Facts You Must Know Before Visiting Maldives – Dream Destination

To be precise the pretty archipelago consists of 1,190 coral islands which are clustered into 26 atolls. Amongst these over 1000 islands, only about 200 are inhabited with many serving as private islands resorts. The best beach resorts in Maldives are those which boast their own island and house reef you can explore on a simple snorkeling tour. Some of the best like Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives is equipped with a dive centre and offer lessons for novice divers to enjoy the gorgeous underwater world of Maldives.

Male is the capital island and home to the international airport. Others are either occupied by single resorts or are home to local fishing communities while some serve as farms. There are many islands close to the resorts which serve as picnic destinations to which Maldives resorts offer tours. Taking on a Maldives island hopping tour is a top activity you should not miss, especially since you get a chance to visit the local islands and see how the natives live.

Most of the islands in the Maldives are believed to have been formed by volcanic eruptions and what's left is the tip of these mountains jutting out of the Indian Ocean further enhanced by coral growth over the centuries. In a bid to reclaim a part of the sea, the Maldives consists of a few man-made islands; a fine example is the island of Huhulmale which is located close to the capital's airport. This islands was created in 2004 by filling the ocean with concrete and sand and today looks no different from the naturally formed islands boasting an entertainment area, shops and restaurants.

The Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation where Islam is the only religion practiced. Hence, any outside propaganda to promote other religions is prohibited, as well as pork and alcohol. You cannot bring either of these into the country. Liquor is served at the private resorts only while bathing in public beaches is only allowed in modest attire. You can, of course, wear your bikinis or any other bathers at your Maldives resort or designated 'bikini beach'. And it is wise to be mindful about not offending the culture or the conservative public; hence it's important to dress modestly when visiting public places and cover your head when going to the mosques. You can, of course, wear what you like within your private island resort in the Maldives.

Places like Banana Reef, Fish Head, Manta Point and Sun Island offer some of the world's most stunning dive spots to explore. Sun Island's vicinity is very popular for spotting the elusive whale sharks, the world's largest species of fish. While other locations will treat you to sights of giant manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, colourful coral fish and amazing coral formations.