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Maldives

Fine white sands, azure lagoons and underwater wonders - LiNGER longer in the Maldives







LiNGER - Enriching Life Through Travel    Maldives


Sabbaticals & Experiential Holidays in the Maldives

Nestled amidst the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean lies the Maldives, an enchanting archipelago of over 1000 pristine islands. The Maldives has long drawn travellers and honeymooners with its azure lagoons, white-sand beaches and opulent resort islands, making it the picture postcard, dream island retreat.

The nutrient-rich waters foster a vibrant underwater population amongst its thriving corals. Plunge into its depths in scuba gear or snorkel leisurely along its protective reefs to discover the Maldives’ kaleidoscope of marine wonders. Its plankton-dense waters attract whale sharks year-round and mass squadrons of manta rays. Inland beyond the shoreline, explore the vital ecosystems of mangroves and wetlands.

Beyond beach relaxation and ocean adventure, there is much more to the Maldives. Discover culturally-rich villages scattered across the 200 populated islands. Each contain hints of the past 3000 years of these islands’ habitation, spanning ancient Buddhist arrivals, Arab trading routes and European colonial settlement. Immerse yourself in these local island communities to experience the beauty of traditional island life and the countless environmental projects working to protect its ecosystem.


Best off the beaten path experiences in the Maldives

  • Stroll along the pristine sandy beaches of Vashafaru, a hidden gem encircled by a stunning turquoise lagoon, adorned with corals and palm trees.
  • Scuba dive amongst the unusual underwater topography in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Fuvahmulah.
  • Learn about how local projects are protecting the island and ocean environments at Villimalé conservation.
  • Discover the fragile mangrove ecosystem and gain a glimpse into the local speciality of boat making on the islands of Himmafushi and Huraa.
  • Island hop by bicycle across four islands, connected by a road, from Gan Island to Hithadhoo.
  • See whale sharks year-round, without the mass of encircling tourist boats, at south Sun Island’s reef, at Rangali Island or at Hanifaru Bay.
  • Adventure to the wetlands of Addu Nature Park where charming piers extend out to lakes, mangroves and scenic cycling routes.
  • Marvel at Hulhumeedhoo Fandiyaaru Mosque and take in the ancient relics, and see remnants of the Second World War on Hulhumeedhoo Island.
  • Explore the 14th century coral stone mosque Gei Miskiy and the Havitta Buddhist ruin to immerse yourself in the local narratives of Fuvahmulah.
  • Discover the local cuisine with its fish curries, yams and highlights such as Kulhi Boakibaa, deep-fried fish cakes of tuna with onions and spices.
  • On a local island, go to a cafe for ‘afternoon tea’ – ‘hedikaa’ – a selection of bite-sized savoury and sweet snacks, washed down with a mug of black tea.
  • Join in with local life: visit a school and participate in an English lesson; chat with a fisherman to hear about their daily life; see how local boats are crafted by hand.



Wildlife in the Maldives

The Maldives is one of the most biodiverse places on earth with its abundance of marine life and vibrant corals.

The Maldives is home to over 2,000 species of fish. The various corals are home to colourful reef fish such as parrot fish, butterfly fish and angel fish. These waters are also home to a variety of sharks, with Whale sharks, Reef sharks and Nurse sharks being the most common. Manta Rays, Stingrays, Fantail Rays and Eagle Rays roam the coast during their seasonal gatherings. Green turtles and hawksbill turtles are commonly spotted as several islands serve as nesting sites. Various species of dolphins inhabit the waters, including spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins, alongside the occasional sperm whale and pilot whale.

In addition to the sea life, a variety of seabirds and wading birds can be found in the mangroves and lagoons.






When to go to the Maldives

The Maldives features a tropical climate with average highs of 29°C to 31°C year-round.

Weather is considered the best between November to April. This is the dry season where the humidity is low and there is little rain. During this time, there are bright blue skies with few clouds and the visibility for diving is especially good.

The wet season starts in May and ends in October.


How to get to the Maldives

Fly in to Hulhulé Island, near near the capital city of Malé.

The flight time from London is around 11 hours.

Flying from New York will involve a connection with a layover in a major city such as Dubai or Doha. The journey will take around 20 hours.






Who will love the Maldives?

The Maldives will appeal to:

  • Honeymooners
  • Beach lovers
  • Diving enthusiasts
  • Snorkellers
  • Nature lovers
  • Couples
  • Sailing enthusiasts

How can I make a difference in the Maldives?

Participate in a citizen science fish species data collection project, monitoring biodiversity and tracking changes in marine ecosystems. Join local marine experts from Save the Beach on the reef of the local island of Villimalé. They will show you how to identify species of fish, and give insights into the role these species play in the ecosystem. Snorkel and take note of what you see, contributing to a database that tracks the health of coral reefs and marine life.




Where to stay in the Maldives

The Maldives is known for its iconic, overwater villas at luxury, all-inclusive resorts. There are other options, including smaller boutique hotels and more homely guest stays. Spend nights in the Wave Sound with its own private beach, Barefoot Eco Hotel or charming guesthouses such as Blue Coral, where modernity is blended with the local essence.





How to plan a trip to the Maldives

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience The Maldives.

No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.

Contact us to start planning a holiday or sabbatical to The Maldives.








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