Maldives (Globetrotter Travel Guide) - Globetrotter

Maldives - a slice of paradise! The Maldives is comprised of a number of 'atolls' which are made up of islands dotted around the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka. My first experience was getting married in Sri Lanka and spending a week of honeymoon on one of the Maldivian islands - Bandos. Instant attraction! Beautiful white beaches, fantastic climate, but best of all - the underwater wildlife!! Having never snorkelled before, this was initiation ...
...a long time in the Maldives if you are not happy splayed out on the beach sunbathing or snorkelling/diving although I must admit, I think I could do just that forever. My husband did start to get irritatingly restless after the 10th day (men!!). Other downsides include the fact that it is a long way from the UK and it is expensive. However, I would go back there tomorrow if I had the leave and the cash, and would thoroughly recommend it, especially ... more

Maldives - a slice of paradise! The Maldives is comprised of a number of 'atolls' which are made up of islands dotted around the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka. My first experience was getting married in Sri Lanka and spending a week of honeymoon on one of the Maldivian islands - Bandos. Instant attraction! Beautiful white beaches, fantastic climate, but best of all - the underwater wildlife!! Having never snorkelled before, this was initiation into one of the most beautiful displays of life yet - clouds of multi-coloured fish - triggerfish, parrot fish and thousands of other varieties as well as black tipped sharks and rays which were fantastic as well as amazing coral (better on some islands than others)! My second trip was to BiYaDoo (different atoll) where the underwater life was even better - octopus, turtles (regular sightings), sting rays and trips out to see and swim with wild spinner dolphins. All the islands offer something different- some have all the mod cons and attempts at nightlife(!), some are aimed at visitors who want seclusion and more of the 'desert island' experience, some are good for snorkelling/diving, some not so good. Bandos was more of the nightlife island although was not noisy by any means - had several restaurants (pricey of course), a watersports centre and a bar. BiYaDoo was more dated (although due to be overhauled shortly) and quieter, although had events such as magic shows and dance displays and the bar was good fun. I must admit, my aim especially once I had discovered the amazing underwater life, was to do more snorkelling and I certainly was not disappointed by either island. Diving is an option on many Maldivian islands. However, if you are not keen on diving, having spoken to people who have dived in the Maldives, I think you see almost as much snorkelling bar the bigger versions of various fish. If you are not one for snorkelling, sunbathing or reading/walkman there is not that much else to do. Beaches are fantastic, some islands do trips e.g. waterplane trips, trips to Male (capital of the Maldives), picnics on deserted islands, fishing trips, trips to other islands. Two weeks can be a long time in the Maldives if you are not happy splayed out on the beach sunbathing or snorkelling/diving although I must admit, I think I could do just that forever. My husband did start to get irritatingly restless after the 10th day (men!!). Other downsides include the fact that it is a long way from the UK and it is expensive. However, I would go back there tomorrow if I had the leave and the cash, and would thoroughly recommend it, especially if you like or want to experience the best underwater life ever! (and if you can fit me in your suitcase.........) 

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