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The Maldives is a nation of low-lying coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka, grouped into a chain of atolls. Most of the land sits barely above sea level, and the country is famed for turquoise lagoons, reef-fringed sandbars and rich marine life. Its people have long been seafarers and fishers, and Islam has shaped the culture for centuries.
Malé, the dense and busy capital, is worth a short look. The Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, is built from carved coral stone, and the fish market shows the day's catch coming ashore. Hulhumalé, a newer island linked by bridge, has a long public beach. Beyond the capital, many visitors stay at private island resorts, while guesthouses on local islands such as Maafushi and Thoddoo offer a lower-key alternative. Divers and snorkelers head for reef sites like Banana Reef in North Malé Atoll, and Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is known for seasonal gatherings of manta rays. South Ari Atoll is associated with whale shark sightings.
Honeymooners and divers make up much of the traffic, though local-island stays have opened the country to more budget-minded travelers. Remote Fuvahmulah draws experienced divers for its sharks, and Addu Atoll, in the far south, has a quieter pace. Transfers by seaplane or speedboat shape every itinerary.
WiserMap travel guideMaldives Local Islands Manta Rays and Whale SharksPlan a Maldives trip beyond the resort: Malé, local islands like Maafushi, manta season at Hanifaru Bay, whale sharks in South Ari, Fuvahmulah and Addu.Read the guide
Hukuru Miskiy, the Old Friday Mosque of Malé, dates from 1658 and is built of carved coral stone blocks with fine lacquered woodwork inside. Nearby, the gold-domed Islamic Centre is the capital's largest mosque. Dress modestly, avoid prayer times, and ask the caretakers before entering.
Busy markets on the northern waterfront of Malé where fishermen unload skipjack and yellowfin tuna in the late afternoon, next to a produce hall selling coconuts, bananas, chilies and dried fish. It is a lively look at daily island life. Come around 4 to 5 pm, and be respectful when taking photos.
Museum in Sultan Park in central Malé showing royal thrones, palanquins, armor, old manuscripts and coral stone carvings from the Buddhist era before the islands converted to Islam. The surrounding park was once part of the sultan's palace grounds. It is a good air-conditioned stop on a walking tour of the capital.
Planned island city on reclaimed land next to the airport, linked to Malé by the Sinamalé Bridge. It has a long public beach where swimming is allowed, cafes along the waterfront and inexpensive guesthouses. It is a practical base for a first or last night, and bikinis are fine only on the designated tourist beach.
Local island in South Malé Atoll that pioneered guesthouse tourism, with dozens of small hotels, a bikini beach and many operators for snorkel trips, sandbank picnics and day trips to resorts. It is a budget-friendly alternative to private resorts. Reach it by public ferry or speedboat from Malé.
Quiet local island in Alif Alif Atoll known for its farms growing watermelons and papayas, a pretty bikini beach and good snorkeling just off shore. A small Buddhist-era temple site was found here. Speedboats from Malé take about ninety minutes. Note that alcohol is not available on local islands.
Banana Reef in North Malé Atoll was one of the first dive sites in the Maldives, known for caves, overhangs and schools of snapper, jacks and reef sharks. The atoll has many other famous sites and resorts close to the airport. Book dives with a licensed operator, as currents can be strong.
Small marine protected bay in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve where plankton gathers and draws large numbers of feeding manta rays and sometimes whale sharks, roughly from June to November. Snorkeling only is allowed, with registered guides and time limits. Book through a resort or guesthouse in Baa.
Atoll west of Malé famous for year-round whale shark sightings along its southern outer reef near Dhigurah and Maamigili, plus manta cleaning stations and fine resorts. Whale shark trips go out daily from local islands. Follow the guide's rules, keep your distance and never touch the sharks.
Single-island atoll in the far south with freshwater lakes, wetlands and pebble beaches unlike the rest of the country. It is renowned among divers for tiger shark encounters and thresher and hammerhead sharks. Fly in from Malé. The open ocean diving here suits experienced divers with an advanced certificate.
Small island in Raa Atoll whose shoreline is known for nights when plankton make the waves glow blue, known as the Sea of Stars. The effect is not guaranteed and is most likely on dark nights in the warmer months. Visit from a nearby resort, and avoid using flashlights near the water at night.
Southernmost atoll of the Maldives, home to the country's second city and the former British air base on Gan, with old wartime buildings and a memorial. Long causeways link several islands that are easy to cycle. The atoll also offers good diving, including the wreck of the British Loyalty tanker.
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Photo: ╚ DD╔ from Male, Maldives, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0