Joanna James
The Maldives is considered a beach lovers' paradise, with stretches of deep blue sea and white sandy beaches. But, you don't have to be lounging on the beach all day long either! Resorts will have their offerings, and so does the rest of the Maldives, an archipelago many islands.
A 35-minute journey from the Male International Airport will take you to the Baa Atoll Biosphere, the seventh-largest extent of coral reef on the planet. There are over 250 kinds of coral life and 1,200 species of fish living here. The habitat gets visited by many threatened marine animals like hawksbill turtles, green turtles, nurse sharks, and tawny nurse sharks. It also has a flourishing mangrove growth, which is home to non-marine animals like lizards, fruit bats and herons.
Male is the capital and the most crowded island in the Maldives. A visit here will be an eye-opener to understand what it's like to live in the Maldives. The tiny island state has attractions like the Grand Mosque, Huruku Miskiiy, the National Museum, and its artificial beach. Newport is another area frequented by tourists. This trendy area is a great place to have a meal and wander around the beachside road. There is also Majeedhee Magu, a street crammed with shops and all types of Maldivian foods, sweets, handicrafts and clothes. You can easily locate it near the central road, while its shops are open from 9 am, and stay open as late as 11 pm.
With over 200 isles making up the archipelago, visiting some islands near your atoll be a fantastic idea. There are private Maldives island hotels and inhabited islands; the latter is part of the Maldivian government. Travelling to islands will depend on your location, as some are very remote and transfers are very expensive. But still, it's excellent for water sports like snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and of course, exploring. Most islands have bountiful vegetation, lagoons, mangrove forests, sparkling beaches and coral reefs. Ask your resort of choice, such as Velifushi Maldives by Cinnamon, the availability of such guided island tours.
Called ‘Vandumaafaru’, Hanifaru Bay is also located in the Baa atoll Reserve. It is an important feeding area for whale sharks and mantas. Although snorkelling is permitted, diving is restricted. The best time to sight mantas is May to November. However, whale sharks can be spotted year-round. It is one of the most stringent snorkelling sites on earth. Only 80 snorkelers are permitted at a time, while each gets only 45 minutes per session. Tickets must be purchased beforehand from resorts in partnership with the Manta Trust.
It is among the favourite outings for those who visit the Maldives! Spot gigantic whales and playful dolphins from a secure distance abroad a comfortable catamaran. Dolphin sightings, and a sunset sail, will be an adventure to remember in the Maldives. The best times are from January to April between 9 am and 10:30 am and 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Try to go on the afternoon sail to encounter a spectacular sunset overlooking the Indian Ocean.
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