Travel Snob’s Guide to The Maldives: Things to do in the Maldives

The Maldives is a slice of paradise, located just Southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. Known for its captivating crystal clear waters and idyllic white sand beaches, a thousand coral reefs link together to make up the 1,200 small, beautiful islands in the Maldives. Synonymous with once-in-a-lifetime luxury, romance and complete tranquility, it’s easy to see why the islands making up the Maldives are regulars on the top bucket list destinations.

But there’s more to the Maldives than just luxury ocean bungalows, turquoise shores and white sand beaches.

Old Friday Mosque

If you do happen to venture out of the many luxury resorts in the Maldives, then why not visit the oldest mosque in the country? Dating back from 1656, the beautiful structure is made from intricately chiseled coral stone and decorated in Quranic script and lacquer and woodcarvings. The mosque was built on the foundations of an old temple that faced west towards the setting sun, not northwest towards Mecca.

Visitors wanting to peep inside are required to seek permission from an official of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, but if you are respectful and well dressed they will give you permission to enter the mosque on the spot.

Diving in the Maldives Reefs 

You cannot go to the Maldives without diving into those crystal waters. These idyllic coral islands rank amongst best dive destinations in the world, giving you views of up to 50 meters (in good weather conditions!) The warm water temperatures all year-round make diving in the Maldives.

To see Maldives local wildlife, North Male Atoll is home to the Lion’s Head and Wattaru Kandu diving sites, where you can see reef sharks as well as stingrays, garden eels and manta rays. In South Male Atoll, Hukrueli and Maaya Thila are the perfect places to see white-tip sharks, turtles, zebra morays and the elusive guitar shark.

See the Stars – and Sea, Sparkle!

The beach is not just for daytime activities – when in the Maldives take a trip to the nearest beach at night to discover Noctiluca Scintillans. Not sure what this is? No, it’s not some rare disease you can pick up on the island! Commonly known as sea tinkle, Noctiluca Scintillans is a natural phenomenon that occurs in the ocean. Bioluminescent algae wash onto the beaches of the island, leaving a scattering of neon stars on the sand. You will need to see it to believe it!

Want to experience the serenity and beauty of The Maldives in 2017? The Travel Snob can help. Call 07990 018018 or contact david@thetravelsnob.com for further information.