Located southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean, the 1,190 islands of the Maldives are spread out like pearls over 26 atolls. This distinctive geography gives the islands an otherworldly beauty, one that’s attracting an increasing number of vacationers to the Maldives’ shores.
A Maldives vacation usually includes watersports, as the islands are renowned for their warm, clear waters and underwater beauty. All the resorts have professional dive schools. Snorkeling, surfing and fishing are also popular, and the Maldives are one of the top five places in the world for whale and dolphin-watching. No more than 200 of the Maldives islands are inhabited, while close to 100 are private resort islands. Many of the uninhabited islands are accessible by the Maldives’ fleet of seaplanes. A Maldives vacation package often includes at least one spa treatment, as the islands have become a top spa destination. While those who take a vacation to the Maldives can revel in privacy and seclusion, they can also pay a visit to the bustling capital of Malé (women are advised to wear modest clothing in Malé and other inhabited islands).
U.S. visitors to the Maldives require a valid passport, a valid return ticket (or ticket and visa to the next destination), and a minimum of $30 per person, per day, or a confirmed hotel reservation. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days. If the passport’s expiration date is within 30 days of arrival, visitors cannot extend their stay past the expiration date. The Maldives’ tropical climate is generally warm and humid, with little variation throughout the year. The average temperature is between 84°F and 90°F. The rainiest months are May to September. Many international carriers fly into Malé International Airport. Travelers coming from the U.S. usually have to connect through Europe, a prime market for Maldives tourism. The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree, and the U.S. dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. For more information on a vacation in the Maldives, log on to www.visitmaldives.com, the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board’s website.