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Maldivas.
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Travelling to Maldivas: what to know before you go

The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean south-west of Sri Lanka, made up of around 1,200 low islands surrounded by reefs and lagoons. It is best known for private resort islands, but guesthouses on inhabited local islands also let travellers see everyday Maldivian life. It suits divers, snorkellers, honeymooners and anyone who wants time on and under the water.

Where to go

• Malé. One of the world's most densely built capitals, packed onto a small island.
• Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll. Part of the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this small bay can draw large gatherings of manta rays feeding on plankton, mainly between about June and November.
• Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll. The southern edge of Ari Atoll is one of the few places where whale sharks can be seen year-round.
• Diving the channels. Water flowing through gaps in the atoll rims, called kandu, attracts grey reef sharks, eagle rays and schools of fish.

Best time to visit

The dry north-east monsoon, from about December to April, brings sunshine, calm seas and the clearest water, and is the peak season. The south-west monsoon, from roughly May to November, brings more rain, wind and choppier seas, though sunny spells are common and it is the best time for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay.

Staying online in Maldivas

Mobile coverage is good on inhabited islands, in Malé and around most resorts, with 4G widely available. Resorts usually offer Wi-Fi, though quality varies between rooms and over-water villas. Between atolls, on long boat crossings and on liveaboards far from inhabited islands, signal can drop out entirely. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can message your resort or guesthouse about transfers from the airport.