Maldives is an ideal place to reboot and relax from the bustle of the city. A trip to the islands is not limited to visiting snow -white beaches, and it is not at all necessary to spend the entire vacation only in the hotel. Entertainment and active leisure are mainly associated with nature and the ocean, and the tourist season here lasts almost all year round.
We share ideas than you can do in the Maldives at different times of the year, and also tell you when it is better to go to the Paradise Islands so as not to get into the rain season.
How to get
The Maldiv Republic is an island state in the Indian Ocean, and you can only get here by plane. The international airport is located on the island of Hulul, 2 km from the capital of Male. Ferries and boats go to the city every 10 minutes. Direct flights fly from Moscow, the cost of a ticket for one person in both directions – from 79,000 rubles*, and the travel time is about 9 hours.
Russians who come to the Maldives for tourist purposes, give a visa for 30 days free at the airport on arrival. Not later than 96 hours before arrival, it is necessary to fill out the health status declaration and save the received QR code on the phone. Tourists will also need medical insurance, which covers treatment for coronavirus. Among other things, border guards may be asked to present additional documents: a tourist voucher, a return on the plane and confirmation of the hotel reservation.
The best time for a trip
The Maldives is a country of eternal summer, and at any time of the year the average temperature here does not fall below +28-30 ° C. The weather and at night differs only by 1–2 ° C, and the water in the Indian Ocean all 12 months a year warmed up to +27 ° C. However, in the Maldives there are seasonal features that depend on the proximity of the islands to the equator.
The low season in the Maldives is the period from May to October. At this time, the South-Western Musson dominates the islands (winds that blow in the direction from the ocean to land). It brings cloudy weather, waves and strong, but short -term rains. Rains usually happen at night or in the afternoon. After precipitation, the usual transparent ocean becomes muddy, but not for long. At lunch, you can not even understand that a strong tropical rain has passed at night, because the sand on the beach dries in just a few hours. A real problem for vacationers in the low season is strong winds that raise high waves in the ocean. Not everyone decides to swim in such weather, but for professional surfers, this is, on the contrary, the best time to practice their skills.
The high tourist season lasts from November to April. The Maldives fall under the influence of the northeastern monsoon when strong winds leave sushi to the ocean. At this time, there are solar calm weather on the islands, there are practically no clouds, and small rains are extremely rare. From January to April, the water in the ocean becomes transparent, and this is the best period for diving. In winter and spring, relaxation in the Maldives is most expensive, especially the cost of packing tours to the resort hotels occupying individual resort islands.
Active types of rest
Perhaps the most popular entertainment on the islands, which is suitable even for children – snorkeling. This swimming at a small depth with a mask, breathing tube and fins. Most often, the beaches have information posters on which places for diving are indicated. During snorkeling, you can see different inhabitants of the Indian ocean: multi -colored fish, slopes and turtles. Such an active type of relaxation is free and accessible to all tourists, and special equipment can be bought or rented at the reception of hotels. The depth of the ocean near the coast where you can dive does not exceed 3 meters. The best time for snorkeling is from November to April, when there are no rains and the water in the ocean is as transparent as possible. Almost all resort hotels have a home reef, which is enough for snorking. If it is not, then hotels will organize excursions to the nearest reefs. For a good home reef you can go to the Filithheyo Island Resort four -star hotel (from 18,200 rubles per night*) or to the five -star Reethi Faru, Bio Luxury Resort (from 15,600 rubles per day*).
Another common type of outdoor activities in the Maldives is diving with an instructor. Unlike snorkelings, when immersed, you can not only see underwater reefs at a depth of 20 meters, but also get acquainted with deep -sea animals. Experienced instructors know beautiful places and it is likely that you can very closely see large sea turtles, octopuses, whale sharks and barracuds. The best time for diving is the period from January to April. On the island of Rasda, which is located on the North Ari atoll near Male, there are several dive centers. Around the island there are about 20 diving seats, including the well -known Madivar Corner, where when immersed you can swim next to eagle slopes and reef sharks.
At the reception of the reception hotels, the organization of various water entertainments is offered for an additional fee. For example, you can ride water skiing, go surfing and kaiterfing or fly on a seaplane. The best waves for professionals are in the summer months, and for beginners it is better to choose May or October. For independent travelers, we recommend going to the local island of Maafushi, where there is an opportunity to order any entertainment on the water.
Excursions and cultural program
In the Maldives, it is quite possible to feel like a Robinson Crusoe, going on an excursion to uninhabited islands. Large hotels and even small guardsmen offer such one -day trips for tourists. The program usually includes not only a visit to the island, but also the Snorcling in the reef, fishing in the open ocean, observation of dolphins, bathing, picnic and rest on the beach.
Excursions are also held in villages with local residents, where you can get acquainted with the Maldives, visit dance shows and taste national cuisine. In fishing villages, exotic dishes are most often prepared on the basis of tuna, numerous fruits, coconuts and carry. Excursions to local islands will like those who want to see the contrast of non -tourist areas and compare the lives of local with the luxurious conditions in which travelers live. The most popular islands where the local population lives – Maafushi, Todd, Ukulas and Hulhumale. It is worth noting that tourists should respect the Islamic religion, which is professed by the inhabitants of the Maldives. Women are recommended to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or trousers below the knee.
A full -fledged cultural program in the Maldives will be able to organize only in the metropolitan city of Male. All attractions on the island are within walking distance. One of the most beautiful places in the city is the Sultan Park, which is buried in greenery and flowers. Two interesting mosques are built around it: the oldest Friday and the largest in the Maldives of Masjid al-Saltan Muhammad Takerufaan al-Ozam. To get acquainted with the examples of traditional and contemporary art, go to the national picture gallery, and in the very center of the city you are unlikely to go past the remarkable model of local architecture – the presidential palace. A small building resembles a bungalow, but built according to all the canons of a colonial style.
In Male, you can safely stay for several days to study architectural monuments, local markets and national cuisine. On the island there are many budget options for living by guesthouses and classic hotels. The double room in the city center for one night in the four -star hotel The Somerset Hotel will cost 15,900 rubles*, and the cost of living in the Tourist Inn guest house is from 4,900 rubles per day*.
What entertainment are hotels offer
In four- and five-star recess hotels, tourists mainly rest according to the All Inclusive system. Some activity are included in the price of the ticket, for others you have to pay extra. The most popular classes and entertainment on the territory of island hotels are surfing and diving, passing spa procedures, rental bicycles, yoga, tennis, mini-golf, fitness halls, evening animation for adults and children. Many hotels rent motor boats on which you can go to neighboring uninhabited islands.
Some hotels in the Maldives have their own unique attractions. For example, its own coconut farm in the five -star Vakkaru Maldives hotel (from 120,000 rubles per day* for the villa) or an underwater restaurant with glass walls in a five -star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (from 112,000 rubles per night* per villa). In the four -star hotel KUREDU ISland Resort & SPA (from 23,300 rubles per day* per bungalow) there is a sunken ship on the territory of home reefs, and on the island you can walk along the picturesque jungle and visit the cranial farm.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication.
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