Maldives Travel Guide

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Top Things to See

Malé's National Museum
The interesting collection of artifacts, including the Sultan's thrones and palanquins, in Malé's National Museum, is well worth a visit. It's located in the city's main green space, Sultan's Park.

Photo flight
For a brand new perspective on the Maldives, opt for some aerial sightseeing and take a photo flight for an astonishing glimpse of the islands and a blue panorama.

Malé's mosques
On a visit to the capital, considering visiting the beautiful 17th-century coral stone Hukuru (Friday Mosque) in Malé. The nearby Islamic Center, topped with an enormous golden dome, is also possible to visit outside of prayer times. There are over 20 mosques scattered around the capital.

Maldives Victory Wreck
For an unforgettable underwater experience, dive to the Maldives Victory Wreck (which sank in 1981), lying on the western side of Hulhule. This is a dive for experienced divers.

Man-made islands
From Malé take a ferry trip to the nearby man-made island of Hulhumalé, a utopian town that looks set to become the new hub of the country in decades to come as sea levels rise - Hulhumalé is 2m above sea level, a giant amount by local standards.

Villigili
If Malé's crowded streets are getting you down, then take the ferry to Villigili, the relaxed next door inhabited island where you can join locals at the beach, watch cricket matches in the park and picnic under the palm trees.

Coral
Beautiful Addu Atoll, the most southerly of the Maldives island groups, is definitely worth visiting for divers. Here, the coral escaped the bleaching of El Niño and is the best in the country, while a modern road linking Gan's Equator Village resort to the Maldives' second city of Hithadhoo is a great place for a bike ride.

Sharks
One dive that shouldn't be missed is at Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila), where you'll see grey reef sharks, giant snappers and tropical reef fish in this pristine northern section of Ari Atoll.

Top Things to Do

Local crafts
Many resorts offer day trips to inhabited islands where you can usually visit local artisans in their workshops and buy some of the beautiful local arts and crafts. Malé, the capital, also has several markets of fresh and wholesome food produce for those wanting to sample local fare.

Diving and snorkeling
To appreciate the exceptionally varied and plentiful underwater life then go diving or snorkeling; some of the best sites in the world are found in the Maldives. All of the resorts have professional, fully-equipped dive schools offering a range of activities.

Fishing
A fishing trip on a modern speedboat equipped for big game fishing is a great experience for any fisherman. Go at night to catch groupers, snappers, squirrelfish or barracuda. Round off the trip with a barbecue with the day's catch.

Uninhabited islands
A day and a night spent alone on an uninhabited island is quite the experience. You can usually do so as part of an island-hopping tour. Another option is to visit a fishing village with a trip to an uninhabited island (where often a beach barbecue is served).

Boat cruise
A sunset boat cruise aboard a dhoni, the wooden boat that is the Maldives' standard mode of transport, is a blissful way to end the day. You'll cruise around uninhabited islands, where you'll be served drinks and snacks while local musicians play their traditional bodu beru drums to attract dolphins.

Windsurfing
For a taste of some of the Maldives more challenging activities, try windsurfing at Lhohifushi and Dhonveli in North Malé Atoll, two relatively reasonably priced island resorts where the country's most famous breaks can be found. The season for surf is from March-October.

Spa treatments
For an enormous range of treatments, massages, therapies and other pampering, make an appointment at your resort's spa - now a feature at almost every resort. For a real treat book a double massage for you and your partner.

Marine biology
Your resort's marine biology lab - many of the better resorts now have a dedicated team of scientists taking care of the local marine life - usually have volunteer programs that allow guests to get involved. Guests can often help with laying coral reefs and looking after juvenile sharks, turtles and rare fish in captivity.