Attraction in Maldives
Banana Reef
Banana Reef in North Male Atoll is one of the first dive sites to be discovered in the Maldives, identified in the early 1970s, and was declared the nation's first protected marine area in 1989. Its distinctive curved shape drops from five to thirty metres, revealing dramatic overhangs, caves, soft coral gardens, and dense schools of blue-lined snapper. The reef attracts a wide range of reef fish, Napoleon wrasse, and patrolling reef sharks.
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Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Maldives
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Maldives page at Yoogo.
The official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though US dollars are widely accepted at resorts and many tourist-facing businesses. Major credit and debit cards are accepted at resorts and upscale establishments in Male, but cash in small denominations is useful on local islands where card facilities can be limited.
Resort islands have very low crime rates and the Maldives is generally regarded as a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft can occur in busy areas of Male, and visitors should be aware of strong ocean currents when swimming or snorkelling outside designated areas.
Inter-island transport relies on speedboats, seaplanes, domestic flights, and public ferries, as the country consists of more than 1,000 coral islands spread across 26 atolls. Resorts arrange their own transfers by speedboat or seaplane from Velana International Airport, while government-operated MTCC ferries provide an economical option for travelling to inhabited local islands such as Maafushi.
The dry northeast monsoon season, from December to April, brings calm seas, low humidity, and the clearest conditions for diving and snorkelling, and is widely considered the peak travel period. The wet southwest monsoon from May to November brings occasional heavy showers and stronger winds, though it also coincides with the manta ray and whale shark season at Hanifaru Bay and typically offers lower accommodation rates.
The national language is Dhivehi, a unique language with its own Thaana script that is spoken across all inhabited islands. English is widely understood in resorts, hotels, and tourist areas in Male, making day-to-day communication straightforward for most international visitors.
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to the Maldives, but health authorities commonly recommend being up to date with hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations for those planning to eat outside resort environments. Travellers should also ensure their routine vaccinations, including measles, mumps, rubella, and tetanus, are current before departing.
Most resort bills already include a service charge of around 10 to 12 per cent, so tipping is not obligatory. Leaving an additional gratuity for dive instructors, boat crews, or hotel staff who have provided exceptional service is a welcome gesture and is generally appreciated.