

Overview
A constellation of 1,192 islands where time is measured in tides: snorkel with whale sharks at dawn, sip coconut rum in overwater hammocks by noon, and count shooting stars from your villa’s glass floor by night. Beyond the Instagrammable resorts, local islands like Maafushi buzz with Friday fish markets and “baiy” cafes where fishermen debate politics over mas huni tuna salad.
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Info
High season (Dec-Mar) brings calm seas for diving. Seaplane transfers cost $300+ – book with resorts. Strict alcohol laws: only resorts serve booze. Pack rash guards – coral-safe sunscreen still harms marine life.