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10 Things To Do in Maldives 2020

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Maldives Reopening Guideline.

Maldives abound in astonishing places and memorable activities. This post is dedicated to the top ten that are an absolute must.

1. Diving with hammerhead sharks

Description

You’ll find only a few spots on Maldives where you can meet hammerhead sharks: Rasdhoo, Addu Atoll. Other popular spots will be — Miyaru Kandu, Kudi boli kandu, Dhiggiri kandu dive, Fungo Dive.

Where?

Vaavu Atoll

The local islands of Thinadhoo and Felidhoo. Alimatha Resort Aquatic resort. But you’ll find the dive center only on Thinadhoo.

How to get there?

To Thinadhoo

By public ferry:

Male – Thinadhoo, every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 10:00 from Male. The price is $8 per person. The ferry sets off in Male from Vilingili terminal. It takes up to 5 hours.

Thinadhoo – Male, every Saturday, Monday, Wednesday at 9:15

By speed boat:

Male – Thinadhoo, daily at 10:00 and 16:00, takes 2 hours, $65 per person one way

Thinadhoo – Male, daily at 7:00 and 13:00

To resort:

Transfer to resort only.

How much does it cost?

Depends on the transfer, hotel and the price of your dive.

When to go?

During a low season – from May to November

2. Wreck diving

You won’t find much information about wrecks on the web although wreck diving is quite popular on Maldives. The instructors of dive centres or liveaboard know the locations. Find below the list of 7 most popular and easy to go wrecks.

Kuda Giri

Description

This trawler was artificially sunk in South Male Atoll 10 years ago. It’s lying on the depth of 30 m.

It can be found close to Anantara Dhigu Resort, not far from Maafushi and Gulhi , South Male Atoll

How to get there?

To Maafushi

By ferry:

Malé – Maafushi: daily, except Fridays, at 10:00 (every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 15:00) from Vilingili terminal. It takes 2 hours.

Maasfushi – Male: daily, except Friday, at 7:30 (every Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 12:45)

By a speedboat:

Malé – Maafushi: daily at 09:00, 13:30, 19:00. It’s a half an hour drive that costs $39 per person.

Maasfushi – Male: daily at 8:00, 12:00 and 17:00.

To resort

By resort transportation only.

When to go?

Any time of the year.

2. Halaveli Wreck

Description

This is another artificial wreck lying on about 20-30 m depth since 1991.

It is only a few km far from Constance Halaveli Maldives, North Male Atoll. Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Kandolhu Maldives, Bathala Island Resort are relatively nearby. There no local islands close to it.

How to get there?

By a resort transportation only.

How much does it cost?

Depends on the resort you chose.

When to go?

Any time of the year.

3. Fesdu wreck

Description

This trawler is also an artificial wreck which is located near Halaweli Wreck, North Male Atoll.

Where’s it situated?

It is close to W Maldives Resort. The nearest local islands are Maalhos and Feridhoo.

How to get there?

You’ll find neither a dive center nor a guest house on Malhos as well as on Feridhoo.

To Feridhoo

By a ferry:

Malé – Feridhoo: on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday at 9:00 from Male. It takes 8 hours and the price is $5.

Feridhoo – Male: every Saturday, Monday, Wednesday at 7:00

By a speedboat:

Daily, except Friday, it takes about 2 hours and costs $65 one way.

Malé – Feridhoo at 15:00

Feridhoo – Male at 6:00

Where to go?

Anytime of the year.

4. British loyalty

Description

This wreck 140 meters long has a much more captivating story. During the time of WWII this cargo ship was bombarded by a Japanese submarine near the shores of Addu City. It is a merit for the divers fascinated by history.

Addu Atoll City, close to Hithadhoo.

How to get there?

You may get there by domestic airlines only. Here is the schedule. But it’s better to book your transfer at a guest house or a resort rather than by your own. It comes up much cheaper.

When to go?

Anytime of the year.

5. The Liffey and The Utheemu

Description

The Liffey ran aground and later sank in 1879. At that time it was one of the last warships of its class in the British Empire. The other ship Utheemu sank in 1960 and that’s all what you can learn about it.

Where are they situated?

It is located in Dhaalu Atoll near Kudahuvadhoo. Niyama Resort is nearby

How to get there?

To Kudahuvadhoo

By a speedboat:

Every Saturday and Thursday, it takes about 3 hours at a price of $68 each way.

Male – Kudahuvadhoo at 15:00

Kudahuvadhoo – Male at 6:00

By a seaplane:

It costs $252 one way. You arrive at Niyama Resort and then take a private speedboat to the island.

Any time of the year.

6. Khuda Maa

Description

This Japanese cargo ship 52 meters long is a joy for divers. It was intentionally sanken in 1999.

Where is it situated?

It is located in South Ari Atoll near Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Resort.

How to get there?

By resort transportation only.

Anytime of the year.

7. Maldives Victory

Description

This is one of the most popular and the biggest ship wrecks. It is currently unavailable because of the bridge construction between the islands of Male and Hulhumale (as for October 2016).

Where is it situated?

It’s located in between Male and Hulhumale.

How to get there?

Currently it’s closed.

3. Visit an uninhabited island and stay there overnight

Maldives is a chain of about 1100 islands scattered on both sides of the equator. The local people inhabit only about 100 of them. Resorts and private islands occupy another 130-180 islands. And the rest are wild uninhabited islands of all possible shapes and sizes: from 20 meters to 1-2 km long!

Located not so far from resorts they are easy to reach. The locals usually call them picnic islands. Some of them remain private.

You can still find some atolls that are not as crowded with tourists. Among of these are Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Laamu Atoll, Lhaviyani Atoll, Raa Atoll and Baa Atoll.

The nearest local islands are Rasdhoo, Mathiveri, Ukulhas and Thinadhoo . Not so many resorts can boast their private picnic islands. First of all these are the resorts in Baa Atoll: Reethi Beach resort , Kihaad Maldives, Soneva Furshi, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

And the resorts in Lhaviyani Atoll: Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Kanuhura Maldives, Kuredu Island Resort and Spa.

Some of the guest houses on the local resort-islands offer you to spend a night on these picnic islands. As you’ll not find any dangerous animals on Maldives that’s when you can feel yourself a real Robinson Crusoe!

The overnight staying can be provided by Omadhoo Inn.

Sandbank

Compared to an island covered with greenery and lush vegetation – a sandbank is just a piece of land without any plants. The average length is from 6 to 100-120 m in length. Some of the sandbanks are allocated near the local islands and some could be found just in the middle of the ocean!

However this is an incredible opportunity to sneak away from civilisation and enjoy the scenery of the Indian Ocean.

4. Visit an underwater restaurant

Underwater restaurants are unique side of Maldives. Currently you can dine in 5 of them. Another one in You & Me by Cocoon will be available very soon. So let’s take a closer look.

Anantara Kihavah

The restaurant easily fits 8 tables. Its main feature is a wine-cellar – the only of its kind on Maldives. The variety of wine is absolutely amazing!

The resort itself is located in between Baa and Raa Atolls which is rather far from Male. If you don’t have in mind visiting any of these resorts, the most preferable is to book a speedboat from Dharavandhoo .

The lunch will cost you $225 per person plus taxes. The menu is fixed and it’s either Lobster Treasures or Asian Delights.

The dinner will cost you – $370 per person + taxes. It includes 3 course-dinner a-la-carte (wine included).

The lunch for couple will cost you $800-1000 including the transfer from Dharavandhoo. The dinner will be a bit more expensive – $1200$-1400.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

This is probably the most famous one for its walls which are completely made of glass. However it fits only 6 tables and many people consider it rather overestimated. Still it’s very beautiful!

The resort is located in North Alif Atoll. And the nearest islands are Maamigili, Dhigurah and Dhangethi. It’s easy to reach because it owns an airport.

Dining will cost you $320 per person + 22,5% tax. It includes 7 dishes.

The full price including the transfer from Maamigili is estimated at about $1300.

Ozen By Atmosphere

This resort was opened on July 15, 2016. The capacity of this restaurant allows placing 10 tables surrounded by comfortable armchairs. In this way it expects you to relax enjoying a glass of champagne

OZEN is located very close to Male, not far from Guraidhoo, with neighboring Fun Island Resort and Olhuveli Resort & Spa.

You can choose to dine out of 3 menus when each includes 7 various dishes.

The price is $360 per person with taxes and a transfer included.

Niyama

Subsix is more of a bar/club. It was completely reconstructed in 2015. This place has a very specific and interesting interior so you can choose to sit either at the bar or at standard tables.

The resort is located rather far, near Kudahuvadhoo. You can get there by a speedboat or a seaplane.

You’ll find a wide variety of cocktails at a rather considerable price although you cannot refer to appetizers in the same vein.

It should be mentioned that only guests are allowed to dine at the restaurant.

Hurawalhi

The restaurant 5,8m was opened in November 2016. It resembles pretty much of the restaurant at Conrad resort (mentioned above). The only difference is its size which is considerably larger. Although you can see 10 tables on the photo it is said to have 8 tables.

Hurawalhi is located in Lhaviany Atoll so you can reach it by seaplane.

Compared with the other undersea restaurants this one serves breakfast.

You can choose from two menus with 4 dishes in each. The price is $150 per person. Taxes are included.

The dinner consists of 7 courses with no possibility to choose. Alcohol beverages are not included into the price which is $280 per person.

5. Swimming with mantas in Hanifaru Bay

Hanifaru Bay is a sea (marine) reserve in Baa Atoll under the protection of UNESCO. This is the only place where you can see up to 200 manta rays!

At the moment you can only do snorkeling. Diving is prohibited from 2012. And it does make sense because crowds of tourists come from the nearest islands. It happens that about 50 tourists may gather at one spot. It’s located near inhabited island Dharavandhoo.

The best time to visit is from May to November. It’s better to pick the days when it’s high tide and full moon. Then you’ll be impressed with the number of manta.

The excursion itself is around 40-50 minutes because it’s not allowed to stay more at the reserve. Each group of 2-5 people is followed by a guide. You’re not allowed to touch mantas.

The price of a trip ranges from $70 to $120 per person. The entrance fee, transfer and equipment are included.

6. Swimming with Whale Sharks

Whale shark is the biggest fish in the world. Its size ranges from 12-14 to 18 or even 20 meters! The average size of this fish on Maldives varies from 6 to 10 meters. These sharks move very slowly so that you can easily swim as close as you want. Don’t worry these sharks are absolutely safe because they eat plankton.

It’s prohibited to catch this fish since 1993.

These sharks mostly gather around the local islands of Dhigura and Maamigili or Sun Island and Holiday Island Resorts. There is a small chance but still you may come across whale sharks in Addu City Atoll and Hanifaru Bay.

In the most cases they offer snorkelling trips instead of diving. That’s because whale sharks are really hard to find. You might sail for hours before you’ll be able to meet them. And the lucky ones would only meet like 2 or even 3 sharks! But that’s the way it goes so you’ll never know.

The price for a direct trip depends on your hotel. It’s usually cheaper at hotels and guest houses and varies from $60 to $120 per person.

The best time when you can meet whale sharks as well as manta rays begins in May and ends in November.

7. Visit resort and stay overnight in water villa or visit a local island

Resort Visiting

About 140 resorts are opened for new guests (as of 2019). Most of them are located near the local islands where you can stay at a budget guest house or a hotel. It is true that not everyone can afford himself to spend even a night at resort.

This trip includes transfer and entrance expanses. And in some cases even a lunch is included. Moreover you’re allowed to use everything they have on the island: restaurants, spa, swimming pools, dive centre etc.

Usually you’re allowed to stay on the island from 10:00 till 15:00. When the resort is fully staffed you’re not allowed to visit. Keep that in mind.

Local Island Visiting

An excursion to a local island is a true way to experience the everyday life of the native people of Maldives.

As usual the resorts offer such trips to the local islands. Walking around the island don’t forget to drop at a gift shop where you may buy handmade staff of the local craftsmen.

Several islands like Thoddoo offer an opportunity to visit farms and to try freshly grown fruits and vegetables.

It should be mentioned that it’s much cleaner on the local islands with the guest houses than on those without. Budget tourism improves the imagery of the island.

8. Participate in Bodu beru show

Boduberu is a traditional Maldivian dance accompanied by the drums. It’s supposed that it was brought with the sailors in XI AC. The similar dances are received in this region but the Maldivians consider boduberu as their native. The “Bodu Berdu” originates from the so-called drums— bodu berdu.

This is the only non-Muslim tradition preserved till this day.

Boduberu is performed in groups of 6-12. At least four of them are drummers and the others are dancers. Boduberu is a solely male dance. As usual accompaniment includes: romance, heroic epic and satire.

The musicians are mostly dressed in white shirts and traditional Maldivian maxi skirts.

This day they perform usually on Fridays on resorts as well as on local islands. As a rule the performance lasts for several hours and the musicians always offer guests to join.

Another African feature of this performance is that rhythmic drumroll puts you in a state of a trance. That makes you feel laid back and relaxed that you easily loose the sense of time. They used to apply different herbs to reinforce the effect. Nowadays you can still come across this practice on some local islands.

9. See Glowing Plankton

This is rather a rare but a fascinating phenomena which you can observe in the moonlight which provokes the plankton to move.

In the web, you may find plenty of pictures and videos 2-5 years old. But since that time it’s so hard to forecast where and when is the time to see the plankton. The temperature of the ocean is constantly changing and the plankton is very sensitive in relation to it.

However, there is a list of the resorts where this phenomenon was observed during the various time of the year.

Kuredu Island Resort & Spa – 2 times in November and once in July and January.

Reethi Beach Resort – 3 times in October.

Fihalhohi – August/September

Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa – the end of September- the beginning of October.

Komandhoo Maldives Island Resort – July-October, February.

Kandolhu Maldives – January.

Adaaran Vaadhoo  – from November till March.

Filitheyo Island Resort – March.

Park Hayatt Maldives – May/June

Kuramathi – April.

Diamonds Athuruga Beach & Water Villas – September-October.

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu – January.

Angaga Island Resort – April.

Actually you may see the glowing plankton at any month of the year, so good luck!

10. Try Surfing

Although Maldives are not really so popular among surfers there are several spots where even a beginner may try to catch a wave.

The most approachable spots can be found near the local islands of Himmafushi, Huraa and Thulusdhoo. These island are very close to Male so you can get there by public ferry which runs every day.

The best time for surfing is the monsoon period which starts in May and continues till November. The waves are 1-3 meters high (depending on the spot).

Another surfing spots are located near the Guraidhoo (South Male Atoll).

The problem is that these spots are really crowded by surfers during the season. That’s why some surfers head for unpopular Thaa or Laamu Atoll where you can enjoy the same quality surfing.

Despite the fact that Addu City Atoll is so far it’s a unique place on Maldives. You may see whale sharks and manta ray as well as you may do wreck diving and surfing or visit one of the biggest resorts on Maldives. At the same time all these attractions are located next to each other.

How much does everything cost?

What is the minimum budget required to visit each of these places? Let’s make some approximate calculations. Providing that you live in a guest house and you would use a speedboat or a public transportation.

1. Diving with hammerhead sharks. Accommodation on Thinadhoo 1 night + 2 dives + round trip transfer by speedboat. In total: $340-400, for two – $600-$700.

2. Wreck diving. Accommodation on Maafushi 1 night + 2 dives + round trip transfer the island by speedboat. In total: $170-220, $290-350 for two.

3. Visit to an uninhabited island. Accommodation on Rasdu 1 night + excursion to the uninhabited island + round trip transfer by speedboat. In total: $180-220, $230-300 for two.

4. Dinner at the underwater restaurant. The nearest to Male – OZEN by Atmosphere. Transfer + dinner will cost $720 for two.

5. Swim with manta rays in Hanifaru Bay. Accommodation in the guesthouse on Dharavandhoo 1 night + excursion to Hanifaru Bay + transfer by domestic flight In total: $360-400, for two – $660-700

6. Swim with whale sharks. Accommodation in the guest house on the island of Dhigurah 1 night + excursion + transfer by and speedboat to the island. In total: $440-500, for two $840-900.

7. Visit a local island /resort. A visit to the local island with bikini beach (Huraa) will cost you $5 by ferry (you can return only next morning) + 1 night stay on the island. In total: $80, for two – $90-100

8. Take part in boduberdu show. Accommodation in the guesthouse on Thodhoo 1 night + transfer by speedboat + show tickets. In total: $220-240, for two -$380-420.

9. See the glowing plankton. 1 night on the resort + transfer. In total: $700-2000 for two.

10. Try surfing. Accommodation in the guest house on Thulusdhoo + transfer by ferry + surf lesson. In total: $160-200, $240-300 for two.

So you need at least 14 days and about $ 5200 for two people.

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About Author

Welcome! My name is Alex and since 2015 I have been “sick” with Maldives. In 2016-2017 I lived in Maldives and worked at a local travel agency. I managed to personally visit 15 local islands and 10 resorts.

Since 2017, I have been organizing holidays for couples, families and groups. More than 300+ clients from 60 countries have used my service.

Contact me for a free consultation and help with a personal tour to Maldives!

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10 вещей, которые вы должны попробовать на Мальдивах

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На Мальдивах очень много интересных и красивых мест, которые нужно посетить. В этом посте собраны топ 10 наиболее запоминающихся мест и вещей, которые стоит посетить и попробовать.

1. Дайвинг с акулами-молотами

На Мальдивах всего несколько мест, где с большой долей вероятности можно увидеть акул-молотов. Среди них Атолл Адду, локальный остров Расду, резорт Bathala. Но чаще всего они встречаются в атолле Vaavu. Самые популярные споты — Miyaru Kandu, Kudi boli kandu, Dhiggiri kandu dive, Fungo Dive.

Где находится?

Атолл Vaavu

Какие острова расположены рядом?

Локальные острова Thinadhoo, Felidhoo, Fulidhoo. Резорт Alimatha Aquatic resort. Но дайв центр есть только на резорте и островах Thinadhoo, Fulidhoo.

Как добраться?

До островов Thinadhoo

На пароме:

Мале-Thinadhoo, каждое воскресенье, вторник, четверг в 10:00 с Мале. Стоимость 8$ с человека, в пути 5 часов. С терминала Vilingili в Мале

Thinadhoo-Мале, каждую субботу, понедельник, среду в 9:15

На спидботе:

Мале-Thinadhoo, каждый день в 10:00 и в 16:00, в пути 2 часа, 65$ с человека в одну сторону

Thinadhoo-Мале, каждый день в 7:00 и в 13:00

До резорта.

Только трансфером от резорта.

Сколько стоит?

Зависит от трансфера, отеля и стоимости погружения.

Когда ехать?

В не сезон — с мая по ноябрь

2. Дайвинг в затонувшем корабле

На Мальдивах достаточно много затонувших кораблей. Однако в сети найти информацию про них практически невозможно. Лишь гиды в дайв центрах и на сафари-лодках знают их точное местоположение. Я собрал список из 7 наиболее популярных и доступных для погружения мест.

1. Kuda Giri

Это искусственно затопленный примерно 10 лет назад рыболовецкий траулер в South Male Atoll. Расположен на глубине 30 м.

Где находится?

Около резорта Anantara Dhigu, неподалеку остров Маафуши и Гули, South Male Atoll

Как добраться?

До острова Maafushi

На пароме:

Мале-Maafushi, каждый день кроме пятницы в 10:00 ( в 15:00 каждое воскресенье, вторник, четверг) в пути 2 часа. С терминала Vilingili в Мале

Maafushi-Мале, каждый день кроме пятницы в 7:30 ( в 12:45 каждую субботу, вторник, среду)

На спидботе:

Мале-Maafushi, каждый день в 09:00, 13:30, 19:00, в пути 30 мин, 39$ с человека в одну сторону

Maafushi-Мале, каждый день в 8:00, 12:00 и в 17:00.

До резорта.

Только трансфером от резорта.

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

2. Halaveli Wreck

Еще один искусственно затопленный в 1991 г. корабль залегающий на глубине 20-30 метров.

Где находится?

Всего в нескольких километрах от резорта Constance Halaveli Maldives, North Male Atoll. Относительно недалеко резорты Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, Kandolhu Maldives, Maayafaushi Island Resort, Bathala Island Resort. Локальных островов рядом нет.

Как добраться?

Только трансфером резорта.

Сколько стоит?

В зависимости от выбранного резорта.

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

3. Fesdu Wreck

Этот рыболовецкий траулер был также специально затоплен и расположен недалеко от Halaweli Wreck, North Male Atoll.

Где находится?

Рядом с резортом W Maldives. Ближайшие локальные острова — Maalhos и Feridhoo.

Как добраться?

На Malhos нет ни дайв центра, ни гестов. На Feridhoo есть.

До острова Feridhoo

На пароме:

Мале-Feridhoo, воскресенье, вторник, четверг в 9:00 с Мале. Стоимость 5$ с человека, в пути 8 часов.

Feridhoo-Мале, каждую субботу, понедельник, среду в 7:00

На спидботе:

Каждый день кроме пятницы, в пути около 2 часов, стоимость — 65$ в одну сторону.

Мале-Feridhoo в 15:00

Feridhoo-Мале в 6:00

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

4. British Loyalty

У этого корабля история поинтереснее. Во время Второй Мировой Войны это грузовое судно было торпедировано японской подлодкой у берегов Addu City. Длина корабля составляет 140 м. Особенно интересно будет его исследовать дайверам, которые увлекаются историей.

Где находится?

Атолл Addu City, около острова Hithadhoo.

Как добраться?

Только самолетом внутренних авиалиний. Расписание можно посмотреть тут . Лучше всего заказывать трансфер у геста или резорта, чем бронировать самостоятельно — выйдет дешевле.

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

5.The Liffey and the Utheemu

The Liffey сел на мель и в последствии затонул в 1879 году. В то время являлся одним из последних военых кораблей своего класса Британской Империи. Второй же корабль, Utheemu, затонул в 1960 г. Пожалуй, это все, что можно о нем сказать.

Где находится?

Атолл Dhaalu, около острова Kudahuvadhoo. Рядом также находится резорт Niyama

Как добраться?

До острова Kudahuvadhoo

На спидботе:

Каждую субботу и четверг, в пути около 3 часов, стоимость — 68$ в одну сторону.

Мале-Kudahuvadhoo в 15:00

Kudahuvadhoo-Мале в 6:00

На гидросамолете:

До соседнего резорта Niyama, стоимость 252$ в одну сторону. Потом частным катером до острова.

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

6. Khuda Maa

Японское грузовое судно, которое было специально затоплено в 1999 г на радость дайверам. Длина судна составляет 52 м.

Где находится?

South Ari Атолл около резорта Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives.

Как добраться?

Только трансфером резорта

Когда ехать?

В любое время года.

7. Maldives Victory

Один из самых известных и больших из затонувших кораблей. Сейчас недоступен для погружения из-за строящегося моста между островами Мале и Хулумале (по состоянию на октябрь 2016 года).

Где находится?

Между островами Мале и Хулумале.

Как добраться?

В настоящее время закрыт для посещения.

3. Побывать на необитаемый острове и остаться там на ночь

Мальдивы – это россыпь из примерно 1100 остров, которые пересекает экватор. Порядка 100 из них – обитаемы и на них живут местные жители. Еще около 130-180 – резорты и частные острова. Остальные – это дикие, необжитые остова всевозможных форм и размеров: от 20 м и до 1-2 километров в длину!

Часть из них расположена вблизи локальных островов, часть – около резортов. Поэтому до них можно легко добраться. Такие острова (на Мальдивах они называются «пикник айленды») привлекают, в первую очередь, своей приватностью. Конечно, если он находится около популярного туристического острова, то об этом не может быть и речи.