Maldives Travel Guide: Top 5 Best Destination

The Maldive Islands are a series of coral atolls built up from the crowns of a submerged ancient volcanic mountain range. All the islands are lowlying, none rising to more than 6 feet (1.8 metres) above sea level. Barrier reefs protect the islands from the destructive effects of monsoons. The rainy season, from May to August, is brought by the southwest monsoon; from December to March the northeast monsoon brings dry and mild winds. The average annual temperature varies from 76 to 86 °F (24 to 30 °C). Rainfall averages about 2,130 mm per year. The atoll has sandy beaches, lagoons, lush coconut trees, breadfruit and tropical shrubs. The coral reefs, lagoons and seas adjacent to the island have many fish. Sea turtles are caught for food and traditional medicine oil.