Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to The Maldives

Holidays & Sabbaticals to The Maldives – In a Nutshell

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.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss in The Maldives

Scuba dive to your heart’s content in the central and southern atolls for encounters with hammer head sharks, whale sharks and manta ray.
Soak in the tranquillity and luxury of an over-water villa on a private island with white coral sands.
Kayak or stand-up-paddleboard along the mangrove trees of Addu Atoll.
Relax along the idyllic lagoons and lush beaches of Gan Island.
Snorkel in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, exploring its vibrant underwater world filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks and rays.
Embark on a sunset cruise along the crystal waters with the potential accompaniment of a pod of dolphins.
Join a representative from a local conservation society to learn about the importance of mangroves and seagrass.
Wander through the bustling local markets in Malé, as you chat with the local stallholders and taste the tropical produce and homemade sweets.
Sink into a mineral-rich mud bath along freshwater lakes of Bandaara Kilhi and Dhadimagi Klhi.
Snorkel with a marine biologist in the undisturbed marine ecosystem of Haa Alif, with its abundance of white and black tip reef sharks and manta rays.
Spend a day giving back by volunteering at a Turtle Rehabilitation centre, helping to protect endangered species.

Off the Beaten Path 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.
Scuba dive to the depths of ‘Tiger Zoo’, a dive site renowned for its guaranteed tiger shark sightings.
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.

Wildlife

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.

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.

When & Weather – 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.

Winter sport enthusiasts will prefer to visit from December – March for the ski season.

Who will The Maldives Appeal To?

The Maldives will appeal to:

Honeymooners
Beach lovers
Diving enthusiasts
Snorkellers
Nature lovers
Couples
Sailing enthusiasts

Accommodation

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.

Start Planning

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.