Joanna James
The Maldives spells the ultimate tropical beach getaway; tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean boasting sun-bleached white sand beaches and a sea teeming with all manner of marine life from giant whale sharks to miniscule corals. Discover what island lures await you on the archipelago.
Of course, diving should be first on the list as the archipelago is home to some of the world best dive locations. And it should be, with 26 coral atolls boasting a collection of over 1000 islands and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean harbouring and encouraging the arrival of hundreds of marine creatures, while coral in various hues and sizes dance and sway lazily to the rhythm of the current. Scuba divers are treated to marvellous sights of giant manta rays circling overhead, elusive whale sharks swimming by and old wrecks harbouring a myriad of sea plants and fishes to feast the eyes upon. Choose a tailor-made package from Maldives Resorts Club, and you can enjoy some of the best dive adventures, plus more.
If ever there was a tropical island made just for snorkelling it should be anyone located within the Maldives archipelago. Most of the resort islands on the archipelago boast a house reef, and all you do is don your gear and swim out to the nearest reef from the beach of your Maldives resort. As there are plenty of Maldives all inclusive resorts to choose from, it will be a breeze to find one offering a range of water sports including snorkelling and even scuba diving.
Having over a 1000 islands surrounding you why should you not explore? Island hopping tours are very popular in the Maldives, especially since your excursions are punctuated with varied experiences. Any given island hopping tour will most likely comprise of exploring a deserted island, with plenty of swimming and a picnic on the beach while part of the tour will also have you visiting the nearest local island. Ideal for learning about the Maldivian way of life, chatting to the villagers and maybe getting a bite to eat for some local flavour, these tours are often enhanced with stops for bouts of snorkelling and maybe even dolphin watching and swimming in the ocean.
An age-old nation the Maldives enjoys a rich history. A wholly Muslim nation the place is home to a number of iconic attractions such as the antique Hukuru Miskiiy or Old Friday Mosque. Located on the Kaafu Atoll this is the oldest mosque on the archipelago; it boasts pink coral walls, elaborate wooden carvings and panellings for doors and windows as well as, a cemetery where the elaborate graves of past kings, queens, sultans and national heroes lie in peace.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding has fast caught on as one of the world's most popular water sports. The Maldives boasting lagoons with shimmering surfaces and calm waters is the ideal location for enjoying the sport. Besides, the water is so clear in the Maldives that you are treated to views of baby sharks and other little tropical fish swimming close to the surface, not forgetting the marvellous views of verdant beaches blessed with swaying coconut palms.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
