The Maldives
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Why the Maldives?
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Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
See all cruises in Asia
Brochures can be ordered in print or downloaded in digital format.
Discover the destination
Destination: the atolls of the Maldives! An idyllic postcard, a string of confetti scattered in pure waters... From deserted islets to wild atolls, the Maldives offer a succession of underwater discoveries ideal for diving enthusiasts. It is this preserved nature, combined with fabulous beaches, that one comes to seek here, in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Focus on the five atolls of the Maldives among the most worthy of interest.
The Rasdhoo Atoll is among the smallest atolls in the Maldives. Out of the five islands that make it up, only two are inhabited. While the lagoon is ideal for swimming, the surrounding reefs are renowned for observing marine life, either through scuba diving or snorkelling. For some, the Rasdhoo Atoll is considered one of the best diving sites in the Maldives. The visibility is excellent, and in the waters ranging from 27 to 30°C, you can spot gray reef sharks, ribbon eels, barracudas, and Napoleon wrasses among the black corals.
Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2011, the Baa Atoll is one of the most well-known and wildest atolls in the Maldives. Its plateaus and coral reefs are home to a rich biodiversity consisting of 250 species of corals and 1,200 species of fish. Marine turtles, manta rays and whale sharks are among the most sought-after animals. Out of the 75 islands in the Baa Atoll, 13 are completely uninhabited and remain the sanctuary of this preserved nature, ideal for memorable diving sessions.
Seventy-one islands, of which only 13 are inhabited by humans! Due to its limited access, reserved for a few ships or seaplanes, the Noonu Atoll is one of the most confidential in the Maldives. It is also a pleasant diving site, with reefs accessible from three metres deep to 14 metres deep. Red-toothed triggerfish, nurse sharks, whitetip reef sharks, rays, soft or hard corals can be observed at different levels, offering a magnificent spectacle.
One does not come to the Ari Atoll by chance. Of the 86 islands in the atoll, about 20 are uninhabited, cut off from any human activity and ideal for remarkable dives. The Ari Atoll is known for hosting some of the most beautiful diving sites in the world. It is a paradise of manta rays and whale sharks. Small reefs, crevices, drop-offs and caves are the refuge of a very colourful and varied fauna, made up of coral blocks, soft corals, groupers, moray eels, angelfish, schools of tuna and barracudas, whitetip sharks or stingrays.
Another atoll, another earthly and marine paradise! The Mulaku atoll is one of the wonders of the Maldives. With nine inhabited islands out of 33, it offers a whole range of small territories, seemingly floating in the middle of the lagoon and its turquoise water. A remarkable fact: the eastern coast of the atoll is under pressure from the ocean, and its relief has been greatly modified in recent years. Some islets have disappeared while other stretches of land have emerged from the sea. The Mulaku atoll also offers beautiful diving opportunities, up to 30 metres, with whitetip reef sharks, guitarfish, stingrays, Napoleon wrasses, barracudas and more.
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Beyond its paradisiacal landscapes, the culture of the Maldives remains relatively unknown. Etiquette, culture, gastronomy... Let us tell you more about this flagship destination in the Indian Ocean.
Best practices
In the Maldives, Islam is the state religion. For the residents, there is no question of practicing another religion and deviating from Islamic precepts. For example, no Maldivian consumes or serves alcohol. The servers in the authorised island hotels who are allowed to serve alcohol to foreign guests are usually from Sri Lanka.
Fast facts
Some owners of tourist establishments on the hotel islands of the Maldives are sensitive to the exceptional environment that surrounds them. Large groups are less scrupulous. Therefore, in 2018, to save the island of Rihiveli from the construction of a resort, 50 lovers of the place, mainly French and Swiss, obtained an operating license until 2042 to develop a responsible tourism project.
Essential vocabulary
In most of the islands, the inhabitants speak English, but it is always good to know some basics of Dhivehi, the official language that has its origins in Sanskrit as well as dialects from India and Sri Lanka. Hello / good evening: asalam aleykum Goodbye: vakivani Welcome: maruhabaa Sorry: hithaamahuri Thank you: choukouriya Yes / no: ahn / nouné How are you?: kihiné ta? Very well, thank you, and you: vara gada
Gastronomy
Rice or potatoes and fish (fresh or dried) are the staples of Maldivian cuisine. They are consumed at every meal, often accompanied by coconut milk, grated coconut, various types of chili, and of course, spices and condiments. Most of the exotic fruits found locally are imported from Sri Lanka, as well as the meat. As a result, these are items with a relatively high price.
In the spotlight
According to numerous scientific projections, a part of the Maldives could have disappeared by 2100. The cause? Rising sea levels, estimated to be between 1.10 and 2 metres. Eighty per cent of the islands are located less than one meter above sea level, and the highest point of the archipelago barely exceeds three metres. The government is considering the creation of artificial islands to relocate the affected populations.
Culture
Music Bodu Beru is a rhythmic music popular in the Maldives, accompanied by a few dancers. The rhythms are reminiscent of those from East Africa. Bodu Beru is played by a group of 15 artists, including three or four percussionists. A lead singer sings lyrics in Dhivehi, telling stories of fishermen, love and everyday life in general.
Key figures – 1,199
The Maldives archipelago is composed of 1,199 islands, of which only 200 are inhabited, covering an area of 90,000 km². The land represents only 1% of the total area of the country.