Climate
This island country has a pleasant tropical climate that is generally warm and humid. The sun
shines here throughout the year, with the temperature ranging from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius.
April is the warmest month, February the driest and December the coolest. May to September is
the wet and rainy southwest monsoon season, with some rough seas and stormy winds. The
northeast monsoon brings occasional showers from November to February. Maldives being in the
equatorial belt, severe storms and cyclones are extremely rare.
The Environment
The Maldives could be hit especially early and especially hard by
climate change, as its coral reefs are among the most complex and
fragile eco-systems in the world. The smallest change in water levels
or temperatures could lead to dire consequences. Together with our
guests, we would like to do our bit to protect the environment. All our
ships are obliged to use resources responsibly and dispose of grey
water and rubbish in a conscientious way. We kindly ask our guests to
preserve water and electricity, not throw rubbish over board and
refrain from destroying animals and plants during dives.
History
The Maldivian islands have been inhabited for over 3,000 years, but not
much is known about the origins of the Maldivian people. Much of their
long history is shrouded in mystery.
For centuries, the Maldives have been a thoroughfare for trade ships, many of which were shipwrecked in the intricate network of reefs. The castaways and traders brought different cultural influences to the country, creating a veritable ethnic, cultural and linguistic melting pot.
As a result the cultural heritage of the Maldives is complicated and enigmatic, with influences stemming from the Asian Sub-Continent, West Africa, China and Arabia. Though not much remains of earlier cultures, it is easy to imagine that those who landed in the Maldives, whether by accident or design, were pleased with what they found.
For centuries, the Maldives have been a thoroughfare for trade ships, many of which were shipwrecked in the intricate network of reefs. The castaways and traders brought different cultural influences to the country, creating a veritable ethnic, cultural and linguistic melting pot.
As a result the cultural heritage of the Maldives is complicated and enigmatic, with influences stemming from the Asian Sub-Continent, West Africa, China and Arabia. Though not much remains of earlier cultures, it is easy to imagine that those who landed in the Maldives, whether by accident or design, were pleased with what they found.
Language
Dhivehi, the Maldivian language, translates literally as “island†and
has its roots in Sanskrit and other South Asian languages. Since the
introduction of Islam in 1153, many Arabic influences have shaped the
language. Many words are also derived from English, which is spoken
widely.
Dhivehi is a fascinating language and it is always met with much enthusiasm when a guest learns a few words of Dhivehi.
Dhivehi is a fascinating language and it is always met with much enthusiasm when a guest learns a few words of Dhivehi.
Visas
You will be issued with a 30-day tourist visa upon
arrival. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after
the last day of your holiday.