In the Indian Ocean lies the Maldives, one of the last paradises in the world. Crystal clear water, powder white #beach, palm trees, and a species-rich underwater world. What else can you expect when the name of the country already includes the word “dive”? Tropical fish armies, giant moray eels, turtles, and dolphins cavort in the shallow water on deep overhangs. Encounters with mantas, stingrays, barracudas, or Napoleons are not uncommon. This is literally the greatest experience for #divers: an encounter with whale sharks, the biggest fish of all.

The Maldives consist of about 1190 islands, of which only about one-fifth are inhabited. The many small, larger, oval, and elongated islands of the atolls, including the Addu and the famous Ari Atoll, are surrounded by turquoise blue water that takes on a majestic azure blue color further out to sea. Silvery shimmering waves break on the reefs, where colorful fish go in search of food. On the white sandy beaches, green palm trees sway gently in the wind. 

Already during your landing approach to the picturesque archipelago, you will start to rave. Especially as the individual islands are not too big, often only a hotel is located there and you can therefore look forward to peace and privacy. The wonderful beaches seduce you to deserved idleness on holiday with an exotic cocktail in your hand.

As the Maldives is more likely to be visited by high-income package tourists, cheap alternatives for backpackers are few and far between. Most islands are relatively expensive and the trend is upwards. There are only a few cheaper islands and bargains are available, especially during the low season. A package tour has the advantage that the flight, island transfer, and accommodation are booked. Depending on what is on offer, drinks, spa treatments, excursions, and water sports activities are added on-site.

What is a dream for divers, snorkelers, and sun worshippers, is a nightmare for culture junkies, as there is almost nothing to see at cultural sightseeing in the Maldives except some mosques in the overcrowded capital Malé. On the other hand, this leaves more time for the amenities of the luxurious island resorts, which tempt with stilt bungalows, exclusive spas, gourmet restaurants, and all imaginable comforts. 

Best time to travel in the Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination, as the climate is tropical all year round with temperatures between 25 and 32 degrees. The main season is from December to April. During these months the weather is most stable and rainfall is low. The 27 °C warm sea water allows for extensive bathing. Below the sea surface, the exciting underwater world of the Maldives attracts.

In the Maldives, one can distinguish between two seasons. From May to November the humid southwest monsoon dominates the weather and from December to April the drier northeast monsoon. Especially during the monsoon change the weather is unstable.