Maldives 2018: All about relaxation in one of the most heavenly places on earth

The Maldives is a collection of many small islands randomly scattered in the ocean. They attract tourists with amazing landscapes and mild climate. Here, the sun shines throughout the year and there are never large-scale storms and tsunamis. Therefore, the Maldives has long been a favorite destination for travelers interested in active water activities.

How to get there

The only airport in the Maldives that accepts international flights is Ibrahim Nasir Airport, located a few kilometers from Male. Direct flights fly from Moscow here. Ticket prices start at $ 300, and the journey itself takes 9 hours. There are options with a change. In this case, the cost of the flight will be lower (approximately $ 200), but the journey will take about 13 hours.

You can get from the airport to other islands by ferry or traditional boat for 1-4 dollars. If remote places are chosen for recreation, then you can use a seaplane, costing 50-350 dollars.

All Inclusive Hotels Maldives

Local hotels are mostly bungalows, some of them built directly on the water and stand on stilts. The cost of living in them starts at $ 400 per day. But there are cheaper housing options on the islands. For example, in Vashafaru, Hulhumale or Maafushi, you can rent a room in a 3-star hotel or guesthouse for $ 25-60 per day.

Food prices

Food in the Maldives is not cheap, especially if you have lunch or dinner in hotels and restaurants that are designed specifically for tourists. If we consider the islands, but which the local population lives on, then here you can find good establishments where they prepare national cuisine, which at the same time is relatively cheap. So, you can drink coffee in them for $ 1.5, eat a sandwich - $ 3, and a full meal will cost $ 5-10. But in the tourist areas a full dinner without alcohol will cost about $ 250 for two.

Tours to the Maldives

To save on vacation, tourists can choose an all-inclusive tour. In this case, they no longer have to look for where to have lunch or dinner. In addition, the cost of tours already includes the cost of flights and accommodation. Prices for a weekly vacation for two people start from 194 thousand rubles.

Attractions Maldives

The main attractions of the Maldives are natural objects. Atolls with picturesque vegetation, beautiful coral reefs and blue lagoons have already become the hallmark of the islands. Although there are man-made sights here, most of which are located in the capital Male.

During the rest, pay attention to:

1. Ari Atoll. It consists of 70 islands, on each of which restaurants, sports fields and game centers are built. Ari attracts tourists with white beaches, picturesque sunsets and sunrises on the coast.

2. Hanifaru Submarine Bay is a favorite spot for divers. From May to November, a unique phenomenon can be seen here, when plankton rises to the surface of the ocean, which is used by whale sharks and mantas for food.

3. Reef Madivaru Manta Point, part of Ari. Travelers are attracted here by manti, flights of which can be observed during the period November-April.

4. Muliage Palace. The palace building is located in Male and is made in the colonial style. From all sides the building is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The building was erected specifically for Sultan Shamsuddin III in 1913. Today, there is a historical museum and units of government.

5. The Islamic center is a symbol of the city, which is located next to the Muliage palace. From far away you can see the golden dome of this building. Funds for the construction of the center were collected in other Muslim countries. Today, its walls include a religious library, a conference room and classrooms.

6. Great Friday Mosque. This building was built of coral blocks on the site of an ancient pagan temple. The walls of the mosque are painted in Arabic script and decorated with precious wood panels. Nearby you can see the Sultans' Cemetery with numerous mausoleums erected in their honor. When visiting this place, tourists should dress according to local rules (men must be in trousers, and women in long skirts and with their hands closed).

7. The National Museum is located in the Sultan Park in central Male. Among its exhibits you can see: household items, coins, clothes, weapons, paintings and jewelry from different eras. All of these items were found during archaeological excavations on the islands.

8. Sultan's Park. Here you can see one wing of the royal palace, which miraculously survived and for many years served as a repository for the National Museum.

Entertainment and outdoor activities

Tourists who come to the Maldives are offered a huge selection of various entertainments:

1. Island tour. It is with her that the rest in the Maldives usually begins. During the trip you can visit the neighboring islands, including the uninhabited and fishing village. The cost of such a trip is on average 35-50 dollars.

2. Fishing. At your request, you can choose morning, afternoon or evening fishing. Its cost is 20-40 dollars. This includes renting a boat and the necessary equipment, as well as barbecue from caught fish. Go fishing for octopus, they offer here for 40-65 dollars.

3. A picnic on one of the uninhabited islands. Prices for such entertainment are approximately $ 80-130. This includes boat access to the island and the cost of lunch or dinner without alcohol. For them you will need to pay extra separately.

4. Those who want to watch dolphins on the high seas will be able to go on a 2-hour trip for $ 35-65.

5. Surfing. The islands are ideal for professional practice in this sport. There are schools and equipment rental centers on almost every beach. The surfing season in the Maldives begins in February and lasts until November.

6. Diving. The Maldives is famous for its coral gardens and unique underwater fauna. Therefore, almost every island has diving centers. The diving season opens in January and lasts until April. It is during this period that the best visibility is in the ocean.

When to go

In principle, the tourist season in the Maldives never ends. Since there are no special attractions here, thousands of tourists fly to the islands only to fully relax from the hustle and bustle with positive energy.

Most vacationers prefer to go here in the so-called "dry season", which lasts from December to March.

The low or "rainy" season on the islands lasts from May to October. However, the precipitation is short-lived and the warm sun immediately replaces it. Therefore, tourists are not very scared.

The best time for a beach holiday is the period December-April. The rest of the time, the water temperature remains practically unchanged, but due to monsoon winds there can be big waves on the coast.

The best time for fishing is called the period from September to May. For sightseeing, it is best to come to the Maldives during the “dry” season.

Pros and cons of relaxation

Why are so many tourists choosing the Maldives? First of all, it is:

1. The best and most beautiful beaches in the world.
2. Specific infrastructure. Due to the lack of roads, here you can walk barefoot even in the center of the capital, which is not only pleasant, but also useful.
3. Unique flora and fauna. Here you can try tropical fruits that can not be found anywhere else.
4. Friendly atmosphere and friendliness of the local population.
5. A huge amount of entertainment for every taste.

But there are some disadvantages here:

1. Holidays in the Maldives are quiet and measured, so those who prefer noisy parties and dances until the morning can get bored.
2. High cost of rental housing and food.

The Maldives rightfully bears the title of paradise on earth. The islands are ideal for a quiet and passive vacation. They are ideal for a honeymoon or a vacation for a couple in love.