The Maldives

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Fact File for Maldives

The Maldives, located just to the southwest of India and Sri Lanka, is an island nation and one of the most popular holiday destinations and iconic locations in the Indian Ocean. The best way to really explore and experience the natural magnificence that the Maldives are than in your own luxury charter yacht at your own leisurely pace.

COORDINATES: 3.2028° N, 73.2207° E

LANGUAGE: Dhivehi

CAPITAL: Malé

WEATHER: The climate in the Maldives displays very little change in terms of temperature with nearly perfect temperatures throughout the year, peaking at 30 deg C with averages of 25 deg C. Despite this there are two quite distinct seasons – the Northeast Monsoon brings a wet season from May to October while the dry season between November and April brings clear blue skies and sunshine as well as holiday makers from all over the globe.

BEST TIME TO CHARTER: You can charter in the Maldives all year round although the dry season from November to April is the most agreeable.

AIRPORTS: There is one main international airport in the Maldives, located on an island very near to the Maldivian capital, Male. It's called Velana International Airport, and it's Airport Code is MLE. In addition Gan can be reached from Sri Lanka and is useful if you intend to board your luxury charter yacht on one of the southern atolls while from Southern India you can fly into Hanimaadhoo if you are visiting the northern atolls.

TIME: UTC+5

CURRENCY: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) although many places accept USD while the larger resorts also accept Euros, UK Pounds and other major currencies. Banks are limited to the capital Malé and the larger inhabited islands while credit cards are only accepted at major resorts and there are no ATMs.

ELECTRICITY: 110V or 220 V, 50 Hz

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
1 Jan - New Year's Day
1 May – Workers Day
May – June – First day of Ramazan
June – July – 3 days to celebrate the end of Ramazan, Eid-ul Fithr
26 – 27 July – Independence Day
September - Eid-ul Al'h'aa
September – Islamic New Year
3 Nov – Victory Day
11 Nov – Republic Day
Nov - Eid-ul Al'h'aa
20 Dec – The Day the Maldives embraced Islam

MAIN MARINAS: Hulhumalé Yacht Marina.

CULTURAL: The Maldives are totally Muslim and the dress code here is conservative and alcohol, bathing suits and public displays of affection are illegal apart from the resort islands. The place has a relaxed laid-back atmosphere and the people are respectful and friendly. Almost everyone in the Maldives understand and speak English. Communicating with people in the Maldives will be hassle free.