Explore ancient caves, overhangs and greet its multicolored residents. Dive deep into the blues with dolphins, whalesharks, manta rays and turtles. A team of experts is always at your helm and no prior experience is required. Whether you are a novice or an experienced diver, some of the most diverse and pristine diving sites welcome you here, ready to take your breath away.

Take a day off to revitalize, rejuvenate and pamper yourself. Soothe your body, mind and soul with ancient ayurvedic treatments, Balinese massages and therapies. The world’s first underwater spa beckons you here, offering new wellness packages where schools of colorful fish swim right by as you enjoy an exfoliating massage while the tranquility of the ocean surrounds you.

Adrenaline junkies rejoice, as plenty of options remain for you to quench your thirst. Have your pick between paddle boarding, parasailing, kayaking, fun tube, banana boat and waterskiing in world-class watersports centres. If you don’t want to get wet, glass-bottomed boats, dolphin cruises and whale watching are ways to explore Maldivian waters.

Surfers of all kinds flock to the Maldives to catch the perfect wave. Boasting world-renowned surfing spots, most of them are located near the capital, often a quick speedboat ride away from the international airport. The reef chains have waves all year round, with the biggest waves occurring from June till October. While some breaks such as Pasta Point, Honky’s and Lohis are great for left footers, others such as Cokes, Jailbreaks and Sultans are ideal for right footers.

Hop aboard a cruising safari and go on a journey across the Maldives. The traditional fishing vessel, the dhoni as your home for the week, travel from one remote island to the other, taking the path less trodden. Explore pristine snorkeling spots, stop by at uninhabited islands for a swim, go on the hunt for some coconuts and have a beach barbecue set up with the catch of the day as your meal.

From chocolate tasting rooms to homemade gelato, experimental gastronomical delights and fine wine pairings, the Maldives offers some exquisite culinary adventures. From authentic Maldivian dinner spreads with local families to grand buffets with food from across the globe, options here are endless. Be it dinner under the stars at a secluded sandbank, barbecue under the mid-afternoon sun, poolside drinks, or even a three course gourmet meal at the world’s first underwater restaurant, the venues are breathtaking.

Sunny all year round, the Maldives offers the discerning traveller an array of options from luxury to adventure and everything in between. Together with top-notch service and second to none luxury, the glistening turquoise waters, palm fringed beaches and the tropical sun makes the Maldives the ideal summer holiday destination.

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There are two kinds of manta rays – the reef manta and the giant manta ray. Both are found in the waters of the Maldives and both are hard to miss. The reef manta can grow to 5m in width while the giant manta ray has a massive central disc which grows to an average of 7m.

Eagle rays are often found in the open ocean. Rhomboidal in shape with a slightly longer tail than other rays, the most spectacular is the spotted eagle ray. They grow to about 5m in length but their most dramatic feature is a dark inky body covered with white speckles.

There are seven species of sea turtle, of which five can be seen in the Maldives. The single most important thing you need to know is that they are an endangered species and are protected by law in the Maldives. The Hawksbill turtle and the Green turtle are the most common turtles sighted. Marine conservationists have embarked on a turtle identification process, gathering photographs from both experts and amateurs alike to try and establish the numbers and movement of these special creatures of the sea.

It is believed that 20 difference species of dolphin call the Maldives home. These include Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso’s, Spotted and Striped Dolphins.  The most common seen in the area are Spinner dolphins which are said to number thousands. They gather in droves to feed on the fauna and are a magnificent site when frolicking in huge groups in the waters around the islands. They may just be the first of the big marine 5 that you get to spot.

Probably the most feared and mysterious of the Marine Big 5 has to be the shark. The largest fish in the world is the Whale Shark. Growing up to 11 or 12 metres in length and weighing up to 19000kg in adulthood, they are a sight to behold. They live to about 70 years and are believed to be harmless to man. With a 1m wide mouth, whale shark are filter feeders (mainly on plankton) and are said to be able to have more than 300 rows of teeth at one time.

That’s what you are looking out for on your visit to the Maldives. Where best to see them? The Baa and Ari Atolls are well known for shark and manta sightings. The Sun Island reef is a good spot for whale sharks, while the reefs of Rangali provide ample sightings of both whale shark and manta ray. Ukulhas Thila and Panettone are also said to be great for manta ray viewing.  Dolphins can often be seen frolicking in the ocean throughout the island chain. The Marine National Sea Turtle Identification Programme has had sightings and photographic evidence of turtles spotted on 16 atolls.

Your tour guide will be able to let you know where the latest sightings of the Maldives Marine Big 5 have been. If you spot one or all five, it is sure to be a most memorable experience.

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Dolphin watching is a popular past time, both relaxing and thrilling as you spot these beautiful, gentle creatures of the sea prance and play in warm Indian Ocean.

It is believed that 20 difference species of dolphin call the Maldives home. These include Spinner, Bottlenose, Risso’s, Spotted and Striped Dolphins.  The most common seen in the region are Spinner dolphins which are said to number thousands. They gather in droves to feed on the fauna and are a magnificent site when frolicking in huge groups in the waters around the islands.

Dolphin watching can be done from the beach at your resort or if you have a water villa, sightings are common literally from your own private deck.

To get a closer look, however, it is best to do a cruise where the tour guide can take you to the areas where dolphins are most prolific. A traditional Maldivian dhoni is usually used adding to the authenticity of your tropical island experience. The best time of the day is the evening, where you can enjoy watching both the sunset and the dolphins that are particularly active as they come out to feed.

To get the full experience of seeing the dolphins in the Maldives, there is no better way than by spending at least part of your vacation on a liveaboard. These are boats which will both accommodate you and be your mode of transport to the areas where dolphins are most likely to be seen. The itinerary is flexible and the crew extremely knowledgeable. Apart from evening information sessions, the vessels travel around the islands of the Maldives giving you the opportunity of seeing far more of the country than if you stayed at a single resort. Viewing the dolphins from a liveaboard increases the types of dolphin you may see. Tour operators cruise through the central and Male atolls but also will take you away from the atolls in search of sightings of more rare dolphins such as the rough-toothed dolphin which are present but not common. This is an idyllic way to see the sea life of the Maldives and really get an idea of the personality and behaviour of the dolphins.

Accounts have been written that dolphins ‘perform’ for their audience when applauded. Visitors have told how they have swum with the dolphins and played with them.

These cute and friendly creatures of the deep seem to love the attention and watching them joyfully leaping and playing in the water will be a memorable treat.

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