Vacation Guides | Island Escapes / Maldives

Sun, sand and sea, these low lying coral islands with massive lagoons,  infinite shades of blue and turquoise and dazzling underwater coral gardens create the ideal tropical holiday destination.

The Maldives is situated southwest of Sri Lanka.

The myriad islands are surrounded by coral reefs enclosing shallow lagoons with only a small percentage inhabited. These pristine islands are an idyllic vacation setting for water activities and long, lazy beach days in a tropical paradise with the picture perfect beaches festooned with palm trees.

Resorts are predominantly located in the three atolls closest to the Maldivian capital, in Malé (Kaafu) atoll. A few are found in Vaavu, Baa, Lhaviyani and the Ari (Alifu) atoll. Ari has recently been earmarked for development as the new tourism zone.

The larger, less expensive resorts attract young, adventure-seeking tourists whilst some of the smaller, expensive options offer a more reclusive, intimate holiday. The excursions provided by the resorts vary, depending on their proximity to dive sites, local villages and natural attractions. All the resorts, however, offer water sports, such as night-fishing trips, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, banana boating, kneeboarding or ringo riding. Excursions in glass-bottomed boats are always popular.

The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkelers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again.

Visit the Maldives tourism website for things to do www.visitmaldives.com.

When to go

The weather in the Maldives is generally warm and humid. The sun shines all year through. Average temperature is around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.