Located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of India and Sri Lanka and comprising a territory spanning roughly 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles), the Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries, as well as the smallest Asian country by both land area and population. It consists of 1,192 coral islands (about 200 inhabited) grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, along the north-south direction. With an average ground-level elevation of 4 ft 11 in above sea level, it is the world’s lowest country, with even its highest natural point being the lowest high-point of any country in the world at 7 ft 10 in.
Maldives islands are of coralline origins. Their amazing sand is white and extremely fine. Coralline beaches are rare, they represent less than 5% of the world’s beaches; the rest of them are mostly made of quartz. Visitors to the Maldives can enjoy accommodation on any one of the 87 resort islands. All the resorts are located on pristine islands, with idyllic settings for water activities and long, lazy beach days.
Malé is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. The city occupies the entire islet of Malé. It is 1 mile long and 0.6 miles wide, but with over 100,000 people crammed onto it, Malé is by some measures the world’s densest city and so not the island to stay on but merely the ‘passage through’ point as it includes the islands’ main international airport
The Maldives are known the world over for their stunning beaches and azure waters. The Islands have some good coral reefs, but it’s the abundance of marine life that sets it apart from other dive destinations. Although there are many Maldivian atolls where you can encounter big schools of fish, Ari Atoll may be the place with the greatest reliability. Big fish such as whale sharks, mantas, hammerheads and eagle rays are frequently seen, as well as large residents like the Napoleon wrasse, grey reef and white tip sharks, and large schools of blacktail barracuda and batfish.
The Maldives is a paradise destination for beach and water sports lovers. However, the trick is to find the right island to suit your individual requirements. If you are a honeymoon couple you will undoubtably want a different island holiday experience to that of a family with young children.
Also, it is important to scrutinize the holiday package the resort is offering as it can be an expensive destination if you are on a ‘pay as you go’ package.
A visit to the Maldives is a unique experience. So, if you would like to know more about a holiday in the Maldives and gain some help with choosing the right island for you, give me a call on 01428 748440 or contact on www.traveltony.co.uk
As a Personal Travel Consultant, I am able to organise fantastic holidays all over the world that are completely ABTA and ATOL protected. Also being part of the Hays Travel Group, I have the backing and resource of the largest independent travel group in the UK – meaning great service and prices!