5 Fun Facts about Maldives beaches – Five Reasons Why Maldivian Beaches are a Cut Above the Rest

The official tourist season in the Maldives falls between December and March and is some of the warmest months of the year. The beaches in the paradise archipelago, however, do not warm up to correspond to the weather surrounding them as the sand on Maldivian beaches is not made up of quartz particles. Most beaches around the world consist of sand that is largely quart based which means the sun's rays can heat the sand up in a matter of minutes if not hours. Maldivian beaches feature sand that was formed out of corals and does not heat up in the same way. This is why tourists can enjoy a stroll on the beach even during the midday with ease and without the risk of burning the soles of their feet.

While the above statement may seem absurd, the white, sandy beaches in the Maldives really do move every monsoon season. This natural phenomenon usually takes place during the months from January to March when the north-eastern monsoons hit the islands. The heavy rains shift the sand in the direction of the southwest. The months from May to September are when the
Southwest monsoon dominates local weather reports and the large portion of sand that shifted earlier in the year is then sent in the other direction due to the torrential downpours. This natural phenomenon takes place each year and is the reason why Maldivian beaches are hardly stationary.

The sands that cover the beaches of the Maldives consist of bits of coral instead of quartzes. These coral specimens are actually remnants of coral that have been consumed by parrotfish and then discarded without being eaten. Subsisting on a diet of polyps and seaweed, parrotfish usually eat everything that covers the surface of corals. The sharp and beaked mouth of the creatures also breaks down large chunks of hard coral in the process. These shards are what make up the "sand" on local beaches.

Whether one is based at an eco-resort in Maldives such as the Reethi Faru Resort or any other venue, the cleanliness of Maldivian beaches will not escape your notice. Boasting some of the most pristine beachfront in the world, the reason behind this squeaky-clean appearance is the overnight clean-up performed by crab species. Emerging from their hideouts in the sand after dark, the crabs will eat all the pieces of waste and food particles they find on the beach and thus clean the beach.

Some of the region's shiniest beaches including Thundi Beach in Fuvahmulah are found in the Maldives. The reason why beaches shine in this part of the world is due to the plethora of coloured shells and pebbles littering the beach which come in pinks, shades of white, purple and even browns.