I was able to learn a lot about the Islands, get up close with some ocean predators and find the best spots for Mosaic travellers.

Flying into the capital Male puts you just 465km’s from the equator which explains the strong sun from morning until late afternoon. Expect blue skies, over 10 hours of sunshine per day and temperatures in the low 30’s. It also puts you in close proximity to the 1100+ picture perfect Islands.

To transfer to your chosen Island, step out of the airport to find speed boats lined up like taxis at the airport dock, or fly via sea plane.

Yes, the water really is like this!

At first I couldn’t believe it. From the moment we set off from Male, passing local and resort Islands on our speed boat, I asked “is this real?? It looks like a swimming pool!”

Once settled on the Island, a swim was first on the agenda. Again, I was left standing in disbelief but this time on the shore where the water is so clear, a baby black tip shark and manta ray could be seen swimming in the shallows.

The sand is almost pure white and the water, a clear but vibrant turquoise. It really is as good as it looks in the (unedited and unfiltered) photos!

Whether you prefer a relaxing, slow paced holiday or an action packed experience, unique to the Maldives, there’s something for you here:

• Epic beach days
• Half and full day trips
• Sunset dolphin tours
• Island hopping
• PADI dive courses
• Big game fishing
• Reef snorkelling – these waters are said to contain two-thirds of the world’s species of reef fish!

Up close with wildlife:

Once I arrived in the Maldives, I was quick to notice “shark snorkelling tours” being promoted and booked myself a spot!

I’ve always been an animal lover and growing up by the beach, I’ve had an interest in sharks from a young age.

The day started with a gentle introduction to sea creatures as our speed boat neared a pod of dolphins swimming close to a near by island. The boat quickly came to a stop and we were told to jump in, I couldn’t believe what happened next: after 2 minutes of snorkelling over coral reefs full of tropical fish, a pod of 6 dolphins (with baby!) passed by directly underneath me! To observe them so naturally and close up was mind blowing to me.

Next up was the a stop at “shark point”! From our seats in the speed boat, we could see hundreds of giant trevally swimming close to the surface and after a few minutes, a large grey nurse shark appeared. Our guide gave us some instructions for these animals and assured us that it was safe to swim here – no one on his boat had ever been bitten. 

I was one of the first in the water and not long after, a nurse shark swam by not bothered by my presence at all. For me, I was a bit scared by his at first!

Soon, we were swimming among half a dozen 3 meter sharks all in close proximity to us. There were so many animals around our boat that it was hard to avoid being “bumped into” by one of these beauties before they continued to swim along unfazed.

The fear quickly diminished as we felt very safe swimming with these animals and loved to be able to see them in their natural environment.

Sting, eagle and manta rays were the last animals on our list to see. Although reassured that it was safe to be in the water with them, my memories of Steve Irwin kept me on land!

Best time to travel:

The dry season from November until April brings calm seas, clear skies with less frequent rains. During these months, few showers and winds are expected and the sea is extremely flat.

Beach days are perfect during this season with the water temperature sitting between 28°C to 30°C and drying off takes no time with the light sea breeze.

To find out where to stay and to book your trip, call Rosie at Mosaic Travel on (03) 5275 4583

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