Maldives is a South Asian country, located in the Indian Ocean, south-southwest of Srilanka. It consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered over an area of 90,000 sq. km straddling the equator between latitudes 7?6? north and 0?42? south and longitudes 72?32? and 73?46? east. Out of 1190 coral islands 202 are inhabited islands and 92 are exclusive resort islands. For administrative purposes the Maldives government organized these atolls into nineteen administrative atolls and seven administrative provinces.

The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The temperature ranges between 24 and 33 ?C throughout the year. Although the humidity is relatively high, the constant sea breezes help to keep the air moving. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons; the Southwest monsoon from May to November and the Northeast monsoon from December to April. The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. February is the driest with December to April being relatively dry. The Maldives is in the equatorial belt and therefore severe storms are rare. The annual rainfall averages 2,540 millimeters in the north and 3,810 millimeters in the south.

Due to the warm temperature throughout the year, light, cotton and linen wear is ideal dress for Maldives. In Male?, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.

The population of Maldives is about 300,000. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.

Maldives has a proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient times. Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent?s tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.

Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar is MRf 12.85 for a dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, travellers? cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male? is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu and Wataniya are the Maldives Telecommunications Company, they also provides mobile telephones for daily rental.

Although geographically isolated the Maldives is easily accessible by air from anywhere in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe. Colombo is an hour?s journey away by air, from Singapore and Dubai it takes about four hours and from Europe it takes nine to eleven hours to reach Male?. Male? International Airport is on an island that only houses the airport and related facilities. The airport located on Hulhule Island is a modern well-equipped airport with all the facilities and services one would expect from an international airport. The airport complex houses terminals for arrivals and departures, landside shops and airside duty free shops, restaurants, medical facilities, bank, post office and other services. The island also houses the airport hotel.

Visa
Tourists are issued a maximum of 30-day tourist visa on arrival. A valid travel document is necessary. Visa extensions are granted by the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Mal?.

Customs
The import of firearms, drugs, pornography and idols of worship are prohibited. Dogs, pigs, and pork products are also prohibited for import by tourists. Alcohol imported under a special license is available in all the resorts. Similarly pork products are available at most of the resorts as well. Prohibited products such as alcohol brought in by passengers are bonded and released at departure.

Health Requirements
An international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera is required by visitors arriving from infected countries.

The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world and many visit the Maldives repeatedly for the sole purpose of diving.All resorts in the Maldives have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced. Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkellers too can experience the same pleasures from the surface.

Snorkelling
Snorkeling over the shallow reefs of the islands is an ideal way to explore the underwater world. The house reefs of most of the islands are just a few strokes away from the beach. Even if the reef are quite shallow and one may simply walk up to the reef to enjoy its beauty. Snorkeling equipment is available at all the resorts. Some organize regular snorkeling excursions to give visitors a chance to experience the diversity of marine life and reef structures in the Maldives.

Diving
Maldives is home to some of the most diverse marine fauna and flora in the world. Tens of thousands of reefs, a thousand recorded species of fish, over two hundred species of coral and hundreds more species of other marine life; no wonder many see this as one of the greatest dive destinations on earth.

There are thousands of dive sites; so numerous that you can literally swim over from one to the other. Only a small percentage of the Maldives reefs have ever been dived. Each dive site has its unique characteristics in form, fauna and flora, the currents and other elements that shape and mould them. Resorts concentrate on dive sites within a one or two-hour radius, while cruise boats cover more ocean and therefore a greater variety of sites.

The dive centre is one of the most important facilities in any resort. Each resort has a dive centre and is staffed by qualified dive instructors. Divers may, if they wish, bring along their own dive gear, however the centre carry a wide range of rental equipment. At resorts diving is conducted daily all year round. Even in Mal? there are some dive centres, mainly serving the residents of Mal?. There are two decompression chambers in the Maldives located in Kaafu Atoll and Ari Atoll.

Surfing
Today surfing is the fastest growing water sport in the country, with several surf breaks that are documented and well-known by surf enthusiasts. The most important surf event is the annual international surf event which has placed Maldives firmly on the world?s surf map.
The best season to surf in the Maldives is the Southwest Monsoon from April to October. Surfers are most likely to enjoy the biggest swells from June to September. The surf generally ranges in size from 3-8 feet.
The best known surf breaks are in the North and South Male? Atoll and most surfers stay in resorts close to these breaks. However cruise operators offer specialized surfing cruises, that give you the opportunity to test some of the less known surf breaks in the atolls further away from Male? Atoll.

Wind Surfing
Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast Maldives climate and wind condition will give you the room for getting most out of windsurfing. Resort islands have large lagoons where beginners can practice before they can hit the blue waters. If you are an enthusiast you can hit the wave and the set your sail for the wind to get that extra speed. Most of the resorts have windsurfing schools where you could take instructions and lessons. Some do run certificate courses in windsurfing. Surfing schools are well quipped with trainers. So you can surf till you drop.

Kite Surfing

Body boarding

Water sports
The Maldives is the ideal location for water sports enthusiasts. Whether you are a novice or a professional Maldives waters will thrill you.
Resorts and cruise vessels that cater tourist market offers variety of water sports activities. You can higher the equipment and facilities for a reasonable price in most of the resorts.

Banana riding

Parasailing
Resorts at the high end of the market offers Para-sailing. Equipment and service (boat and sail, and guide) for this adventurous pastime can be hired from the resort. Para-sailing is a fantastic sport for those adventurous enough to go through the challenge.
Through Para-sailing you can experience the breathtaking aerial view of lush green vegetation and clear blue waters.

Catamaran Sailing
If you fancy sailing towards the seen of the sunset then this is the sport that you will love. Catamaran sailing is a very tranquil and refreshing sports enjoyed by many visitors. Watching dolphins and sailing with birds is possibility that you will never want to miss. Get ready to embark on a new adventure of Catamaran sailing on the beautiful blue waters of the Maldives.

Water Skiing
Many resorts have their own speed boats and skis which you can rent on per hour basis. Some of the resorts have in house instructors who can provide lessons if you require. Maldives waters are safe and the resort provides life guards.

Jet Skiing

Excursion
Almost all resorts offer an excursion program. Some of these programs are scheduled while others are tailor-made to suit individual needs. The scheduled programs often include island hopping and night-fishing; unique terms for a unique destination.

Island Hopping
An ?island-hopping? excursion would take you to another resort, an uninhabited island and an inhabited island all in a day-tour designed to give you a taste of the country. You would also get the opportunity to snorkel in the clear waters of a desert island and experience a barbecue on the beach. Some resorts take this a step further by conducting the excursion by sea plane.

Fishing
Fishing is not only the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy; it is also a popular pastime among locals as well as visitors. Maldivians enjoy a variety of different types of fishing. The most popular among these in nightfishing. The boat leaves the island and anchors at a reef before the sunsets and darkness sets in. the lines are tethered with hooks and sinkers and dropped overboard from both sides of the dhoni. If the fishing is good it gives a lot of excitements to everyone. If not it gives you an excellent opportunity to relax under the night sky as the boat gently rocks with the waves.
Morning fishing or big game fishing involves trolling, usually outside the atoll along the reef. Fishing enthusiasts may prefer to bring their own equipment if they wish to experience the excitement during their visit. Almost all the resorts organize night fishing trips at least once a week. Big game fishing or morning fishing, if not included in the resorts weekly program, may be organized on request.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Did you know that Maldives ranks among the top five places on Earth for watching whales and dolphins? Over 20 different species (a quarter of the world?s total) call the Maldives home. These range from the mighty Blue Whale (the largest animal alive) to the diminutive but highly acrobatic Spinner Dolphin.

Spinner Dolphins are the commonest species, and they occur here in their tens of thousands. They have a regular daily routine to their lives, feeding offshore at night, coming into the atolls in the early morning, and leaving again for the open ocean in the late afternoon. This dependable schedule means that it is very easy to find Spinner Dolphins at certain times every day. And as a result, many Maldivian resorts offer morning or afternoon dolphin excursions to see Spinners. While nothing with wildlife can be absolutely guaranteed, you will never have a better chance to watch wild dolphins playing in their natural environment than right here in the Maldives.

Alternatively, if you would like to see even more dolphins, and whales too, why not try a cruise on one of our many comfortable safari boats? Species that are regularly seen on special whale watching safaris include the Blue Whale, Sperm Whale and Pilot Whale as well as seven different types of dolphin (Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso?s, Spotted, Striped, Fraser?s and Rough-toothed). Maldivian specialities, which are frequently seen here but hardly ever anywhere else, include Dwarf Sperm Whale, Melon-headed Whale and Tropical Bottlenose Whale (long considered the rarest whale in the World, but now known to be a Maldives resident). You may also be lucky enough to spot a pod of magnificent Killer Whales (Orcas), which contrary to popular belief do not live only in cold waters.

You may not have realized this before, but with our unbeatable diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins, plus warm clear waters, Maldives really is one the very best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching.

Male? Excursions
Male? Excursions are organized regularly by resorts in Male? Atoll, however some resorts in other atolls also offer you the opportunity to visit the capital during your stay. Male? is the political and commercial hub of the country.

Spas
The Maldives? spas are in a world of their own. It is the perfect blend of luxurious therapies, health and beauty experiences and sensory stimulation complemented by the tranquil surrounding and blissful tropical beauty. Spas offer a large number of therapies and facilities ranging from aromatherapy, massage to jacuzzis and saunas. Many of the treatments combine traditional Asian therapies with classic European spa techniques.

Sports & Recreation
Resorts offer a variety of sports for the enjoyment of their guests; among which beach volleyball is the most obvious. However many resorts have tennis courts of exceptional quality and fully equipped gymnasiums complete with instructors. Badminton and squash courts are quite common in the resorts as well. Billiards, pool and a variety of board games are offered on most resorts.

Entertainment in the evenings differs widely from resort to resort. Some resorts provide a more club-like atmosphere. They may have a weekly program of animation with professional entertainers. Almost all resorts offer disco and live music either with their in-house DJs and bands or visiting bands from Male?. Some resorts include traditional dance and music in their entertainment programs.

Liveaboards
One of the best way to explore the outer islands of the Maldives is to get on board to a liveboard, which is locally known as safari boats. Since 99% of the country is water, it is generally referred as the bigger version of Venice. The best way to experience few islands, diving sites, surfing points, local islands is to holiday in a liveaboards. Liveaboards are regulated in Maldives. All the vessels must comply with government approved standards. Most of the liveaboards are equipped with cabins with attached toilet, air-conditioned cabin and lounge area, restaurant and bar facilities sundecks, sound proof generators, video facilities, diving equipments etc.

Eating out in Maldives is not at all a problem. Infact, this beautiful island provides you with a number of delicacies to choose from. You can find all kinds of cuisines over here, apart from the traditional Maldivian food. There are a number of restaurants catering to the needs of people fond of international cuisine.

There is a wide variety of foods available in Maldives ranging from Indian and Sri Lankan to Chinese and western foods. You can spot several fast food joints here that serve burgers, hotdogs, pizza, cakes and pastries. There are plenty of tourist resort islands that serve five star international cuisines. You wont find any roadside food corners in Maldives.

Some of the popular dishes worth trying out include snacks made of rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices. Coconut water is available in these eating outlets and serves as a popular refreshing drink. There are also myriad tropical fruits, plus local and imported wines to savour.

The better hotels have their own restaurants serving plenty of international dishes, as well as local food. But for the authentic cuisine of the Maldives, there is no substitute for tasting what the locals enjoy in the more simple eateries.

Resort
Maldives resorts are known as some of the best holiday resorts in the world. Go locate your holiday resorts among the most beautiful resort islands in the world!

Hotels
Spend a day or two in one of the city hotels in the busy capital island of Maldives, Male'.

Safari
Cruise the country aboard modern safari vessels with all the facilities and amenities to make your holiday a one of a kind experience.

Guest House
Guest houses in the capital island Male' for comfortable and simple accommodation for the budget travelers