each other. The highest point (2.4 meters above sea level) is located in the southern Addu Atoll.

Yandex and Google maps of the Maldives

Satellite images allow you to see even the smallest islands of the state and their internal infrastructure. Judging by the abundance of private hotels that own the islands, it is clear that tourism is a key industry in the Republic of Maldives. Only guests of the country and service personnel live on their territory. There are guest houses where Maldivians live.

Where the Maldives is is shown on maps from major search engines. All infrastructure facilities available on the territory are presented in detail:

  • hotels, inns, guest houses;
  • places of transport connections (airports, the only port in Male);
  • entertainment venues;
  • mosques;
  • government agencies;
  • markets, shops;
  • cafes, restaurants;
  • beauty salons, spa treatments;
  • sports clubs, fitness centers, swimming pools;
  • service companies for aquatic species sports, entertainment;
  • private educational institutions (for example, diving and surfing courses).

When choosing a vacation spot, interactive maps will help you study the tourist, transport and social infrastructure.

Map of Maldives and Bali

On any geographical map it is easy to notice the differences in the climate of the Maldives and Bali, which are separated by almost 5 thousand km. If the island archipelago is completely surrounded by the Indian Ocean, then the Bali territory is washed by it only from the south and is located much to the north. Therefore, in these two places, although warm, the weather is opposite in seasons.

Note! In Bali, the best period for relaxation is the end of spring and summer; it is preferable to visit the Maldives in winter.

The Republic of Maldives is an independent state representing a chain of islands. Bali is located in the same southern hemisphere Lands between Australia and India, but is one island in the Malay Archipelago.

Bali Map

Maps of the Maldives and Bali will help you make the right choice of vacation spot. The tourist infrastructure and transport routes displayed on them clearly show the difference.

Advantages and disadvantages of the geographical location of the state for tourism development

The country is located in a place favorable in terms of climatic conditions - in the south of India, surrounded warm waters Indian Ocean. Beautiful weather all year round is perfect for a beach holiday. The air temperature never drops below +17 degrees Celsius. During the main part of the year it fluctuates around 25-28 degrees. The rainy season begins in June and ends by September. During the winter-spring period, tourists are pleased with the dry weather.

In recent years, Nuunu Atoll has been developing most actively. Particular emphasis is placed on the premium class of tourism. The map shows the abundance of neighboring islands, which has become a key factor in attracting travelers and investors.

The geographical location has both pros and cons for vacationers. Advantages:

  • Calm atmosphere. The Maldives are popular among connoisseurs of a secluded holiday away from noisy parties, bazaars, and crowded crowds. This is facilitated by small island territories where there is not much room to roam. Unlike many Asian countries, there is no migration flow here seeking to earn money. Local citizens live in separate territories. Each island belongs to one private hotel. The holiday is organized in such a way that guests meet only at joint events, during meals. Therefore, it is chosen by couples in love and people tired of a hectic life who want to hide from surrounding gazes.

The Maldives is an ideal place for a secluded holiday

  • The purity and richness of the underwater world. Walking along the ocean coast, guests of the country enjoy clean sandy beaches, crystal waters, lush palm trees. The diving here is the best in the world - in the expanses of water visibility reaches 40 meters.

Flaws:

  • Lack of mass entertainment, cultural and excursion offers. Unlike Turkish animation, there are no mass entertainers in the Maldives. Relaxation consists of enjoying nature and water activities. There are no historical or architectural attractions on the islands.
  • Poor kitchen. No matter how much a holiday in the Maldives costs, local cuisine is not the resort's strong point. The cuisine, which takes its cues from Indian and Sri Lankan gastronomy, is extremely spicy. Therefore, living for a long time on such a diet is fraught with health risks. Only the largest hotels provide good food.
  • Expensive. In addition to the fact that hotels have very high prices for water, juices, and alcohol, a lot of money is spent on individual transfers. For example, a boat for two up to neighboring island and back in August 2018 cost about $500. For a candlelit dinner on the ocean shore, tourists shelled out at least 200-300 dollars.

So, the world map shows that the Maldives is an original island chain located in the depths of the Indian Ocean, far from crowded places at a distance of about 5000 km from Bali and is one of the countries of South Asia. More than a thousand islands are grouped into 20 atolls and divided into 8 large regions. Yandex and Google have Russian-language versions of a detailed representation of the internal infrastructure of the entire Maldivian territory.

*the prices shown are current as of August 2018.

“Maldives” - the very name of these islands sounds like some kind of wondrous music, and in everyone’s mind a picture of a serene paradise beach. But it seems that many of us are not very clear about where exactly Maldives is located on the world map. Let me quickly fill this small gap :)

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean very close to the equator. Almost at the equator. The easiest way to find them on the map is like this:

  • India (Hindustan Peninsula) - slightly lower and to the right (i.e. closer to the equator and east) -
  • the large island of Sri Lanka - and now to the left (west) -
  • Maldives!

The Maldives are located 700 kilometers west of Sri Lanka. The Maldives is an archipelago that consists of more than twenty atolls. An atoll, in the case of the Maldives, is a group of small coral islands that form a ring. The islands most likely have a volcanic “history”: it is believed that there were once ancient volcanoes here, overgrown with coral reefs, and then they were gradually flooded by the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The coral islands that form the atolls are perfectly visible from the plane: intricate outlines, spots of turquoise lagoons on the blue surface of the ocean.


There are no large, large islands in the Maldives archipelago. Even the airport had to be built on a separate island: on the island of Male, where the capital of the republic is located, it did not fit;) Even the most large islands have a length of no more than two kilometers.

The position of the Maldives on the world map near the equator is, of course, determined by the climate. It is soft and warm here, truly tropical. Although the sun in the Maldives is very hot, there is no unbearable forty-degree heat. The usual temperature is +28. On clear days the sun may be a few degrees higher. But hardly more than +33. Add to this the fresh breath of the ocean. You may not even feel the heat, but sunburn on your skin is a must if you don’t use sunscreen! The tropical sun is dangerous; you can easily get sunburned even in water. You will sunbathe even under clouds in cloudy weather and in the shade under palm trees.

The air and water temperatures remain virtually unchanged throughout the year. The Maldives has a high season (from about October to April) and a low season (from May to September), which differ in that during the low season it sometimes rains and the sea can be rough. Tour operator websites claim that severe storms and tsunamis are extremely rare in the Maldives. However, for example, the island of Villivaru is now closed to visitors because the hotel that was there was destroyed by the tsunami in 2004. Of course, this is not a reason to refuse a trip, but if you are going fishing or diving in the open ocean, check the weather forecast in advance .

In the Maldives there are no mountains, no hills, no boulders or large stones, there is essentially no soil here (that dark-colored fertile layer to which we are accustomed), there is only sand. The highest point in the Maldives is 2.4 meters. If global warming is really coming, if the glaciers are really melting and the water level in the World Ocean is rising, then the Maldives will disappear from the world map. And perhaps this will happen in a few decades.

The Maldives is something truly extraordinary and unforgettable! It's worth visiting here at least once in your life! Of course it is Paradise islands, beautiful landscapes, water of absolutely delightful shades, palm trees gracefully bending towards the water, soft snow-white sand, but perhaps the most important wonders here are hidden under the water - this is the amazing underwater living world of the Indian Ocean! And now you can definitely find the Maldives on the map, right?)

You might also be interested in: How to have an inexpensive holiday in the Maldives | Dangers in the Maldives | Alcohol in the Maldives | Photos of the Maldives - islands and beaches


Today I’ll tell you about the geography of the Maldives - a large archipelago consisting of 1200 islands of volcanic origin. These islands form dozens of coral atolls. All of them are located on the map directly above the equator. However, only 200 islands of the Maldives archipelago are inhabited. Tourists know the Republic of Maldives as a charming country and it is also the most famous resort in the world. Nature has generously rewarded the islands and atolls of the Maldives with pristine purity and a surprisingly mild climate. In the article I will show you how to understand the countless islands and atolls, and also show Maldives on the world map, which will help bring your unforgettable vacation closer to a unique beach resort near the equator.

Read also:

How to get to the Maldives

As you can see on the map, the Maldives are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean near the equator. That's why get to the Maldives only possible by plane, arriving in international Airport Male named after Ibrahim Nasir. from Russia can be carried out by direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg, the flight time will be 8-10 hours. From other Russian cities you will have to fly with transfers, and the travel time will be from 11 to 26 hours.

Different airlines operate regular flights to the Maldives from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and other regions of our vast planet. It is most convenient to fly a direct flight, for example from Moscow to Male.

All atolls of the Maldives on the map

The Maldives is called the Maldives for a reason. The plural refers to the great number of islands and atolls that make up the Maldives archipelago. And if, as we have already found out, there are almost 1200 islands (or rather, 1196), then there are as many as 26 atolls!

What is an atoll? This is a cluster of islands located on a flat area of ​​the seabed of volcanic origin, near the surface of the water (usually at a depth of no more than 5-10 meters), where a ring-shaped colony of corals develops, reaching a length of up to several tens of kilometers. Also in the Maldives, administrative regions, which may consist of more than one geographical atoll, are called atolls. As a result, each atoll in the Maldives has two names, both of which are in use. For example, Male - the capital of the Maldives is located in the South Male Atoll or Kaafu Atoll.

Map of Maldives atolls:

Map of the 20 atolls of the Maldives archipelago

As you can see, out of the 20 administrative groups of atolls located in the Maldives, only 10 are open for tourism (highlighted in color on the map), and some of them are partially open.

  • Lavianu Atoll — Lhaviyani(Faadhihpolhu)
  • Raa Atoll — Raa(Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi)
  • Baa Atoll — Baa(Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi)
  • Kaafu Atoll — Kaafu(North and South Male Atoll), a group of islands consisting of the capital Male, and the island-airport of Hulule and resort islands located around
  • Ari Atoll(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) - located in the west of Kaafu Atoll, the second most popular among tourists after Kaafu Atoll
  • Vaavu Atoll(to Felid) - Vaavu(Felidhu)
  • Meemu Atoll(Mulak) - Meemu(Mulak)
  • Faafu Atoll — Faafu(Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi)
  • Dhaalu Atoll — Dhaalu(Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi)
  • Addu Atoll(Siena) - Seenu(Addu) - the southernmost atoll, the second most populous, it has the island-airport of Gan

Ten others atolls in the Maldives, not highlighted in color on the map, are practically uninhabited, but they have the best resorts: Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Laamu. Nyavinani, Seenu, Shaviyani (Noonu), and Thaa.

Maldivian atoll names are more complex, so the shorter names from the top map are commonly used. However, in some places you can also find complete names of atolls in the Maldives, which are shown on the map below:

  • Ihavendhippolhu Atoll
  • Thiladhunmathee Atoll
  • Maamakunudhoo Atoll
  • Milashunmadulu Atoll
  • Maalhosmadulu Atoll
  • Faadhippolhu Atoll
  • Goidhu Atoll
  • Addu Atoll
  • North Male Atoll
  • South Male Atoll
  • Ari Atoll
  • Felidhoo Atoll
  • Nilandhoo Atoll
  • Kolhimadulu Atoll
  • Hadhunmathee Atoll
  • Huvadhoo Atoll

Names of atolls in the Maldives

Maldives on the world map

Notice Maldives on the world map pretty hard. The chain of islands near the equator is very far from land, in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and may not immediately catch your eye. But by enlarging the Google map, you can see exactly where the Maldives are.

550 kilometers northeast of the Maldives are the island of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. In the southwest - another famous resort -

A thousand islands stretching over 1000 kilometers of the Indian Ocean - that’s what the Maldives are!

Luxury resort on the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean

The territory of the Republic of Maldives is only 298 square kilometers of land and almost 90,000 of the Indian Ocean. The archipelago consists of 26 atolls, which unite coral islands that arose on the site of volcanoes that were extinct in the distant past. The Maldives owes its snow-white sand to secluded beaches to corals and the amazing beauty of the underwater world of its islands.


 Maldives - a heavenly holiday destination

Emerald water of the Indian Ocean, luxurious tropical nature, comfortable hotels and secluded luxury bungalows perfectly integrated into it, peace and tranquility - the Maldives has created truly heavenly conditions for relaxation.

Location on the map

To find the Maldives on the world map, it is enough to know where the southern tip of India is located. The Maldives are located at a distance of 595 km to the southwest of it and 670 km to the west of Sri Lanka.

The time difference with the Maldives for Moscow is + 1 hour.

Maldives Map

How to get to the resort

There are both direct flights from Moscow and flights with transfers to the Maldives archipelago. Duration direct flight about nine hours, a flight with a transfer in Qatar will take up to 12 hours. A flight with a transfer in Colombo or Dubai is slightly longer, from 13 hours. The duration of the flight is influenced by the great distance of the archipelago where the Maldives is located, and in which country there will be a transfer.

When to go on vacation to the Maldives: resort weather conditions

Due to its proximity to the equator of the Maldives, the climate in the archipelago is monsoonal and subequatorial. This means that the weather is influenced not by the amount of sunlight, which is approximately the same all year round, but by the monsoons, the constantly blowing winds.

There are two seasons:

  • dry when the northeast monsoon blows, lasts from November to April.
  • The rainy season, brought by the southwest monsoon, lasts from May to early November.


The average temperature for the dry season is 27-28°C for air and 28°C for water. During the rainy season, the air is 29-31°C, the water is 24-26°C.

March and April are the hottest and driest months of the year in the Maldives, temperatures can reach 33 degrees.

The best time to vacation in the Maldives is from November to April, that is, it coincides with the dry season. At this time there is little rain and strong winds do not blow. A “small” dry season is also recommended for holidays – June-August.

Beach holidays in the Maldives

When vacationing in the Maldives, no matter which direction you go, you will come to a beach with sand as white as flour. Maldivian beaches are some of the best in the world, with clean clear water and a gently sloping sandy bottom. There is nothing more enjoyable than a beach holiday in the Maldives - swimming in a coral lagoon, snorkeling among corals and their inhabitants. Due to the peculiarities of the coastline, there are many fairly secluded beaches. Occasionally there are rocky shores, but no one swims there, since it is easy to find a comfortable sandy beach nearby.



Most of the beaches in the Maldives are sandy, many are located on private islands, like Didhu-Finolu in the South Ari Atoll. The beaches are considered the best in the Maldives, quite large, in the north there is a sand spit so long that at low tide you can walk along it to the neighboring island.

The beach on Fulhadhoo Island bears the same name and is considered one of the best in the world. There are also beautiful beaches on Dugra Island, long and not very crowded.

The beaches of hotels of all categories are equipped for a comfortable stay. Umbrellas and luxurious tropical greenery will protect sunbathers from the equatorial sun. In the Maldives it is prohibited to swim topless, and in some places even in a bikini. When booking a hotel, you should check this in advance.



Fans of diving and snorkeling will enjoy beaches with coral reefs, like those on Male Atoll. The fabulous beauty of the underwater world of the Maldives is not inferior in richness of colors and whimsical forms to terrestrial nature. Diving into the ocean with a mask or scuba diving gives you an incredible feeling; you will see how beautiful the sea and corals are in the Maldives.

Every hotel and almost every beach has diving centers where instructors will teach you how to dive underwater.

Experienced divers from all over the world fly to the Maldives every year. There are certified centers here where you can dive not only for pleasure, but also to improve your skills.



Spearfishing and coral collecting are prohibited by law.

What to see in the Maldives

The capital of the Maldives, the city of Male, is located on the atoll of the same name, this is the most Big city in the republic. The size allows you to get around it on foot and see the sights in one day.

Worth a look:

  • Royal Palace, founded in the 18th century.
  • The National Museum of Male, part of the palace complex, displays historical exhibits dating back to the 5th century. BC.
  • The Khukuru Miskiy Mosque, built in the 17th century, is decorated with unique wood carvings, some of the panels are 800 years old.


The most great wealth Maldives - natural attractions. A trip to the marine reserve in Hanifaru Bay and the Mandivaru Reef will be unforgettable, where you can interact with the underwater inhabitants of the Indian Ocean, stingrays, sea turtles, and you can examine sunken ships underwater, such as the Maldivian Victoria.

There are no mountains in the Maldives, but air communication between the islands is developed; you can see the magnificent panorama of the islands and atolls from a seaplane, which operates here as an air taxi.

Active holidays in the Maldives

In addition to diving in the Maldives for active rest offer:

  • fishing, you can fish from the shore or go out to the open sea
  • surfing, in the Maldives you can ride the wave on an artificial beach in Male or on the island of Thulusdhoo
  • golf, golf courses are equipped in many large hotels.


The hotels have sports equipment, volleyball courts, courts, water polo and other sports games are played in the swimming pools.

Nightlife at an exotic resort

For lovers nightlife There is also something to do in the Maldives; youth hotels with nightclubs and discos on site invite famous DJs and are able to surprise guests with a unique program and unusual location. In the Maldives there is an underwater disco, through the panoramic roof of which you can see the ocean.



Local folk groups often perform in hotels and restaurants; you can listen to the traditional music of the islanders, combining Indian and African flavors.

Shopping places

Many interesting shops are located in the northern district of the capital Chandhani Magu. Here you can buy souvenirs: palm fiber rugs, decorative boats, lacquerware made of wood, bright local fabrics and clothing, and seafood. Before purchasing, make sure that the products are made in the Maldives and that they are allowed to be exported from the country.



At resorts, you can purchase souvenirs, sun protection products, diving equipment and much more in hotel shops.

Original jewelry self made Tourists often bring handicrafts and products from excursions to the islands of Himafushi, Mafushi Khurra (Male Atoll), Rasdhu, Tageti, Mahibadhu (Aria Atoll).

Canned seafood is also often purchased as a souvenir from the Maldives, given the bountiful catch the ocean provides to local fishermen. There are Duty Free shops on the islands.



Maldives: where is better to live, eat, what to travel on

The difficult question is where is the best place to relax in the Maldives; the choice of place depends on financial capabilities and what type of vacation is preferable.

There are 3 groups of atolls:

  • northern
  • southern
  • far southern atolls.

On the northern atolls, the water is considered the cleanest and most transparent, there is interesting places for diving, but not all of them are suitable for beginners due to strong currents. The northern atolls have the most developed tourism infrastructure.



The southern atolls are located close to the capital Male archipelago, providing convenient transfers. The distance of the islands from each other makes it easy to find a deserted beach when traveling by boat. There is a unique reef ridge 55 km long, which makes the southern atolls a desirable destination for divers.

The far southern atolls are located almost on the equator, and some islands are even further south. Here it is easy for a tourist to come into contact with local residents in an equatorial village. The unique freshwater lake Eidigali - Kili is worthy of a separate excursion.

Top hotels

There are several types of hotels:

Guesthouses– affordable room-type rooms, suitable for those who intend to actively go on excursions and walks to other islands and spend relatively little time at the hotel. Examples of such compact hotels:

  • Sun Tan Beach Hotel, on the island of Marafushi, 27 km from Male
  • Gaia Sunrise, Ukulhas Island, the hotel has its own beach
  • Stingray Beach Inn, Marafushi Island, offers guests an interesting program of active recreation.


Resorts. The peculiarity of resorts in the Maldives: they occupy the entire territory of small islands and have different themes:

  • luxury resorts with the most expensive and luxurious service;
  • for divers;
  • for relax;
  • for newlyweds, with interesting wedding service packages.

Planning a romantic or Honeymoon, feel free to choose the Maldives, the best vacation to start your family life.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel is one of the best hotels of this type, located on two private islands surrounded by a coral reef with rich marine life. Guests have at their disposal 12 restaurants, a swimming pool, a lounge bar, and a training room.

Cottage hotels. The area is built up with individual houses and bungalows on stilts above the lagoon.
Located in North Male Atoll, Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi is an excellent hotel of this type. The bungalows have a private sun terrace.
On site there are restaurants serving fresh seafood, bars, a spa center, and an infinity pool.



Boutique hotels– the most luxurious and expensive, consisting of several secluded comfortable villas with a private beach and swimming pool.
While relaxing in the magnificent Cheval Blanc Randheli, you can not only relax your body and soul in luxury villas, but also go diving in your own certified center. For guests with children, the hotel offers children's and teen club programs. Luxurious spa center, 5 restaurants, wine and cigar cellars.

When choosing a hotel in the Maldives for a holiday with children, you need to clarify the hotel’s policy. Some resorts do not accommodate children under 12 years of age.



The most exotic and mobile type of accommodation is on board a yacht, the price will depend on the class of the vessel.

From spruces in the Maldives differ in location and level of service. As a rule, they correspond to 4-5 stars. Three-star hotels are more common in the capital and on the larger islands; they are popular among young people due to their relatively low prices.

Food in the Maldives: cafes, bars, restaurants

Many tourists prefer an all-inclusive holiday in the Maldives, which is very reasonable, since prices in bars and restaurants on the islands can be high due to the lack of competition.

The ban on the sale of alcohol in the Maldives does not apply on hotel premises. Most hotels have a la carte restaurants, including local cuisine. Local cuisine is also on the buffet menu, based on fresh fish and seafood. On the larger islands and in the capital, thanks to competition, you can find a not very expensive restaurant or cafe.



WITH The most exotic restaurant in the Maldives can easily be called the world’s only underwater restaurant, Itha, located at a depth of about five meters. It seats 14 tables and is booked far in advance..

Transport

Motor transport is not in demand here, and this is a plus; there is an opportunity to take a break from noise and exhaust fumes. On the larger islands you can rent a bicycle or motorcycle.

The most common transport in the Maldives is water. Renting a boat is quite expensive, about $200; a traditional dhoni boat will cost less and will allow you to get closer to the local flavor.



Communication between the islands is provided by regular boats and ferries. You can fly over very long distances in a seaplane.

Whatever holiday you choose in the Maldives - active, with many excursions and dives, romantic, under the palm trees, or relaxed, in the spa, it will be unforgettable.