The Maldives is a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 coral atolls, which are made up of hundreds of islands. It’s known for its beaches, blue lagoons and extensive reefs. The capital, Male, has a busy fish market, restaurants and shops on Majeedhee Magu and 17th-century Hukuru Miskiy (also known as Old Friday Mosque) made of coral stone.
For the first time traveller to these enchanted islands it would be interesting to note that all Maldivian resorts are on their own island. These range in size from 2.5km across to just 150m across. This means that the facilities on the resort you choose (restaurants, bars, sports facilities, entertainment etc.) are the only ones you will have access to during your stay.
Most resorts offer excursions by boat to local fishing village islands, or to the capital Male, but otherwise you will stay on the resort island for the duration of your stay. There are 106 resort islands to choose from, ranging from affordable to ultimate luxury. If you want to experience the ‘real’ Maldives then you might want to consider one of the Guesthouses that are now available on 5 inhabited islands, offering rooms at very reasonable rates. The islands are a holiday dream filled with various exciting things to do, and an almost guarantee that you will not get bored.
Water Sports
The Maldives consists of 99% of the sea and less than 1% of the land. Hence, it comes as no surprise that the Maldives is a leading water sports hub in the world. The natural environment of the islands bejewelled with crystal clear lagoons and turquoise blue waters is the perfect combination for a natural water sports arena.
All the resorts, guest houses and live boards provide unlimited access to exciting water sports activities. Resort islands operate, world-class water sports centres to thrill their visitors. Some of the water sports activities may look complicated and demanding. However, there is no reason to be in awe of them, as the water sport centres will teach you and guide you to excel in your preferred water sports activities. Some of the water sport activities that you can partake in the resorts includes; canoeing, catamaran sailing, water Skiing, fun tube, kayaking, wakeboarding, Jet Ski tours, parasailing, banana boat towing, windsurfing, snorkelling, kitesurfing and knee-boarding.
Big Game Fishing
Maldivians have engaged in fisheries for millenniums. For generations the livelihoods of the islanders were sustained by the abundance of fish in the Maldivian waters. Big game fishing gives the opportunity for visitors to experience the real Maldivian way of life.
Resort islands organise excursions for big game fishing enthusiasts. A short boat ride from the resorts will get you to the open sea, where you can engage in a thrilling fishing adventure. Resorts provide boats specifically built for fishing, equipped with the necessary gears and facilities. These boats are manned by crews who are professionally trained for such excursions. Common catch of big game fishers in Maldives include Barracuda, Sail fish, Mahi-mahi, Wahoo, Marlin, Tuna, Snappers and Groupers.
Take a Sunset Cruise
The Maldives is blessed with sunshine throughout the year. Accordingly the Maldives are renowned for offering the best glimpses of the sunset and sunrise. Sunset is considered the most beautiful time of the day.
There is no better way than taking a sunset cruise to capture the magnificent vista of scarlet skies, brilliant hues of lavender and rich blue wisps of clouds as the sun is about to set. Resort islands in the Maldives organise sunset cruise for visitors in love with the sunny side of life.
Embark on a boat journey heading towards the setting sun far away in the horizon. With each passing moment you will witness the sun getting closer and larger as it goes out of view for the night. Grab a cocktail and watch the sky as it displays nature’s most impressive light show.
Outdoor Sports
The more popular outdoor activities in the Maldivian resorts include scuba diving and snorkelling. However, there are many other outdoor sport activities available at the resorts. To make your stay in Maldives fun and adventurous, resorts have invested in building exceptional outdoor sport facilities.
The most popular sport in the Maldives is football. Accordingly there are quality football pitches on resorts where you can showcase you’re playing skills. Beach football is also played on the white sandy beaches, where manoeuvring the ball accurately is a tough affair. Excellent football grounds covered in synthetic grass are also available at the resorts.
Nightlife
Visit the major resort islands to enjoy a vibrant nightlife in the Maldives. From chilling out in the underwater nightclubs to beach parties at night, you can have a great time here. Resort islands organize lively entertainment every night to keep the visiting guests amused. There are not only underwater restaurants and hotels in the Maldives, but there are also underground nightclubs. Revel in the elegant atmosphere created down under as you party all night long.
Periodically Resort islands host performances of International DJ’s. Sway your body in tune with the funky music played by the DJ’s. Lounge in the bars created in heavenly settings as you enjoy a drink. Resort islands have created varieties of bars and nightclubs for visitors. Showcase your dancing skills at the discos or sing karaoke style in the karaoke clubs. Regularly local artists perform in resort gigs. Enjoy a classy evening where traditional music and dance ensembles entertain you.
Shopping
Male’ City is the major shopping site of the Maldives. Roads of Male’ will be covered with rows of boutique shops offering varieties of international products. The most famous shopping street is called Majeedhee Magu. Both sides of the road will be lined with shops and supermarkets selling clothing items, cosmetics, accessories, electronics and groceries. Gift shops are also available in various parts of the island.
Rows of souvenir shops are lined in Orchid Magu and Chaandhanee Magu selling varieties of local artefacts and international items. These streets are next to the Republic Square. You can also find STO Trade Centre in Orchid Magu. This is one of the largest trading centres in the country. This building houses a Super Mart and numerous souvenir shops.
Cuisine
The local cuisines of Maldives are based around fish, coconuts and starches. From generation to generation Maldivians have preserved an authentic cuisine appropriate for the tropical nature of the country. The Maldives is second to none when it comes to making dishes that includes fish. Spicy curries are a favourite in dining tables.
For evening tea and breakfast traditional short eats or snacks are used by the locals. Most of these snacks are made from fish and different varieties can be found. Visit a local cafe or restaurant during your stay to sample local culinary delights.
Tourist Information
The Maldives is one of the easiest countries in terms of visa and immigration arrangements. Any tourist from any nationality is granted a free 30 day visa on arrival to the Maldives. Hence, there is no need for you to undergo any hassle with regards to obtaining prior visa. Once you reach the airport, Immigration personnel will assist you with the visa procedures.
This website http://www.visitmaldives.com/en gives a lot of the above information and a lot more for those interested in finding out more about the Maldives.
The distance from Kenya to Maldives is: 2569.2 Miles (4134.7 Kilometres / 2231.1 Nautical Miles). The
Approximate travel time from Nairobi, Kenya to Male, Maldives is 5 hours, 20 minutes. Qatar has 379 connecting flights between Nairobi, KE and Male. You must make at least one connection to fly from Nairobi, KE to Male.
