The Maldives is the perfect island destination that’s on everyone’s bucket lists, for its white sandy beaches, tropical weather, calm waters filled with vibrant marine life and fascinating cultural history. If you’re planning to make your first visit to these serene islands, here is a quick travel guide to help you make the most of your vacation.
Location and Geography
The Maldives is an archipelagic nation located in the Indian Ocean along the equator, with Sri Lanka and India as its neighbours. The Maldives includes around 1190 coral islands across 960 kilometres and 26 atolls. Of these islands, only 190 of them are inhabited. Altogether the Maldives is one of the most geographically dispersed countries in the world.
How to Get There
The main airport in the Maldives is the Male International Airport, which you’ll need to reach from your location. Of course, the flight duration varies based on where you are travelling from. However, a flight to the Maldives is considerably shorter from Europe, Africa and some parts of Asia. However, there are several connecting flights from several of the major US cities through Singapore Airlines and Emirates.
If you’ve planned on staying on one of the other islands, it is possible to reach there by several ways including speedboats and seaplanes, depending on how far away the island is.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season which falls from November to April. This is advisable if you’re looking for the perfect tropical island weather conditions that are perfect for exploring the ocean waters and relaxing on the beaches. Mid-May to September constitutes peak rainy seasons and are best avoided especially if you’re making your first trip to the island nation.
Activities to Enjoy
If you are staying at a Maldives family resort like the luxurious Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, there will be ample opportunities for excursions and activities to explore what the island has to offer. If you’ve been planning to explore the ocean depths, activities like snorkelling, diving and submarine rides are ideal. If you prefer to stay above the surface, you can enjoy water sports like dolphin watching, kayaking, fishing, jet skiing, and windsurfing.
If you’re interested in exploring the local culture, you can spend time with the local communities and learn to make coir rope, cooking skills, lacquer work or enjoy Bodu Beru performances (a traditional Maldivian dance).
