Maldives Destination Guide
Malé, the Capital City of Maldives, is lovely and green, offering a number of interesting spots. The tree-lined avenues that arch to provide cool shade, the markets, including the fish and local markets, the new harbour and 400 year old Friday Mosque, are only a handful of these. Kulhudhuffushi, Malé, Naifaru and Thinadhoo are the major towns and cities in Maldives.
Stroll around the residential areas and shopping streets for an insight into the life and livelihood of the Malé people or simply relax at one of the parks and watch the Maldivian world pass you by!
Our Maldives Destination Guide and Maldives tour suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit during your Maldives Island holiday. For handy travel information check out our Maldives Country Guide.
Things to see & do in Maldives
The Maldives Islands are famous for its crystal clear waters and an active marine life. With a profusion of vibrant colours and an abundance of aquatic life, the Maldives has fascinated snorkelling enthusiasts and divers, ever since it was discovered to be such a great destination for diving. With one of the highest levels of underwater visibility, sometimes even more than 50 metres, and its perpetually warm waters, the Maldives is something that you want to experience many times over. Since some of the best diving sites in the world are in the Maldives, many visitors come to the country for this purpose alone. All of the Maldives resorts offer instructions at professional dive schools and hold classes for both beginners and advanced learners. Several Maldives hotels also have their own house reefs. For great snorkelling, all you have to do is take a short swim and you'll be able to experience all the beauty that the reefs have to offer.
The Maldivian atolls are formed of coral reefs and since the islands are hundreds of kilometres from any large landmass, the water is exceedingly clear and there is abundant underwater life. Everything from sharks to Manta rays and even some shipwrecks can be seen in the Maldives.
The diving in Maldives is quite good in the capital city of Malé, but if you go to the further atolls, there is a much greater chance of seeing the large pelagic formations. Many dedicated divers prefer to live aboard, which often works out much cheaper than paying room rates at the resorts. Inside the atolls, the currents are quite gentle, but on the sides that face the open ocean the currents can be quite strong. The water here is warm all round the year and wearing a 3 mm shorty or a Lycra diveskin is good enough protection. If required, there are decompression chambers located on Bandos in Kaafu (about 15 min from Malé) and in Kuramathi on Alifu.
Probably the only downside of diving in the Maldives is that it is rather costly by Asian standards. While prices do vary from resort to resort, in general prices are around US $50 for single boat dives, where you bring your own gear, and around US $75 without the gear. Specialist dive resorts in Maldives usually offer better prices than other Maldives hotels. Be aware of surcharges such as those for boat use, larger tanks, and guided dives. The upside of the high prices is that the safety standards are quite high, the gear is well-maintained and the diving protocol, such as doing check dives, computer use, maximum depth and so on, is strictly followed.
Parasailing
The thrilling feeling of water skiing along with parachuting is what makes parasailing so exhilarating. To fly high over the Indian Ocean while a speedboat tows you is an enthralling experience that will give you unsurpassed views of the islands.
Catamaran Sailing
Catamarans are vessels that have twin hulls and are propelled using steam or sails. Catamaran sailing is quite popular, with both amateurs and sea worthy sailors enjoying this sport. Most windsurfing centres will provide catamaran sails.
Stay safe
The crime rate in the Maldives is very low, and most tourists stay in the resorts, where there is a high level of safety. Most Maldivians are very helpful, honest and quite welcoming, but you are not likely to meet many of them at the resorts.
The islands do face a drug problem as far as the local population is concerned, due to which petty crime has been increasing.
In August 2005, there were riots and battles in the streets of Malé by locals protesting against the government, during which armoured cars were used to ensure peace and maintain the curfew. Political tension still remains high and it is always possible that violence will erupt again. Tourists in Malé should remain alert, especially after dark.
Banana Reef
This is a protected marine area and offers a bit of everything from cliffs, caves, coral growths, with predators such as barracuda, shark and groper, and abundant reef fish such as the blue striped snapper, morays and jackfish. Mantas can be seen regularly at the cleaning stations in the reef. This was one of the first dive sites in the Maldives that became internationally famous. Snorkelling opportunities are excellent here.
Fish Head
This dive site is also known as Mushimasmingali Thila and is one of the most famous diving spots in the world. With spectacularly steep sides and several multi-level ledges, caves, overhangs, anemones, black corals and supporting sea fans, this is a must visit dive site for all diving enthusiasts. There is a range of fish life from fusiliers, barracudas and Napoleons. Fish Head dive site is also quite famous for its grey sharks.
Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque in the Maldives and was built in 1656. While the corrugated iron-covered exterior is not its most attractive aspect, once you enter the building, you will see intricate coral-stone walls carved in Arabic script and other beautiful carvings that will simply dazzle you. The interior of the mosque is also famous for its superior lacquer work and woodcarvings.
Built on the foundation of an ancient temple, which originally faced west towards the setting sun, instead of facing northwest to Mecca, worshippers now face a corner of the mosque in the direction of Mecca when they pray, with the lines of the striped carpet showing them the right direction.
Facing the mosque is the blue and white tower of its munnaaru, a solid and round minaret, which was built in 1675, even though it looks quite new.
National Museum
The articles on display range from thrones and palanquins used by former sultans to the first printing press used in the country, the rifle used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial robes, headgear and umbrellas used by Sultans to statues and other figures dating from 11th century, excavated from former temples.
A variety of artifacts from times past would give an idea of the unique and rich culture and history of this island nation. A visit to the museum gives an instant insight to the wealth of history most visitors never suspect existed. No longer will you think of the Maldives solely in terms of a tourist destination.
The museum is open daily except Friday and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40. A small fee is charges for admission.
Wreck of the Maldive Victory
This wreck is quite a challenging dive as there is always the potential of strong ocean currents. The wreck dates to 1981 when this cargo ship sank after hitting a reef. Now, its wheelhouse sits at about 15 m (49 ft) and its propeller is at 35 m (115 ft). Its structure, which has largely remained intact, has provided a rich growth of coral, tubastrea, sponges and many schools of fish.
General Pursuits
Vacationing in the Maldives can be spent doing nothing and completely relaxing or participating in various underwater activities and water sports. There is a variety of other activities to enjoy on the beach as well. Attracting both vacationers and professional surfers and divers from across the world, the Maldives has a unique combination of a little bit of everything for everyone.
Scuba Diving
With the waters around the Maldives almost like an underwater city, the area is one of the top diving destinations in the world. The water is always crystal clear and usually offers a visibility of up to 60 metres, which is quite rare in other locations. Apart from diving in the Maldives, there is also an active marine life that attracts divers continuously to the Maldives.
Snorkelling
With the abundant marine life, snorkelling is a major attraction in the Maldives. There are more than 70 different colourful coral reef species in the Maldives in the spectacular underwater flora and over 700 different species of fishes and other marine life as well.
Surfing
The Maldives has been a primary diving destination for several years, but has also become a perfect surfing destination as well. Surfing in the Maldives, with its warm clear blue waters, is something that all surfers want to experience. The country has become a destination for professional surfers as well as enthusiastic amateurs from across the world.
The 2008 O’Neil Deep Blue Contest placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map. While most of the recognised surf breaks are in Male’ Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered. For resort based surfing it is advisable to choose one of the resorts on the eastern side of North Male’ Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks.
The weather in Maldives is influenced by two monsoons; the northeast monsoon from November to April brings fine weather and coincides with the high tourist season. However, the best surf is during the southwest monsoon from May to October is often wet and rainy.
Popular Surf Spots
Thulusdhoo, Atoll Capital.
Eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
A short but intense ride. A big wave tube spot. A steep barreling takeoff, then a very shallow inside section that opens up even more than the takeoff. Best on mid to high tide, however, can be surfed at low tide if the swell is big enough. Ideal on a straight south swell and winds NW however, can be surfed in winds from any direction W - N.
Named after the Coca-Cola factory on the island, beautiful view of palm fringed beach from the surf zone. Access by boat.
Lhohi
Hudhuranfushi Resort, eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Good and hollow left-hander with two sections. Need big SE swells and high tides to work well. Best during NW-NE offshore winds. Named after the island resort Lhohifushi. Access by boat or from Adaaran Hudhuranfushi Resort.
Piddlies / Ninjas
Kanifinolhu Resort, eastern Reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Best on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However swells larger than 4 feet spoils it. Named Ninjas because many Japanese surfers seem to like it. Access by boat.
Sultans
Dhonveli Beach, eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Perfect long left, which picks up more swell and is more consistent than any other break. ‘Macaroni Bowl’-a second tube section, which develops after the fast take off section, mellows out for a cutback. ‘Lockjaws’ - if you are game try out this very fast and shallow end section, which comes after the ‘Macaroni Bowl’. Rides are 75 to 100 yards long. Reserved for the exclusive use of the resort guests. (Strictly enforced by Dhonveli Beach Resort management) Best winds; N, but can be surfed with NE-NW. Best months - February, March and April. Accessible from the shore.
Honkey’s
Thamburudhoo (uninhabited Island), eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Excellent, long, world-class right-hander. One of the most consistent waves of Male’ Atoll, which never closes out, even on the biggest swells. The take-off is a steep outside peak called ‘Phantoms’, which slingshots into a very long, walled, super fast section called the ‘Pinnacles’, over four feet. All three sections can be thrilling, almost insane tubes. Rides are 100 to 150 yards. Best on high tide with any wind from W to N. Access by boat.
Tomb Stones
Thamburudhoo (uninhabited Island), adjacent to ‘Sultans’, eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Long, left-hander. Starts small and increases in size and intensity as it wraps 90 degrees around the island. A six feet wave on the take-off will end up at least eight feet on the end section, called ‘Fred’s Ledge’. Long rides and tubes through all sections. Best on low tides unless swell is huge. Best winds, ENE-N (this is the only wave that works on a ENE wind). Best swell, straight S. Best months for this wave, February, March and April. Affected by strong currents in the Southwest monsoon from May to October. Access by boat.
Male’ Island Point
Full Moon Beach Resort, Furana Fushi Island, eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
Long, right-hander, offshore in winds S to W. Breaks rarely and only large swells. At three feet it has a dry reef to surf on. In the big swells of 1987, when many of the islands were flooded, this was surfed at a perfect six to eight feet.
Gurus
Male’, eastern reef, southern tip of North Male’ Atoll.
A couple of shifting peaks, popular with locals, riding surfboards and boogie boards. The reef picks up plenty of swell. Best in W winds. Accessible from the shore.
Twin Peaks
Miyaru Faru near the island of Gulhi, inhabited island, eastern reef of South Male’ Atoll.
Sectiony left, which picks up more swell than most of the breaks in South Male’ Atoll. Can have a good end section in a big S swell. Best in N winds, the higher the tide, the better. Access by boat.
Quarters
Gulhigaathuhuraa, uninhabited island attached to Anantara Dhigu Resort, eastern reef of south Male’ Atoll.
Really nice, fast little right-hander that picks up less swell than most other places. Best in winds W to NW. Named after the resort workers’ quarters on the island.
Kate’s
Boduhuraa, Uninhabited Island near the Anantara Dhigu Resort. Eastern Reef of South Male’ Atoll.
Small short left. Best in winds NW to N.
Natives
Kandooma Resort, eastern reef of north Male’ Atoll.
A short right, that needs a big swell. Best SW winds.
Riptides
Guraidhoo, Inhabited Island, eastern reef of south Male’ Atoll
Small reef in the middle of the channel on the southern side of the island; fast right-hander, one of the best waves in the area. The area is subject to strong currents. Best on W to SW winds. Access by boat.
Fishing
The Maldives is also one of the best fishing destinations for professionals and amateurs alike. Species of fish range from Little Tuna, Snappers, Dolphin Fish* (or Mahi-Mahi), Squirrel fish, Groupers, Emperors, Rainbow Runner, Barracuda and Trevally. In addition to these, there are also many rare species of fish and marine life that are sure to add something extra to your fishing experience in the Maldives.
For the best prospects of catching Little Tuna, Rainbow Runner, Dolphin Fish* (or Mahi-Mahi), Barracuda and Trevally, head to the sea early in the morning. Another huge attraction for tourists is night fishing, where you will be able to catch Emperors, Barracudas, Jacks and Groupers.
For the most part, fishing in the Maldives depends on the weather. While it is generally warm, with a lot of sunshine all year round, the country does have seasons. The two main seasons are the North West and the South West monsoons. Temperatures do vary and affect underwater currents and movement of fish, but having a spell of bad weather is generally rare.
* Do not confuse ‘Dolphin Fish’ with ‘Dolphin’. Fishing for Dolphin is prohibited.
Angling
This is a great way to spend some time on your vacation, especially if you go in for sea angling and spend a couple of days at sea. Take a two or three-day trip on a ‘dhoni', explore the less explored coral reefs, and catch fish that are not as aware of modern fishing bait. Angling in these remote spots among the coral reefs will be a completely unique experience.
It is possible to do some angling from both the ‘dhoni' as well from its speedboat or ‘dinghy'. The options vary from Bottom Fishing, Trolling, Flats fishing to reef fishing and much more. Since these ‘dhonis' are well furnished and air conditioned, you will be able to enjoy your trip.
Reef Casting
Definitely one of the more thrilling types of fishing, if you opt for reef casting, you could head to the coral islands on a dinghy or a motorised ‘dhoni' and take on some of the toughest fighters in the reefs.
Once you get to the edge of the reefs, you will see groupers such as the ‘black spotted panther grouper' and the ‘purple coloured luna-tailed rock grouper', along with Snappers, Bluefin, Barracudas, Jacks, Trevally and Giant Trevally Jacks. Some fully grown Giant Trevally Jacks can reach 1.70 metres in length and are some of the strongest fighters in the reefs.
Many times these fish take the bait but disappear into coral shelves and reefs. At these times, make sure that you hold onto something, keeping your rod high and try to stay steady.
Sailing
The Maldives offers some of the most beautiful waters to sail in, with colours ranging in hues of turquoise, green and blue, making the islands of the Maldives seem like pearls scattered in the ocean. It is definitely not an experience to be missed.
When vacationing in the Maldives, experience a cruise amid the beautiful atolls. Cruises run for either 7 or 14 days and usually cover 2-3 atolls. Cruising in the Maldives will give you ample opportunity to try your hand at all the different options of water sports such as snorkelling and diving, as well as fishing.
