Are you endless romantics, are you madly in love with each other, or have you recently gotten married? Or maybe you are a diver from birth and are ready to explore the underwater world around the clock? Or is a relaxing holiday in a tropical paradise preferable to luxury hotels?
Welcome to Maldives!

Geography of Maldives

Maldives located in equatorial waters Indian Ocean about 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka. The Maldives is an archipelago of 26 natural atolls made up of 1,192 coral islands: 198 inhabited and 991 uninhabited islands. The length of the archipelago from north to south is 820 km, from east to west - 120 km. The total area is 90 thousand km², the land area is 298 km². Of the more than 1000 islands, only a few have an area of ​​more than 1 km2. The islets are not much higher than the ocean level: the most high point archipelago - on the southern atoll of Addu (Siena) - 2.4 m. There are no rivers or mountains on them, each island is surrounded by a shallow lagoon. The atolls are formed by reefs, many of which are coral. The reefs, the natural protection of the islands from the violence of the sea, are striking in their beauty. In addition, they serve as a refuge for numerous tropical fish. The depth of the sea under the reefs reaches 365 m.On the islands you can see typical tropical landscapes, with tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. The largest atoll - Huvadhoo, located in the south, with a lagoon area of ​​2,240 km, is one of the largest atolls in the world. The smallest atolls are Kaashidhu, north of Male Atoll, and Thoddhu, both less than 2 km in diameter.

The closest neighbors of the Maldives in the north and east are India, located at a distance of about 600 km, and Sri Lanka, at a distance of about 670 km. In the west are the shores of the African Republic of Somalia, in the east are Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. The closest neighbor of the Maldives in the southwest is the Seychelles, and a little further away is Madagascar.

Climate in the Maldives

Maldives are located almost at the equator, and therefore the temperature in the Maldives does not drop below +27 ° C all year round. The climate is subequatorial monsoon. Driven by northeastern monsoons dry from November to March and driven by southwestern monsoons rainy from June to August. The air temperature never drops below + 17 ° C in January-February and never rises above + 32 ° C in April-May. Water temperature all year round - 28-30 degrees, humidity 75-80%, although it changes under the influence of cold ocean breezes... May and November are considered the wettest months. June has the least sun (6.5 hours a day). However, even in cloudy days exposure to the sun is so intense that it can harm sensitive light skin even with indirect exposure.

Language in the Maldives

Official language - Dhivehi, close to Sinhalese, with borrowings from Arabic and English. The educated part of the population speaks Arabic and English... In tourist areas, staff speaks many languages, including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

History and culture of the Maldives

The first inhabitants appeared on the islands three and a half thousand years ago. Aryan settlers settled here about 500 BC, but reliable historical evidence only appears from the moment the inhabitants of the island converted to Islam in 1153. For centuries, the islands were ruled by sultans of various dynasties, although there was a fifteen-year period of Portuguese rule, which ended in 1573 d. From 1887 to 1965. the period of British protectorate continued, at the end of which the islands returned to full independence. Three years later, the sultanate was abolished, essentially a second time, and replaced by republican rule.

Despite foreign influences ranging from Indian films and martial arts to Michael Jackson and Muslim fundamentalism, the Divehi Culture continues to live in the Maldives. Western fashion is clearly visible in the capital of the country, pop music is playing everywhere and many video salons are open. But, as soon as any religious event occurs (for example, the holy holiday of Ramadan), the Maldivian traditions take precedence.

In the native language of the inhabitants of the country (Dhivehi), several daily newspapers and magazines are published. There are several well-known rock bands throughout the country that sing lyrical songs of Dhivehi. Multi-storey buildings on the islands are designed in architectural style, which is an echo of the architecture of the first houses in the Maldives. Popular is "Bodu take" - a local big drum. This is the name he gave to the traditional music and dance rhythms of the Maldives. This art form can be seen in resorts during local culture nights. Contemporary local rock bands, often performing in resorts, perform well-known songs and music. When performing songs for local people, they use some elements of bodu-beru, percussion and drum solo inserts. Cassettes of local artists are available from record stores in Male.

Customs and traditions of the Maldives

Religion leaves a certain imprint on the life and traditions of the Maldivians. For example:
- residents of the Maldives are not allowed to trade in alcohol, alcoholic beverages can only be bought in the tourist area in a designated place, the use of alcoholic beverages in public places (outside the tourist area) is prohibited;
- in mosques one should behave with restraint. when entering the mosque, it is necessary to take off your shoes and wash your feet in a special ritual pool, clothes should be closed, cover your legs, arms and shoulders, women should also cover your head;
- it is forbidden by law to visit the capital of Male and the islands, where the local population lives in open beach clothes, it is necessary to have light clothes that cover the shoulders, arms and legs, the best option is cotton clothing;
- nudism and topless on the beaches of the country are prohibited by law (with the exception of the island of Kuramati);
- It is customary to greet by shaking hands, the official greeting is "salam aleikum", greeting for an informal setting is "kihenen";
- illegal fishing near the islands and spearfishing are prohibited;
- it is forbidden to litter
- photography is prohibited in mosques and places of religious shrines.
- you should not try to make contact with unfamiliar women in the Maldives, this is not accepted in Muslim countries.

For breaking the rules, you can get a fine, imprisonment and even deportation from the country.

National cuisine in the Maldives

Maldives cuisine based on Arabic and Indian cuisines. Most often there are various types of fish products, rice, spices, sauces. The favorite dish of the Maldivians is tuna with rice. Desserts - coconut in any form, areca nuts, lots of fruits, fruit salads, baked goods. Popular drinks are milk tea and Arabic coffee. Almost all fruits are imported, only coconuts and bananas. The Maldivians also love a concentrated tuna paste called riha akura. It is mixed with boiled rice, chili and onions, or spread over a hot roshi cake. Many people prefer to eat rihaakura with grated green mango and chili. Packaged in small bags, rihaakuru is sold in stores and shops - you can buy it and try it at home, for example, spread it on a sandwich. A Maldivian meal usually ends with a platter of thinly sliced ​​betel nut (areca), betel nut leaves, and lime paste to be chewed. These remedies are believed to help improve digestion.

It is prohibited to bring alcohol with you to the Maldives. You can drink only in specially designated places - in bars and restaurants of hotels where visitors from Sri Lanka and India serve (citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol).

The cost of food and drinks in the resorts is much higher than in Male, since all the food has to be brought to the islands. Average bottle mineral water volume of 1.5 liters. costs $ 5, a glass of wine - $ 6, 1 lunch by type buffet- 35-40 US dollars. Prices vary from hotel category.

Monetary unit in the Maldives

Maldivian currency are rufiyaa and laari. 1 Maldivian rufiyaa is equal to 100 laari. 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 12 rufiyaa. In the Maldives, there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaa and coins of 2 and 1 rufiyaa, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. In the Maldives, US dollars and basic credit cards(American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and Euro Card). Therefore, it is not at all necessary to exchange dollars for local currency.

Shopping in the Maldives

The most famous souvenirs from the Maldives are undoubtedly "thudu kuna" - Maldivian mats woven from local natural palm fiber. Another souvenir is the miniature wooden "doni" - traditional fishing boats that can be found everywhere in the Maldives. Shark jaws, coconut oil, shells, sarongs, wood crafts, most of which are made by hand, and coconut monkeys are also brought from the islands. In Male, buy high-quality equipment and equipment for scuba diving of foreign production at attractive prices.

Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm with a few short prayer breaks. On Fridays, shops open after 14.00. Almost all sellers speak English, some German and French. Bargaining is possible, and even necessary, the price can be reduced to 30%.

Maldives Customs

When crossing the border with the Maldives, all luggage goes through strict customs control.
You are allowed to import duty-free: foreign and national currency in any quantity; cigarettes, no more than 200 pieces; perfumery products up to 125 ml; products personal use in non-commercial quantities (no more than one name of each product per person)
It is allowed to export duty-free: unlimited national or foreign currency; previously imported personal goods and souvenirs
It is forbidden to import and export: alcoholic beverages; salami sausages; items of a pornographic nature (tapes, publications); narcotic substances; items found at the bottom of the sea.
Export is prohibited shells of turtles and corals. The only exceptions are items, the decorative pattern of which is made using these materials, and souvenirs.

An attempt to smuggle alcoholic beverages is subject to a $ 500 fine. The alcohol left at customs will be returned when you leave the country.

reference Information

Tipping in the Maldives- not officially accepted, but with decent service it will not hurt to reward the service staff with a small amount ($ 10 for the hotel employee, and for the waiter - 5% of the invoice amount). In some resorts, the service fee is immediately credited to the bill (as a rule, this is 10% of the total cost), then there is no need to tip.

Electricity in the Maldives- voltage in the networks of the Maldives: 220-240 V, 50 Hz (voltage surges are possible).

Time in Maldives- ahead of Moscow by 1 hour.

Visa for Maldives- Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter the Maldives.

Phones in Maldives- for calls to the Maldives to landline numbers, dial: 8 - 10 - 960 - (area code) - (phone number). To make calls to Russia, dial: 007 (Russia code) - (city code) - (phone number). Telephone code Maldives - 960.

The territory of the islands is divided into several telephone zones. The cost of calls within each zone is approximately the same, calls between zones are more expensive. You can make calls from public telephones, from hotels, or from mobile phone... Most of the major Russian mobile operators provide roaming services in the Maldives. The cost of the service depends on the tariff rates of a particular operator.

Transport in the Maldives- on the islands there is no regular transport links... The main vehicles- sailing and motor boats... Most of the transportation is carried out by seaplanes, helicopters and boats. There is no public transport as such. The most common aquatic view transport in the Maldives - a wooden boat "doni" with a flat roof. Large Vedis boats are used for long journeys to remote atolls. Most of them travel by land on bicycles and motorcycles. Car taxis (and roads) exist only in the capital Male and on the island of Gan.

Precautionary measures

After the vacation, I could not find the strength to talk about. Collected my thoughts, I tell.

Who owns the Maldives?
Nobody, this is an independent state, located on 2000 islets, right on the equator (only a hundred islands are inhabited). The country is run by the president. Religion is strict Islam. Population - 300 thousand people, mostly descendants of the Dravidians (the ancient Austroloid population of South Asia), who are colloquially called "black Hindus". Tourism and fishing are the main sources of income for the treasury.

Are there cities?
There is, but only one, it is the capital. The main problem of the country is that all the islands are very small, there is nowhere to build cities. Male city is located on one of the largest islands(he is also called Male). Airport - on neighboring island, take 15 minutes by ferry. Male is built up very densely, in terms of population density this island ranks second in the world after one of the Hong Kong islands. Male is home to 100 thousand people, a third of the population of the Maldives. There are practically no single-storey houses, they are being built on 5-6 floors, there are also 10-storey buildings. There are a lot of cars on the island, including jeeps and trucks, although there is normal asphalt everywhere, and the entire island around the perimeter can be walked around in an hour. The sports cars were especially surprising, because on Male it is difficult to accelerate faster than 40 km / h. Typical street:

Why is everything so expensive there?
Everything is very expensive because each island is self-sufficient. Male has its own large CHP, on the islands - only small diesel power plants. On Male there are wells, on other islands there are desalination plants, just like on Tatooine from “ Star wars". And all the water in the water supply system is from the desalination plants. On the tourist islands, all products are imported, including fish and fruits (except for coconuts, nothing grows). There are no factories for the production of, say, drinks in the Maldives - bottled drinks from abroad. To get from island to island, you need to overcome many kilometers of the ocean surface, and travel by speed boats and, moreover, by seaplanes are also not cheap. Prices for a tourist in Sri Lanka, where I visited on the same trip, are one and a half to two times lower than the Maldivian ones.

Is there really heaven on earth?
Depends on how you envision heaven. In any case, paradise is not on Male, but on the tourist islands. One island, according to the unwritten rule of the Maldives, is one hotel. The tourist lives in a bungalow, a simple one-story structure, the splendor of the decoration of which depends on the "star rating" of the hotel. From the bungalow, access directly to the white beach with the purest water, around the vastness of the ocean, coconut trees and helpful hotel staff. Food and drink in the restaurant bars. For some, Crimea is a paradise. On the beach:

But what about the pristine nature?
Do not deceive: there is a lot of nature. Colorful equatorial fish and fatty tuna swim in the sea next to you. We saw a reef shark at a depth of 1.5 meters on the very first day. Moray eels and stingrays were not noticed, but heard about them. The sand is strewn with pieces of coral, you can admire the living ones by diving with a mask. Hefty crabs swarm on the beach in the evening. A palm-sized tropical cockroach and lizards were walking around the bathroom. Most of all I liked the unafraid herons, ignoring the beach goers, and the flying foxes - huge bats (wingspan more than a meter) hanging in the trees and sweeping overhead at dusk. Foxes do not drink blood, but love fruits.
Tourists are encouraged to take good care of the local nature. For offending a fish, you will receive a fine of several hundred dollars. At the same time, the locals catch fish with impunity anywhere and whatever. Central sewers on Male and other islands drain directly into the ocean. Since there are no incinerators in the Maldives, garbage is also drowned in the sea. But tourists, of course, are in no hurry to tell about this.

What other pitfalls are there?
An ordinary tourist arriving in the Maldives does not see the country - he is taken from the airport to the island hotel, and then back. As a curious tourist, I spent a day and a half in the capital. Few people know that the Maldives has its own currency “rufiyaa”, because in hotels the settlement is in dollars. Since the water supply on the islands is connected to desalination plants, in the event of a breakdown, the entire island loses not only the shower, but also food - there is nothing to wash the dishes. Yes, remember I was talking about strict Islam? The import of alcohol into the country is prohibited, that is, it is useless to buy a bag of booze in the Moscow duty-free shop - they will be taken away at the entrance. Alcohol is only available in tourist hotels on the islands, and at an exorbitant price ($ 7 for a pint of bad beer, $ 5 for 50 g of whiskey). On Male, alcohol is not sold at all, but there is a wide range of "non-alcoholic beer". It tastes like lemonade lemonade. Here, for example, is Holsten's choice (Holsten is not local, but brewed in Hamburg especially for the Maldives!):

The flight to the Maldives is 8.5 hours; only Transaero makes a direct flight from Moscow twice a week. Is it worth it? Well, I've always wanted to know what it is like - heavenly life on the islands. I found out. There is nothing to do. :)

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Where are the Maldives on the world map and the Indian Ocean

We often hear that the most best rest Is a vacation on the islands. And you know, those who had a rest on the islands will definitely confirm this. There are beautiful, gorgeous beaches, far from the "big" land, there is no noise, clean air ... there are a lot of advantages and advantages, and there are few islands. Some of the most beloved and most visited are the Maldives. On the world map, you need to look for them in the Indian Ocean, south of India. The capital of the atolls is Male, and the population does not exceed half a million inhabitants.

Geography: where are the Maldives

As we have already written, the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is about 700 kilometers away. About the same to the shores of India.
The Republic of Maldives is a chain of 26 atolls, and they, in turn, consist of 1192 coral islands. Surprisingly, the Maldives is the lowest located state! The highest point is about 2.4 meters above sea level. That is, in fact, any average wave can easily flood the entire state.
The capital of the islands is the city of Male. This is generally the only city on the islands. Most of the inhabitants of the archipelago live here.

As we said, the closest neighbors are Sri Lanka and India. And then there is only a huge endless ocean! There are almost five thousand kilometers to the coast of Africa, and even more to Australia, about seven thousand kilometers.

Climate and weather

Due to its geographic location, the Maldives is hot all year round. The air temperature ranges from +24 to +30 degrees, depending on the month. The lowest temperature is recorded in winter, when the air can cool down to +17 at night, and the highest temperature is in May, and it is equal to +32 degrees.
The dry season lasts from November to March and the rainy season lasts from June to August.

Underwater world

The underwater world off the coast of the Maldives is very diverse. Why, this is the Indian Ocean!
Coral reefs are home to over 1,100 fish species. There are five species of sea turtles, 21 species of whales and dolphins and many, many other marine inhabitants.
No wonder this place is so loved by diving enthusiasts. Any diving off the coast of the Maldives is always a beautiful adventure and incredible views. A lot of interesting things are filmed here and scientific video... Expeditions take place here all the time. If you are going here on vacation, then at least once, but it is worth diving under the water with scuba diving.

Tourism accounts for a third of the island's economy, accounting for 28% of the country's total GDP.
- the state sells its products for $ 125 million, and buys other products for $ 1.2 billion
- most of export is fish. This product accounts for about 70% of all sales
- any island of the Maldives can be crossed on foot for two hours
- many of the islands of the archipelago are uninhabited

The local population lives and works, tourists rest. We invite you to find out about what islands are in the Maldives and why they are interesting.

How many islands are there in the Maldives?

There are 1192 Maldives islands on the world map, and not all of them are inhabited. Each of the islands belongs to one of the 21 island groups - these are the so-called atolls. They are the main administrative-territorial unit of the state. Let's take a look at each atoll separately.

List of islands in the Maldives

So, it's time to go to the most heavenly place on the planet:

1. - the name of the main island of the Maldives. It has the highest population density (there are as many as 103 693 people per 4.39 sq. Km!). The name "Male" is also the capital of the Maldives - the largest locality on the archipelago. In addition to residential areas, it is located here (on the island of Hulule). It is in Male that most of all tourist, entertainment complexes, souvenir and other shops. The Malé Atoll in the Maldives includes artificial island Hulhumale, inhabited relatively recently, in 2004.


2. (or Haa-Alifu) wears official name North Tiladunmati, or Tiladunmati Uturburi. It ranks 3rd in the list of Maldivian atolls in terms of population and area. It consists of 43 islands (14 are inhabited), which are located in the very north of the archipelago. For tourists, the resorts of Haa Alif Atoll opened only in 2005. The most popular islands for recreation are Donakuli, Alidu, Utim. On the atoll, you can visit the 18th century mosque and the old mausoleum of the Maldivian kings.


3. - about 16 thousand people live on the 16 inhabited islands of the atoll. There is a small regional airport on Hanimadu Island, and ancient Buddhist ruins on Farida.


4. (or Shaviyani) - these are pristine beaches and a rich underwater world. The atoll includes 51 islands with the capital at Fundado. Most of the islands are small in size. Among unusual places the mangrove swamps of Maroshi Island stand out. Today, Shawiyani Atoll in the Maldives offers only 3 hotels (Wagaru, Doliyadu and Komanda islands), but the tourist infrastructure is actively expanding.


5. (or Noonu) with its capital on the island of Manadu has 13 residential islands out of a total of 70. This atoll is famous not only for luxury hotels, but also for the possibility of excellent romantic getaway: Those who wish can rent a dhoni boat and get to any of the uninhabited islands of this atoll of the Maldives to feel what it is like to get away from civilization. All the attractions of Nunu Atoll are underwater - these are a variety of dive sites. Conveniently, each local resort has its own dive center.


6. (aka North Maalosmadulu) is one of the most frequently visited by foreign tourists. The 88 islands of the atoll, of which 15 are inhabited, are located 140 km from the capital of the country. The capital of Raa - Ungofaru Island - is famous as a center for the manufacture of the traditional - dhoni boats. The most popular islands of the Raa Atoll in the Maldives are Midhupparu, Rasgetimu, Kandoludhu, Rasmaadu.


7. (Goidhoo Atoll or South Malosmadulu). The islands of this atoll are considered the most beautiful in the Maldives. Its virgin forests, coupled with white beaches, remind vacationers of a tropical paradise. Moreover, Baa Atoll in the Maldives has been considered a biosphere reserve since 2001. Of its 75 islands, only 13 are inhabited, and luxury resorts are concentrated on them. On the islands of Eydafushi and Tuladhu, you can buy excellent souvenirs - people even come here from Male for them. Vacationers stay on the islands of Horubadhoo, Fonimagudhoo, Dhunikolu, Kihaduffaru.


8. (Lhaviyani or Faadhippolu) is famous for its popular dive sites. It has only 5 inhabited islands, among which it is the most visited - in the Maldives it is the most famous resort- and no less popular, the best budget island in the country. In general, Lhaviyani Atoll - romantic place With large quantity water entertainment options. Its islands are the best in the Maldives for beach holiday... In addition, this is snorkeling, wind surfing, fishing, yachting and sea canoeing, walking sand spit at dusk.


9. - Centre Maldives... Its resorts are convenient because they are closest to the only airport in the country. The capital of Kaafu in the Maldives is. The atoll has many hotels with house reefs, hotels for honeymoon, "Family" hotels and, of course, all-inclusive establishments. Tilafushi is also located here - the only garbage island in the Maldives created as a landfill, and the islands, Huraa, and Bandos, popular with tourists.


10. , or Ari - 8 islands of the atoll have a permanent population. Among tourists, this place in the Maldives is more than popular: Paradise islands, - the most popular among those who want to relax by the warm sea.


11. Alif-Dhaal welcomes guests with historical sights - you can visit a beautiful wooden mosque and a Buddhist stupa. In addition, several hotels, mini-hotels and a unique underwater restaurant located at a depth of 5 meters await the guests of the island - it became the first in the world of its kind.


12. (aka Felidou) is an atoll with a population of only 2300 people living on 5 islands. They are considered the best for diving in the Maldives and the most interesting of the dive sites is.


13. (Meemu) began to receive foreign tourists not so long ago. There are only 2 hotels here, but they are truly luxurious resorts. Popular among guests are trips to the beaches of the uninhabited part of the atoll for a romantic getaway in the bosom of unspoiled nature. Of the sights, the mosque on the Kolufushi island should be noted, where an ancient artifact is kept - the sword of Sultan Mohammed Takurufaan.


14. (Nilande atoll). Of the 23 islands, there is only one resort here - Fileitio. Its villas are designed in an eco-style with a touch of luxury, and at the same time are equipped to the highest standards. On the island you can see an ancient cemetery, where you will be shown the tomb of a local magician. Also, he once conducted research on Faafu Atoll. famous traveler Thor Heyerdahl: It was here that he found the oldest evidence that Buddhism was practiced in the pre-Islamic times in the Maldives.


15. (or Daalu) gives tourists a romantic atmosphere, privacy and communication with wild nature... It was even nicknamed "the island of turtles" - these animals lay eggs here, and tourists are happy to admire the newborn turtles. Of the 56 picturesque islands, only 7 are inhabited, and 2 are given to tourism business. The capital of the atoll is the city of Kudahuwadu. Tourists go to the islands of Rinbudu and Hulundeli for magnificent jewelry made by local craftsmen.


16. (Columadulu) with the capital Weimandu consists of 66 islands. People inhabit 13 of them. All the attractions of Thaa Atoll are pristine nature: most of the islands are in the state in which they were created by nature, and this is their main value.


17. has as many as 82 islands, but only 12 are inhabited. They have conditions not only for diving, but also for surfing. The islands of Laamu Atoll will also be liked by those who like snorkeling - there are shallow lagoons here. Interesting in this area and archaeological sites - the ruins of ancient monasteries and stupas.


18. (Gaafu Alifu) will delight with just a few hotels, but only the most luxurious. But there are many excellent diving spots where you can find octopuses, manta rays and huge glowing jellyfish. The atoll is considered one of the nature reserves Maldives. Travelers are attracted here by the seclusion of these places and especially the heart-shaped island, the only one in the Maldives.


19. has a permanent population, which is located on 9 islands. The first resort here was built in 2006 on the island of Vatavarrehaa - it was a luxury hotel for 150 people. He fell in love with lovers of secluded relaxation. And today, numerous surfers come to Fijoari Island.


20. - a special atoll. There is no lagoon inside it - it is completely filled with corals, forming one big Island... On its fertile soil, mangoes, bananas, and papaya are grown. Notable on Fuvahmulah Island are Reading Hill and Kedera Mosque.


21. - the southernmost atoll of the Maldives archipelago, it is also the highest (2.4 m above sea level). Here is Gan, the country's second most important airport, built on the eponymous island of the Maldives, the largest in the country. The archipelago has 6 inhabited islands out of a total of 24. The capital of the atoll is Hithadhoo, and is in greatest demand among tourists in the Maldives. Natural beauties include luxurious lush gardens, banana and coconut plantations and the only freshwater lake in the Maldives.

The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here disposes to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, upscale hotels and very beautiful nature... Everything about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Last Minute Tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May Worldwide

The Maldives, the famous "residents" of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1190 islands (or rather, atolls) and all of them are like a selection: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for relaxation: peace and quiet, beautiful nature, rich underwater world. And also something without which any dignity of any resort immediately fades in the eyes modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, I must say, in the Maldives are also quite "at the level": travelers here can afford holidays, whose income level is defined by marketers as "above average". Having laid out a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with the vacation. Maniac divers who dive three times a day. This is the most problem-free subspecies of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happy married couples (or outside of it) who do not need anyone except each other. They can find a hotel with the appropriate setting - there are plenty of them on the islands. And, of course, seekers of absolutely relaxed relaxation in the setting of a tropical paradise.

Time difference to Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• with Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, once life in the Maldives was not at all as cloudless as glossy catalogs suggest. The sea genie Rannamaari, who unfortunately settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and exclusively in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellows were brought to a certain temple, and in the morning they were found dead.

But not all the cat is Shrovetide: once a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived at the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (for whom the compatriots apparently did not care) and on the full moon he sat down in the temple in the place of the victim. He read the Koran all night, and in the morning it turned out that the genie had escaped, unable to bear the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians, with joy, converted to Islam - so now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no topless (presumably, they are afraid that the genie might return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and therefore its attractiveness for tourists.

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Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 ° C, at night +26 ° C, water +26 ° C. Due to its proximity to the equator, seasonal changes associated with monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October) it rains more often and the weather is more windy. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered to be less humid.

Maldives maps

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire department: 118, ambulance: 102.

Maldives beaches

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - everywhere you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life everywhere. The coast is wide, spacious almost everywhere, equipped with amenities and umbrellas that save you from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches are owned by hotels, and the plots accountable to modest "three rubles" are not much inferior in terms of grooming and comfort to the fashionable five-star zones.

It is strictly forbidden to sunbathe topless and drink alcohol on Maldivian beaches.

In the list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago - Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the shores of Laviani, dolphins splash off the coast of Maafushi. Wealthy audiences relax on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadu (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as recreation areas in luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will give you a night swim on the "luminous" beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer in the dark with blue lights, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to the earth.

Diving in the Maldives

Maldives ... how much of this word has merged for the heart of a diver: a comfortable water temperature (+ 27 ° C at a depth of up to 40 m), and excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of the direction include strong currents outside the reefs. The best season for snorkeling in the archipelago is from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort in the North Atoll has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.

For beginners, diving on the reefs is ideal, either on the inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (there are amazing oceanic fish in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about the strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and the base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the cargo ship "Victoria" with the remains of goods brought to the islands, or the steamer "Chaika", which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull was completely split in two. Some popular sites: national reserve Embudu with a stunningly varied underwater world, Felivaru and Halaveli wrecks (you can see giant stingrays here), Maaya reef, a cozy canal between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with many inhabitants, a secluded dive site Rakido, Guraidhoo protected marine area, "shark" site of Miyaru.

Read more about local diving in the article "Diving without lyrics - 13. Soul of the Maldives" by our permanent expert, charming Veronica Birman.

Surfing

Riding a board on the waves is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. the first surfers came here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular surfing spots in the world: they are never crowded here (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a sight for sore eyes: high, stable, ideal shape. On the island of Lohifushi, the prestigious international tournament O'Neill Deep Blue Open is regularly held.

There are 7 popular surfing spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with the exclusive right to “rent” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.

You can also practice surfing in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on corals at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as in the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

Entertainment and attractions

All the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level; there are no special attractions on land. There is the unremarkable capital of Male (excursion from 40 USD), many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of "action" - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only remarkable surface excursion is the "Photo-flight", a flight over the islands by seaplane. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air, you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from USD 80-90) or a submarine dive (USD 45-50).

Do you know how an atoll differs from “just an island”? Just in case, we give a note: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a solid or ruptured ring surrounding the lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely turn out to be a long-extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - yes, it grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, collapsed over the centuries and sank under water. You know the rest: people came from somewhere on the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas and opened diving centers.

If the soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and Presidential palace in Male. The oldest in the country Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, the legend of national resistance, are also located here. There are ruins on Ari atoll Buddhist temple 90 BC e., on the island of Matirah (Haa-Alif atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Holidays and events

Major holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from the British protectorate and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-Awal, Nation Day is celebrated in honor of the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is glorified.

The end of the holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Adha: three days of plentiful meals, visiting and other entertainments. Eid al-Adha begins 70 days later with traditional divine services and sacrifices. November 3 - Victory Day in honor of the coup d'etat averted in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with festivities and noisy fairs. On New Years (January 1) and Christmas (December 25) adored by foreign tourists, bright celebrations are organized in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.