Welcome to the Maldives

A destination of dazzling tropical beauty that offers the perfect recipe for relaxation and rejuvenation!

A country of more than a thousand islands spread over 90,000 square kilometers across the Indian Ocean. Endowed with a dreamlike beauty, the Maldives welcomes you to enjoy its natural splendor and charm. The destination offers-holidaymakers the basic ingredients for a tropical island holiday – great sunny days of deep blue skies, crystal clear lagoons, moonlit nights, waves lapping the soft white sand, the rustle of palm trees and powdery white beaches. Few places offer all this in greater abundance than the Maldives.

The warm seas of Maldives have high visibility throughout the year; with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as fifty meters away at times. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures in habit the Maldivian waters. Enjoy days snorkeling, diving, deep-sea fishing or cruising at sunset.

HISTORY

The history of the Maldives is that of a small, isolated and peaceful nation-constantly trying to contain the desires of its powerful neighbours and would-be colonisers. It’s also an incredibly hazy history for the most part.The Maldivian character has clearly been shaped by this tumultuous past:hospitable and friendly but fiercely proud and independent at the sametime.

WEATHER

The Maldives has a tropical climate distinguished by two seasons,or monsoons: the dry northeast monsoon from Decemberto March, and the wet south eastern monsoon from May toNovember, with more strong winds and rain. April is a transitionalperiod noted for clear water and warm weather. It should be noted the Maldives lie outside the cyclone beltThe temperatureremains remarkably consistent at around 30°C year round.

AIRPORT & RESORT TRANSFERS

The airport lies on its own island, Hulhule,close to the capital Male. Transfers are either by speedboat or seaplane depending on your chosen resort location. The Maldives has one of the largest seaplane fleets in the world and the low altitude journey provides a breath taking view of the atolls and islands. Seaplanes only operate during daylight hours the last check in time being 16h00. Speedboats and fixed wing flights operate during daylight hours and after dark.

ACCOMMODATION

There are over 90 resorts each with their own individual character and charm ranging from simple 3 star to 5 star deluxe. Each resort occupies its own island – either very small or reasonably large – and is surrounded by pristine beach, a lagoon and a house reef which in itself is a coral garden and natural aquarium. Accommodation ranges from rooms in small blocks to individual bungalows and villas on the beach or built on stilts over the water with steps leading into the lagoon from your own private deck. Beach accommodation generally offers semi outdoor bathrooms which are totally private but enable guests to enjoy showering and bathing under the skies – one of the destinations special, and unique charms. All the basic modern conveniences are provided – ISDD telephones, TV, restaurants, bars, gift shops, medical centres, spa and wellness facilities, diving schools and a full range of land and water sports.

LANGUAGE

The language of the Maldivians is Dhivehi, English is widely spoken in the Maldives.

TIME

The Maldives are five hours ahead of GMT and three hours ahead of South African time. Several resorts operate on their own island time which is an hour of local Male time.

VISAS & PASSPORTS

South African passport holders do not require a visa.

HEALTH

No vaccinations are required and there is no malaria risk. The majority of resorts have a resident medical doctor on the island and decompression chambers are easily reached in the case of any diving emergency.

CUSTOMS

Alcohol may not be taken into the Maldives. Any alcohol carried by arriving passengers will be confiscated.

INSURANCE

We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance providing cover for medical expenses, baggage loss of funds due to cancellation and curtailment.

ELECTRICITY

220/240 V. British type plugs with 3 flat pins are used.

COMMUNICATION

The Maldives hd international direct dialing facilities to most parts of the world and well as high speed internet services. International roaming agreements exist between the Maldives and several countries including South Africa.

WHAT TO PACK

Take along your best beach and casual wear, perfect for the day. The dress for dinner is smart casual and gents are required to wear long trousers. Sunglasses and suntan lotion are a must.

CHILDREN

Children are welcome in most resorts and more and more kids clubs are being introduced to the new resorts. Jacuzzi and water villa accommodation is not recommended for young children. Babysitting is available on most islands and can be arranged in the resort at a nominal charge.

DIVING

If you are a certified diver, travel with proof of certification and discover this miracle of nature called Maldives – a true diver’s dream. Do you harbour dreams of becoming a certified diver – well there’s no time like the present!Take the plunge while on holiday in the Maldives – with its shallow lagoons Maldives presents ideal conditions for beginners. With Maldives being one of the most coral rich regions in the world, here you are spoilt for choice when it comes to diving. With over a thousand different species of coral and fish, every dive is a fascinating experience. While boat diving is more popular, shore diving to discover natures little wonders subtly hidden in the house reef off the island are a favourite pastime for many. Diving possibilities include drift diving, wreck diving and night diving.