Maldives: Between Coral Reefs and Island Culture

The Maldives offer travelers different perspectives: coral reefs and surf spots sit alongside wetlands, historic buildings and culinary traditions. The archipelago comprises 26 atolls, ring-shaped formations of islands and reefs that vary in shape, depth and size. In total, the Maldives consist of 1,200 islands, 200 of which are inhabited. The landscape and sea shape island life. When choosing a hotel location, it is worth first sorting out your own travel interests: Are you mainly interested in diving and snorkeling, nature observation, culture, or a mix of these?

Reefs, dive sites and surf spots

Koattey is a destination for snorkeling over healthy coral reefs. There are also opportunities to swim with turtles, sharks and colorful fish. Those interested in dive sites can find Angafaru Dhonfanu Thila in the region, an internationally recognized spot. Angafaru is of great tourist value for recreational diving and snorkeling. The wreck of the British Loyalty offers a different kind of diving experience: it can be explored through two large openings.

Cokes at Thulusdhoo is also a named surf spot, located in North Malé Atoll. The outer reefs of the atolls offer good surfing conditions from mid-February to November. Experiences range from reef snorkeling and diving at named sites to wreck exploration and surfing. At Addu Nature Park, visitors can go canoeing in Bedhi Bay.

Observe marine life and landscapes

Whale sharks gather year-round in South Ari Marine Park. The marine protected area was established by the Maldivian government in 2009. In the Maldives, visitors can swim, snorkel or dive alongside a whale shark. Another nature destination is Eydhigali Kilhi, one of the country's largest wetlands. Numerous waterbirds can be observed there year-round, including herons, egrets and the unique Maldivian pond heron.

The white-throated kingfisher, locally called Dhondheeni, is characteristic of Addu Atoll; it can be observed in large numbers in Addu City. The Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve encompasses a different range of habitats: coral reefs, islands, seagrass beds and mangroves. For nature enthusiasts, the focus is therefore on both birdwatching at named locations and a variety of landscape types. The outer reefs offer good surfing conditions from mid-February to November; whale sharks gather in South Ari year-round, and waterbirds can be observed year-round at Eydhigali Kilhi.

History and architecture

Hukuru Miskiy was built in 1658; the adjacent minaret was constructed in 1675. Interlocking blocks of coral form the building, and intricate coral carvings complement its architecture. The combination of materials and design gives the building a distinctive place in Maldivian history.

At the northernmost point, in Haa Alifu Atoll, lies the Utheemu Palace, Utheemu Ganduvaru. It is the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu and has wooden interiors that are about 500 years old; Utheemu Ganduvaru is presented as a museum. Isdhoo also preserves an important historical connection: 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.

Traditions and Maldivian cuisine

The culture and crafts of the Maldives are shaped by the islands' available resources and by skills that settlers brought from different parts of the Indian Ocean over thousands of years. Traditional Bodu Beru music offers insight into Maldivian heritage. Maahefun is a Ramadan tradition that has developed into an annual gathering of friends, families and relatives. Bodu Mas is associated with Eid al-Adha: islanders come together as fishermen catch a large fish made of woven coconut palm leaves.

Food also tells stories of everyday local life. Mas Huni is a Maldivian breakfast made with mashed tuna, grated coconut, onions, chili and lime juice; it is eaten with roshi. Keyn is a traditional culinary experience served on a large, round traditional tray. Walks along the beach and conversations with locals offer further opportunities to get to know island life.

Getting there and travel planning

Most speedboats to the local islands depart from a jetty near Republic Square in Malé. Ferries run around the clock between the airport island of Hulhulé and Malé. Several daily flights connect Velana International Airport with Dharavandhoo Airport; the flight takes approximately 20 minutes. Since departure times and flight schedules are important for planning your trip, check the times for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: North Central Province, Malé, Upper South Province, South Province, Upper North Province, South Central Province, North Province, Central Province

For the overarching travel overview: Asia.