Travel tips to Maldives

About Maldives

About, 400 miles South West of Sri-Lanka lies the Maldives, an independent republic of almost 2,000 tiny coral islands, scattered across the translucent azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Only about 200 of these islands are inhabited. Simple fishing villages and others are developed into resort islands. The inner land is flushed with tall coconut palms and other woody trees.

It’s outlined with un-spoilt gleaming white beaches then the crystal-clear lagoon and then again surrounded with growing multiple coloured coral reef, which is home for the matching coloured fishes. It is haven for the water-sports enthusiasts and as well as the sun-seekers. It is illegal to take out of the sea in the Maldives, either living coral or souvenirs from wrecks, it is also illegal to remove shells from the islands or to purchase any items made from turtles.

Local electricity in resorts and Male’ is AC 220-230V.

Entertainment …

Entertainment is very much limited but many water sports are available in almost all the resorts unless there is rare case of very bad weather. Resorts near capital Male’ have live bands in the evenings and most of the others have discos. Water sports include swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, wind surfing, sailing, catamaran, fishing (popping) etc…

Heath and vaccination

Vaccination is recommended for protection against hepatitis A, polio and typhoid – please check with your doctor.

Ramadan – fasting month

Maldives is a Muslim country, hence all Maldivian staff on the islands mark the Month of Ramadan every year. No service available at the resorts will be interrupted because of this.

Drinks

Almost all the canned drinks and liquors are imported and drinks are a little more expensive. Maldives is a Muslim nation and alcoholic drinks are available on resort islands, no alcohol may be taken into the country. Tourists are required to store any alcoholic drinks with the customs on arrival and they can collect these items on their departure.

Water

Most resort islands have desalination plants to filter ‘island water’ while others offer fresh water (rainwater). During periods of heavy demand or low rainfall, water supplies may be restricted on few islands, although ‘island water’ is always adequate for washing and showers. Most islands offer heated water. On live-aboard vessels, fresh water is available at baths and toilets and for drinking you’ll get bottled mineral water.

Diving

A medical certificate of physical fitness is required for all those taking a diving package.

Qualified divers must bring their log book and copies of diving certificates.

As diving is not usually covered by holiday insurance policies, we strongly advise that you check and if necessary take out the extra cover.

One should not dive within 24 hours of arrival or departure.

       Minimum age is 12 years.

       Tank and weights only – means you must take you own regulator and stab jacket.

       It is recommended that divers bring their own mask and snorkel.

       Diving may be booked at the time of booking or after arrival at the resort.

Snorkeling

Almost every island has its own house reef. The resorts also arrange trips to nearby reefs and un-inhabited island nearby. The guests on live-aboard can snorkel at any spot they anchor – they normally anchor at secure reefs on fishing villages and deserted islands. It is recommended that divers bring their own mask, snorkel and fins.