Where are the Maldives? Maldives on the map Show where the Maldives are.

– one of the most popular places for tourists. These are small pieces of land surrounded by the ocean. Many people are interested where are the Maldives located on the world map. To be precise, they are located 700 km southwest of the island of Sri Lanka. This is a chain of 20 atolls and more than 1000 small coral islets. On the map it is clear that all this is located in the Indian Ocean, and in a ratio of 1:99, where the first is land, the second, respectively, water. Why are these islands so popular? The sun always shines there, the azure sea splashes along the soft light sandy beaches. The Maldives are especially appreciated by surfers, explorers of the underwater world and exotic tourism. The service here is excellent, but the prices are such that not every travel lover can afford it.
between December and March. At this time, there are no tropical rains (although there are fans of this phenomenon) and the sea is turquoise, and the beach is snow-white, as in many famous photographs circulating on the Internet. Due to tropical rains and monsoons, large waves rise and it is impossible to swim in the sea, so if you want to get into a fairy tale from advertising brochures, then your choice is any days from December to March. Rains, however, do not interfere with excursions, so those people who do not swim for some reason can relax and save a lot. Prices are also falling for air travel. Weather in the Maldives in view of them unusual location on the map varies greatly over the course of a year. Winter is the warmest, so prices increase by 30% and above.
The Maldives attracts representatives of a variety of nations: Russians, Germans, English, Italians, Asians, and others, but all of them here have average incomes and above. The exception is scuba divers - they can rent the cheapest apartments, which will not prevent them from doing what they love. There are no strong differences between tourists here - both family people and single people come here for different types of recreation. The island should be chosen based on the purpose of the trip. A large hotel usually occupies the entire area. It’s better for newlyweds to go to - here there is a separate beach for each bungalow, for families with children it’s better to go to Villahohi, for lovers of parties and noisy entertainment - Nalaguraida, and for a beach holiday the island of Kani is suitable.
What a tourist needs to know:
Bringing alcohol to the Maldives is prohibited. It can only be consumed in hotel bars and restaurants, as citizens of the Maldives are prohibited from selling alcohol;
Dogs are also prohibited here. There are none here at all, and it is prohibited to fly on vacation with dogs;
The state is Islamic;
The national language is Dhivehi. No one speaks English outside of tourist areas;
The only airport on the island of Hulele, there are boats and boats to the other islands;
You can pay in dollars and euros, credit cards are also accepted;
Many people come here to celebrate a wedding - this can be done underwater, on board a seaplane, and even underwater;
The cheapest round-trip flights per person from Moscow to Male will cost approximately $420;
Tourists can study, or they can simply book excursions to the sights of the islands;
Here you can try all kinds of exotic fish - either buy at the market or catch it yourself and cook at the hotel, as well as national dishes - a “mixture” of Indian and Arab cuisine. Favorite foods here are coconut and tuna;
It is best to buy souvenirs at a bazaar or market - they sell interesting goods from Thailand, Sri Lanka and India.
Maldives on the map deservedly occupy their prominent place and enjoy honor and popularity among wealthy tourists - there is always excellent service, fabulous beaches and the sea, the opportunity to engage in active “water” hobbies - diving and surfing.

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The Maldives is known for its beautiful views and sandy beaches. On the world map, the Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives are located southwest of Ceylon, in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean. If you look at a world map, you can find approximately 1192 islands. Only 100 of them are intended for tourists, the rest are either uninhabited or inhabited by local residents.

Weather on the islands by month

The Maldives has different weather in different months, sometimes the tropical paradise turns into a rainy and windy place. Therefore, it is necessary to become familiar with the behavior of the monsoons passing over the islands.

January

Tourism demand is high in the Maldives in January. Because this month marks the start of the dry season in the Maldives, i.e. without a lot of rain. The air temperature varies from 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature from 26 to 27 degrees Celsius.

February

The beach season opens in February. This month is the sunniest month in the Maldives.

The sun warms almost 10 hours a day. The air temperature reaches a stability of 30 degrees Celsius, the water temperature warms up to 29 degrees Celsius. This month, like January, has low rainfall.

March

From the beginning of March you can start windsurfing. The rainless season continues in the Maldives. But short-term rains are already beginning on the southern islands.
The air temperature rises to 31 degrees Celsius, and the water temperature to 29 degrees Celsius.

April

Until April is the best time for diving in the Maldives. Diving in the Maldives is very popular around the world. The air temperature will change from 31 to 32 degrees Celsius, the water temperature reaches 30 degrees. The amount of precipitation is gradually increasing.

May

The rainy season begins in May in the Maldives. About half of the days of the month will be rainy. At the same time, air humidity rises. But in May you can still enjoy the delights of local fishing and SPA treatments. Air temperature 31 degrees Celsius, water temperature 28 degrees Celsius.

June

June is the most unfavorable month for traveling to the Maldives. During the day in June the rains are short and light, and at night they are very heavy and last almost all night. Humidity and winds rise strongly. Air temperature 32 degrees Celsius, water temperature 28 degrees.

July

This month is also not famous for high tourist demand. The amount of precipitation gradually subsides, but humidity takes its place. Humidity this month is the highest of all months of the year.
Air temperature 30 degrees Celsius, water temperature 27 degrees Celsius. There is also a high probability of storms, but by the middle of the month all negative factors reduce their effect.

August

In August the rainy season ends and precipitation becomes less. But this period of the year still cannot be called ideal for relaxation. Rains are short-lived and occur mainly at night. Air temperature is from 27 to 29 degrees Celsius, water temperature is 25 degrees Celsius.

September

The fishing season opens in September. For people who prefer a warm holiday, but without excessive heat, like in February, this period of the year is ideal. The air temperature reaches 29 degrees Celsius, the water temperature is only 25 degrees Celsius.

October

The cruise season begins this month. Storms and heavy rains no longer appear, so sea cruises are open.
This time of year is important for the budget-conscious tourist. October is considered an off-season month, so prices will be significantly lower than in January or December. Air temperature 30 degrees Celsius, water temperature 28 degrees Celsius.

November

From November onwards there are hints of a dry season. In November, the fauna of the Maldives will be especially active. Also this month, Maldivians celebrate Republic Day. Air temperature 30 degrees Celsius, water temperature 28 degrees Celsius.

December

December is the most popular time of year for tourists.

Many tourists go to celebrate the New Year, and in December newlyweds begin to celebrate their weddings in the Maldives. Air temperature varies from 27 to 32 degrees Celsius, water temperature from 25 to 28 degrees Celsius.

Tours to the Maldives. Prices, description

The Maldives islands on the world map are quite far from the mainland, so the flight has a high cost. Prices mainly depend on the rainy season in the Maldives. The lowest prices for tours during the rainy season: May, June, July, August, September.

The highest prices for tours are in December, January and February. These months contain the majority of holidays and are also the most popular months for newlyweds who want to celebrate their wedding in the Maldives. Prices range from 33 thousand rubles to 56 thousand rubles per adult for 3 nights departing from Moscow.

Hotels in the Maldives

The cost of the hotel depends on the island on which the hotel is located and the season of travel.

Hotel types:

Approximate prices for two for 1 day:

3 star hotels

Some 3 star hotels to consider:

4 star hotels

Some hotels are both room-type hotels and can be island hotels with a bungalow or villa:

5 star hotels

Five-star hotels differ from 4-star hotels in the quality of service and a wider range of services:

Beaches in the Maldives

The main treasure of the Maldives is its beaches. Always white sand and azure sea.

There are a number of activities on the beaches of the Maldives:

• Alcohol ban. Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited on beaches and in public places. Alcohol can be consumed in tourist restaurants or alcohol bars that are located on boats or uninhabited islands in the sea. You cannot bring alcohol with you.
• On non-tourist beaches you can only swim in clothes. Since the majority of Maldivians are Muslim, nudity or swimming in a bikini is prohibited on public beaches. On the island resorts you can swim in a bikini.
• It is prohibited to bring pets.
• On some islands (islands that are nature reserves) it is prohibited to wear shoes. This is necessary to preserve the environment. So you need to ask your hotel for these subtleties before going to the beach.
• When traveling on an excursion with the indigenous population, Shoulders and knees should not be exposed. To avoid conflicts for religious reasons, it is better for men not to talk to married indigenous women.
• Fishing can only be done in an organized manner and with the presence of an experienced fisherman.

In addition to sunbathing and swimming, tourists can take part in water sports:

You can also go fishing or see exotic fish, small sharks or stingrays directly from the beach. Sharks and rays are not dangerous, but it is better not to touch them.

The Maldives on the world map is one of the places on Earth that have glowing beaches. This phenomenon can be observed from June to February, especially during the new moon.

The beaches glow because during the glow period, the bacterium “bioluminescent phytoplankton” multiplies on the shores of the beaches. The bacterium begins to glow when waves hit the shore.

Entertainment on the islands

In addition to relaxing on the beach and using hotel services, on the islands you can:

• Take a tour. The islands and their people have a rich history, both in general and in individual corners. Sometimes, along with the excursion, for example, fishing or dinner are included. Price from 40 dollars.
• A trip to a desert island. People like to have picnics and sunbathe on such islands. Price from 35 dollars.
• Flight on a seaplane. Opportunity to fly and take photographs over the islands. Price from 160 dollars.
• Yacht cruise. Various routes are offered, you can see many islands in 1 trip. Price from 80 dollars.
• Dive on a submarine. Price from 50 dollars.
• Diving. You can dive from 5 to 40 m in depth, underwater visibility is 40 m. Price from $40.
• Snorkeling. Swimming on the surface with a mask, the opportunity to look at the reefs and fish. Check the price with the guide.
• Surfing. Ride a wave using a surfboard. Check prices with the guide.

Diving in the Maldives

The Maldives islands on the world map are considered one of the best places for diving. Both beginners and professionals can dive in the Maldives. You can dive from the islands or in the open sea.

You can swim over reefs or dive to greater depths. Also, there is the opportunity to dive to attractions, into canals or swim with large marine animals. Water temperature at depth is from 26 degrees. It is not recommended to go diving during the rainy season. At this time the current is very strong.

Types of diving:

If the trip took place in August or autumn, then there is an opportunity to see whale sharks and manta rays.

Surfing

The best shore for surfing is the shore of the eastern reefs. For surfing purposes, it is better to plan a holiday in the Maldives from December to April. For professional surfing, it is better to go in the summer when the waves are the highest.

The surfing location must be chosen taking into account the height of the reefs and the extent of the monsoon winds.

Wedding in the Maldives

The Maldives is marked on the world map by many newlyweds as the dream of their ideal wedding. The wedding season in the Maldives opens in December and ends in March with the onset of the rainy season. You must book your date at least 6 months before your trip.

Getting married in the Maldives is the dream of many couples. You can book a wedding in almost every hotel; it will be arranged according to the following scenario: first, the couple is taken to the spa, where they enjoy the treatments.

The future spouses are then taken to the altar in their wedding attire, where they are traditionally showered with rice. Afterwards they are invited to a romantic dinner, which takes place on a yacht, and the wedding night takes place in a bungalow or villa. Prices must be agreed with the hotel.

You can also order a wedding with immersion under water. The ceremony takes place in the Temple of Love. In the blue lagoon of the temple they are immersed in the altar, which is installed at the bottom. Then the spouses celebrate on a yacht or on the shore. After the ceremony, the spouses are presented with a marriage certificate.

Shopping in the Maldives

It is better to go shopping in the evening, after sunset or during it. Usually, black boxes coated with varnish with stones, models of fishing boats, shark jaws or coconut oil are brought as souvenirs.

In the Maldivian bazaars you can buy bodu beru drums, mother-of-pearl shells, figurines of monkeys made of coconut wood, and coconut sausage. For collectors, we can offer a traditional dress with embroidery around the neck.

Shopping in Male

Only in Male can you find large bazaars or large shops with a large assortment of goods. The main shopping street in Male is called Chandani Magu. On this street you can find not only high-quality products, but also rare books and watches.

The largest center is Chandhanee Magu, this center is suitable for purchasing quality imported goods, such as clothing or equipment. Products are imported from Sri Lanka, Dubai, India or Indonesia.

Unlike other eastern countries, in the Maldives all prices are fixed and trying to bargain with the seller is considered rude.

Cuisine and restaurants of the Maldives

Maldivian cuisine is formed from Indian and Arabic cuisine.

The cuisine of the Maldives includes: hot sauces, curries, a large selection of spices, an abundance of fruits, a small amount of vegetables and herbs. Since the Maldives is surrounded by water, the traditional menu includes seafood: crabs, shrimp, clams, squid, mussels. The peculiarity of Maldivian cuisine is the abundance of fish and rice. Roshi bread is also made from rice.

Fish can be found from octopuses to sharks and rays, the most popular fish being tuna. The fish is fried: grilled, breaded, in oil, baked in the oven. Fish is also smoked, rolled, stewed, dried or boiled.

It is better to try local dishes in small cafes that are located on ordinary streets.

List of dishes to try in the Maldives:

• Gula. Tuna and coconut milk cutlets.
• Hikimas. Sun dried tuna.
• Babukeylu hithi. Breadfruit soup.
• Fijunumas. Fish baked in spicy sauce.
• Mae huni. The dish consists of smoked tuna with coconut, lime, onion and hot chili sauce.
• Raa drink. Made from palm milk.

Sights of the Maldives

In addition to excursions and sunbathing, you can visit local attractions:

Holidays and events on the islands

Most holidays are of a religious or national nature.

Festive events worth visiting:

• Independence Day. Celebrated on July 26th. On this day, the Maldives celebrates the establishment of sovereignty and secession from British rule.
• 12th day of the third month according to the Muslim calendar. Celebrating birth of the prophet Muhammad. Also on the 1st day of this month, the liberation from the Portuguese invaders is celebrated.
• End of Ramadan. Muslims celebrate the end of the holy fast for 3 days. During fasting, it is forbidden to drink, smoke, eat food during the day, or have sexual intercourse. The fast lasts 30 days.
• First month of the Islamic calendar. Celebrated islamic new year. Military operations are prohibited throughout the entire month.
• Fisherman's Day. Celebrated on December 10th. Fish fairs and magnificent shows with dances and songs are held.

The Muslim calendar is different from the regular calendar, so holidays fall on different dates every year. New Year is celebrated for tourists on December 31 and January 1, but the residents themselves do not celebrate it.

The Maldives gave an unforgettable experience to everyone who has ever vacationed there. Holidays in the Maldives are unique in their unusualness and versatility. This corner of the planet is worth marking on the world map.

Article format: Vladimir the Great

Video about the Maldives

Review of the Maldives in the TV show “Heads and Tails”:

This small country is located on 20 atolls in the equatorial Indian Ocean. The Islamic Republic is separated from India by more than 2,000 km. The distance to Sri Lanka is significantly less: if you look at the Maldives on the world map, you can see that the states are approximately 700 km apart from each other.

Information about the islands

The state of the Maldives is formed by almost 2000 coral islets. About 400 thousand people live here, and the dominant religion is Islam. The total area of ​​the Republic of Maldives is 90 thousand km 2, but the land share of it accounts for no more than 300 km 2.

Interestingly, the only city and port of the country is its capital Male, located on the atoll of the same name. The remaining islands are almost uninhabited and only occasionally there are hotels on them.

The time in the Maldives is UTC +5, so when flying you should prepare in advance for a change in time zones.

Weather by month in the Maldives

The climate is determined by where exactly the Maldives is located. It belongs to the subequatorial monsoon type, so the weather is radically different in the dry and rainy seasons. Depending on the month of your trip, you will have to prepare for the following:

January. A trip to the islands this month will definitely be successful thanks to the warm, sunny and windless weather and the calm that reigns in the ocean. Although January is technically the rainy season, there is minimal precipitation, which guarantees a wonderful beach holiday and the opportunity to go diving. During the daytime, the thermometer rises to at least +24 °C, and the water temperature averages +27 °C.

February. Crowds of vacationers usually flock here at this time. The ocean continues to delight with a comfortable water temperature of +25 °C, and daytime air temperatures rarely fall below +28 °C. There are practically no waves, and the sky is perfectly blue and cloudless. Therefore, even inexperienced divers can begin to learn the intricacies of diving, and the almost complete absence of precipitation allows you to have fun on a yacht or catamaran.

March. This month is also considered quite hot and dry, and the average air and water temperatures differ little from February. The sand remains very warm, and there are practically no tropical showers. March sees plenty of native flora bloom, but be prepared for the occasional sandstorm.

April. At this time, the southwest monsoon arrives in the Maldives, bringing with it a change in weather. Storms in the ocean are rare, the heat is increasing, but rain is still an infrequent visitor here. If you cannot stand the stuffiness, you should postpone your trip: the air temperature is generally +30 °C, and the water temperature reaches +28 °C.

May. Very strong winds begin to blow, sometimes turning into hurricanes. There is significantly more precipitation: approximately half of the days in May are rainy. At the same time, the weather constantly brings surprises. The sun gives way to heavy rain and vice versa.

June. This month continues the May trend as the southwest monsoon takes over. There are very strong gusts of warm wind. In June, the Maldives receives the maximum precipitation typical for this region, but its amount rarely exceeds 200 mm. Ocean waves sometimes reach gigantic sizes. The thermometer stays at an average of +30 °C, and the water temperature in the ocean is +27 °C.

July. At this time, the islands are not very comfortable due to frequent rains. However, they quickly end, and soon the sky partially clears and the sun peeks through the clouds. In July, approximately 160 mm of precipitation falls, and the air temperature is +31 °C. In water, the thermometer usually shows +27 °C. Thunderstorms are possible, during which it feels cool.

August. This month is considered the most changeable on the islands. In early August, the sea is quite warm and calm, winds and hurricanes practically stop. It rains relatively rarely, and the atolls are still hot. But already at the end of the month the sky becomes increasingly cloudy, it rains often, and the wind gets stronger.

September. Both day and night, the weather remains mostly warm, and the sweltering heat recedes. Humidity remains quite high, and precipitation falls up to 200 mm. The average number of rainy days in September is 15-16. The rains are often accompanied by strong thunderstorms, but the ocean remains quite warm with water temperatures of approximately +27 °C.

October. The air temperature drops slightly to +27-29 °C, and the water temperature drops to +26 °C, which does not interfere with swimming at all. It rains much less often: usually no more than 100 mm of precipitation falls.

November. This month the northeast monsoon arrives in the Maldives, bringing with it warm and dry weather. Winds and rains rarely bother tourists, and the average thermometer shows +28 °C. The water warms up to +25 °C.

December. At this time of year, everything blooms on the islands, so they turn into a real tropical paradise. Daytime temperatures rise to +30-32 °C, and the water temperature in the ocean rarely drops below +25 °C.

How to get to the Maldives

Any guidebook, where you will find everything you wanted to know about the Maldives, states that the connection between the island state and the mainland is carried out exclusively by air. The country's only airport is located in the capital Male. You can get to it in the following ways:

Direct flight from Aeroflot from Moscow. New Airbus A-330-200 aircraft fly from the Russian capital twice a week: on Wednesdays and Saturdays. If it is important for you to know how long it takes to fly from Moscow on such a direct flight, you will have to be patient: the flight duration is approximately 9 hours.

Please note that when returning from the Maldives you will have to pay an airport tax of 10 USD - 15 USD, which is not always included in the air ticket price.

Connecting flight with Qatar Airways (connection point - Doha), Singapore Airlines (connection point - Singapore) or Emirates Airlines (connection point - Dubai). The cost of tickets for airliners of these air carriers already includes an airport tax.

Connecting flight with Srilankan Airlines. To do this, you will first have to fly to Dubai or Colombo and purchase a ticket to Male at the local airport for 180 USD - 250 USD. This is the most budget flight option for those who want to save money.

The average cost of a flight between the capitals of Russia and the Maldives ranges from 570 USD to 720 USD one way.

Maldives visa and customs clearance

Residents of Russia and the CIS countries do not need to obtain a visa to travel to the Maldives, since there is a visa-free agreement between the countries. However, given the sudden change in climate and the exotic nature of the region, it would not hurt to purchase a health insurance policy. Weekly insurance will cost approximately 25 USD - 45 USD.

It is very important to comply with the rules of customs legislation of the Republic of Maldives. They talk about the following:

• You can import and export foreign currency in unlimited quantities.
• Without paying a duty, 125 ml of perfume or cologne and 200 cigarettes are allowed to be imported, as well as no more than one item related to goods for personal use per passenger.
• It is strictly forbidden to transport pork and meat products made from it, salami sausages, pornographic goods, narcotic substances, souvenirs made from a sea turtle shell or dark coral, as well as antiques found at the bottom of the ocean.

Be sure to note that the import and export of any alcoholic beverages in the Maldives is prohibited. Violation of this rule may result in arrest.

Cost of a holiday in the Maldives

Many Russian celebrities like Volochkova love to vacation in the Maldives. This is due to the very comfortable climate and reasonable prices for accommodation. If you are wondering how much a standard trip to the Maldives costs, please note that it depends on the following factors:

• duration of the trip;
• hotel category;
• the island on which the hotel is located;
• food and entertainment included in the price;
• season.

The more services a hotel offers for vacationers (SPA, swimming pools, animation, sauna and much more), the more expensive the vacation will cost. If you are planning a trip for 7-8 days, booking a single or double room with half board and a minimum of entertainment, you will have to spend from 2600 USD to 5500 USD.

The wedding tour involves a romantic weekend for the newlyweds and will cost from 1750 USD to 2500 USD. The price includes room decoration, services of photographers and musicians, fruits, wine or champagne and an informal wedding ceremony. The all-inclusive tour is suitable for those who want to completely relax during their trip. Its price - from 3,500 USD to 7,000 USD for a week's stay in a 4 or 5 star hotel - includes three meals a day and free drinks throughout the entire stay.

Those looking to save money should pay attention to last-minute tours: they are usually 30% cheaper. Also, for the most budget holiday in the Maldives for 8 days, you will have to spend approximately 2000 USD if you book a room in an inexpensive three-star hotel without special amenities. The price includes airfare and medical insurance.

The Maldives is a real sunny paradise on earth, where you can easily recuperate after a long-awaited vacation.

Where, in what country are these amazingly beautiful islands, the Maldives? How to find them on the world map, what country do they belong to? What form of government? What part of the world do they belong to? How many of these islands are there? On what ocean are the islands located? Maldives, giving unforgettable moments of paradise - these and other questions arise in many people who are planning their vacation.

This is where the beaches, enchanting landscapes and eternal summer are located. White, soft sand and tall palm trees, gentle surf - all this will make your vacation complete, your impressions bright and positive.

For vacationers, there is everything they need - magnificent nature, secluded bays where you can spend the evenings, warm weather and bright sun overhead. The picturesque picture is complemented by bright coral shallows and lagoons with clear, clean water.

In contact with

Geographical location

Situated on a picturesque site. On the world map, look for the Indian Ocean, and among its waters there are islands stretching thousands of kilometers north of the equator.

They occupy the territory between the continents of Asia and Africa, 700 km southwest of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. The exact coordinates are 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. etc., so it’s not difficult to find them with a regular paper map. The width of the archipelago is more than 120 km.

Includes:

• 19 coral reefs;
• 88 resort islands;
• 1000 small islands (most of them are not inhabited by people).

You can visit “wild” places on your own using a boat. The most famous atolls among tourists are:

• Kaafu, or, as it is also called, North Male, includes 27 resorts and 8 islands specializing in fishing;
• South Male, consisting of 19 islands with excellent conditions. Only three of them are inhabited;
• Vaavu;
• Meemu;
• Seenu;
• Faafu.

This is interesting: The Maldives are considered the lowest in the world. At the highest point of the state, which is Addu Atoll, a person will be only 2.4 meters above sea level. Scientists predict that within the next 50 years there may be a flood that will destroy most of the land.

Everywhere travelers will find magnificent nature with picturesque views.

Brief information about the country

It would be useful for any educated person to know that:

• this modern state is a presidential republic in form of government;
• The area is 298 km2;
• The Maldives is washed by the Indian Ocean;
• The capital is Male. The city's area is small, only 5.8 km2, but the total population exceeds 133,000 people, making it one of the most densely populated not only in the country, but also in the world. The total population is 338.5 thousand;
• The official language is Maldivian;
• The main type of transport is boats, both sailing and motor. You can also see seaplanes and boats. Taxis and regular buses are developed only in the capital and on the island. Hulhumale. Local transport - dhoni - a small boat equipped with a diesel engine;
• The main religion is Islam (Sunni);
• The currency is called the rupee;
• The time difference with Moscow is +2 hours;
• Visas are not required for a tourist trip, but if the purpose of the visit is business or private, then execution of the document is mandatory for everyone, as well as an invitation. The visa is valid for 90 days;
• It is prohibited to import into the territory of the state:
• Weapons (including explosives);
• Narcotic drugs;
• Magazines and items for specific purposes (category 18+);
• Animals;
• Alcohol;
• Devices for spearfishing;
• Things and objects of an anti-Islamic nature (including pork and products containing it);
• Even military uniforms and paraphernalia are prohibited.

You can't take it home:

• Black corals and jewelry made from them;
• Turtle shells;
• Local currency (remaining cash must be exchanged);
• Items found at the bottom of the ocean/sea.

It is important to know: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering here.

Permitted for export from the territory are:

• Souvenir products;
• Postcards with views and landscapes;
• Coconut oil;
• Interior items.

Climate

The best season is considered to be from November to April. It is at this time that the weather is dry and sunny, and the likelihood of rain is minimal.

Weather and climate in general are fundamental factors in determining where to go on holiday. Travelers can expect eternal summer, as the air temperature here is always above +20 degrees at night and about +30 during the day.

Air humidity is on average 81%. The main amount of precipitation falls between May and January. Hurricanes and storms are rare, but heavy rains come from the Arabian Sea or Bay of Bengal.

In general, the climate of the resort state is hot and tropical. Separately, I would like to note that a trip here is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, since high temperatures are a constant occurrence.

Popular resorts

A map of the Maldives with all resorts will be offered to guests in any tourist center. Tour operators also have detailed maps with hotels. The following resorts are widely known among travelers around the world:

• Male, the capital, is ready to offer various excursion programs and entertainment. There are numerous markets, a mosque, a museum and a presidential palace;
• Faafu is a resort ideal for gourmets, offering a variety of restaurants and spa centers;
• Dhaalu is a resort area that offers everything for extreme sports. It is chosen by divers and scuba divers;
• Ari - created for nature lovers. You can enjoy a variety of flora and fauna, and the famous turtle bays are located here. Entertainment - water skiing, sea fishing.

Note: Despite the diversity of the animal world, there are no dangerous predators or poisonous snakes in the Maldives. In the immediate vicinity you can see dolphins, white sharks or foxes. Bats appear in the evening.

An interesting feature is the absolute absence of dogs.

The best beaches

Beaches are the main attraction of the state. Travelers come precisely to enjoy the sand and warm waves. That is why it is very important to know the main ones:

• O. Fulhadhu - the settlement of residents occupies a small territory, everything else is a paradise for tourists;
• Finolhu Kanifushi is a beach located on Baa Atoll;

Keep in mind: a special feature is the presence of a sand spit, which allows you to walk to several small islands in the ocean. There is a picturesque lagoon and palm trees.

• Amilla Fushi has sloping beaches of varied beauty. Here you can find expensive and modern ones, as well as classic ones with dense vegetation. Feature: coral bottom;
• Dhigurah - designed for those who love solitude and the beauty of nature. The feature is an excellent opportunity to observe whale sharks. Swimming in a bikini is allowed.

Each resort land has its own hotel. Also, some resorts cannot bring children under 12 years of age.

Glowing beach Mudhdhoo Island

A real landmark and natural wonder worth seeing with your own eyes is the glowing beach located on Baa Atoll - Mudhdhoo Island.

In the evening and at night, hundreds of neon lights flash along the shore, creating a picturesque picture.

Advice: the glow effect is most noticeable from June to February, so you need to choose this particular time period to observe it.

The secret of the phenomenon lies in the fact that bioluminescent phytoplankton lives here, capable of glowing during the surf. By visiting this place, you can admire the beauty of nature for a long period, as the lights glow throughout the dark.

What to do for vacationers

You need to know that there are some restrictions for guests and residents - you cannot drink alcoholic beverages or sunbathe topless or even in a bikini (except in specially designated areas).

Despite all this, the holiday will not be overshadowed. Tourists are offered a variety of water attractions and water sports, including parasailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Catamaran rides are perfect for a romantic pastime, and sailing is ideal for extreme sports enthusiasts. Swimming and fishing (the fish must be released into the ocean) are activities that are in demand among most tourists. There are special excursions that allow you to observe the life of marine life up close. There are special entertainment programs for children.

Map in Russian

In order to make it convenient for tourists to navigate among the various atolls and vacation spots, a map of the islands with symbols in Russian has been created.

Here are the most popular destinations and tourist routes that you should choose for a good holiday. The largest areas intended for recreation are indicated, where there is everything that a tourist might need during a trip. There is also a general view of the archipelago in the area.

Using this simple but detailed map, you can comfortably navigate the Maldives without knowing English or local dialects. “Uninhabited” territories are not indicated on the map.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to your chosen resort is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow - their duration is from 10 hours. There are also charters in major cities. There are flights from Kyiv or Astana that include transfers or refueling to or.

There are also flights with refueling in Sri Lanka or. Flights to the Maldives operate from the city of Trivandrum, so it is convenient to get to the holiday destination for those who decide to combine a trip with a visit to India. Ticket prices range from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Take note: In order to fly from the capital of the Maldives, you will need to pay an exit fee, which is 10–15 dollars; in most cases, it is not included in the price of tickets.

For those flying from the Far East, there are flights with transfers in Seoul, Tianjin or. There are no direct flights from Belarus - you must fly through Moscow.

Exotic flora and fauna

The nature of the archipelago is unusual and amazing. The national symbol and plant that is found throughout the state is the coconut palm.

You can also see bamboo and eucalyptus brought here. Among the crops that can be classified as exotic are bananas, papaya, mangoes, pineapples and sweet potatoes.

The flora is also represented by flowers - roses, plumerias, hibiscus, orchids. You can also see the Alexandrian laurel.

Animals that will seem amazing to tourists:

• • The bats;
  • Flying foxes;
  • Geckos;

• Seagulls;
• Herons;
• Brahmin's blinders;
• Wolftooth brownie.

Marine inhabitants are presented in a wide variety:

• Sea stars;
• Echinoderms;
• Dolphins;
• Whale sharks;
• Stingrays;
• Variety of fish species.

Interesting fact: Citrus fruits do not grow on the territory - they disappeared after the fungus epidemic.

There are also turtles. The main attraction is the coral reefs.

Local kitchen

The peculiarity of the national cuisine is the abundance of dishes based on fish and seafood. It was formed under the influence of Indian and Arab culinary traditions. Recipes with tuna are presented in every restaurant or cafe.

Rice is also served as a side dish with all dishes. A popular Maldivian drink is green tea. National snacks - hedikaa - are baked goods with various fillings.

Desserts - various fresh fruits, juices, nuts and dishes with these ingredients. One of the popular desserts among tourists is fresh coconut, as well as coconut milk and Raa palm juice.

What you need to know before purchasing a tour

Before you buy a tour to the Maldives, you should consider that.

The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here is conducive to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, upscale hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Last minute tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May Worldwide

The Maldives, famous “residents” of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1,190 islands (or rather, atolls) and all of them are just your choice: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for relaxation: peace and tranquility, beautiful nature, a rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, it must be said, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: holidays here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level marketers define as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Divers are maniacs, diving three times a day. This is the most problem-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happily married (or unmarried) couples who need no one but each other. They can choose a hotel with the appropriate furnishings - there are plenty of them on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the ambiance of a tropical paradise.

Time difference from Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, life in the Maldives was once not as cloudless as glossy catalogs would have us believe. The sea genie Rannamaari, who unfortunately settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and exclusively in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellows were taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.

But it’s not all Maslenitsa: one day a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived at the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently had nothing to do with) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the victim. He read the Koran all night, but in the morning it turned out that the genie had escaped, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians joyfully converted to Islam - that’s why now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no toplessness (presumably, they are afraid that the genie will return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and therefore its attractiveness for tourists.

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Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water temperature +26 °C. Due to its close location to the equator, seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October), it rains more often and the weather is windier. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.

Maps of the Maldives

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire service: 118, ambulance: 102.

Beaches in the Maldives

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine snow-white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - everywhere you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life. The coastline is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas to protect you from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas assigned to modest “three rubles” are not much inferior in grooming and comfort to fashionable five-star zones.

Topless sunbathing and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on Maldivian beaches.

The list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago includes Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the shores of Lhaviani, and dolphins splash off the coast of Maafushi. The wealthy relax on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadhoo (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as the recreation areas at luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will be given by night swimming on the “glowing” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer with blue lights in the dark, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to the ground.

Diving in the Maldives

Maldives... how much this word brings together for a diver’s heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of this direction include strong currents outside the reefs. The best season for snorkeling in the archipelago is from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort, on the North Atoll, has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.

For beginners, diving on reefs would be ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (amazing ocean fish live there in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and their base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the cargo ship Victoria with the remains of goods brought to the islands, or the steamer Chaika, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull was completely split in two. Some popular sites: Emboodu National Reserve with a stunningly diverse underwater world, the Feliwaru and Halaveli rivers (giant rays can be seen here), Maaya Reef, the cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with a variety of inhabitants, the secluded dive site of Rakido, the protected marine area of ​​​​Guraidhoo , Miyaru's shark site.

Read more about local diving in the article by our regular expert, the charming Veronica Birman, “Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives.”

Surfing

Wave boarding is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. The first surfers flocked here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular places in the world for surfing: it is never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a sight for sore eyes: high, stable, ideally shaped. The prestigious international tournament O’Neill Deep Blue Open is regularly held on the island of Lohifushi.

There are 7 popular surfing spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with exclusive rights to “rent” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.

You can also practice surfing in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on the coral at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as at the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

Entertainment and attractions

All the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level; there are no special attractions on land. There is the unremarkable capital of Male (excursion from 40 USD), many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater excursion is the Photo Flight, a seaplane flight over the islands. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from 80-90 USD) or a submarine dive (from 45-50 USD).

Do you know how an atoll differs from “just an island”? Just in case, we provide information: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding a lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely turn out to be a long-extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - and grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over many centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people sailed from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.

If your soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting the National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan’s Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The oldest in the country, the Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, a legend of national resistance, are also located here. Ari Atoll has the ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC. e., on the island of Matirah (Haa Alif Atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Holidays and Events

The main holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from British protectorate and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal, Nation Day is celebrated to commemorate the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated.

The end of holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of hearty meals, visits and other entertainment. After 70 days, Eid al-Fitr begins with traditional services and sacrifices. November 3 is Victory Day in honor of the coup d'état prevented in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with folk festivities and noisy fairs. On New Year (January 1) and Christmas (December 25), adored by foreign tourists, colorful celebrations are held in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.