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Embracing Maldives rainy season

Published

8 years ago

May 22, 2017

Lying close to the equator and within the doldrums, the Maldives rarely experiences any severe weather events. However, the world famous holiday destination has two distinct monsoons (seasons) a year that shape the prevailing weather patterns. The monsoons which dictate the weather in the archipelago are characterised not by heavy rain, as is often assumed, but by their winds, which blow consistently and reverse their direction seasonally.

The South-West Monsoon, or Hulhangu as it is called in local Dhivehi language, runs from May to October, while the North-East Monsoon, or in the local language Iruvai, runs from December to March each year, with the months of November and April acting as transitional periods of change in between.

Don’t forget; almost every resort in the Maldives has a special summer offer with hefty discounts and a host of other complimentary benefits too.

Beware the rough sea!

After a hotter than average North-East Monsoon, Maldivians are relieved to have a bit of rain. But with the welcome change in temperature comes challenges; heavy showers, rough seas and strong winds. In the South-West Monsoon, the Maldives weather becomes very versatile and can change in a few minutes. Skies become dark, strong rains can follow a beautiful sunny morning and wind gusts can reach up to 50 Knts (approximately 90 km per h) for hours.

These dark, rainy and very windy periods can be very short, but they can also continue for a few days and be immediately replaced by idyllic weather conditions.

This year as well, the Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) has warned that heavy rains, strong winds and rough seas will continue in north and central Maldives for the most part of the monsoon period. Winds in north and central Maldives are expected to reach 15 to 25 miles per hour, while wind speeds in other areas are projected to be eight to 18 miles per hour.

Liveaboard Association of Maldives (LAM), which represents the boating industry of the Maldives, has also cautioned over the bad weather conditions prevailing across the country, urging liveaboard operators and other transport service providers to avoid sailing or travelling in the night. The association urged boat operators to keep an eye on local weather forecasts before and even during the journey, recheck all safety equipment and have communication devices on hand.

A ferry boat braves rough seas as it travels to capital Male from the satellite town of Hulhumale. PHOTO/ MIHAARU

Diving: choose the western side

You must have heard that the best time to visit the Maldives is during the North-Eat Monsoon, when the weather is dry with clear skies and calm seas. But if you are planning to visit the Maldives for a summer getaway, go ahead and book your holiday. Even during the South-West Monsoon, the Maldives rarely experiences extreme weather conditions.

Diving in the Maldives is generally good all year round, but underwater visibility, water temperatures and marine life changes depending on the season. During the rainy season (May t0 October), the western side of an atoll is better for scuba diving. Make sure you select your resort accommodation accordingly.

If the prevailing wind is coming from south-west and your resort is on the south-western side of the atoll, you will experience the worst of it or best of it depending on what you want. Villas located over the water can actually shudder when the wind and waves are strong. So it may pay to try to get a room on the eastern side of the island, but then you give up the sunset view. Storms are not common.

For diving, this is not necessarily a bad thing. While the weather can be bad and the winds strong, the wind is also creating the current to a certain extent. While it is impossible to dive the outside channels when the wind is very strong, the days after can be exhilarating or terrifying to some.

Diving at the western side of the atoll during the South-West Monsoon, you will experience predominantly incoming currents. This means the water is rising from the deep ocean and flowing into the shallow atoll. Visibility is generally better, water slightly cooler with better chances to see pelagic. Visibility can be 50 metres on a sunny calm day with a good incoming current.

When rain clouds have cleared, you get to see one of the most stunning sunsets you will ever experience in Maldives. PHOTO/ GURAIDHOO INN

Get up close with manta rays

From June to October, you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with majestic manta rays. During this time of the year, a combination of South-West Monsoon currents and lunar tides bring large quantities of planktonic shrimp (mantas’ favourite food) to various sites around resorts across the country, attracting large numbers of manta rays.

Several resorts have already announced special manta packages, including the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa atoll and Olhuveli Beach and Spa Maldives in South Male Atoll.

Manta rays with wing-like pectoral fins that stretch to a length of 13 to 15 feet (4 to 4.5 metres) move gracefully through the water while feeding with their enormous mouths. Having one of the largest comparable brain sizes of any marine animal makes them highly curious, resulting in some very close snorkelling encounters.

A manta ray glides over a reef in a Maldives resort. PHOTO/ OLHUVELI BEACH AND SPA MALDIVES

Swim with whale sharks

Over the years, the Maldives has maintained its position as one of the few destinations in the world for whale shark sightings.

Whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, are year round residents of the Maldives, tending to favour the western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago from May to December, then heading to the east until April.

There are two main whale shark sighting spots in the nation. The first is the well-known UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Hanifaru Bay in Baa atoll, while the second is the marine protected area off the coast of Maamigili island in Alif Dhaal atoll, also known as South Ari atoll. The latter in particular is considered a special zone as whale shark sightings take place all year round, unlike Hanifaru Bay where sightings occur in the southwest monsoon.

A whale shark swims across the waters of Baa atoll. PHOTO/ FOUR SEASONS MALDIVES

Sightings of whale sharks have sparked a distinct brand of tourism, luring countless tourists that make brief sojourns to the island nation solely for the pleasure of sighting these majestic creatures. Several resorts and guesthouses in South Ari Atoll and Baa atoll organise expert-led excursions that allow guests to dive and snorkel with these creatures.

Don’t forget; almost every resort in the Maldives has a special summer offer with hefty discounts and a host of other complimentary benefits too. So you have every reason to take some time off and visit the paradise islands during this season as well. And when the rain clouds have cleared, you get to see one of the most stunning sunsets you will ever experience in the Maldives if not in your lifetime!

Related Topics:Hulhangu Monsoon Monsoon Weather

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Dive into conservation: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi introduces snorkelling with a purpose

Published

17 hours ago

December 21, 2024

m@ldives

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi has introduced an exciting new activity for ocean enthusiasts: Conservation Snorkelling. Led by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Mohamed Shah, this immersive experience allows participants to contribute to marine conservation efforts while exploring the vibrant underwater ecosystem of the Maldives. Combining education, exploration, and action, the initiative offers an enriching opportunity for visitors of all ages.

Participants engage in collecting critical data on coral health and fish populations using underwater fish guides, coral health charts, and writing slates, while learning to identify various fish species. They assess reef conditions and contribute to the protection of the local marine environment. The findings are then discussed with Mohamed Shah, providing deeper insights into the marine life of the Iru Fushi lagoon and house reef.

This activity is a key component of Sun Siyam Cares, the resort’s initiative focused on environmental protection and community support. Families, young couples, and other guests can participate in global conservation efforts through the Coral Watch citizen science project. The activity is open to strong swimmers aged eight and above who feel comfortable snorkelling.

“At Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, we strive to protect the stunning natural environment around us,” said Abdullah Atham, Resort Manager. “Through activities like Conservation Snorkelling, we encourage guests to explore and actively contribute to ocean conservation.”

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Game, set, paradise: Petra Kvitová and Hideaway Beach Resort elevate luxury sports experiences

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

m@ldives

Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa recently hosted legendary tennis player Petra Kvitová, captivating guests with her remarkable presence and inspiring passion for tennis. During her stay, the two-time Wimbledon champion conducted exclusive tennis classes, giving guests a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s top athletes.

Petra Kvitová, a celebrated Czech tennis star, has had an illustrious career highlighted by two Grand Slam titles and numerous accolades on the WTA Tour. Known for her powerful left-handed game and extraordinary resilience, she has inspired fans worldwide. Her tennis classes at Hideaway were dynamic and filled with invaluable insights, creating memorable experiences for tennis enthusiasts and guests alike.

The festive season at the resort commenced with Padel professional Hernan Flores offering Padel lessons for both guests and staff, followed by consecutive tennis workshops led by tennis stars Petra Kvitová and Elena Vesnina. Both athletes conducted specialised tennis sessions for adults and children, helping participants enhance their skills and deepen their appreciation for the sport.

Nestled in the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is renowned for its exceptional service, luxurious villas, and world-class amenities. Boasting immaculate beaches and exclusive experiences, the resort provides an idyllic escape for discerning travellers. With professional tennis courts and wellness facilities, including a Bali-inspired spa and in-house yoga instruction, Hideaway offers tennis enthusiasts the perfect setting to refine their game while enjoying the serene paradise.

As one of the largest resorts in the Maldives, located in the remote Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway offers an extensive range of activities. These include a 5-hole golf putting green, an indoor golf simulator, Padel courts, indoor badminton, table tennis, and a state-of-the-art gym. Guests can also explore the island’s lush vegetation and scenic pathways by bicycle, combining leisure with exercise. For joggers, the island features excellent routes, approximately 1.4 kilometres long and 500 meters wide, providing a natural and invigorating fitness option.

Steve Cook, a fitness professional and former guest, remarked, “How often do you get a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, cycle along sand pathways, and run through lush tropical landscapes? Hideaway Beach Resort is not just a retreat—it’s a paradise for fitness and adventure enthusiasts looking to embrace challenges in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.”

As an award-winning luxury resort, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa continues to set the standard for recreation and relaxation in the Maldives. It offers guests more than just a vacation—delivering an unparalleled hideaway experience.

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Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives presents Active Escapes 2025

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

m@ldives

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has announced the return of the Active Escapes retreats in 2025. The week-long Active Escapes Maldives Festival will be held from 27 April to 4 May 2025 at the private island resort. This event is set to be the largest Active Escapes event of the year, attracting those who enjoy combining energetic recreation with a serene holiday atmosphere. Prices for the retreat start from US$2,600++ per person, twin share.

Sharon Garrett, Director of Marketing at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, expressed excitement about collaborating with Active Escapes again in 2025. “The week-long retreat-style festival offers a unique mix of adventure and relaxation. It’s perfect for individuals who prioritise health and fitness while on vacation or are looking to start fresh,” she said.

Garrett further noted, “It’s not a boot camp where you feel deprived of all the enjoyable aspects. On an Active Escapes retreat, guests can indulge in delicious cuisine prepared by the resort’s talented chefs and enjoy an impressive drinks list. The concept is to work out hard during the day and reward yourself in the evening.”

Active Escapes curates experiences that cater to a wide range of preferences, from water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking to scuba diving and more. In addition to aqua-centric pursuits, there is also time for holistic well-being. This includes yoga sessions against the backdrop of breathtaking sunrises or sunsets, visiting the Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala in the resort gardens, or simply taking a moment to relax and reflect by the beach with the soothing sounds of the waves. Active Escapes emphasises both the thrill of leisure pursuits and group fitness activities, as well as the tranquility and balance that can be achieved by embracing nature’s beauty and being present in this island paradise.

The Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 is all about having fun and attracting people from all around the world. It’s not solely for fitness enthusiasts; on the contrary, it offers a welcoming environment where the goal is for participants to leave a bit fitter than when they arrived in the Maldives, although the ultimate decision on participation level is up to them. There are varying degrees of difficulty in the program to ensure that those seeking a more intense workout feel challenged, while those needing a less intense workout are well catered for.

Active Escapes are particularly popular with solo travellers, who make up half of their bookings globally. The main age group is 20-40 years, although there have been guests in their late 50s on occasion.

The seven-night Active Escapes Maldives Festival 2025 hosts have been confirmed as the highly popular Peter Day and Nathan Ryles. ‘Second Release’ Packages start from US$2,600 per person twin share (excluding flights) and US$3,500 for a single room, and include: