Escape to paradise in the Maldives, where crystal-clear turquoise waters caress white sandbanks with pristine beaches, inviting you to explore vibrant coral reefs through exhilarating snorkeling and an array of water adventures.
Introduction
Maldives is group of islands situated in Indian ocean. It has captured quite an amount of tourists over years for its stunning islands, mesmerizing beaches and turquoise waters. The island is a great place for adventure enthusiasts, as it covers variety of water sports that will make one stay there forever and ever..
Maldives airports and flight details
The capital city of Maldives is Male, where main international airport – Velana International Airport (MLE), is located. It is highly recommended to book flight to this airport, as one can get a boat ride easily to any public or private island from here. However, there are some other notable airports as well:
- Gan International Airport (GAN) in Addu City,
- Hanimaadhoo International Airport (HAQ) in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and
- Dharavandhoo Airport (DRV) in Baa Atoll
Navigating to the islands and resorts scattered across the Maldives archipelago is straightforward. From Velana International Airport, travelers can opt for convenient seaplane transfers or choose from a variety of boat options such as government ferries, speedboats, or private resort boats, all accessible from the docks directly opposite the airport exit.
Now here is the interesting part!….
Unlike typical getaways that begin upon arrival, the adventure in the Maldives starts even before touching down. Book a window seat, on the left side of the plane, in advance to marvel at the breathtaking islands scattered below, setting the stage for a serene and unforgettable journey. I use skyscanner website a lot to book the flights and would recommend the same. It has pretty nice offers during tourist seasons.
Best time to visit
I travelled to Maldives in month of January. The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. This period offers sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying the beautiful beaches. However, if you prefer lower prices and quieter beaches, you might consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to October, despite the possibility of occasional rain showers.
- Best time: November to April
- Flight booking: Skyscanner
Where to Stay and activities?
The place where one stays entirely depends on their budget. But here is my pov.
For adventure enthusiasts, staying on a public island in the Maldives is ideal for experiencing a variety of activities at more affordable rates compared to private resorts. The public islands offer cheaper rates for the various activities than private, with well-equipped guides. Most activities in Maldives include:
- Whale shark snorkeling
- Lucky dolphins
- Sandbank visit
- Coral reef snorkeling
- Ship wreck snorkeling
- Fish tank
- Above water activities
- Day visit to any private resort
Staying in public islandto complete the above actives .Afterward, transitioning to a private island for a few days, offers a serene environment and rejuvenating spa treatments, providing the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
- Preferable public island : Maafushi
- Places to stay in Maafushi : Booking.com
- Recommended place in public island: Kaani hotels
- Recommended for activities : icom tours
My Itinerary
Day 1
Let me paint a picture of my experience in Maafushi, a vibrant public island just an hour’s drive from the capital, Male. The island boasts the famous Bikini Beach, the sole spot where government rules permit bikinis. Lined with diverse restaurants, lively nightspots, souvenir shops, and tourism offices, Maafushi offered me a delightful opportunity to immerse myself in local culture and converse in Dhivehi. Coming to my day 1…
I arrived at Velana Airport at 3:00 PM, greeted by the mesmerizing turquoise waters that immediately captivated my gaze upon stepping outside. The hour-long boat ride from Male to Maafushi treated me to breathtaking sunset views, where the sky blazed crimson over the serene blue waters below. Upon reaching Maafushi, I checked into my hotel, taking a moment to unwind before embarking on a night of exploration.
Solunar Maldives- situated on the backside of Maafushi
Walking the quaint streets of Maafushi, I discovered charming cafes offering a variety of cuisines, including delightful Indian options. The night was a journey of culinary discovery and cultural immersion, setting the stage for the adventures that awaited. Eager to dive into the experiences the next day held, I headed to Icom Tours to plan my itinerary, eager for what lay ahead.
Day 2
Waking up to the serene sunrise amidst coconut trees, sipping coffee on the balcony with the ocean’s salty breeze is a memory etched in tranquility. After a delightful complimentary breakfast, we embarked on our eagerly anticipated day tour arranged by Icom Tours. It covered snorkeling, dolphin watching, nurse shark snorkeling and sand bank.
Our adventure-packed itinerary began with coral reef snorkeling, a first-time experience for me as a non-swimmer. With snorkeling gear provided by Icom Tours and patient guidance from the skilled instructors, I felt safe and excited to explore the breathtaking underwater world. Surrounding us were vibrant corals adorned with tiny clownfish, offering a magical glimpse into marine life.
Following an invigorating hour at the reef, we took a brief break to relax before setting off for the next highlight: dolphin spotting and nurse sharks snorkeling
PS: Swim wear will not be given and there is no room on speed boat to change clothes so make necessary arrangements before hand.
Our dolphin watching excursion proved to be a stroke of luck as we were treated to a captivating sighting within 15-20 minutes. Following this exhilarating encounter, our journey continued with nurse shark snorkeling. Spending an awe-inspiring hour with these majestic creatures underwater was a highlight, observing their gentle nature and impressive presence. For those hesitant to join in, watching from the safety of the boat offered a mesmerizing alternative perspective. This unforgettable experience is a definite must for anyone embarking on this adventure.
Imagine being transported to a secluded sandbank in the Maldives, where the horizon meets the endless azure waters in a breathtaking display. Here, in the heart of nowhere, I savored a delicious lunch while surrounded by pristine beaches and the gentle lull of the ocean waves. As I soaked in the serenity, I couldn’t resist capturing the mesmerizing scenery, capturing each moment in aesthetically pleasing photos that perfectly encapsulated the beauty of this remote paradise.
Day 3
Our final day on Public Island was a memorable exploration. We savored a leisurely day dedicated to immersing ourselves in local experiences. The allure of Bikini Beach provided a perfect setting to soak up the sun, whether lounging with a book or simply enjoying the sea breeze. We also explored bustling local markets and souvenir shops, immersing ourselves in the island’s vibrant culture.
As evening descended, the highlight of our trip unfolded unexpectedly: witnessing bioluminescent algae illuminate the shoreline during dinner. The excitement was palpable, especially since such phenomena are rare in southern Dhivehi.
Day 4 , 5 and 6
Relaxing on the private island of Aadharan Ranhalli was an unparalleled experience. The Maldives boasts a wide range of private islands where visitors can immerse themselves in luxury until they are fully satisfied by its beauty. While activities like water sports tend to be pricier compared to public islands, private islands offer a wealth of amenities to indulge in. From rejuvenating spa treatments and massages to vibrant nightclubs and concerts, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy. Some even feature theme parks and exhilarating water rides, ensuring there’s something for everyone to delight in during their stay.
Some preferred budget friendly private islands:
- Fihalhohi
- Centara Ras Fushi
- Aadharan Prestige vadoo
- Aadharan Ranhalli
- Olhuveli Resort & Spa
- Other Resorts from trip advisor
Day 7 (Optional)
One can choose to visit Male, the capital city of Maldives, before returning to Velana International Airport, as many boats pass through Male on the way to the airport.
Male Dock
This concludes my Maldives journey! Hope to see you guys in my next trip!!