The Republic of Maldives, or simply the Maldives, is known for being one of the best tropical holiday destinations in the world.

Composed of 1190 coral islands, it is boasts of white beaches, beautiful lagoons, dazzling underwater coral gardens, and pretty palm trees that sway with the breeze.

It is proud to call itself “the last paradise on earth”, which is an appellation most tourists that have visited will agree to.

More on the Maldives:

• Dive spots
• Visitor attractions

Image courtesy of matt hampton.

Each of these diving spots offers something unique.

The Banana Reef

The Banana Reef is a beautiful surreal spot where you will find everything from sharks to various reef fish. The reef is part of a national park so that it is a protected area. Those who don’t know or feel like scuba diving will can snorkel and see its beautiful corals.

The Fish Head

The Fish Head and the Wreck of the Maldive Victory are also famous in their own right with the Fish Head’s main attraction being the copious grey reef sharks that frequent the place.

The Wreck

The Wreck of the Maldive Victory is best known for its origin being a cargo ship that sunk in 1981.

The Maldives have several really interesting landmarks for those interested in seeing religious (Islamic) monuments. Two of the most famous religious monuments in the Maldives include the Islamic Centre located in Male, which has everything from a huge mosque, an Islamic Library, a conference hall, a school, and offices, and also the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque, which is considered to be the best example of coral curving in the entire world.

Those interested in other beautiful architecture will also find the National Museum, which is the last remaining section of the old Sultan’s Palace still standing, a very interesting place to visit.