Maldives
A family beach vacation in the Maldives is all about sea, sand and sun. And whether you intend to spend your Maldives holiday above or below the surface of the Ocean, there is no lack of family fun. Snorkel and scuba dive. Deep-sea fish. Windsurf, sail and even surf. And should you tire of nature, water sports and the beach, there is a cultural side to this pearl-like nation that offers much for adults and children to explore. Visit a village and in addition to introducing the kids to the local way of life, shop for crafts and souvenirs.... Read More
The Maldives, a string of 1,192 coral islands stretching 900 km (560 miles) from south to north, is a top snorkeling and scuba diving destination. Notwithstanding the damage to the reef caused by the December 2004 tsunami and coral bleaching in 1998, the diversity of the marine life is beyond compare. Over a 1,000 species of fish including manta rays and triggerfish, various types of shark - hammerhead, gray reef and white tip reef - and nearly as many type of coral are found here. Warm water and exceptional visibility round out the experience and ensure the Maldives is nothing short of a great place for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the underwater world.
Formed by volcanic eruptions each of the islands found in the country's 26 atolls - ring-like coral formations enclosing a lagoon - has its own unique charm. Deserted white sand beaches. Peaceful lagoons. Stunning house reefs and deep marine channels teeming with colorful fish. And each resort has a unique appeal: dive resorts, all-inclusive family resorts, and barefoot luxury resorts.
The Maldives, a string of 1,192 coral islands stretching 900 km (560 miles) from south to north, is a top snorkeling and scuba diving destination. Notwithstanding the damage to the reef caused by the December 2004 tsunami and coral bleaching in 1998, the diversity of the marine life is beyond compare. Over a 1,000 species of fish including manta rays and triggerfish, various types of shark - hammerhead, gray reef and white tip reef - and nearly as many type of coral are found here. Warm water and exceptional visibility round out the experience and ensure the Maldives is nothing short of a great place for snorkelers and scuba divers to explore the underwater world.
Formed by volcanic eruptions each of the islands found in the country's 26 atolls - ring-like coral formations enclosing a lagoon - has its own unique charm. Deserted white sand beaches. Peaceful lagoons. Stunning house reefs and deep marine channels teeming with colorful fish. And each resort has a unique appeal: dive resorts, all-inclusive family resorts, and barefoot luxury resorts.
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History & Culture
The early history of the Maldives may be shrouded in mystery but its more recent past is readily documented. Like nations nearby, Sultans and Colonial powers played a strong hand in shaping the country's past but the 1,400 year-long Buddhist Kingdom shaped the people most. And while the local traditions are difficult to experience on a resort atoll a trip to a local village can easily make a journey whole. Visit a local cemetery for a glimpse at the Maldivian's stone carving skills. Tour a mosque and take note of the calligraphy, most have a penned verses from the Quran.
Maps
Online maps are a great travel planning resource and great way to get the kids involved in a family holiday. Plot your route in the Maldives, map the atolls and learn about the geography of this string islands.
Books
Books are a great way to introduce younger children to a new adventure and get teens and tweens ready for a family trip. Get reading lists for adults and kids whether your interests lie above or below the surface of the water.
Music & Sound
Boduberu may not be the only form of music and dance in the Maldives but it is by far the most popular. Boduberu troupes consisting of 3-4 drummers, a lead singer and dancers preform at most resorts and in local villages on special holidays.
News
Read Maldives newspapers online and brush up on current events. Find out what's happening in the Maldive Islands and discover what the locals are reading. Local newspapers provide insight to local culture in a way books can't do.
Kids' Stuff
Online resources make learning fun. Get marine life printouts and color your favorite sea animals on the plane trip there and back. Get fun facts about fish and, in addition to finding out what fish look like, discover what fish eat and how fish keep clean. Find out how to become a scuba ranger (kids 8-12) and embark on an adventure with Sergeant Major, Hammerhead, Puffer and Spinner.
Organizations
Associations and non-profit organizations can be a valuable resource as well as means to get involved. Learn about a few of the organizations working to protect the world's coral reefs and find out what you can do to help.
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Recommended Reads for Family Travel to the Maldives