Joanna James
Soft sands shifting beneath your feet and shores lapped by an azure blue ocean are allures extending to South Male Atoll. Home to Maldives top dive sites here is a list of the area's best attractions.
Some of the archipelagos, top dive sites are located around this atoll. The more experienced divers can visit the likes of Vadhoo Caves, Velassaru Caves and Embudhoo Express. The latter is a marvellous 2km drift dive to be taken on by experienced divers. Even if you are a novice, dive centres at Naladhu Private Island Maldives and other South Male resorts will soon have you in the ocean, exploring the marine life. Dives in this region will reward you with sights of amazing coral formations, turtles, sharks, huge stingrays swimming overhead and much more.
Water sports are available in plenty across the atoll. Indulge in a variety, ranging from sailing to snorkelling. Water sports in Maldives islands is so popular that just about all Maldives resorts offer a sports centre and expert instructors to teach novices the ropes of getting a certain water sport started. Around the South Male Atoll, you may indulge in kayaking, sailing, fishing, surfing and even extreme sports such as underwater croquet, bicycle polo and underwater hockey. In addition, you may try your hand at yachting, parasailing, catamaran rides and kiteboarding.
Enjoying a holiday on an archipelago of over a 1,000 islands does warrant some exploration, hence, island hopping is a pretty popular activity no matter where you are based. From the South Male Atoll, you can book a tour that will take you to the uninhabited islands, where tropical forests and pristine white sands beaches are yours to explore. Swim in hidden bays, picnic on a sandbar and simply absorb the tranquil surroundings. You can also 'island hop', to the nearest local islands. There the simple villages are a treasure trove of experiences, from chatting to the locals and watching a fresh catch being brought in, to savouring a delicious home cooked meal.
All 26 coral atolls in the Maldives are based on the coral eco-system, which forms the base for all islands. Learn how dead coral contribute to forming new reefs, which expand and make up the islands. Adopt a coral growth and learn about the resorts conservation efforts, when it comes to protecting endangered marine species. At some private island resorts, a resident marine biologist will update guests on marine conservation efforts and the fight the nation is giving to sustain its living eco-system.
The capital can be easily accessed via your resorts speed-boat or seaplane, as well as, by booking Male exploration tours. The capital is rife with a number of venues where the nation's colourful history is chronicled. Visit the oldest mosque on the islands, explore the museum and shop at a variety of street markets that offer a bevvy of handmade souvenirs.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
