Joanna James
The Maldives archipelago is one of the most stunning places on earth to capture a sunset that you will never forget! Here are some top places to experience nature's beauty at its best!
The capital, Male, has a layout typical of a bustling city. However, being there as the sun rises will show you a unique outlook on Maldivian life! At the earliest sight of dawn, the markets at Male will begin to get filled with residents trying to obtain the freshest produce available. The fish market in Male is one of its most visited attractions. And as the sun ascends from the horizon at the start of a new day, you will notice fishermen arriving with their hauls. The chaos of the markets at daybreak will give you an understanding of what life is like in the Maldives, away from the idyllic resorts. The likes of Hard Rock Hotel Maldives can be a great place for accommodation to stay close to Male.
Famous for its underwater offerings, Banana Reef, found on North Male Atoll, is among the best diving sites in the world. Going on a deep sea dive, with the sun rising over the horizon, is an experience you won't forget any time soon. The waters will be a little colder at dawn, but with the rising sun, the water warms up and awakens the deep sea creatures to life!
Placed on the eastern fringe of the Maldives, Alimatha Island can be a wonderful location to encounter a sunrise over the Maldives. Canoeing just off Alimatha at dawn is a popular activity! The water will be at its calmest at daybreak, and then all of a sudden tints of yellow will gradually bathe the island and its waters in a lustrous glow!
This little island is found off North Ari Atoll and is abundant with greenery and sandy beaches. Witness the daybreak from Veligandu's stunning beach and get together with the locals for a tasty Maldivian breakfast featuring Mas Huni in the restaurants that line the beach.
The most elevated point on the Maldivian archipelago, Mount Villingili has been granted the designation of being the smallest mountain in the world. The rise is at 5.1 metres above sea level, and you can observe the sunrise from the summit of Villingili overlooking the clear blue ocean snuggled in foliage.
One of the best resort activities in Maldives is to take a day-long guided excursion by boat around the islands. Some of them start very early, at daybreak. Cruise across the North or South of Male by a dhow boat or speed boat and discover what makes the Maldives unique. Not only will you get to see a breathtaking sunrise but you will also witness the residents getting about their day. A guide can add more colour to your experience when you get to know and see their culture and traditions first-hand.
Go scuba diving before the crack of dawn in some of the many famous sites on the archipelago. Many of these locations are home to sea creatures like Nudibranchs, Manta Rays, and Turtles, as well as beautiful and vibrant coral reefs. The view at sunrise is breathtaking. Witness the sun torching up the deep sea while diving among the amazing marine life.
Manta Point, as the name goes, is famous for its manta rays. Swim alongside them at dawn and get up close to these gentle creatures. The mantas congregate during the northeast monsoon on the island's northwestern extremity. While the location extends for about a kilometre, the reef inclines to 65 ft. The many cracks, pinnacles, and caves are filled with fish and other sea life.
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