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The Maldives is home to a diverse array of marine life, making it a snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise. You’ll have the chance to swim around with everything from white-tipped reef sharks and eagle rays to sea turtles and all sorts of colorful fish. If you’ve always wanted to learn to dive, most resorts offer dive centers with professional instructors.
There are plenty of dolphins to watch in the Maldives too, and you don’t have to get into the water to see them. Take a dolphin cruise, perhaps at sunset, gazing out at the glorious colors while relaxing and sipping cocktails, while dolphins dance through the surf, sometimes putting on a spectacular performance for their captive audience.
There’s no better table than a picnic blanket on a sandbank, with only the fish for your neighbors. You’ll be able to gaze out at the endless blue of the ocean, interrupted only by the occasional dhoni sailboat while dining on a gourmet meal. Private sandbank dinners are offered by resorts like Velassaru and Baros, for the ultimate in Maldives luxury, champagne included.
If you’re looking for something really unique, wade out to a table that sits in the Indian Ocean’s shallow, warm waters for a wine-tasting session with Constance Moofushi. Sample the vino while a sommelier fills you in on the flavor nuances and baby reef sharks swim around your legs. After the tasting, you can choose a bottle to pair with your dinner.
If you visit between May and October, you’ll have the chance to snorkel with whale sharks. A number of resorts offer the experience, like Conrad Rangali which works with Maldivian whale shark experts. These docile creatures are the world’s largest fish, weighing up to 20 tons and measuring up to 40 feet long, yet completely harmless, feeding on tiny fish, algae, and plankton.
Manta rays are commonly spotted in the Maldives too, drawn by plankton that clusters around the lights of resorts reflecting in the ocean. Seeing them in their natural habitat is one of the world’s greatest marine experiences. Their movements are tuned to the daily and seasonal ebb and flow of the currents, and where the plankton goes, they follow.
Surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that you’ll find plenty of fish on the menu in the Maldives. But here, it’s so fresh, odds are you snorkeled right by what’s on your plate that very morning. Feast on seafood platters with mouthwatering lobster while sandbank dining, or in any one of the countless restaurants from Raw to Baros’ Lighthouse Restaurant.
A traditional Maldives-style beach BBQ offers a fun and tasty way to socialize and relax while enjoying a feast of mouth-watering foods such as charcoal grilled meats with island-grown greens complemented by BBQ side dishes and fine wines. Once satisfied, look up to the brilliant night sky for stargazing at its best.
An excursion through the capital city of Male will allow you to soak up its unique character as you wander the streets, visiting colorful food markets and admiring the architecture. The Old Friday Mosque is the oldest in the Maldives, built more than 400 years ago. It’s also one of the largest and most stunning.
Male Island is where many cruises begin. Male is also the capital and largest city, characterized by colorful buildings and mosques while hosting a wide range of shopping and dining experiences. It’s a great place to learn about Maldivian life and mingle with the locals, perhaps at the popular fish market near the harbor selling the catch of the day, or the produce market, stocked with all sorts of local fruits. The Grand Friday Mosque, the biggest in the archipelago, is a highlight here. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Maldives’ history and culture, you’ll want to spend time on this island.
Villivaru Giri is a magnificent reef pinnacle and one of the Maldives’ most popular dive sites. Located off Villivaru Island, rimmed by pristine beaches and dazzlingly clear blue waters, it lies in the South Male’ atoll and can only be reached by a private boat. The trip from Male’s airport takes about an hour. The site features a shallow patch of vibrant coral adorned with interesting crevices, holes, and overhangs where marine creatures are often spotted. The reef pinnacle tops out only a few feet below the surface, making it easy to view the abundant, varied sea life. It’s especially ideal for night dives.
Situated on the southern fringe of Ari Atoll, Ariadhoo is an uninhabited island near Maamigili Island. You’ll enjoy a tropical fantasy feel as you stroll the deserted, palm-fringed island, often with nothing but you, the soft white sands, and the endless turquoise sea. Not only is it a place for taking in jaw-dropping scenery, but as you walk, you’ll find the remains of an ancient Buddhist stupa. Not surprisingly, this is where daily meditation practice was once common. It’s easy to see why, with the incredibly serene atmosphere providing a most peaceful spot for quiet contemplation.
A tiny island in the northern part of the Ari Atol, Maayafushi is encircled by a fabulous white sandy beach with an interior covered in lush greenery. It embodies all the features that make this a unique slice of the Maldives, from a vibrant reef home to incredibly diverse schools of various fish species to wild vegetation. One of the country’s most famous dive sites, Maaya Thila, is a hunting ground popular for stingrays and sharks, ideal for night diving. The island is a favorite among divers from across the globe, with everyone from those looking to dive for the first time to the highly experienced.
GMT + 5 | ET + 10
Rufiyaa
Malé
Honeymoon, Relaxation
Nov - April
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