Main things to do in the Maldives

If you plan a trip to the Maldives, you need to plan to do these bucket list activities:

• Scuba diving opportunities with manta rays with some of the best diving sites in the world
• Uncrowded reef breaks for surfing
• Paradisiac destination for snorkeling
• Island hoping to world-class resorts
• Visit a local island and the capital of Malé

If you are a fan of the marine life, make sure to head over to the Ari and Addu atolls to discover Napoleon wrasse, sweetlips, parrotfish, jacks, snappers, whale sharks, manta and eagle rays.

Official Language: Dhivehi is the national language, but the Maldives has been shaped by various languages like Arabic, French, Portuguese, Persian and English. 

Currency: The Maldivian rufiyaa is the currency of the Maldives but you will be okay to travel there just with USD bills or paying everything by card at resorts. If you do travel to local islands, it is preferable to have the local currency.

Wi-Fi Availability: Wi-Fi in the Maldives is a given at all good hotels and resort islands. There could be instances that the internet is only available in the lobby area, bars and restaurants or a considerable fee is charged for it depending on the location of your stay.

Electrical Adapters: 220V to 240V, type D and G. Type D is mainly used in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and some African countries. The type G is the UK plug. Note that at all good hotels, you will be able to lend a free adapter, or even better, an international electric socket in your hotel room.

Main travel hub: Capital Male is the jumping off point for most Maldives holidays and getting to your choice of atoll. Most resorts are a quick or longer speed boat ride away, seaplane ride away or short flight away to a domestic airport followed by another speed boat ride. 

Fun Facts about Maldives

• During medieval times, the Maldives used shells as currency. 
• The Maldivian flag is made up of a large red rectangle with a smaller green triangle within. The red represents the boldness of Maldivian national heroes, green symbolizes peace and prosperity. A white crescent is centered in the green rectangle to symbolize the Maldives’ link to the Islamic faith.
• The Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in the world. Modest dress code is required while on public lands. Int town, when in Male and on many other non-private island, everyone should ensure their knees and shoulders are covered at all times. 
• Of the 1,190 islands in the Maldives, only 200 are inhabited. Over 80 islands are private, luxury resorts. The rest of the islands are either too small to sustain life or too remote to be practical. 
• The Maldives is the flattest country in the world. Its highest point is on Villingili Island and is only 7 feet and 7 inches above sea level. Average ground level across the country is 4 feet and 11 inches.
• The “atoll” word is the only English word derived from the Dhivehi language. The original word is atholhu, translating to “a ring-like formation of coral islands surrounding a lagoon.”