For a long time, the Republic of the Maldives was one of the best-kept secrets in the world; a beautiful string of low-lying coral islands in the Indian Ocean, a paradise for watersports enthusiasts and sunseekers alike. Now the tourism potential of the country has developed significantly: the islan...

The Maldives is a group of low-lying coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls, situated south west of Sri Lanka. A small percentage of the islands are inhabited and 87 are exclusively resorts, boasting tropical landscapes hugged by picture-perfect beaches festooned with palm trees. The myriad islands are surrounded by coral reefs enclosing shallow lagoons.

The Dhivehin people of the Maldives are descended from an ethnic mix of Aryan, Negroid, Sinhalese, Dravidian and Arab cultures. The history of the area was dominated by a succession of bids for control that began with Muslim rule in the 12th century. The Arabs were later supplanted by Portuguese then the British, until 1965 when the Maldives finally achieved full independence as a sultanate. All Maldivians are Sunni Muslims and their lifestyle follows the traditions of Islam. Traces of ancient beliefs have endured in the form of superstitions centered on evil spirits.

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. All visitors must hold tickets and documents for their return or onward journey. Travellers arriving without a hotel reservation or Maldivian sponsor must have at least US$30 per person per day for the intended duration of their stay. Extensions for stays up to a maximum of 90 days are possible.

Parasailing

Parasailing is a great way to explore the scenic splendour of the islands and the vistas of coral and water beyond them. Only the larger resorts offer it as an activity and those that do usually have courses for beginners.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

The tropical waters of the Maldives vibrate with exotic marine life and abundant coral reefs. Some of the diving sites can be explored from the resorts or through diving safari trips. Most of the resorts run diving schools offering PADI courses and hiring facilities for diving and snorkelling equipment and underwater cameras. Some of the best dive sites in the Maldives include the Victory Wreck, Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila), Guraidhoo Corner, Kuda Rah Thila (Broken Rock) and Banana Reef.

Fishing

Night fishing is a uniquely Maldivian sport and a favourite with tourists. Conditions in the Maldives create a perfect opportunity for relaxing under the night skies while waiting for a catch. Big-game fishing is another option that involves trolling along the outer atoll reefs.

Windsurfing

Lagoons around the island are perfect for windsurfing. Most of the resorts have windsurf schools or watersports centres offering lessons and instructions and equipment hire facilities. Boards and sails for hire cater to varying skill levels.

Honeymoon and Wedding

A wedding and honeymoon in the Maldives is incomparable; the tropical islands are a beautiful destination for weddings or honeymoons, offering palm-fringed beaches with white sands and deep turquoise lagoons. With welcoming locals and a good selection of restaurants, spas and luxurious retreats, this is an obliging spot from which couples can begin their life together. Maldives Honeymoon Things To Do Honeymoon resorts in North Malé, South Malé, Seenu and Ari are a wonderful base from which to enjoy the islands. For many, the attraction of the Maldives is that there is little sightseeing to do; most people come here to simply relax, soak up the sun and dip in the warm ocean. For those who wish to explore the islands, there is a wealth of options to choose from. Wander hand-in-hand through the Singapore Bazaar, selecting unique honeymoon souvenirs or wedding favours. The more adventurous can explore some of this island nation's exquisite dive sites, home to exceptional coral reefs and unique marine life. Newly-weds on honeymoon in the Maldives can visit any one of over 20 mosques, the oldest of which is the 13th century Hukuru Miski. There are also performances of bodu beru, the traditional dance and music of the Maldives, to be enjoyed. With so much to offer, a wedding and honeymoon in the Maldives is a great start to married life. Maldives Wedding FormalitiesThe only legal wedding in the Maldives is a Muslim ceremony, and this is only for the island nationals. However, couples are welcome to register their marriage legally at home before having the ceremony of their choice and a wedding reception in the Maldives.

Visitors to the Maldives should take precautions against mosquito bites as cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus have been reported. Precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn and dehydration. There is a good private hospital on Malé and first aid facilities are available on all the resort islands. In the event of diving emergencies, a decompression chamber is available. Food and water in the resort hotels is generally risk-free. Medical insurance is advised.

Maldivians are all Muslim, and therefore Islamic customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. No pornography is allowed (or any material considered offensive under Islamic law), and homosexuality is illegal. Same-sex relationships are not tolerated and carry jail sentences and fines. Alcohol consumption is confined to the resorts. Dress is informal but nudism and topless bathing is prohibited. On visits to inhabited islands it is important to respect local customs that adhere to conservative dress codes, and public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. The Maldives has strong anti-drug laws that carry severe penalties.

Officially, tipping is not encouraged in the Maldives, but if the service is good it is customary to tip waiters and room staff in the resorts (unless a service charge has already been added).