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A mosaic of turquoise, sapphire and aquamarine, brilliant emeralds and sparkling diamonds make up the colours of the Maldives – 1,192 coral islands scattered like a jewelled necklace, discarded on the surface of the Indian Ocean. The number of islands has actually been estimated at somewhere between 1,300 and 13,000 depending upon whether sand-banks, which protrude about the water, are included! These often disappear during a storm only to reappear later as two islands. However, to be regarded as such, an island has to be supporting vegetation.
The Maldives is, surprisingly, an extremely mountainous region. Only the sand covered crests of a 5000 metre high volcanic range show above the waves. The clear blue waters of the lagoons and the colourful marine life of the reefs make the area one of the world’s best destinations for divers. The preservation of these treasures is a major priority for the government and the dive operators, who have taken the initiative in promoting responsible diving practices.
There are numerous resorts to choose from and it really is a case of getting what you pay for. We have selected a few of the resorts on offer to give you an idea of what to expect and the costs involved:
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