The Maldives, once the target of various invaders, today represent the ultimate goal of many trips and one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world. This isolated archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean and consists of a large number of smaller islands of volcanic origin.
The Maldives islands are known for their beautiful beaches with white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea. This heavenly environment is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing and enjoying marine activities such as diving, snorkeling, sailing, fishing and others.
The largest and most industrially important island is Male, where the international airport of the same name is located. The Maldives is well connected to the rest of the world by air, which makes it easy for tourists to travel and encourages them to return to this remote but quite accessible destination.
The Maldives has a rich history. Locals, known as Maldivians, handcraft items from coconut and other domestic materials. They are known for their hospitality and kindness, customs and great respect for nature.
In addition to natural beauty and a long history, the Maldives is characterized by luxury resorts, villas on the water with swimming pools and top spas. In this paradise on earth, visitors can feel as if they are in a completely different world, surrounded by beauty and comfort.
The richness of the underwater world, long cruises, romantic dinners, unexplored landscapes, numerous lagoons and coves, as well as the possibility of sports both on the water and on the beach, attract a large number of tourists to the Maldives and provide them with an unforgettable experience.
The climate in the Maldives is tropical and monsoonal, with a rainy season and more than 300 sunny days a year. Daytime temperatures throughout the year range from 25-32 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for water sports and swimming.
In the Maldives, the climate consists of two main seasons. Suva season includes the period from November to April, while the second, rainy the season lasts from May to October. In April, the transparency of the water is the highest, which allows for a more detailed exploration of the underwater world.
During the rainy season, the prices are lower and the crowds are less, and the dry season is characterized by a large number of sunny days, which makes it possible to practice various water sports.
From the cultural-historical aspect, significant attractions are the Petka Men's Mosque, the Thoddoo Buddhist Temple, the Medhu Ziyaaraiy pilgrimage site, various festivals with distinctive local dances.Bodu Ber", customs, a large number of museums and archaeological sites.
Due to its unique nature and culture, the Maldives has become a popular destination for honeymoons, but also for family trips and vacations with friends. Regardless of the reason for visiting, the Maldives is definitely a destination not to be missed.
If you are planning a tourist trip to the Maldives, here are some key things you should know:
Visa: Citizens of most countries can obtain a free visa on arrival valid for 30 days. However, you need to have a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
Currency: The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but US dollars are often used, especially in tourist facilities.
Air conditioning: The Maldives has a tropical climate with two main seasons – the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). The best time to visit is during the dry season.
The clothes: It is recommended to wear light clothing. However, when you are not on the beach or at your resort, it is important to wear decent clothing. Swimwear and short dresses are not acceptable outside the resort or beach.
Religion: Islam is the state religion of the Maldives. Visitors are asked to respect local customs and traditions.
Alcohol: Alcohol is prohibited outside the resort. Most resorts in the Maldives are licensed to sell alcohol, but you cannot bring alcohol with you to the Maldives.
Communication: The official language is Dhivehi, but English is widely used, especially in tourist facilities.
Transport: The main means of transportation between the islands are speedboats, domestic flights and seaplanes.
Accommodation: The Maldives offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to affordable guesthouses on local islands.
Health security: It is recommended that you check the required vaccinations or health recommendations before your trip.
Activities: The Maldives is known for its beautiful coral reefs, so diving and snorkeling are popular activities. Also, you can enjoy water sports, fishing, trips to desert islands and many other activities.
Electricity: The voltage is 220-240V, and the sockets are mostly of the British type.
It is always a good idea to check the latest travel information before planning your visit, especially regarding visa regimes, health recommendations and safety warnings.
Transfers from Velana International Airport (formerly known as Malé International Airport) to hotels or resorts in the remote islands of the Maldives are usually arranged via three main modes of transport: speedboats, domestic flights and seaplanes. Here's how each of these transfers works:
Speedboats:
– This is the most common transfer method for resorts located closer to Malé.
– Travel time usually varies between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the location of the resort.
– Speedboat transfers are usually available throughout the day and night.
Domestic flights:
– For resorts located further from Malé, it is often necessary to use domestic flights that take you to regional airports and then transfer by speedboat to your final destination.
- Flight time varies, but usually lasts from 20 minutes to an hour.
– After landing at the regional airport, guests will be transferred to their resort by speedboat, which may take an additional 10-40 minutes.
- It's important to note that domestic flights usually don't fly at night, so if your international flight arrives late at night, you may have to spend the night in Malé or at the airport.
Seaplanes:
– This is a popular transfer method for luxury resorts located further away from Malé.
- A seaplane flight offers a spectacular view of the atolls and crystal clear lagoons of the Maldives.
- Flight time usually lasts from 20 minutes to an hour.
- It is important to note that seaplanes do not fly at night, so if your international flight arrives after sunset, you will have to wait until the next morning or use an alternative mode of transportation.
Notes:
- Most resorts in the Maldives organize a transfer for their guests and it is usually included in the total price of the stay or charged separately.
- Upon arrival at Velana airport, resort representatives will wait for you at the exit and direct you to the appropriate transfer.
- It is recommended that you inform the resort in advance of your arrival and departure times so that they can arrange your transfer.