Best Beaches in the Maldives

If you are looking for seriously beautiful beach holidays, the Maldives is the place to go. These islands boast breathtaking beaches that will not disappoint. Whether you are looking for a lovely spot to sunbathe, a thrilling area to scuba dive or the ideal fishing location, the Maldives have all of the perfect traits.

With soft sand and sparkling blue waters, the Maldives is an idyllic place for a holiday. Although all of the beaches in the Maldives are marvelous, below are a few of the best beaches.

Where is Maldives

The Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India. Flight times from different destinations are the following:

• From Bangkok (Thailand) – 4 hours and 30 minutes
• From Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) – 4 hours
• From Singapore – 4 hours and 30 minutes
• From Colombo (Sri Lanka) – About 1 hour
• From London – 10 hours
• From Los Angeles – 20 to 30 hours

Because of the long flight times from Europe and the United States, it is a good idea to add a stop to the Maldives to an Asian holiday or vacation.

About the Beaches in the Maldives

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls (ring-shaped coral reef including a coral rim, the rim may contain islands) dispersed around an area of 115 square miles (298 square kilometers).

Therefore, the islands in this country are small (one mile long or smaller, as a matter of fact, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia by land area). When we are talking about “beaches” in this country, we may be referring to an entire island.

In addition, the different islands are dispersed around a big area.  Most visitors arrive at the airport located in Hulhule Island and proceed to their final destination by ferry or small plane.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

Because of its location close to the Equator, the weather in the Maldives is tropical.  As a consequence, the islands are a year-long destination.

The dry season goes from December to April.  You will encounter less rain during these months but the resort prices will be at their highest.

Expect periods of heavy rainfall during the rest of the year (May-November).  But, do not panic. A “period” can be as short as a couple of hours.  It is common to have some rain during the day (usually afternoons) and then, a bright sun afterward (I am from the Caribbean and know this very well).

The rainy season brings lower prices, good surfing waves, and abundant sea life.  So, if you do not mind a rain here and there, I will recommend visiting during these months.

Best Beaches in the Maldives – Male Region

Male, the capital of the country, consists of a central island (urbanized), the island containing the airport (Hulhule) and two other islands.

Budget travelers (usually those not interested in staying on a resort) can reach easily (by ferry) some beaches in the area.  Keep in mind the central island does not have beaches.

Hulhumale

This artificial island is connected to the airport by a road.  Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Eastern Beach if staying here.

Villingilli 

This island is within easy reach from Male and Hulmale.  It has a public beach ideal for sunbathing, diving and snorkeling.

Other islands located close to the airport include:

• Fihalhohi Island
• Kurumba Beach
• Landa Giravaaru
• Bandos and Kuda Bandos
• Baros
• Rasdhoo Island
• Guraidhoo Island
• Paradise Island

Most of these islands are occupied by a single resort and can be reached from the airport by speedboat or hotel boat.

Best Beaches in the Maldives – Other Area

Kuredu Island

This island, located relatively close to the airport, is home to an excellent rated resort with views of the coral sea and the Indian Ocean. Staying at the resort will give you the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive and cruise the atolls.

Cocoa Island Beaches

Found on Cocoa Island, these Maldives beaches are known for being exotic. Ideal for scuba diving, Cocoa Island is close to the Kandooma Channel and the Guraidhoo Channel, where you can witness a wide variety of marine life including turtles.

Not only that, you can find luxury in the resort which provides spas and yoga facilities. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation spot, a thrilling scuba diving area, or a beach to soak up the seemingly endless ocean views, Cocoa Island beaches are some of the best in the Maldives.

Huvahendhoo Island

This island is home to award-winning Lily Beach Resort, a paradise for families (kid’s club, activities, and pools) and honeymooners (secluded villas).  The resort offers several dining options, water sports and excursions to discover the culture of nearby islands.

Nika Island

Surrounded by a reef and shallow lagoon, Nika Island is full of sun, sand, and sparkling waters. Nika Island is perfect for scuba divers, snorkelers and sun worshippers alike. There is no sea current meaning that snorkelers and swimmers can enjoy a safe environment during the day before sampling Maldivian dishes during the evening. Escape from real-world concerns on a fantastic island getaway and you simply won’t want to leave.

Island of Vabbinfaru

A tropical haven, Vabbinfaru offers a sprinkling of villas as well as several romantic beaches. Surrounded by corals with brightly colored fish, excellent international cuisine, dinners lit by the stars, and a ton of activities, this island certainly does not disappoint. Marine life conservation and research are also based out of Banyan Tree at Vabbinfaru – animal lovers will be in heaven here! For amazing views, fun activities, great food, and a lot of relaxation, Vabbinfaru is the place to go.

Resources

For additional information about the islands, check out the Visit Maldives travel site.

Have you been? In your opinion, what are the best beaches in the Maldives?

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