A whale shark, coral reefs and a 17th-century mosque: the Maldives combine experiences at sea with discoveries of nature and culture. Visitors can swim alongside a whale shark, snorkel or dive. But the archipelago’s diversity is not found only underwater. Wetlands, island traditions and historic buildings also shape the impressions of a trip.
Reefs, diving and surfing
Those who want to explore the underwater world can discover the sea from different perspectives. Koattey offers opportunities to snorkel over healthy coral reefs and swim with turtles, sharks and colourful fish. For diving enthusiasts, Dhonfanu Thila is an internationally recognised dive site in the Angafaru region. The region is highly valued for recreational diving and snorkelling. The wreck of the British Loyalty can also be explored through two large openings.
Surfing is another way to engage with the sea. Cokes at Thulusdhoo is a named surf spot in North Malé Atoll. The outer reefs of the atolls offer good surfing conditions from mid-February to November. Diving, snorkelling and surfing are therefore distinct activities and should not be combined into a single activity. South Ari Marine Park combines marine conservation with a remarkable variety of wildlife: the area was established as a marine protected area in 2009, and whale sharks gather there year-round.
Atolls, wetlands and island nature
The archipelago consists of 26 atolls, ring-shaped formations of islands and reefs that differ in shape, depth and size. It also comprises 1,200 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. Each has its own character; the landscape and surrounding sea shape island life.
Eydhigali Kilhi is an example of nature beyond the reef and one of the Maldives’ largest wetlands. Numerous waterbirds can be observed there year-round, including herons, egrets and the unique Maldivian pond heron. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve encompasses a different combination of habitats: coral reefs, islands, seagrass beds and mangroves. In Addu Atoll, the white tern (Gygis alba), locally known as Dhondheeni, is characteristic; it can be observed in large numbers in Addu City.
History, tradition and cuisine
Buildings also tell the story of the islands. Hukuru Miskiy was built in 1658, and the adjacent minaret in 1675. Interlocking blocks of coral form the mosque, which is decorated with intricate coral carvings. In the far north, Utheemu Palace stands on Utheemu in Haa Alifu Atoll. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu; its wooden interiors are about 500 years old. At the Old Mosque of Isdhoo, historians discovered the Isdhoo Loamaafaanu, the oldest written records of the Maldives. The National Museum’s collection includes coral-stone carvings and coffins dating from the 1st to the 4th century.
The culture and handicrafts of the Maldives were shaped both by the resources available on the islands and by the skills that settlers brought from different parts of the Indian Ocean over thousands of years. Traditional Bodu Beru music offers a glimpse into this heritage. Maahefun is a Maldivian Ramadan tradition that has evolved into an annual gathering of friends, families and relatives. During Bodu Mas, a festival associated with Eid al-Adha, islanders come together; fishermen catch a large fish made from woven coconut palm leaves.
The cuisine, too, offers different ways of sharing food and eating every day. Mas Huni is a Maldivian breakfast of mashed tuna, grated coconut, onions, chilli and lime juice, eaten with roshi. Keyn refers to a traditional culinary experience served on a large, round traditional tray. For a trip that combines nature, history and local traditions, these differences are another reason to see the Maldives as more than just a backdrop of individual islands.
For travel planning: most speedboats to the local islands depart from the jetty near Republic Square in Malé. Ferries run around the clock between the airport island of Hulhulé and Malé. As departure arrangements can change, check the timetables for your connection before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Male, North Central Province, South Province, Upper North Province, South Central Province, North Province, Central Province, Upper South Province
