The Maldives is a nation of islands in the Indian Ocean, that spans across the equator. The country is comprised of 1192 islands that stretch along a length of 541 miles. While the country covers an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers, only 55,923 square miles of that is dry land. The islands are grouped into a double chain of 26 atolls. The beauty of the Maldives is not only above the water. The Maldives is home to about five percent of the planet’s reefs that comes with an explosion of color contributed by soft and hard corals that form them. The reefs are home to a thousand species of fish. Lured by the rich nutrients that flow in with the currents, large pelagic fishes such as manta rays and whale sharks also make the Maldives their home. Although home to just over half a million people the Maldives has its own unique culture and traditions. While heavily influenced by various cultures around the rim of the Indian Ocean, the Maldivian culture, craft and traditions have been shaped by the island environment and the seas that surround it. Since the Maldives is almost 99% sea, fish (mainly tuna) is the most important staple. The cuisine found in the island nation is a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan, and East Asian influences. But the tourist resorts scattered throughout the islands offer diverse international menus, so it’s entirely possible to eat your way around the world while staying in luxury at one of these resorts. The Maldives white sandy beaches, sparkling blue water, and beautiful sunsets make it a perfect getaway. The best part is that it attracts those who want a relaxing vacation and even those who want to get an adrenaline rush with the many water sports activities available. Fiji offers many activities such as a submarine tour, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing. Fiji has many resorts to choose from. Some of our partner recommendations are Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, Taj Exotica Resort And Spa, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, and Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, an IHG Hotel. If a resort on land does not fit your expectations, try out one of our partner cruise lines, for a true Maldives experience. Some of our cruise partners with Maldives itineraries are Holland America, Oceania Cruises, Silversea Expeditions, and Costa Cruises. Are you dreaming of a vacation in the Maldives? I am a certified Maldives Destination Specialist and would love to help you plan and get ready for the experience of a lifetime. Contact me and start packing those bags, you’re going to Maldives!
Meet Marian Laughland, an intrepid explorer turned Maldives aficionado with an unquenchable thirst for adventure and a passion for island life. Driven by her insatiable curiosity and desire to share her discoveries with others, Marian embarked on a career in the travel industry, where she quickly distinguished herself as a true expert in all things Maldives. Her deep-rooted love for the Maldives led her to pursue specialized training and accreditation as a Maldives Destination Specialist, earning her the title of a trusted authority in tailor-made journeys to this tropical paradise. With a keen eye for detail, Marian crafts personalized itineraries that go beyond the ordinary, ensuring that every traveler experiences the magic of the Maldives in their own unique way. From secluded island retreats to adrenaline-fueled water sports, Marian's insider knowledge and insider connections guarantee an unforgettable escape that exceeds even the wildest of dreams. Beyond her role as a travel consultant, Marian is a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism practices, working tirelessly to preserve the pristine beauty of the Maldives for future generations to enjoy. Marian is committed to making a positive impact on the environment and the lives of those who call the Maldives home. Join Marian Laughland on a journey of discovery and let her expertise unlock the secrets of the Maldives, one unforgettable experience at a time. From sun-drenched beaches to crystal-clear waters, there's no better guide to help you explore this enchanting archipelago than Marian Laughland, your trusted Maldives Destination Specialist.
North Male, Madivaru, Maldives
VARU by Atmosphere - All Inclusive, a luxury all-inclusive property by the sea, offers a free breakfast buffet, poolside bar, and terrace. Relax on the white sand beach, enjoy beachfront dining, and snorkel. Pamper yourself at ELENA Spa by Atmosphere with hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and facials. Dine at four on-site restaurants serving seafood. Stay active with fitness and yoga classes at the 24-hour gym. Enjoy activities like motor boating, kayaking, and rowing/canoeing. Free in-room WiFi, a garden, and a playground complete the guest experience.
Raa Atoll, Maldives
Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa - All Inclusive, a luxury all-inclusive resort by the ocean, offers a marina, beach bar, and poolside bar. Relax on the private beach with beachfront dining and sun loungers. Pamper yourself at Nika Spa with body treatments, manicures/pedicures, and facials. Dine at five on-site restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Stay active with fitness and yoga classes at the gym. Additional amenities include a terrace, coffee shop/cafe, and hair salon. Enjoy free in-room WiFi and other conveniences like an arcade/game room and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Emboodhoo Lagoon, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, a luxury eco-certified hotel near Embudu Beach, offers free cooked-to-order breakfast, a swim-up bar, and a poolside bar. Enjoy the private beach, sun loungers, and beach volleyball. Relax with a massage at Rock Spa®. Indulge in diverse dining options at the 12 on-site restaurants. Stay active with fitness and yoga classes at the 24-hour gym. Additional amenities include a terrace, garden, and playground. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi and enjoy other amenities like a hair salon and arcade/game room.
Emboodhu Finolhu, Maldives
Taj Exotica Resort And Spa in the Maldives offers luxury and sustainability, blending opulent comfort with nature preservation. Enjoy a tranquil private beach, two beach bars, and a poolside bar with panoramic ocean views. Relax at Jiva Spa with ancient-inspired treatments. Indulge in international cuisine at two exquisite restaurants. Stay active with a 24-hour health club, yoga classes, and snorkeling adventures. Free in-room WiFi and onsite amenities ensure a seamless stay. Experience luxury and eco-conscious living at Taj Exotica Resort And Spa.
Furanafushi Island, Maldives
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is a luxury boutique resort near Full Moon Beach, featuring a marina, 2 beach bars, and 2 poolside bars. Enjoy the private beach, beachfront dining, and sun loungers. Pamper yourself with aromatherapy, body scrubs, and wraps at the onsite spa. Masala Hut, the on-site Chinese cuisine café, offers lunch, dinner, and kids' meals. Stay active with yoga classes, fitness sessions, sailing, volleyball, and rowing/canoeing at the 24-hour gym. Free in-room WiFi, a terrace, and a garden complete the guest experience.
Bandos Island, Maldives
Consider a stay at Bandos Maldives, a luxury resort on a private island offering an airport shuttle, beach bar, and poolside bar. Enjoy the white sand beach, beach volleyball, and surfing. Relax at Orchid Spa with manicures/pedicures, massages, and facials. Dine at the 4 on-site restaurants serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and international cuisine. Stay active with the gym and activities like windsurfing, beach yoga, and racquetball/squash. Free in-room WiFi, concerts/live shows, and a terrace enhance the guest experience.
Tahiti
SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton, a luxury eco-certified hotel near Hulhumale Beach, offers free continental breakfast, a poolside bar, and a convenience store. Enjoy beachfront dining, sun loungers, and scuba diving. Relax at Lén - Be Well, the onsite spa. Dine at two restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine. Stay active with the 24-hour gym and activities like snorkeling and beach volleyball. Enjoy free in-room WiFi and amenities like a terrace and onsite shopping.
Kihavah, Baa Atoll, Maldives
Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, a luxury boutique resort by the ocean, offers free full breakfast, a beach bar, and a poolside bar. Enjoy the white sand beach, beachfront dining, and free beach cabanas. Relax at Anantara Spa with aromatherapy, facials, and hot stone massages. Dine at four on-site restaurants serving international cuisine. Stay active with yoga and fitness classes at the gym. Enjoy activities like windsurfing, scuba diving, and motor boating. Free in-room WiFi, a terrace, and a coffee shop/cafe enhance the guest experience.
Baa Atoll, Maldives
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, a luxury family-friendly hotel, features a beach bar, poolside bar, and convenience store. Enjoy the white sand beach, sun loungers, and scuba diving. Relax at Heavenly Spa by Westin™ with reflexology, Ayurvedic treatments, and body scrubs. Dine at three on-site restaurants serving international cuisine. Stay active with the 24-hour gym and activities like volleyball, water skiing, and basketball. Free in-room WiFi, a terrace, and onsite shopping complete the guest experience.
Malé, Maldives
Take a 45-minute submarine tour of the underwater world of the Indian Ocean while visiting Male in the Maldives. Ride in air-conditioned comfort for as the German-built passenger submarine descends to about 100 feet (30 meters) below the surface, allowing you to see colorful fish and coral reef. The submarine can carry up to 50 passengers and you have a choice of four departure times for the 2-hour tour, which includes port pickup and drop-off.
Maldives
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with Ukulhas Tour D, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the majestic whale sharks and explore a breathtaking coral garden. As you make your way back from your exciting encounter with the gentle giants of the sea, we ensure that you have time to unwind and recharge. But that's not all - our lunch stop is featuring a beautiful coral garden. This is a perfect place to dive into a world of vibrant colors and intricate marine life as you snorkel or simply observe from above. Immerse yourself in this underwater paradise and witness firsthand the wonders that lie beneath the surface. Ukulhas Tour D offers an ideal blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you're an avid snorkeler or simply someone who appreciates nature's wonders, bound to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Join us on this extraordinary journey and discover why Ukulhas is truly a paradise for ocean enthusiasts.
Malé, Maldives
Explore the beautiful Maldives islands on this full day snorkeling tour. Relax under a sun umbrella on a sandbank by a blue lagoon. Dive into the water and discover the tropical underwater world as you snorkel around the reef. Look out for sea turtles, reef sharks and rays that inhabit the islands. Discover local island life and stop for lunch at the island of Huraa.
Maafushi Island, Maldives
Enjoy a thrilling time on Maafushi Island with this water sports combo. Once you arrive on the beach, enjoy three water activities including a Jet Ski ride, canoeing, and a tube ride in the shallow waters around the island. Your host guides you through all the necessary instructions and provides equipment for you, all you have to do is enjoy your adventure.
Maafushi Island, Maldives
Discover the amazing world underwater without the need for certification during this “Discover Scuba Diving” experience in Maafushi. Certified professionals guide you through a secure and enjoyable exploration of Maldives' vibrant marine life. No prior certification or diving experience is needed—this program is designed for both swimmers and non-swimmers—and includes a session covering theory, equipment usage, confined training, and a 12-meter dive.
See all Maldives Excursions
Harpazo World Travel offers a diverse range of compelling reasons to choose them for your next adventure. Here are some categories highlighting why travelers opt for their services:
Our team comprises of travel experts who possess in-depth knowledge of Alaska. They excel in tailoring itineraries to suit diverse preferences, ensuring each journey is uniquely personalized.
Whether it's embarking on a luxury cruise, exploring cultural landmarks, or indulging in adrenaline-pumping adventures, Harpazo World Travel curates experiences that leave a lasting impression, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Prioritizing traveler safety and comfort, Harpazo World Travel meticulously plans every aspect of the journey, from secure accommodations to reliable transportation, offering peace of mind throughout the trip.
With a commitment to sustainable travel practices, Harpazo endeavors to minimize environmental impact and support local communities, ensuring that each travel experience contributes positively to the destinations visited.
From the initial inquiry to the journey's conclusion, Harpazo World Travel provides unparalleled customer service, offering prompt assistance, personalized recommendations, and attentive support, ensuring a seamless and stress-free travel experience.
The best time to visit the Maldives is generally during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, you can expect plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and low humidity. The peak tourist season falls between December and March when the weather is at its best. However, keep in mind that this is also when resorts tend to be the most crowded and prices are at their highest. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and don't mind a bit of rain, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to July or September to October. During these months, you might encounter some brief rain showers, but you'll also benefit from lower prices and fewer tourists. Overall, the Maldives offers warm weather year-round, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and budget.
Maldives
The capital city of the Maldives is a bustling hub with colorful buildings, markets, and historical sites like the Old Friday Mosque and the National Museum.
Maldives
Known for its vibrant marine life, Ari Atoll is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. You can explore coral reefs, encounter whale sharks and manta rays, and relax on pristine beaches.
Maldives
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Baa Atoll is famous for its rich biodiversity and conservation efforts. Don't miss the chance to visit Hanifaru Bay, a renowned feeding site for manta rays and whale sharks.
Maldives
This small island is famous for its bioluminescent phytoplankton, which create a mesmerizing natural light show known as the "sea of stars" along its beaches at night.
Maldives
A popular local island offering budget-friendly accommodation options, Maafushi is ideal for experiencing Maldivian culture, enjoying water sports, and exploring nearby sandbanks and uninhabited islands.
Maldives
Offering a unique cultural experience, Gan Island features British colonial-era architecture, historical landmarks, and diverse marine life. You can also explore nearby islands by bike or boat.
The official language spoken in the Maldives is Dhivehi, also known as Maldivian. Dhivehi is an Indo-Aryan language with its own script, which is written from right to left. Due to the country's reliance on tourism, English is widely spoken and understood, especially in resorts, hotels, and areas frequented by tourists. Additionally, languages such as Arabic and Urdu may also be spoken by some residents, particularly those with ties to religious or trade communities.
The currency used in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, denoted by the symbol "MVR" and the abbreviation "Rf" or "MRf". It is further divided into smaller units called laari, with 1 Rufiyaa being equivalent to 100 laari. While Rufiyaa is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, and major credit cards are also commonly used for transactions in hotels, resorts, and larger establishments.
The culture of the Maldives is rich and diverse, shaped by influences from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Islam holds a central position, influencing daily life, including clothing, food, and social interactions. Dhivehi is the official language, alongside English, particularly prevalent in tourist areas. Traditional music and dance, such as Boduberu, are vibrant, often featuring rhythmic drumming and chanting. Cuisine reflects a blend of South Asian, Arab, and African flavors, with seafood and coconut as staples. The craftsmanship is notable, with intricate designs in traditional handicrafts like lacquer work and wood carving. Festivals, including Islamic ones like Eid al-Fitr, and unique Maldivian celebrations like National Day, are cherished occasions. Traditional clothing for men and women adds color and tradition, while social dynamics evolve, emphasizing education and meritocracy amidst modernization and urbanization.
The Maldives typically experiences a tropical climate characterized by two main seasons: the dry season (northeast monsoon) and the wet season (southwest monsoon). Here's a breakdown:
Dry Season (Northeast Monsoon): Runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny, with clear skies and low humidity. Rainfall is minimal, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and water sports. Sea conditions are typically calm and suitable for diving and snorkeling.
Wet Season (Southwest Monsoon): Occurs from May to November. This season brings higher humidity and more frequent rainfall, particularly from May to August. However, rain showers are often short-lived and followed by sunny intervals. The wet season also experiences stronger winds, leading to rougher seas, although water temperatures remain warm.
Overall, the Maldives enjoys warm temperatures year-round, with average highs ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F) and lows around 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F). The weather can vary slightly between the northern and southern atolls, but visitors can generally expect a tropical climate conducive to beach holidays throughout much of the year.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs oversees travel-related matters for U.S. citizens, both domestically and internationally. It provides essential services and resources to ensure the safety and security of American travelers abroad. Through its consular services, the Department of State assists with passport issuance and renewal, offers travel advisories and alerts, and provides consular assistance to citizens in distress overseas. Additionally, the Department of State plays a pivotal role in diplomatic relations, working to foster international cooperation and promote U.S. interests around the globe. It collaborates with foreign governments to facilitate travel and promote cultural exchange while ensuring the protection of U.S. citizens traveling abroad.