The Maldives lures tourists with images of tropical island resorts and blue lagoons that stretch for miles. Those travelers booking flights to Maldives for a stay in paradise won’t be disappointed. The Maldives is made up of 1190 coral islands and is a haven for scuba divers and snorkelers wanting to explore marine life. But the country is still That means no self-guided tours or independent travel once you leave your Maldives flight.
The Maldives is predominately Muslim and holds Islam values sacred. Tourists heading to the region should familiarize themselves with proper etiquette on the flight to Maldives. For example, alcohol is prohibited on many islands and proper dress (usually long pants and shirts) are required on island tours. Television broadcasts stop five times a day so Muslims can pray and under no circumstances are travelers allowed to bring symbols of other religions into the country. Fish and rice are the staple foods, but Maldivians eat meat and chicken on special occasions. If you’re staying on a resort island, you’re likely to find plenty of cross-cultural food and drink. Alcohol is only available in tourist resorts, and most of the food served at these Maldives resorts is imported.
Still, a trip to the Maldives is worth the experience. Book Maldives flights and resort accommodations and spend a little time in a far away paradise.
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The Maldives features lots of sun, all year round, but it can get humid. The monsoons have a huge influence on the weather. The northeast monsoon (between November and March) brings dry weather, while the southwest monsoon (June-August) brings rain. The average daily temperature is approximately 86 degrees (Fahrenheit).
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Peak season:
Between December and April. Christmas and New Year is the most popular – and expensive – time to visit the islands. November and April are popular with divers because the water is clearer and there is greater visibility. Republic Day is celebrated on November 11.
Off season:
Between May and November, the weather is less guaranteed with cloudy skies, higher humidity and greater chance of rain. Ramadan falls in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and marks 30 days of fasting. Independence Day is July 26 and is marked by marches by the armed forces, traditional dances performed by school children and processions.
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Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi (PTE) Ltd offer inter-island flights. Taking a boat is unsurprisingly the most popular way to get around. There is a ferry service from the airport island to Male, the capital. The main form of local transport is a dhoni, a traditional vessel, and for longer trips vedis (larger boats) are used.
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- The Maldives are very popular with divers and snorkelers due to the warm temperatures, high levels of visibility and sheer richness of sea life. Some of the top-rated dive sites are Girifushi Thila (for experienced divers), Nassimo Thila, Middle Point and Okobe Thila. There is also the Maldives Victory dive (for experienced divers). The Victory was a cargo vessel that sank in 1981. The dive descends 39ft and the sunken ship is home to several species of marine life including tuna, groupers and turtles. Scuba diving, surfing, fishing, dolphin and whale watching are other popular pursuits.
- Male, the capital, is just 1.24 miles long and less than a mile wide. It has no natural beach, but the artificial beach is a popular spot with the locals, especially on a Friday. The Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) was built in 1656 and houses the tombs of royalty and national heroes. Much newer, the Islamic Center, with its beautiful gold dome, dates from 1984. It is the Maldives’ biggest mosque. Sultan Park, the public garden, is home to the Presidential Palace and National Museum. Republic Square is where the flag of the Maldives flies, the largest flag in the country. The square is where many locals go to relax and children to play.
- Male has a couple of lively shopping streets. Majeedhee Magu is Male’s main road and has popular shops that stay open until 11pm. For souvenirs, go to Chaandanee Magu. For a taste of local life, the Local Market and Male’ Fish Market are must-visits.
- Traveler tips: the Maldives is a Muslim country, alcohol is available only in resorts and you are not allowed to bring it into the country with you. Travelers should dress modestly (covering thighs and upper body), but the resort islands are more relaxed.
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Hulule International (MLE) (Male) on Hulule Island is 1.2 miles from Male (travel time by boat – 15 minutes).
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Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey. Travelers arriving without a hotel reservation or Maldivian sponsor must have at least $30 per person per day for the intended duration of their stay. Extensions for stays up to a maximum of 90 days are possible.
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U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is required, but tourist visas are issued on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days maximum (extensions are possible).
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