Show Sri Lanka and the Maldives on the map. Maldives. The other side of Maldivian paradise

Detailed map of the Maldives in Russian. Map of roads, cities and regions on the map of the Maldives. Show Maldives on map.

Where are the Maldives on the world map?

The Maldives, or the Republic of Maldives, is located in the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa, approximately 700 kilometers southwest of the island of Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula, on which India is located. The archipelago consists of about a thousand islands stretching for almost 1000 kilometers. Holidays here are famous for privacy, tranquility and first-class service. The country is famous for its snow-white beaches, picturesque nature, and the rich underwater world of the Indian Ocean.

Interactive map of the Maldives with islands

The islands that make up the republic are a group of atolls that consist of numerous islets. Almost every island in the Maldives belongs to some kind of hotel, so holidays here take place in an atmosphere of a unique sense of privacy and tranquility. The most famous atolls: Kaafu Atoll, or North Male (27 resort and 8 fishing islands), Kaafu Atoll, or South Male (19 resort islands and 3 inhabited by local residents), as well as the Atolls of Vaavu, Meemu, Seenu, Faavu.

Geographical location of the Maldives

The islands are located in the vastness of the Indian Ocean and stretch for a thousand kilometers north of the equator. The Maldives is the lowest located state in the world. The islands rise only slightly above sea level: their highest point on the southern Addu Atoll is only 2.4 meters. Geographic coordinates of the Maldives: 3°28′36″ N. w. and 72°50′12″ E. d.

Territory of the Maldives

The republic's land area occupies 298 square kilometers - 210th in the world. However, if we take into account maritime spaces, the total territory of the state will be about 90,000 square kilometers, of which 97% is water surface.

Regions and Atolls of the Maldives

Administratively, the Maldives is divided into twenty island groups (atolls) and the capital atoll city of Male. These atolls are included in eight regions formed by geographical location. So, among them there are the Far Northern, Northern, Central and some other regions.

The Republic of Maldives is the smallest Asian country in the world. It is a collection of islands lost in the middle of the vast Indian Ocean. Every year, areas of land are increasingly immersed in water and, according to researchers, they will soon face serious flooding.

Because of this, the water level in the ocean is constantly rising, which could soon lead the Maldives to disaster. If you want to visit this truly paradise, where time seems to have stopped, hurry up! Its pristine beauty will not leave anyone indifferent - snow-white sandy beaches, blue lagoons, evergreen tropical trees will forever remain in the soul of any traveler.

Where is the Maldives on the map? Geographical location of the state

The Maldives is quite difficult to find on the world map. This small country is located in the Indian Ocean, south of the Hindustan Peninsula and southwest of the island of Ceylon. Its closest neighbors are India (595 km), Sri Lanka (670 km) and the Chagos Archipelago (500 km). You can see the Maldives on the map below.

The Republic of Maldives is a coral archipelago, the length of which from west to east is 130 km, and from north to south - 823 km. It consists of 1,196 small islands believed to be of volcanic origin. They form a double chain of 26 atolls - large coral land areas that look like a broken ring. The largest and most significant are the Southern (Nord Niland) and Aria Atoll. The distance between groups varies from 25 to 80 km.

The total area of ​​land and reefs in the Maldives is 298 square meters. km., and the total territory together with the water area is 900,000 sq. km. Of the more than 1,100 islands, only 202 are inhabited, and more than 70 of them are first-class tourist resorts.

Historical reference

Very little information has been preserved about the early history of the Maldives. The culture of the Maldives is believed to have appeared earlier than the 5th century BC. Fragments of pottery found during excavations suggested that Redin settlements were founded on the islands as early as 2000 BC. In 500 BC. Buddhists appeared on the southern islands, arriving from Fr. Ceylon. This fact is confirmed by an ancient Buddhist manuscript and the head of a Buddha statue dating back to the 11th century. The first Chinese sailors reached the Maldives in 412. Since 1153 - since the adoption of Islam - all major historical events have been recorded in the history of the sultanate.

According to numerous testimonies from sailors, the islands were ruled by female sultanas for a long time. Europeans up to the 15th century. They knew nothing about the country and did not mark the Maldives on the world map until Vasco da Gama crossed the Indian Ocean. In 1507, Lourenzo de Almeida sailed to the islands, and in 1529, the Parmentier brothers. From 1558 the Portuguese dominated the islands until guerrilla warfare began and they were destroyed. Further, until 1760, the Maldives were under the protection of the French, and from the mid-17th century. - the Dutch, and then the British. In mid-1965, after massive popular uprisings, the Maldives gained independence from Great Britain. In 1968, a new constitution was adopted, and the country acquired the official name - "Republic of the Maldives".

State flag

The modern version of the main state symbol of the country was adopted in July 1965. The flag of the Maldives is a red cloth with a green rectangle and a white crescent. It has a special symbolic meaning. The color red represents the courage of the heroes who, without hesitation, defended and will defend their country, sacrificing themselves and shedding blood. The green rectangle symbolizes the nature of the Maldives - coconut palms, which are the source of life for the indigenous population. The white crescent symbolizes the religiosity of the Maldivians and reflects their commitment to Islam.

Economy of the Maldives

Now the Republic of Maldives is a democratic developing state with a president at its head.

The country's economy is based on three pillars: tourism, shipping and fishing. Thanks to the mild climate, rich underwater world and amazingly beautiful coral reefs, crowds of tourists come here. In the open sea, it is carried out in lagoons and not far from the coast, turtles are caught, corals, shells and natural pearls are mined.

Official banknotes. Currency exchange

The currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. It consists of one hundred laari. One US dollar is approximately equal to a dozen rufiyaa. There are banknotes of various denominations in circulation throughout the country, including 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rufiyaa, as well as coins - 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 and 50 lari.

You can exchange currency at any bank, airport or exchange offices at the official rate. On islands remote from the capital, it will be difficult to make an exchange at a rather unfavorable rate. Most payments require small bills, so stock up on them in sufficient quantities. Many high-end resorts accept US dollars and euros as well as credit cards.

Demography

The population living in the archipelago is approximately 400 thousand people. Almost all of them are descendants of immigrants from the Middle East, South, and Southeast Asia. The official language is called "Dhivehi", it is a kind of mixture of Arabic, English and Sinhala. The local writing system is based on the Arabic-Persian script. The indigenous population of the islands professes Islam (Sunnism). It was brought by the Arabs and spread from the 12th century. And in 1968, Islam was declared the state religion.

Capital of the Republic of Maldives

Currently, it is the capital of the Republic of Maldives. Male is a small city located on the adjacent islands of Vilingile and Male. Its area is only 5.8 square meters. km. The population of Male is approximately 105 thousand people. You can get to the administrative, political and cultural center of the Maldives by air or sea, by boats, seaplane taxis or speedboats plying between the islands.

You can explore all the sights of Male by walking around it. When visiting the city, it is advisable to wear things that cover your body well from the neck to the knees. Almost all the souvenir shops are located at the northern end of Chaandani Magu. Here you can buy Maldivian mats made of palm fiber, decorative fishing boats, canned fish and amazingly delicious seafood. In general, Male is not rich in attractions, although the inquisitive tourist will enjoy the shady Jumuri Maidan Park, the National Museum in Sultans Park, the Islamic Center with the Good Friday Mosque and the Medhu Ziyarat Chapel.

Climate in the Maldives

The archipelago is dominated by a tropical monsoon climate. All year round the air temperature is quite high, has a small amplitude and varies between 26°C - 32°C. At night it does not drop below 25°C. In winter - from November to March - northeastern, warm monsoons predominate. In summer - from June to August - south-westerly, more humid winds prevail. It often rains lightly on the islands at this time. The water temperature varies between 24°C - 27°C. During the dry season from November to early April, the Maldives attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. The mild, warm climate, comfortable sea temperature, lack of rain and strong winds make the islands so attractive to travelers.

It is interesting that a sufficient number of tourists visit the Maldives even during the “wet” season. Despite the high humidity, large amounts of precipitation and raging winds, the influx of vacationers does not subside. The fact is that from mid-April to early November, the cost of air tickets, accommodation and food is significantly reduced, which attracts travelers who want to save money.

Flora and fauna

The Maldives Islands are famous throughout the world for their amazing diversity of marine fauna and flora. The sea is full of amazing corals. Schools of a variety of exotic fish, turtles, jellyfish, mollusks, starfish and urchins, moray eels, stingrays, attract diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Predators also live in the waters of the Maldives - sharks with black fins and sharks with white fins; huge ocean inhabitants - hammerhead sharks and whale sharks - also swim here. But you don’t have to be afraid of them, since they are non-aggressive and practically harmless to divers. To prevent accidents, as well as to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the Maldives, there are strict restrictions on scuba diving. Including, it is forbidden to dive to a depth of more than 30 m, it is forbidden to spend more than 60 minutes under water, each diver must have a dive computer with him, etc. Land fauna and flora are not very diverse.

Breadfruit, coconut, and banana are common on many islands of the Maldives. The atolls - Dhaalu (Dhaalu) and Fafu - stand out for their lush vegetation. Exotic flowers grow here: water lily hernandia, catappa herminalia, etc., there are impenetrable mangroves with huge ferns. There are no large animals in the Maldives, but you can find a bat or an Indian flying fox. The islands are also inhabited by terns, parrots, sea gulls, and cormorants.

How to get to the archipelago?

The vast majority of tourists reach the Maldives by plane. The archipelago has Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. It is located on Hulule Island, 2 km away. from the capital. The airport receives flights from various cities, including Moscow, Vienna, Qatar, Kuala Lumpur, etc.

On the official website of the airport you can find all the necessary information, including viewing flight arrival times, choosing a suitable transfer and even planning a trip. There is an ATM, a bank, and a luggage storage facility on the airport premises. You can have a snack or drink coffee in any of the cafes you like. To the left of the exit from the airport building there is a pier. Ferries depart from here every 10-15 minutes to the capital of the country. The fare varies between 1-2 USD, depending on the time of day.

Great resorts. Maldives - a paradise for tourists

Vacationers are transported to the surrounding atolls on small, nimble seaplanes or boats. North and South Male, Ari, Baa, Miimu, Lhaviani, Haa Alifu, Faafu, Dhaalu atolls are the most beautiful resorts in the country, and each of them has its own zest.

There are more than 120 hotels in the Maldives, which can simultaneously serve about 50 thousand tourists. Basically all hotels have 4 or 5 stars; it is extremely rare to find a hotel with a worse level of service. Also in the Maldives you can stay in a magnificent bungalow and enjoy privacy.

Recreation and entertainment

The beaches of the archipelago are clean, with pleasant white sand. The water is amazingly warm and calm. The Maldives offers a respectable holiday, the absence of noise and fuss and communication with unique nature. For lovers of active recreation there is a developed infrastructure of sports entertainment. At the resorts you can go yachting, canoeing, skiing, surfing and, of course, diving. Drinking alcohol, collecting and damaging corals, and spearfishing are prohibited on the beaches of the atolls.

It is worth noting that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited not only on the beaches, but also in any public places outside the resort area. Topless or nude swimming is also not permitted. In addition, littering is prohibited on the islands. Any violation of the order will result in a serious fine.

Customs in the Maldives

All travelers should familiarize themselves in advance with the list of goods that are allowed to be imported and exported from the country. All luggage must be inspected by customs officers. It is allowed to import cigarettes (200 pcs.), perfume (125 ml), and personal consumption goods into the territory of the Maldives. It is not allowed to bring alcoholic beverages, pork, sausage, drugs and pornography. For attempting to violate the law, a fine of 500 USD is imposed. Any tourist should remember that the export of products made from turtle shells, pearl oyster shells, black and red corals is strictly prohibited. Items found at sea cannot be taken out of the country either. Be careful and enjoy your holiday!

(2 ratings, average: 4,50 out of 5)

The Maldives are located in the Indian Ocean. On the world map they can be seen near South Asia. The islands are very popular among Russian tourists, but few know all the features of a holiday in the Maldives. The article will provide up-to-date information about tourism in the Maldives.

The Maldives on the world map is located in the Indian Ocean near the equator, which crosses them on the southern side. The group of islands has coordinates: 1 degree south and 8 degrees north latitude, as well as 72 and 74 degrees east longitude. The closest countries to the Maldives are India and the island of Sri Lanka.

The islands belonging to the Maldives are grouped into atolls, of which there are 26. There are about 2000 islands in the Republic of Maldives.

How long is the flight to the islands from Moscow? What to take with you

The Maldives on the world map is located in the open ocean, so the islands can only be reached by plane. Shipping in the archipelago area is not developed due to the structural features of the land of the Maldives. The flight takes from 9 hours to 1 day, depending on the chosen flight.

You can get to the Maldives from Moscow:

Another flight option is charter flights organized during the holidays or high season. Such flights can be offered to vacationers by travel companies or special online services. The undoubted advantage of such flights is direct flights and a more affordable price compared to regular flights.

When holidaymakers land at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male, they go through customs. Border guards will record the tourist’s personal data and issue a temporary visa for 30 days. Since the Republic of Maldives is a country with an Islamic faith, personal belongings are inspected at the border for the absence of anti-Islamic symbols, pork or alcohol.

After passing through customs, tourists go to the hall where they can exchange currency or find out information about how to get to their atoll if the hotel does not provide a transfer. The hotel can be reached by ferry or by seaplane. Before departure, you should carefully prepare and collect the necessary things.

The tourist must have:

To make your flight and vacation comfortable, you can take with you:

• things for leisure (books, gadgets, headphones);
• charger for phone or tablet;
• universal adapter for sockets;
• drinking water;
• non-perishable snack foods;
• sanitary and dry wipes;
• pocket first aid kit.

It is also worth taking with you:

• light clothing made from natural fabrics;
• clothing for swimming and sunbathing;
• hat and sunglasses;
• sunscreens;
• means for protection against tropical insects;
• hygiene supplies;
• a thin jacket in case of rain;
• beach flip-flops.

If vacationers come to the islands with a baby, it is worth stocking up on the required number of diapers, since they may not be available for sale on the selected atoll.

Climate and weather by month

The Maldives on the world map is located directly on the equator, so a subequatorial monsoon climate prevails here. Depending on the direction of the wind, the seasons are divided into dry and wet.

Weather in the Maldives by months:

Depending on weather changes, the Maldives will have high and low tourist seasons.

Best time to holiday in the Maldives

Since the islands have hot weather all year round, you can fly to the Maldives in any month of the year. However, holidays can be spoiled by seasonal rains, which begin in April and end in December. However, precipitation that falls in the low season does not last long, and heavy thunderstorms can suddenly give way to clear weather.

Also in the second half of August, the so-called “Indian summer” occurs here, characteristic of the dry season.

An additional advantage of holidays in the low season is the reduced cost of flights and hotel accommodations. The high season is from December to April. A lot of tourists come here to take a break from the winter cold of their country, sunbathe and swim in the clear water of the Indian Ocean or go diving.

Many people fly to the Maldives to spend the New Year holidays. Due to the great popularity of the Maldives, prices for accommodation and flights increase greatly during this season.

Geographical characteristics of the islands

The Maldives is an archipelago of islands of volcanic origin. The islands are washed by the Laccadive Sea of ​​the Indian Ocean. The length of the archipelago along the equator is 120 km, and across it - 750 km, while the distance between the atolls varies from 25 to 80 km, and between the islands from 1 to 10 km.

The total area of ​​all the islands is almost 300 km. sq. Almost all inhabited atolls are designated for specific purposes.

For example, there are separate atolls:

• hotels;
• settlements of local residents;
• airports;
• farm or production;
• prisons.

On the islands, locals speak Dhivehi and Indo-Aryan languages, the majority speak Arabic and English. The official currency in the republic is rufiyaa, but you can pay at the hotel or with sellers in dollars, or exchange them at any exchange office.

Administrative divisions, resorts

There are a total of 26 atolls in the Republic of Maldives, some of which are either not occupied at all or are occupied only by hotels. Of the 1,196 islands in the Maldives, only 200 are inhabited by people and the rest are wild places.

The most popular atolls among tourists:

• Laviana;
• Siena;
• Meemu Raa;
• Kaafu;
• Vaavu;
• Alifu;
• Daalu;
• Faafu.

All atolls are part of a specific administrative center.

There are 8 of them in total:

• Metropolitan;
• Far northern;
• Northern;
• North Central;
• Central;
• Central-South;
• Southern;
• Extreme southern.

Features of tourism in the Maldives

A distinctive feature of the Maldives from other popular resorts is a quiet and relaxing beach holiday. There are no striking historical and architectural attractions or noisy amusement parks and attractions. The place is great for a family holiday with children.

Cost of tours to the Maldives

You can travel to the Maldives on your own without turning to a tour operator for help. In this case, you will have to book your hotel and plane tickets on your own. The travel agency will take its percentage, but tourists will no longer need to look for suitable conditions for living and spending time on the island; the travel agent will do everything.

The cost of tours to the Maldives primarily depends on the season of visiting. In high season, a week-long tour for two will cost 300-400 thousand rubles. In the low season, you can purchase a tour for 150-300 thousand rubles. A last minute tour for 6 days with only breakfast can be purchased for 90-100 thousand rubles.

Types of holidays in the Maldives

The Maldives on the world map is located in the ocean, so surfing and diving are well developed here. Tourists can also go fishing in the open sea. Surfing is well developed on the island of Male. There are many surf clubs here, mainly for professionals. The best time for boarding is from May to October.

Beginners should try surfing in winter, when the waves in the sea are relatively small. It is worth noting that despite the enormous popularity of surfing in the Maldives, there is not a single school for beginners.

In addition to Male, professional surfers can go to the following islands:

• Chickens;
• Coca Cola;
• Lhokhi;
• Kanifinol;
• Sultans;
• Honkys.

If the trip falls between March and April, it is best to board on the southern atolls. Unlike surfing, there are many schools for diving training on the islands. The best time for diving and snorkeling is from January to March. During this period, the water is clear and the underwater world is visible as in the picture.

One dive will cost approximately 3,500 rubles. depending on the season, as well as the chosen hotel or diving center. If a tourist wants to see the rare inhabitants of the ocean: tiger sharks and manta rays, then it is worth visiting the Maldives from October to November.

Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in the Maldives. A tourist can go fishing from a yacht or donny boat. This can be done in the morning or at night. Anyone can be taken to uninhabited islands for a fishing safari.

Sights of the Maldives, interesting places

The Maldives is primarily valued for its beach holidays. However, for curious tourists there is a small number of excursion entertainments.

Vacationers can visit:

Tourists can also visit several famous atolls and picturesque islands.

Where a tourist will stay: location and description of hotels

The Maldives is known to Russian tourists as an expensive pleasure. Due to the location of the islands right on the equator (you can see it on the world map), eternal summer reigns here, so vacationers fly to the Maldives all year round. Many hotels are located on the main atolls, others can completely occupy 1 island.

The high demand for vacation is clearly visible in the cost of accommodation, which can reach 200 thousand rubles. for two per day. However, this does not mean that there is no affordable housing on the islands. If a tourist wants to save money on accommodation, you can safely go to a new, not yet fully developed area of ​​​​the island of Male - Hulumale, where you can rent decent accommodation in a guesthouse for little money.

Tourists will stay in good rooms with the necessary furniture and appliances, and will pay from 2,500 rubles for accommodation for two. per day. The area is in close proximity to the main attractions of the capital of the Maldives. Vacationers can rent rooms in similar guesthouses on other atolls. A common sight on the islands is a hotel that occupies the entire island.

Such places provide guests with a wide variety of services, for example:

• private beach with the necessary infrastructure;
• surf school;
• spa or wellness center;
• gym;
• food points;
• playgrounds.

Vacationers will also be met at the airport and taken back. Tourists can use the services of a tour guide at the hotel.

Some of the most notable hotels are:

If your trip falls during the high season, you should worry about booking accommodation in advance.

When planning a vacation to the Maldives, you should find out not only official information, but also get acquainted with interesting and important facts about the islands.

For example:

The Maldives is known all over the world as one of the best tourist destinations with tropical beauty. The islands on the map are located near the equator, so eternal summer reigns here, which can sometimes be ruined by heavy rainfalls during the wet season.

Article format: Lozinsky Oleg

Video about the Maldives on the world map

Description of the islands and their location on the world map:

The Maldives is a scattering of picturesque atolls in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Everything here is conducive to bliss: kilometers of secluded beaches, upscale hotels and very beautiful nature. All about the Maldives: diving and surfing, photos, prices, weather and tours.

• Last minute tours to the Maldives
• Tours for May Worldwide

The Maldives, famous “residents” of the equatorial waters of the Indian Ocean, are rightfully considered one of the best exotic destinations. There are 1,190 islands (or rather, atolls) and all of them are just your choice: with blue lagoons, sandy beaches and unique vegetation. There is everything for relaxation: peace and tranquility, beautiful nature, a rich underwater world. And also something without which any advantages of any resort immediately fade in the eyes of modern tourists - good hotels and a high level of service.

Prices, it must be said, in the Maldives are also quite “at the level”: holidays here can be afforded mainly by travelers whose income level marketers define as “above average”. Having paid a significant amount for the trip, the following categories of vacationers will be 100% satisfied with their vacation. Divers are maniacs, diving three times a day. This is the most problem-free subtype of tourists: they will still be delighted, diving like ducklings from morning to night. Happily married (or unmarried) couples who need no one but each other. They can choose a hotel with the appropriate furnishings - there are plenty of them on the islands. And, of course, seekers of an absolutely relaxed holiday in the ambience of a tropical paradise.

Time difference from Moscow

2 hours

• with Kaliningrad

• with Samara

• with Yekaterinburg

• with Omsk

• with Krasnoyarsk

• with Irkutsk

• with Yakutsk

• with Vladivostok

• from Severo-Kurilsk

• with Kamchatka

History and legend

According to legend, life in the Maldives was once not as cloudless as glossy catalogs would have us believe. The sea genie Rannamaari, who unfortunately settled in their territorial waters, demanded regular human sacrifices every full moon, and exclusively in the form of virgins from the island of Male. The poor fellows were taken to a certain temple, and the next morning they were found dead.

But it’s not all Maslenitsa: one day a traveler from the distant Maghreb, Abdul-Barakat ul-Barbari, arrived at the atoll. The stranger took pity on the girls (whom his compatriots apparently had nothing to do with) and on the full moon he himself sat down in the temple in the place of the victim. He read the Koran all night, but in the morning it turned out that the genie had escaped, unable to withstand the power of the holy book. So the women were saved, and the Maldivians joyfully converted to Islam - that’s why now there are mosques everywhere, a ban on the import of alcohol and no toplessness (presumably, they are afraid that the genie will return). However, this did not affect the amazing nature of the archipelago - and therefore its attractiveness for tourists.

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Climate

The climate of the Maldives is warm and humid. Air temperature during the day is about +30 °C, at night +26 °C, water temperature +26 °C. Due to its close location to the equator, seasonal changes associated with the monsoons are almost imperceptible. During the southwest monsoon (May to October), it rains more often and the weather is windier. The northeast monsoon season (November to February) is considered less humid.

Maps of the Maldives

Visa and customs

Police: 119, fire service: 118, ambulance: 102.

Beaches in the Maldives

In the Maldives, all roads lead to the beach: fine snow-white sand, perfectly blue waves, tall palm trees - everywhere you look, pictures from advertising posters come to life. The coastline is almost everywhere wide, spacious, equipped with amenities and umbrellas to protect you from the scorching sun. Most of the beaches belong to hotels, and the areas assigned to modest “three rubles” are not much inferior in grooming and comfort to fashionable five-star zones.

Topless sunbathing and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on Maldivian beaches.

The list of the most famous beaches of the archipelago includes Naladu and Banyan Tree on Male Atoll, San and Nika on Ari Atoll. Turtles nest on the shores of Lhaviani, and dolphins splash off the coast of Maafushi. The wealthy relax on the islands of Hadahaa (Gaafu Alif Atoll), Kunfunadhoo (Baa Atoll) and Veligandu (Ari Atoll). There is an equipped beach even in the capital: of course, it is not as spectacular as the recreation areas at luxury resorts, but it is quite suitable for surfing and sunbathing. And the most vivid impressions will be given by night swimming on the “glowing” beach: underwater microorganisms and luminescent algae on the coast of Vaadu (South Male) shimmer with blue lights in the dark, creating the effect of a starry sky descending to the ground.

Diving in the Maldives

Maldives... how much this word brings together for a diver’s heart: comfortable water temperature (+27 °C at a depth of 40 m), excellent visibility up to 30 m and, of course, professional dive centers. The disadvantages of this direction include strong currents outside the reefs. The best season for snorkeling in the archipelago is from January to April, when the weather is sunny and the water is clear. Giraavaru Island Resort, on the North Atoll, has over 20 sites known to divers from all over the world.

For beginners, diving on reefs would be ideal: on their inner slopes or inside the atoll. Advanced divers will be interested in the outer surface of the reef (amazing ocean fish live there in caves with ledges and terraces), but do not forget about strong currents and breaking waves. The underwater coral slides are very interesting - their tops are at a depth of 5 to 25 m, and their base is up to 40 m.

In addition, there are several interesting wrecks in the Maldives, for example, the cargo ship Victoria with the remains of goods brought to the islands, or the steamer Chaika, which sank at the end of the 19th century - its hull was completely split in two. Some popular sites: Emboodu National Reserve with a stunningly diverse underwater world, the Feliwaru and Halaveli rivers (giant rays can be seen here), Maaya Reef, the cozy channel between the reefs of Fushi, teeming with a variety of inhabitants, the secluded dive site of Rakido, the protected marine area of ​​​​Guraidhoo , Miyaru's shark site.

Read more about local diving in the article by our regular expert, the charming Veronica Birman, “Diving without lyrics - 13. The soul of the Maldives.”

Surfing

Wave boarding is a relatively recent entertainment in the Maldives: only in the late 80s. The first surfers flocked here. Today, the islands are considered one of the most popular places in the world for surfing: it is never crowded (the number of people going out to sea is regulated by a special service), and the waves are just a sight for sore eyes: high, stable, ideally shaped. The prestigious international tournament O’Neill Deep Blue Open is regularly held on the island of Lohifushi.

There are 7 popular surfing spots in the Maldives, including Sultans, Pasta Point (with exclusive rights to “rent” waves by the Atoll Adventures club) and the so-called “Police Island”. The most wonderful surfing is from June to September, the height of local waves is from 1 to 2.5 m.

You can also practice surfing in the capital Male: there is a sandy bottom, and there is no risk of cutting yourself on the coral at low tide. True, the landscapes are not as picturesque as at the atoll resorts.

Wedding in the Maldives

Entertainment and attractions

All the main beauties of the Maldives are located below sea level; there are no special attractions on land. There is the unremarkable capital of Male (excursion from 40 USD), many similar uninhabited islands where people like to have picnics (from 35 USD), as well as a kind of “action” - a fishing excursion. Perhaps the only notable overwater excursion is the Photo Flight, a seaplane flight over the islands. It costs a lot: for 15-20 minutes in the air you will have to pay about 150-250 USD. Other popular excursions are a yacht cruise (from 80-90 USD) or a submarine dive (from 45-50 USD).

Do you know how an atoll differs from “just an island”? Just in case, we provide information: an atoll is a coral island in the form of a continuous or discontinuous ring surrounding a lagoon. If you look from under the water, the atoll will most likely turn out to be a long-extinct volcano, on the slopes of which a coral reef once began to grow - and grew so much that it gradually appeared on the surface. But the top of the volcano, on the contrary, over many centuries collapsed and sank under water. You know the rest: people sailed from somewhere to the formed ring, built hotels with restaurants and spas, and opened diving centers.

If your soul still requires a cultural program, we recommend visiting the National Museum on the territory of the picturesque Sultan’s Park, the Islamic Center under the golden dome and the Presidential Palace in Male. The oldest in the country, the Old Friday Mosque with a unique minaret (1656) and the tomb of Mohammed Takurufanu, a legend of national resistance, are also located here. Ari Atoll has the ruins of a Buddhist temple from 90 BC. e., on the island of Matirah (Haa Alif Atoll) - a mausoleum with a sacred tomb, a place of pilgrimage for Muslims.

Holidays and Events

The main holidays in the Maldives are patriotic and religious in nature. The most magnificent celebrations take place on Independence Day, July 26: the islanders have fun in honor of the long-awaited exit from British protectorate and the declaration of sovereignty. On the first day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal, Nation Day is celebrated to commemorate the liberation from the Portuguese invaders by the troops of Mohammed Takurufanu. On the 12th day of the same month, the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is celebrated.

The end of holy Ramadan marks Eid al-Fitr: three days of hearty meals, visits and other entertainment. After 70 days, Eid al-Fitr begins with traditional services and sacrifices. November 3 is Victory Day in honor of the coup d'état prevented in 1988. In the first month of the Muslim calendar, Muharram, religious celebrations are held to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

December 10 is one of the most colorful local holidays: Fisherman's Day with folk festivities and noisy fairs. On New Year (January 1) and Christmas (December 25), adored by foreign tourists, colorful celebrations are held in hotels and on city streets: the degree of fun depends only on the thickness of the wallet.

The Maldives is a separate state, consisting territorially of scattered land areas. They are not part of another country, but have an independent status. The state has become famous for its islands with white beaches, unique nature and resorts with a high level of service.

What the Maldives looks like - a map of the islands with a detailed description is presented below.

Where are the Maldives islands on the world map

The Maldives is one of the countries located on the equator. The territory of the state is located between the South and North Poles. It washes the atoll-islands of the Indian Ocean between the continents of Asia and Africa. The state is located near Sri Lanka and the Hindustan Peninsula. To the southwest are the Seychelles Islands. Crossed by the equatorial waters of the island of Fuvahmulah, which is home to rare species of birds and other animals not found on other land areas of the Maldives. The border also passes through Addu, Gaafa Dhaala and Gaafa Alif atolls.

The total area of ​​the Maldives is 90,000 sq.m., all of them are surrounded by the waters of the Indian Ocean. The state has 1,196 coral islands with a length of more than 1,000 km. They are united into 26 “atolls,” so named because of the peculiarities of their formation. Most of them have a home reef to protect them from destruction by water, others have an external one, which allows them to maintain the territory unchanged.

There is a version according to which the atolls were formed from extinct volcanoes, since the islands inside them are shaped like a circle.

The islands of the Maldives on the world map are viewed on Google maps in two modes: Satellite - satellite photos from Space, Earth - with the option to search for a specific atoll, hotel or city.

A map of the Maldives islands with designation is available in the Hybrid function with highway numbers, public transport stops, administrative buildings, hotel names and infrastructure.

Maldives: map of islands with hotels

A special feature of the Maldives is that almost every island is occupied by a separate hotel. This creates the impression of complete isolation from the world and solitude. The business center - the capital of Male - is also located on separate islands of natural origin: South Male and Kaafu.

Only 10 atolls of the Maldives are inhabited:

• Faadhihpolhu - Lhaviyani (Laviana);
• Maalhosmadulu Dhekunuburi- Baa ( Baa);
• Maalhosmadulu Uthuruburi - Raa ( Raa);
• Ari(Alif-Alif) - Alifu(Ari) Vaavu(To Felid) - Vaavu(Felidhu);
• Nilandhe Atholhu Uthuruburi - Faafu (Faafu);
• Meemu(Mulak) - Meemu(Mulak);
• Nilandhe Atholhu Dhekunuburi - Dhaalu(Daalu);
• Seenu(Addu) - Addu(Siena).

There is virtually no local life on the atolls, but the best hotel complexes are based on them: Gaafu Alifu , Haa Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu, Gnaviyani, Nyavinani, Seenu, Haa Dhaalu , Laamu, Shaviyani (Noonu) and Thaa.

The local names of the atolls are very complex, so it is customary to use abbreviated names.

It is quite difficult to show the islands of the Maldives on a map, since the land areas are very small and difficult to distinguish. When you zoom in on Google Maps, the islands stretching out in a chain from north to south are clearly visible.

And this is the Maldives - a world map in Russian. It is very easy to understand where you are going to go or where you are along the route.