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Top 10 Water Sports in the Maldives

Deemed a veritable paradise for water-bound adventures and activities, the Maldives is a dream destination for thrill seekers. Blessed with sunny conditions, the excellent wind and water conditions combined with high visibility make the island collective a must-visit hotspot for water sports enthusiasts. From scuba diving in its lush coral gardens to jet skinning around its pristine coastlines, here are 10 water-based activities that reign supreme in the Maldives. 

1. Surfing

Ranked among the most popular water sports in the Maldives, avid wave riders will find that the archipelago is a year-round surfer’s paradise. Although the official surfing season in the Maldives falls between May and October, big breaks and monster waves are not difficult to find in this beach capital regardless of the timing of your holiday. 

2.  Parasailing

While this parachuting adventure may not be for the faint of heart, the captivating coastal views of the paradise islands the activity affords are one of the main reasons why everyone should go parasailing in the Maldives.

3. Jet Skiing 

As the preferred pastime of guests based at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma, cruising around the coastlines of the Maldives is a rare privilege that’s afforded to jet skiers. Jet skiing tours in the Maldives, however, are not only open to experienced skiers, as anyone can enjoy this exhilarating coast-bound ride in tandem with an instructor. 

4. Scuba Diving

Home to some of the world’s most vibrant coral gardens, the marine life heritage of the Maldives can only be admired on a snorkelling or a scuba diving excursion deep below the ocean’s surface. Teeming with colourful tropical fish species including manta rays, sharks and barracudas, the Maldives is also one of the best places in South Asia to learn how to dive. 

5. Kayaking

While it may be one of the more relaxing water-bound activities in the Maldives, kayaking can be a magical experience for families and groups of travellers who head out during the wee morning hours or the period just before sundown.

6. Windsurfing

Accessible to visitors during the off-peak season, windsurfing is a challenging water sport that’s best experienced in the off-coast areas around Sun Island and Kuredo Island.

7. Catamaran Sailing

While it may not be the most budget-friendly activity option when comparing the cost of various water sports in the Maldives, catamaran sailing is perhaps the best sailing option accessible to travellers holidaying in the archipelago. Sunset cruises are among the best things to do in the Maldives as it is an enchanting sailing experience during that special time of day.

8. Wakeboarding

Although it’s compared to surfing, wakeboarding is a far more challenging water sport, especially when considering the speeds involved. The period from April to October is the perfect time to go wakeboarding in the Maldives. 

9. Kite surfing

Travellers with a penchant for daredevil antics will find that kite surfing ticks all the necessary boxes in terms of the impressive heights one can reach during a session. 

10. Bananaboating

As one of the few water sports in the Maldives that can be enjoyed as a group or a family, this bumpy ride across the waves on a banana-shaped inflatable does not require any special skills or the ability to swim.

With so many water-based thrills and spills to choose from, every holidaymaker should try at least one of the activities listed above on their Maldivian getaway.

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Maldives Seaplane Experience for First-Timers

Due to its unique geography and sprawling resort islands, seaplanes have become the main means of transport in the Maldives, especially when it comes to airport transfers. Although seaplanes are also used for recreational purposes and island hopping tours, the passenger vessels are mainly employed to transport holidaymakers from Male to various resort islands in far-flung atolls. Here’s what first-time visitors can expect during a seaplane ride to the resort base of their choice. 

Airport Transfers 101

Unlike most tropical paradises where airport transfers are primarily accessible via taxis, metro or bus services, reaching your hotel after touching down at Velana International Airport in the Maldives will require a speedboat or seaplane ride. Although those who have made reservations at resorts close to the nation’s capital Male can easily use speedboats, those who have secured accommodation in atolls further away from bustling Male city must rely on Maldives seaplane transfers. Travellers should note that seaplane transfers in the Maldives are only accessible before sundown (6 am and 4.30 pm), which means those who touch down at the airport in the late evening hours will have to splurge on an overnight stay in Male. 

Seaplane Reservations

All seaplane transfers in Maldives require a booking or an advanced reservation but travellers will be relieved to find that the cost of seaplane flights is often included in most resort packages. Although seaplane transfers in Maldives vary in price depending on the location of your chosen resort, there is little difference in terms of cost as the country is served by three main seaplane operators. Manta Air, Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways are the 3 principal carriers used not only for airport transfers but also for scenic flights around the archipelago.

What to Expect 

While a flight onboard a seaplane is very similar to any other form of aeroplane travel, there are a few differences pertaining to baggage allowances and the number of passengers. Seaplanes generally have a main luggage allowance of 20kg with 5kg reserved for hand luggage. Holidaymakers are also likely to encounter a maximum of 13 or so fellow passengers on a seaplane transfer in the Maldives while the journey will also involve pitstops at various resorts depending on the passengers’ resort reservations. 

Chartered seaplanes that provide private transfers typically boast no more than 10 seats and offer direct flights from the airport to the resort base of your choice, at a premium cost. While it may not be budget-friendly for all visitors, the extra charges reflect the luxuries accessible onboard and the inherent efficiency and advantages of hiring a private charter. 

Seasons and Seaplane Travel

While those bound for the Maldives during the peak travel season from December to March will encounter no availability issues when booking a seaplane transfer, the same cannot be said for visitors heading to the archipelago during the monsoon season from May to October. As thunderstorms and inclement weather conditions can render air travel unsafe, flight delays and even cancellations are not uncommon during the wet season. 

Touching Down

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma and all other resorts in the Maldives have their own seaplane docking stations with a three-lettered callsign serving as identifiers. Resorts will more often than not allow seaplanes to land on a special wooden wharf on the open water so as to avoid damaging the coral reefs that surrounding the resort island. 

Although some tourists may find the idea of boarding another flight after setting foot in their final destination less than appealing, seaplane transfers offer visitors the chance to marvel at the breathtaking layout of the archipelago from a bird’s eye perspective. So while speedboat transfers might be more economical, the flight to your resort island can be an aerial adventure in its own right.

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Surfing in the Maldives: Why Kandooma Waves are Perfect for Beginners and Pros

Ranked among the best surfing spots near Male, Kandooma Right is a must-experience highlight for all wave riders heading to the paradise isles. Here are the top reasons why this particular surfing hub is ideal for both novices and seasoned surfers.

Exclusive Access

One reason Kandooma is a glorious surfer’s paradise for those with varying skill levels is the exclusive access afforded to guests of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma. Unlike most surfing hotspots around the archipelago where surfers must contend with countless other wave riders and compete to mount the big swells, those staying at the only Kandooma surf resort that provides access to Kandooma Right can treat it like their very own backyard surfers hub. Holidaymakers heading to the islands purely to enjoy surfing in the Maldives will find few surfing locations can lay claim to the same level of access. 

Lengthy Surfing Season

As the best time to surf in Kandooma Right lasts from March to October, avid surfers will find that the spot enjoys an unusually lengthy surfing season. This means those visiting the archipelago between March and October can not only expect idyllic weather and water conditions to engage in their favourite pastime, but also consistent swells, as this particular period is the perfect time to enjoy the area’s massive waves and point breaks. Travellers who are timing their Maldivian getaway to coincide with the official surf season in the Maldives can also rest assured that Kandooma Right will provide excellent thrills and spills during that time period.

Surfing Schools and Tour Packages

The main reason why Kandooma provides the ideal training ground for new and inexperienced surfers is the on-site surf academy that’s part of the Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma. In addition to organising surfing tours around the archipelago, the instructors occupying the resort’s surf school are on hand to provide surf lessons to holidaymakers with varying skill levels. Guided surf trips are also curated by the resort’s surf school to ensure novice surfers can practice their new skills in relative safety without venturing too far from the resort’s own shores.  

Proximity to Other Surf Spots

According to surf magazines and other surf publications, Kandooma Right is also located near 13 other engaging Maldives surf spots. Situated within a 100km radius of Kandooma Right, these surfing hubs are easily accessible to surfers who spend time at this popular venue for surfing safaris. 

This means professional and advanced-level surfers can have their fill of invigorating surf spots after putting their skills to the test with Kandooma’s impressive waves. Famed for generating both speedy and hollow waves, Kandooma Right’s southeastern and easterly swells are better suited for seasoned surfers with more than a few hours of surfing under their belt. Sheltered by southwestern and northwestern winds, those with the capacity to tackle challenging right-handers can enjoy an unforgettable surfing experience at Kandooma Right. With the average wave height estimated to be around 3 feet, there are plenty of barreling portions surfers can take advantage of to show off their moves. 

So what are you waiting for? Book your surfing safari in Maldives today and make your wave- barreling dreams a reality at Kandooma Right, the perfect surf spot for beginners and expert surfers.

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Local Flavours: Experiencing Maldivian Cuisine at Kandooma Café 

As one of the most underrated aspects of Maldivian culture, the culinary traditions of the Maldives bring together the best of South Asian cuisine. Whether you are interested in the key component of Maldivian cuisine or savouring the best Maldivian food during a getaway, look no further than the Kandooma Café for an authentic taste of paradise. 

Maldivian Cuisine: At a Glance 

Called Dhivehi cuisine by locals, the culinary identity of the Maldives has been deeply influenced by its proximity to India and Sri Lanka. Although the three nations share a wide variety of cooking technique, signature dishes and common ingredients, what sets Maldivian cuisine apart is the frequent use of seafood. Creating a culinary tapestry that’s unassuming but complex, the distinct taste of Maldivian treats is what keeps avid foodies returning to the island to indulge in its staples. Composed of flavoursome sambals, curries, Roshi flatbreads and seafood broths slow-cooked to perfection, the Maldivian canon is as eclectic as the variety of seafood its chefs have at their disposal. 

Top Eats in the Paradise Isles 

Garudiya

As a treasured comfort food enjoyed by most Maldivians on a daily basis, Garudhiya is a clear tuna fish soup that’s often consumed with steamed rice.

Reef Fish Salad

Reef fish are marinated and infused into a mixture of sliced green papaya, coconut shavings, chillies and kaffir lime leaves to create this fresh salad that’s a firm favourite in local restaurants. 

Reef Fish Cutlets

As a snack that’s served alongside slices of papaya, cucumber and a dollop of mint chutney, reef fish are doused in a Tandoori masala before being fried to culminate in this classic Maldivian aperitif.

Mas Huni

Fans of smoked tuna will not be able to resist this beloved Maldivian breakfast sambal which also includes grated coconut, onions and lemon juice.

Boshi Mashuni

As the go-to starter for vegans and vegetarians holidaying in the Maldives this banana flower salad is a crunchy and tangy delicacy seasoned with cumin, turmeric, chilli powder and a dash of lime. 

Key Ingredients and Culinary Traditions

Relying on a variety of core ingredients Maldivian dishes often contain coconut, in either grated or cream form with tuna fish reigning supreme as the most popular seafood item that’s incorporated into local meals. Maldivian cuisine’s recipes also call for the use of herbs and spices that are common to most South Asian culinary traditions as curries in the Maldives also resemble those found in other parts of Asia. Employing coconut milk as a thickening agent, even vegetable curries are seasoned with seafood additives in the Maldives.

Signature Treats

Culinary enthusiasts based at  Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma or any similar resorts near Kandooma island will find that the focus on Maldivian food culture has been a key component of Kandooma Café’s success over the years. 

Fresh Ingredients 

Using locally sourced ingredients and seafood fresh off the fishing boats marooned in Maldives’ key fish markets, Kandooma Café is a sustainable dining hub in the archipelago. Taking practical steps to reduce the “food mile” or the “farm to table” distance, the café has always prioritised supporting food sources and farmers while bringing guests the best of seasonal culinary ingredients.  The tropical fruits that have been incorporated into pies, pastries and beverages served at Kandooma Café, for instance, all come from local fruit gardens.

Diverse Dining Experiences 

Although the café is renowned as the prime beachfront dining hub on Kandooma Island, it also caters to signature dining experiences including sunset dinners. Themed buffets are also part of the café’s repertoire, especially during festive periods in the Maldivian calendar.

So whether you’re hankering for a hearty local meal or a quick pick-me-up after lounging by the poolside, reserve a table at Kandooma Café  to taste test its delightfully authentic Maldivian menu.

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Exploring the Maldives in May: Weather, Activities, and More

While it is not widely considered the “best” period to holiday in the paradise isles, visiting the Maldives in May can be a magical experience for those who dare to venture off the beaten path. Offering holidaymakers the unique opportunity to have a little piece of paradise all to themselves, here’s what to expect during a Maldivian getaway during this blissfully sunny and wonderfully wet season.

Off-Season Bliss 

As the official off-peak season in terms of tourist arrivals, those who travel to the Maldives in May will get to experience the archipelago in an entirely different guise. With fewer holidaymakers occupying its luxury resorts and the entire landscape taking on a deserted appearance, a May getaway in the Maldives could very well be a dream come true for introverts and those in search of true seclusion. In addition to a less crowded environment, those who are planning an off-season visit to the islands can also enjoy a beach holiday for a fraction of what it would cost during the hectic peak season from December to March. This makes the month of May the ideal time for travellers on a budget to jet off to the Maldives.

Weather Wise: What to Expect

Despite being the beginning of the inter-monsoon season, Maldivian weather in May is surprisingly pleasant and temperate. Although it is the precursor to the wet season, temperatures tend to hover between 28-30°C, with plenty of sunny days thrown in for good measure. While occasional showers are typical during this time of year, the average rainfall never exceeds 200mm and tends to take place during the latter half of the day. This leaves the morning and afternoon hours sun-drenched and clear for sea baths, diving expeditions and all manner of outdoor activities. Those who prefer cooler temperatures will also find the humidity is lower than what’s prevalent throughout peak season, when the sun-kissed islands experience an uninterrupted dry spell. 

Best Things To Do

Some of the best things to do in the Maldives in May are not all that different from the activities that tourists enjoy during the remainder of the year, although there are a few exceptions. Although whale and dolphin-watching expeditions may not be an option during the month of May, tourists can still embark on a wide variety of sea-bound excursions, including sunset cruises and catamaran tours. Snorkelling and diving activities are also accessible all year round, while adventure sports such as windsurfing and sea kayaking are also organised by local tour operators. 

Travellers based at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma can also indulge in rejuvenating treatments and therapies at the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambala while those with a passion for yoga can also practice their poses under the guidance of the resort’s on-site instructor.

What to Pack

Packing for a trip to the Maldives in May requires a unique approach, although tourists should still opt for lightweight clothing and footwear options. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof jacket or a poncho to cover up during evening thundershowers even though the temperatures hardly dip so low as to require wearing multiple layers. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are other indispensable items when holidaying in the Maldives, regardless of the timing of the trip.

While the month of May signals the start of the monsoon season, it is the perfect time to take advantage of resort deals and travel packages that are popular during the off-peak period. If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying the white, sandy beaches and resort islands of the Maldives in perfect seclusion, then there’s no better time to get away from it all than the first month of the shoulder season.