Joanna James
Lying parallel to the Equator is a set of islands that look like a string of pearls. The Maldives, one of the most visited destinations in the world, offers much more than just villas.
If you’re completely new to the joys of diving, the Maldives offers the perfect introduction. The Maldives is a collection of islands, meaning there are plenty of dive sites for you to explore. Not only that, the shallow lagoons create the perfect setup for beginners. Here in the Maldives, you can do your training in the ocean itself, which wouldn’t be the case elsewhere – most other destinations offer diving training in pools. The dive instructors are friendly and experienced, so they know what they’re doing. The beautiful marine world of the Maldives is home to an array of species and corals, which you’ll be delighted to discover on a diving expedition. Plus, the Maldives is an excellent place to gain special diving skills such as wreck diving.
This is another top activity in the Maldives, and you don’t need any prior experience. Your resort will provide all the equipment, and there will be a guide, of course, so you’ll be safe. Just make sure you don’t do anything you’re not supposed to. What does that mean? Well, being a responsible tourist is no longer just an expectation but a requirement. The Maldives’ marine ecosystem is incredibly fragile. Snorkellers are advised not to touch marine life or step on coral reefs. For instance, you need to be careful when kicking with your fins. Also, make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. Here’s something to keep in mind: you’ll invariably be a responsible tourist if you stay at an eco-friendly resort like The Residence Maldives.
The capital, Malé, is one of the best places to visit in Maldives. But most tourists travel straight to their resort islands without taking a moment to explore the capital city. The best thing about Malé is that it’s the opposite of the resort islands, offering you a completely different side of the Maldives. It’s the cultural, political, and economic hub of the country, so there’s plenty to discover. With its busy streets, markets, and buildings, Malé is quite densely populated. Must-visit spots include the Malé Fish Market, Hukuru Miskiy, the National Museum, and the Artificial Beach.
If you stick around in Malé for a bit after your arrival, you’ll notice that the real Maldives are far different from what you experience on resort islands. And if you visit the local islands, the difference is even greater. Not too long ago, local islands weren’t part of the tourist experience, but now they are. So, take advantage of that by joining an island-hopping tour. You’ll be taken to a few local islands where you’ll meet locals. The locals are very welcoming; they might even invite you in for a cup of tea. Just be sure not to do anything that could be perceived as culturally offensive. For example, both men and women should dress modestly. For women, this means covering their legs and upper arms, and for men, it means not going shirtless.
Why do surfers find the Maldives irresistible? The way the Maldives is set up geographically, with over 1,000 coral islands, provides various surf breaks across multiple atolls. March to October is the prime surfing season, which also happens to be the southwest monsoon. Swells are consistent during these months, ranging from 3 to 8 feet. Cokes, Chickens, Jailbreak, and Ninjas are among the most popular surf spots. The best thing about the Maldives as a surfing destination is that both beginners and experienced surfers can enjoy the activity. For beginners, surf sites like Ninjas offer gentler waves, while the experienced will love the waves at spots like Chickens and Cokes.
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.
