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The art of snorkeling That first plunge into the beautiful blue is always euphoric; the caress of the tropical ocean an immediate relief from the warm equatorial sun. Equipped with just our trusty snorkeling masks and fins, we check the currents and cherish a lungful of oxygen before delving into a marine magical mystery. Like so many other times, we were somewhere in one of the many Maldivian lagoons that dot the Indian Ocean. The numerous coral reefs protecting the pristine pearl islands of the Maldives are also home to a host of tropical sea creatures (ourselves included, that fine day). An encounter with a sea-turtle, elusive eels, sleeping stingrays, an occasional octopus, are all common sights on every such adventure. Countless species of multicolored fish dwell within vibrant coral habitats and flamboyant aquatic vegetation with hues to humble any artist. A pod of dolphins are likely to liven things up, or on lucky days an encounter with a glorious tropical shark. Fish stocks are so abundant, confrontation between sharks and humans are practically unheard of in the Maldives. With rhythmic gentle strides, our fins purposefully push us along the reef bed, as we marvel at its diversity of life. The relaxed beats of our hearts provide the perfect ambience for the hypnotic deep blue as we frequently pause to peer into coral formations teeming with activity. The experience lasts minutes that seem like hours; the spell of which is only broken while easing back to the surface to replenish ones air. For a beginner in the water, the natural reaction is to seek solace in the security of a floatation device, or pretty much anything else that can be clung to, to keep from sinking. As one grows more comfortable in the water, assisted floating is no longer a neccesity. The ocean’s surface becomes a place of rest, a comfort zone. Further down this waterlogged journey, you begin to feel right at home underwater too. When we are submerged, warning bells go off as the brain immediately begins to inform us that we are in non-breathable territory, and our first conscious reaction is to surface. Not necessarily because we are out of oxygen, but due to the panic caused by a more primal fear of not being able to breathe. Conquering that fear is necessary to determine, as well as enhance, the capacity of our lungs. Once free of such fear, we can focus on understanding the flows and consuming energy as effectively as possible. When underwater, our air supply is consumed with every movement. The mind has to be perfectly calm, the heart has to beat slower, our limbs must move with precision or not at all, and we must be mindful of the depths and distances we are comfortable with. Freediving is another science in itself, but being able to control our breath and do mild plunges as we snorkel the reef is vital to truly experience the phenomenal underwater splendor celebrated by the Maldivian archipelago. Being a Maldivian, born on islands measuring an average kilometer or less across, understanding and embracing the gifts of the ocean is essential for the survival of our people. My companions swam like fish; they inspired me to understand the secrets of the sea – a never ending mystery. Numerous Scientific studies are also testament to the miraculous healing effects of the ocean on the human body. Regular adventures in the salty sea as one flows freely in the water leaves the body, mind and spirit revitalized. It is the experience of a lifetime and my favorite addiction; the bliss of a single breath – the Maldivian way.

A Culture of Communitea A Maldivian Evening Tea is an occasion you should experience to feel the vibe of the Maldivian foodie scene. It is a time just after work hours where you sit down to just satisfy that craving between lunch and dinner and catch up with your people. Maldivians love their evening tea and take this opportunity to dress up, visit and gather among the senior and extended family members. Maldivian Evening Teas’ includes a variety of savouries and sweets. The table will be arranged with Crumb-fried Tuna Cutlets, Bajiyaa, Kulhi Boakibaa, Fuh Jehi Kavaabu, Mas Fathafolhi, Gulha, Riha Folhi, Kavaabu, Havaadhulee Bis, Mas Roshi & more. All these savouries will have one ingredient in common. Either the smoked tuna fish or the canned tuna produced in the Maldives. Maldivians have a very sweet side as well and these teas will not be complete without Githeyo Boakibaa, Krim Jehi Banas, Dhonkeyo Kajuru, Dhan’di aluvi Boakibaa, Gan’bulhi Boakibaa and Huni Hakuru. Scraped coconut & sugar is commonly used in Maldivian desserts. An Evening Tea is traditionally Maldivian. A High Tea is known as quintessentially British. Unlike the British High Tea, the Maldivian Evening Tea is something that anyone can afford. Especially when you meet Maldivian families. They love to offer you food, especially home-made as some of the recipes for the tea-time savouries and sweets have been handed down from mothers, grandmothers and great grandmothers. Most of the Maldivians drink their tea very sweet. Before the era of packaged foods and convenience, tea leaves infused with the aroma of handpicked jasmine flowers from the garden were used at traditional tea-times. Now, Tea Shops are dotted around in the capital island Male’ as well among the inhabited islands. You can have a Maldivian Evening Tea Experience anywhere between 3$ – 10$. Most of the food outlets in the Greater Male’ Region have Evening Tea Buffet’s where the spread is large. While just a few of the typical “Sai Hotaa”’s are around now, more upscale food outlets are opening up with lavish buffets at evening time. These buffets are slowly evolving and you can find fusion tea snacks now, which is not a surprise given the fact that Maldives has chefs from all over the world working in the Food & Beverage Industry. Before cafés started popping up in the atolls, the Maldivian Evening Tea was a symbol of hospitality to visitors, both local and foreign. The island community always invited visitors to their homes for the “Haveeru Sai” (Evening Tea). It wasn’t a business activity, the invitations came with the spirit of community and hospitality. This was before mobile phones and it was all a part of social interaction and connection to the islanders. That was the way of life & hospitality in the atolls during the more simplistic times. While you are island hopping in the Maldives, dropping into one of the several cafe’s between 4pm – 6pm will let you catch the vibe and a glimpse into how the Maldivians enjoy their Evening Tea.

Gliding Through the Island Archipelago Maldives is not a destination for road trips but you can take numerous trips on water. Maldives is an island destination with thousands of tiny islands naturally created on coral reefs. You can travel by sea from north to south and east to west on dhonis (traditionally built boats), speedboats, island and atoll ferries, safari boats and yachts. Similar to road trips on land, you can stop but you will have to anchor before you explore. There is no shortage of adventure as you travel through the Maldivian waters including the discoveries underwater while you anchor in one of the beautiful lagoons and reefs around each island in the Maldives.  The beautiful uninhabited islands with tropical vegetation and exotic flora. The soft sandy white private beaches. The inhabited islands with interesting island communities, culture and their way of life. You can decide to stop at thrilling surfing spots. The spots where you are left speechless with the sight of beautiful social pods of dolphins. The majestic sunrises over the horizon as you navigate between the islands. The stunning sunset skies as you sail across open waters. The stillness of nature as you dance away on the decks at the golden hour. Anchoring off at tiny sandbanks will make you wish you had the latest technology in hand to capture all those shades of blues of the Maldives. Those areas famous for big game fishing are of the many spots you can anchor and enjoy the spirit of the Maldivian adventure. The starry night experiences will take your breath away as you gaze across skies clear of light pollution. As you observe the changes and colours of the natural beauty around you, you will get inspired to take your canvas and palette out. As you listen to the rhythm of lapping waves, you get to experience the most romantic moments of your life. These are just some of the finest experiences you can enjoy while traveling by water in the Maldives. Travelling by water in the Maldives lets you enjoy the present moment. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. Maldives is an inspiring destination for creative artists.It is a way to let go of the control on life and let yourself flow with the currents. Travelling by sea through the atolls will make you experience the Maldives in depth. Opting for such trips will leave you with more insightful knowledge of this island destination. Before embarking on sea travel, you should get expert advice on the best periods for sea safaris and cruises in the Maldives. As it is a tropical destination, you will have to keep in mind the monsoons of the Maldives. The period between June – August which is the south-west monsoon (Hulhan’gu) may not be everyone’s cup of tea as Maldives experiences monsoon rains, rough seas and strong winds. To travel by water in the Maldives, you will either have to search for safari boat / cruise ship arrangements, hire dhonis or speed boats, get permits for yacht sailing or take the local ferries. Either way it will be an immersive experience.