How to Spot Magnificent Sunsets in the Maldives - Locations to Spot Glorious Sunsets during Your Maldivian Getaway
While most tourists head to the Maldives to experience its white, sandy beaches and excellent water sports facilities, there's more to the paradise isles than these top ticket highlights. Catching the sunset at the end of each day is an event in a country that is the lowest-lying nation on the planet. Consisting of over a thousand coral islands, sunsets are visible in truly magnificent locations all across the Maldives. Here's a rundown of some of the best spots for sunset gazers.
1. Banana Reef
Occupying pride of place on the North Male Atoll, Banana Reef is synonymous with idyllic diving conditions and one of the country's richest underwater landscapes. Scuba divers that head out for a diving tour on Banana Reef during the late afternoon will find that watching the sun descend over the horizon is a truly magical sight in this corner of the Maldives. Equally spectacular at sunrise, the clear waters and the open skies around Banana Reef light up with myriad hues during the late evening hours. Those who have just peeked beneath the waves at the colourful marine life will find looking upon the sunset from the water is a special reward for their efforts.
2. Male
Often ignored in favour of the resort islands on the periphery, Male, the capital of the Maldives, is another fantastic venue for witnessing the daily miracle. The local fish market is a location where unhindered views of the sunset can be seen during the late afternoons just as it is a popular spot during the break of dawn when fishing boats arrive with fresh seafood. Republic Square and other seaside promenades are other locations where one can catch a glimpse of the sun setting over the horizon.
3. Veligandu Beach
Travellers based at Adaaran Prestige Water Villas or any one of the other 5 star resorts in Maldives must venture down to Veligandu Beach for its picture-perfect sunsets. Situated near the North Ari Atoll, this little piece of paradise is the perfect beach hub for a day trip. Tourists can splash and swim around while enjoying local delicacies such as Mas Huni and enjoy water-bound activities before the blessed hour of sunset arrives. There's no need to head to a particular section of the beach either, as Veligandu Beach offers unhindered views of the sun setting from nearly every corner.
4. Kudadoo Island
As a private island that has now been opened to the public, Kudadoo Island remains a firm favourite among sunset gazers. Known for its "secluded" sunsets, watching the sun dip its head in the water is a mesmerising experience that travellers will not soon forget.
5. Alimatha Island
Located on the eastern fringes of the Maldives, Alimantha Island is another venue to add to your sunset viewing areas. But unlike Kudadoo Island or Veligandu Beach, one must leave the shore and paddle out on a canoe to witness the sun's descent into its nightly abode. The waters around Alimatha Island are particularly tranquil and ideal for canoeing or kayaking activities during this time of the day, so visitors can head out on a vessel at their own pace and enjoy the quiet solitude of the moment by themselves.
6. Mount Villingili
Known as the highest point in the Maldives, Mount Villingili was also called the "smallest mountain in the world' for many years. Towering above the surrounding landscapes at 5.1m, the peak of this small mountain offers breathtaking views of the sunset for all those who make the effort to trek up to the summit. As an easy hike that takes less than half an hour, the joy of looking out over the horizon from this vantage point during the sunset hour is indescribable.
