When you are walking along the pristine, bone-white beaches of the Maldives, it is tempting to pick up a beautiful seashell as a free souvenir. However, before you tuck that treasure into your luggage, you need to understand the local laws. The short answer is yes: it is strictly illegal to take shells, sand, or coral from the Maldives. Why the Maldives Bans Shell Collection The...
Planning a romantic getaway to the Maldives often sparks a common question: "Can unmarried couples stay together?" Given that the Maldives is a Muslim country with conservative local laws, it’s a valid concern for travelers. The short answer is: Yes, unmarried couples can stay together in the Maldives. However, there are nuances depending on whether you are staying at a private...
Deep in the southern reaches of the Maldives, right on the equator, lies a single-island atoll that has captured the world’s attention. Known as the "Tiger Shark Capital of the World," Fuvahmulah is home to the Tiger Zoo (or Tiger Harbor)—the only place on Earth where you are practically guaranteed to encounter majestic tiger sharks every single day, year-round. If...
The Maldives is world-renowned for its thriving marine ecosystems, and for many divers and snorkelers, the highlights of these waters are the resident reef sharks. If you’re planning a trip, you might be wondering exactly what you’re getting into when you slip into the water. So, how big are the reef sharks in the Maldives? While sizes vary by species, most common reef sharks in...
When you think of the Maldives, images of crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands immediately come to mind. But for a nation made up of over 1,000 tiny coral islands, managing human waste is a significant logistical and environmental challenge. With no massive mainland to pipe waste to, the Maldives has had to develop unique systems to protect its fragile marine ecosystem. Here...
