The Maldives are scattered across 806km (500 miles) of Indian Ocean. Their pure white sands are fringed with green palms and surrounded by some of the clearest water in the world. Coral reefs and tropical fish -- from neon clownfish to slow-moving manta rays -- thrive in the warm ocean water.
At a Glance
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Capital :Male
Language :Dhivehi, English, also Arabic and Indian influences
Currency :MVR
Dialing code:+960
Time Zone: GMT +5 hours
Things To Do:
Diving Bluetribe Moofushi
Sun Island beach
Alimatha Island
Manta Point
Banana Reef
Grand Friday Mosque
Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)
HP Reef
National Museum
Veligandu Island beach
Bodu Mora
Hulhumale
Mulee Aage
Utheemu Ganduvaru
Biyadoo Island
Tiny Island Marine Conservation Centre
Kuda Bandos
Muraka Diving
When to Go
The tropical climate is influenced by monsoons, although bright sunny weather with a light sea breeze can be expected most days. The best weather is between November and April. The high season falls between December and March. The monsoon runs from May to October, peaking around June. It is worth paying higher prices and sticking to the dry season as there is nothing to do on a rainy day except drink, work out or scuba dive.