The Maldives
A Part of the Blue Skies Ultimates Collection

Welcome to the Maldives
Palm trees, sparkling white beaches, crystal clear lagoons, iridescent coloured coral reefs teeming with marine life, and fabulous bungalow resorts - a Maldivian island holiday turns dreams into reality...

Scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean lies the Maldives, a beautiful string of 1,190 low lying coral islands located 300 miles southwest of the southern tip of India, and 450 miles west of Sri Lanka. Truly a natural wonder, the islands rarely reach above two metres and are surrounded by shallow crystal clear lagoons enclosed by coral reefs. These very unique islands provide visitors with one of the most breathtaking views of marine life you’ll find anywhere.

DECIDING WHERE TO STAY
The Maldives has a wide variety of accommodation for you to choose from. Each island (originally uninhabited) is a world of its own, most with only one resort per island catering for a very limited number of guests. Most of the larger resorts offer more than one restaurant, some offering up to four. Local and continental cuisine is available in addition to buffet and barbecues. Hotel rates are generally "room only", "bed and breakfast", "half board (breakfast and evening meal)" or "full board (all meals)". Meals can be pre paid if not included in your hotel rate, with prices on request.

ARRIVAL IN MALE
Your tour company representative will meet you on arrival at Male Airport and assist you to the transport to your island resort. Transport to each island can vary between local "dhoni" boat, speedboat or seaplane. Please see the hotel details for transport methods and travelling time to your island from Male.

DIVING
Most resorts in the Maldives have great dive facilities and fully equipped dive schools. Here you will find one of the least exploited marine environments and some of the best diving spots in the world. For more information on diving, including introductory lessons or more advanced dives, please ask us for details.

TRAVEL FACTS
CURRENCY: The local currency is the Rufiyaa but American dollars are the most commonly used currency and most major credit cards are accepted.

CLIMATE: The Maldives is warm all year with a minimum of 26C and maximum 31C. Nov-Apr is the dryer sunny time whilst May-Oct you may experience some tropical showers.

SHOPPING: Most Islands offer a small gift shop selling souvenirs sarongs etc. but the best shopping area is on the capital island of Male. Most shops are in the main business district which is just 5 minutes walk from the port jetty and here you will find local and imported handicrafts plus a few restaurants and cafes.

EXCURSIONS: Most Islands offer excursions, depending on which atoll you are staying on. These can include visiting a Maldivian fishing village to experience the way of life, trips to Male, diving and sailing safaris, fishing trips (both dawn and dusk), island hopping and picnics to uninhabited islands, and stunning scenic flights.

DEPARTURE TAX: From the Maldives is US$10 per person to be paid in American Dollars upon departure.

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