The Maldives a true island paradise - a luxury destination for the perfect holiday or romantic honeymoon. Made up of a group of 1190 tiny coral islands of tiny islands, Maldives is a major destination for scuba divers, who come for the fabulous reefs and the wealth of marine life.

Each Resort island in the Maldives has its own dive school, perfect for beginners of more advance holiday makers alike!

The higest level of visibility that one could expect - sometimes exceeding 50 meters - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again.

Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkllers too can experience the same pleasures from the surface Location.

Geography
1190 coral islands from an archipelago of 26 major atolls. They Stretch 820 km from North to South and 120 km from east to west. 202 are inhabited, And more than 80 are exclusive resort islands.

Climate
The climate in the Maldives is tropical, allowing you to bask on its many glorious beaches in the sun. Although it is warm throughout the year there are slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the monsoon. From November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and the temperature varies very little.

Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

Population
About 300,000 out of which more than 80,000 live in the Capital Male’. History reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travelers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilization, Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.

Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar at the time of writing is MRf.12.75 for the dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, traveler’s cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Communication
International and underwater submarine cables links Maldives to resort of the World. Mobile (GSM), Internet, Roaming are available at all resorts and on most of the Liveaboards.

Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC

Visa
Free 30 days Visa upon arrival for all visitors - Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should fulfill the following requirement for the grant of an entry permit into the country.

- Possession of a valid passport issued by the Government of a Sovereign State.
- Possession of a valid return air ticket to a destination where the passenger has
  permision to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the
  next destination.
- Possession of minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel
  reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.
  Following are exempted from this requirement.
    * Those who have confirm bookings in registered tourist resort/hotels etc.
    * Diplomats
    * UN Personnel
    * Approved persons for employment
    * Technical and other experts attached to the Government
    * Those sponsored by Maldivians
- No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives. Entry permit will be
  granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration
  requirements.
- An entry permit does not allow any visitor to take up employment, set up any
  business or exercise any profession whether paid or unpaid except with the
  consent and in conformity with the pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives.
  However, a visitor or foreign delegation visiting the Maldives to conclude business
  agreements, contracts or to negotiate business transactions with their counterparts
  do not require work permits if the stay does not exceed the duration granted on
  arrival.
- An expatriate must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources
  Employment and Labour prior to arrival in Maldives to engage in employment.
- Visitors who stay beyond the period for which they have been approved
  may be deported.

Airlines

Customs
The import of firearms, liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited. An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts and not sold / available in Male’. Dogs, Pigs, and pork products are prohibited. Special permission should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs not allowed).

Local Time
GMT + 5 hours