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The Republic of the Maldives is a chain of around 1200 islands stretching 750km across the Indian Ocean. The exact number of islands varies according to the season and method of classification - islands come and go with the wind, waves and currents! These tiny islands are geographically grouped into atolls, of which there are 26. Maldivian people inhabit only 200 islands and 88 have been developed into tourist resorts. Year round there are blue skies with warm, humid weather although there is a dry season (northeast monsoon) and a wet season (southeast monsoon).

Historically the Maldives is a small, isolated and peaceful nation. Extremely proud and independent, it has guarded against many would-be colonisers. Its pre-Muslim past is somewhat hazy but full of heroic myths based on inconclusive archeological discoveries.

The Government has taken
steps to reduce the impact of tourism on the local community, so tourists can only be accommodated on registered tourist islands and visits to other islands are restricted. However the Maldives economy thrives on tourism. It is a full member of the Commonwealth.

North Male Attoll
TBA

This section is under construciton!!!

South Male Atoll
TBA

A complex formation of reefs has evolved from a huge volcanic mountain range. Ocean currents have eroded the atolls’ rims creating channels and circular reefs. In the immediate vicinity of Male the diving is very good but visibility and encounters with large pelagic fish increase in the outer atolls. Livaboards are an excellent option. Inside the atolls the currents are weak but on the side facing the open ocean currents can be very strong. Reef life is prolific and the possibility of spotting macro life is high. There are a few wrecks but Maldives is most famous for its pelagic life - manta rays, whale sharks and reef sharks.
Diving varies between the southwest and northeast seasons with differing currents, water temperatures (slightly cooler during southwest monsoon) and visibility. Water temperatures are 26˚-28˚C all year round.

The southwest season (May to November):

This is the season to dive on the western side of the atolls. Regular encounters with large schools of pelagic fish like sharks, eagle rays and tuna are common. This is the best time to year to see manta rays and whale sharks on the eastern side of the atolls, although visibility is lower.

The northeast season (December to April)

During these months the currents begin to flow from the northeast. Visibility is excellent and the action on the eastern side of the atolls consists of sharks are other pelagic species. During these months currents change and wind and wave action slacken making easy diving in March and April. Manta rays and whale sharks will only be found on the western side at this time of year.

Getting You Started
The Republic of the Maldives is a chain of around 1200 islands stretching 750km across the Indian Ocean. The international country code for Maldives is +960. Maldives are 5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Entry & Visa Requirements (subject to change)
Visas are not required in advance but are issued on arrival. Travelers will be issued a 30-day visa. All tourists are required to have a passport with a minimum of thirty days validity from the date of departure, onward or return airline ticket or sufficient funds to purchase tickets and cover their expenses during their stay.

Medical & Health Requirements
Dental, doctors and hospital services are available in Male. There is a recompression chamber in Male. Malaria free, however there is a small possibility of dengue fever. (For further details please contact Travel Vax on 1300 360 164).

Currency
The Maldivian currency is Rufiyaa (100 laari = 1 Rufiyaa) but is rarely used on tourist resorts. Most transactions are made in US Dollars but other currencies are accepted. Travelers cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted but 5% may be added for credit card transactions.

Banking: Banks in Male will cash travelers cheques into US Dollars and Rufiyaa may also be purchased. ATM’s can be found in Male.

Baggage (International flights Ex Australia)
Sri Lankan Airlines and Singapore Airlines: 20kgs per person. Please contact Dive Adventures for excess luggage requirements.
(Subject to change without notice)  

Duty Free
Alcohol and pork products are prohibited. A ‘reasonable quantity’ of tobacco is permitted.

Weather
Northeast Season: December-April (dry monsoon). Southwest season May-November (wet monsoon). Temperatures are around 30˚ C and humidity is 60-80%. Cyclones are rare but possible in April/May and October/November.

Clothing
Cover yourself properly when visiting inhabited islands and Male. For men shorts and a shirt are acceptable. Women are expected to cover their bodies and thighs. Swimming trunks, bikinis and other beachwear are accepted at resorts but not on inhabited islands. Nudism in public places is prohibited. Bring a sweater for evening as the temperatures can drop.

Electricity  
Resorts use 220/240-volt AC at 50 cycles. Plugs are type G or D. (for further details refer to http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm).

Language
English is the official language in education, business and government circles. Maldivian Dhivehi.

Religion
Sunni Muslim

Water
Check with resort if tap water is drinkable. Bottled water is expensive.

Shopping  
Shops are open until 11pm. Chaandanee Mugu and the Majeedhee Magu are the prime shopping zones in Male, especially for traditional handicrafts. Male International Airport has a selection of clothes and luxury items.

Tipping
10% service tax is added to everything but tips may be expected when being served personally. Tips should be given directly to the staff personally. Porters at the airport will expect US$1.

Diving
Ensure that all equipment is serviced and in working order prior to departure. You will need to bring a DIN converter for DIN regulators. 3mm wetsuit or lycra exposure protection are recommended (check season). Dive operators supply tanks, weight belts and dive guide services. There will be an extra charge if equipment hire is required.

Departure Tax
US$25 for all international travellers over 2 years of age.