Maldives, the sunny side of life is blessed with magical and breathtaking displays of sunshine for the better part of a year. Similar to tropical countries, the Maldives enjoys a dry and wet season. Conveniently, the hot and humid weather is complemented with cooling sea breezes and periodic rain.

The dry season or the Northeast Monsoon locally known as “Iruvai” continues from January to March. While the wet season or the Southwest Monsoon locally known as “Hulhangu” progress from Mid-May to November. Traditionally the natives used a calendar called “nakaiy” to identify weather developments.

Amidst the two seasons, there is little or no change in the temperature. This makes every season the best season to visit the Maldives. Likewise packing for a holiday in the Maldives is undemanding due to the uniform weather forecasts.

On average the daily temperature may fluctuate from 31 °C during the day to 23 °C in the night. The highest temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 36.8 °C. Whereas the lowest temperature ever recorded in the Maldives was 17.2 °C.

The dry season is the season for admirers and enthusiasts of the sun. Throughout the dry season you are assured of beautiful and bright sunshine. Accordingly the seas are serene with clear blue skies. There is only sporadic rain during this season. Hence, this is the ultimate season for sunbathing, sunset watching and scuba diving.

The wet season showers torrential rain to the Maldives. Occasional thunderstorms and strong winds are the norm of this season. Consequently large waves and swells are generated in the ocean. As a result, the wet season is the most favourable occasion for surfers to showcase their flair in the great surf spots of the country. Nevertheless, the sun announces its presence on interludes, even during the wet season by bursting forth from the cloudy skies, dispensing rays of bright sunshine.

Get the Maldives latest weather forecasts from: http://www.meteorology.gov.mv/

The best time to go to Delhi is during winter, from October to March, as it is relatively dry and temperatures are more moderate. Nights can be chilly from November to February with temperatures dropping to around 8°C (46°F), and highs in the low 20s (70s), while October and March are warmer with peaks around 30°C (86°F). May and June are very hot with lows around 26°C (79°F) and highs reaching an average of 40°C (104°F). Hot, dry winds are common and occasionally dust storms occur. July through September is the monsoon season, with rising humidity and heavy rains in July to August.

The Maldives encompass more than 99 % of the sea and less than 1 % of the land. The 99 % of the sea is home to one of the most diverse marine treasures of the world. Less than 1 % of the land is a masterpiece in natural landscaping.

The Maldives comprises of 26 natural atolls consisting of dual island chains. Incidentally the Maldivian language has the distinct pleasure of contributing to the English word “atoll”, which was derived from the Maldivian word “atholhu”.

There are channels of various sizes between the atolls used for navigation. For efficient administrative functioning, the 26 natural atolls are categorised into 20 administrative divisions. Particularly the island nation is located in a strategic area with access to major international sea routes in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives, located on top of a vast underwater mountain range have around 1190 islands and sandbanks. The pearl string like islands covers a land area of no less than 298 km2. All the islands are encircled by a lagoon blessed with crystal clear water. These islands are protected by a reef structure, housing one of the most exclusive and spectacular underwater life.

The Maldives has pioneered revolutionising changes to the honeymoon concept. Traditionally a honeymoon is a romantic holiday taken by the newlyweds in an intimate and secluded place. The Maldives honeymoon has retained these traditional elements of intimacy and seclusion, while spicing up the honeymoon with adventure, value and variety.

The seductive islands of the Maldives are a natural masterpiece brimming with romance. The white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons, inadvertently makes you be at one with nature and at one with each other. The tender sea breezes and rhythmic wave movements will naturally heighten your senses and strengthen romantic attraction towards each other.

Since the resort islands are bereft of light pollution, you can enjoy dazzling displays of the stars together.

Invigorate your honeymoon in the Maldives with candlelight dinners served with aphrodisiac dishes, inviting beds decorated with red roses and amorous bubble baths. Indulge in numerous activities designed for honeymoon couples like; an affectionate spa treatment, sunset cruises, fishing, snorkelling and picnicking together.

Resorts and hotels in the Maldives are renowned for their exclusivity and sheer luxury. These luxury resorts set in the beautiful tropical surroundings are purely designed to promote a hedonistic lifestyle. By taking a luxury holiday in the Maldives you can enjoy the finer things in life.

Luxury resorts of the Maldives are built on unpopulated islands to preserve exclusiveness. These resorts are a mastery of modern architecture fused with traditional Maldivian distinctiveness. Similarly the location and design of Beach Bungalows and Water Villas allows you boundless vision of the endless blue sea and white sandy beaches. The plush accommodations at the luxury resorts are designed to provide limitless comfort and convenience.

Luxury resorts in the Maldives are built around unique themes and concepts. Hence, each luxury resort offers a distinct experience, allowing you to disengage from daily stress and concerns. Some of the attractive features present in luxury resorts include; Jacuzzis, world-class spas and private swimming pools. Engage in convivial activities like scuba diving, windsurfing, water sports and varieties of indoor sports.

Visitors to the luxury resorts are treated like kings and queens. Attentive staff will pamper and serve every whims and fancies of luxury guests. Most luxury resorts offer the services of private butlers, who will be regaling VIP treatment throughout your holiday.

There is no limit to availability of eminent cuisine and authentic taste from around the globe in luxury resorts. Normally there is more than one restaurant in luxury resorts, laden with taste bud tantalising cuisine. Indulge in the delicacies prepared by international chefs. Relish the unique collection of premium beers and wines offered by luxury resorts.

You have not experienced a pure tropical luxury holiday until you invest in a luxury holiday in the spectacular islands of the Maldives. Enjoy the VIP treatment, world-class accommodation options and complementary touches offered by luxury resorts in the Maldives.

A visit to the Maldives is not complete without experiencing the peerless underwater setting.

Explore the pristine islands with your soul mate and fall in love with nature and each other afresh. A honeymoon in the exotic settings of the Maldives will enable you to take home a lifetime’s worth of everlasting romantic memories.

The Maldives is an underwater treasure trove for scuba diving enthusiasts. The unique geographical features of the Maldives coupled with the deep sea channels separating the 26 natural atolls have created an incredibly rich marine ecosystem. The plankton rich waters of the Maldives are home to over 2000 species of fish and uncountable varieties of coral kingdoms.

Popular species that attracts divers from around the world includes; mighty Whale Shark, Turtles, Grey Reef Shark, Napoleon Wrasse, Spotted Eagle Ray, Reef Manta Ray, Whitetip Reef Shark,Blacktip Reef Shark, Moray Eels and Scalloped Hammerhead Shark.

The underwater environment of the Maldives is formed of larger channels, medium channels, inner reefs, lagoons and outer walls of the atolls. Consequently these varying depths have enabled the Maldives to be explored by advanced and beginner divers alike.

The monsoon tides and ocean currents facilitate the natural cleaning and movement of food resources within the pulsating marine setting. You can observe underwater cleaning stations in operation when you dive in the Maldives. In these stations wrasses and shrimps provide cleaning services for larger fish.

The abundance of marine life throughout the Maldives sets the country apart from other diving destinations. Exceptionally the current swept channels and pinnacles act as magnets for drawing an abundance of marine species..

Scuba diving holidays in the Maldives are available throughout the year. Apart from June, all the other months are ideal for scuba diving holidays as visibility is excellent. The water temperature of the Maldives rarely changes and remains constant between 26-29 °C.

There are hundreds of dive sites identified and charted in the Maldives. Explore shipwrecks, underwater caves and caverns while you dive in the Maldives. You can choose between Resort based diving holidays and Liveaboard diving holidays.

The Maldives offer night time scuba diving adventures, macro diving and underwater photography opportunities. Capture stunning imagery of the underwater heaven, as a wonderful recollection of your unforgettable experience in the Maldivian waters.

The Maldives is distinguished as a serene paradise on earth due to the peacefulness it offers. Consistently the Maldivian authorities implement necessary measures regarding health and safety of the visitors.

On arrival to the Maldives, visitors will be obliged to fill an immigration form in which declarations of health should be made for the authorities to take required actions.

Insurance

Before arriving to the Maldives it is important to subscribe for adequate insurance that covers for medical emergencies. Your insurance details and emergency contact numbers should be brought with you when visiting the Maldives.

Vaccinations

The Maldives is generally a disease free country with only the occasional bouts of dengue fever outbreaks. However, resort islands are not affected by dengue outbreaks. The only vaccinations required for the visitors are the yellow fever and cholera vaccine. The yellow fever and cholera vaccine are also only required for tourists arriving from a region where these diseases are endemic.

Sunburn

The sun bestows a lot of pleasure to the visitors, but it might also strike some displeasure if you are not careful. The equatorial sun emits dangerous ultraviolet rays at midday. If you are sunbathing when the sun is hot and bright, always apply sun protection lotion or cream. You can acquire such protective lotions from the resort shops.

Overexposure to the sun might result in dangerous sunburn and heatstroke. It is also advisable to wear a sunglass to protect your eyes. Always drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated. Do remember to get a nice Maldivian tan, but not a bad sunburn!

Water Risks

Necessary precautions and measures are in place to avoid unfortunate accidents in the water. Always follow the instructions provided by your instructors when you go for diving or any other water related activity.

If you are going for snorkelling do remember to take necessary precautions. Snorkelling is one of easiest ways to explore the underwater life present in the house reef of your resort. Before starting your snorkelling adventure, you must test the simple snorkelling gears to see whether you are comfortable in them.

Always be wary of changing water current and wind. Never drift further away from the lagoon or boat while snorkelling. The reefs are delicate environments so you should never touch the corals, shells and fish as it involves unnecessary risks and may cause damage to the reef.

It is advisable to use life jackets while at sea. Resort islands will provide such safety gears and lifeguard services.

Healthcare Facilities

Modern primary health care facilities are available in the Maldives. Practically all the resort islands provide the services of a resident doctor and first-aid services as required by the law. Health Centres and Hospitals located in the atolls can attend to non-serious medical issus.

Two prominent hospitals in the Maldives are located in the Capital Male’. Namely the State run Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the privately owned ADK hospital. Specialist doctors and clinics are also operated in the Capital City.

The Maldives Coast Guard and Seaplane services will facilitate evacuation of tourists who require emergency treatment from the Capital City or abroad. State-of-the-art Hyperbaric Chamber or Decompression Chamber services are available for dive related emergencies. Such Hyperbaric Chambers are established in six different resort islands located in various parts of the country.

Personal Safety

The Maldives is a relatively crime free country. Theft and burglaries in resorts are very rare. However, it is advisable to keep your room and personal belongings safely locked away.

The beautiful country of the Maldives welcomes everyone with open arms. Accordingly the Maldives is one of the easiest countries in terms of visa and immigration arrangements.

Any tourist from any nationality is granted a free 30 day visa on arrival to the Maldives. Hence, there is no need for you to undergo any hassle with regards to obtaining prior visa. Once you reach the airport, Immigration personnel will assist you with the visa procedures.

Obtaining Tourist Visa

The free 30 day visa is granted upon complying with the following procedures:

• - Visitor should have a valid passport or travel document authorised by a sovereign state.
• - Visitor should have a valid return ticket to exit the Maldives.
• - Visitor should have the financial capacity to cover the expenses for the duration of the stay or a confirmed reservation from a tourist Hotel or Resort in the Maldives. The financial capacity is measured by US$100 + $50 dollars per day.

Visa Conditions

The Department of Immigration and Emigration reserves the right to issue a visa for any number of days, not exceeding the 30 day limit. Immigration department reserves the right to deport any person:

• - Using the tourist visa to work in the Maldives
• - Participates or incites unlawful activities
• - Disrupting the political and religious harmony of the country
• - Becoming a nuisance to the public

Extending Tourist Visa

The free 30 day visa period can be extended for a further 60 days, totalling 90 days including the original free visa period of 30 day.

To extend the Tourist Visa the following procedures should be followed:

• - Extension application should be made through the “Visa Extension Application Form” to the Department of Immigration and Emigration, before the expiry of the free 30 days visa.
• - Department of Immigration and Emigration will re-evaluate the financial capacity of the applicant.
• - A fee of MVR 750 (Seven Hundred and Fifty Rufiyaa) will be levied for visa extension.

for detailed information about Tourist Visa and immigration requirements. http://www.immigration.gov.mv