Watersports: Exceptional and easily accessible underwater life make the Maldives one of the world's top diving and snorkeling destinations. All 88 resorts have professional dive schools, with fully qualified multilingual instructors offering a range of courses, from beginners to full PADI certification. Basic diving equipment is provided in all resorts and some also rent out underwater cameras. Dive schools organize daily dive boat trips to sites around the islands throughout the year. Night dives and special trips for more experienced divers are also available. Most of the resorts also offer reef sightseeing trips on glass-bottomed boats. Below is a selection of the best dive sites in the Maldives:

Maldives Victory Wreck: The wreck of the Maldives Victory (which sank in 1981) lies on the western side of Hulule island at a dept of 35m (115 ft). Due to strong currents, this dive is for experienced divers only.

Mushimasmingili Thila (Shark Thila): Located in the northern section of the Ari Atoll, close to the islands of Fesdu, Halaveli, Maayafushi and Ellaidhu. Renowned for its abundance in fish, notably gray reef shark, giant snappers and tropical reef fish.

Guraidhoo Corner: Near the islands of Losfushi, Guraidhoo and Kandooma, this reef lies on the east side of the South Malé Atoll. Powerful vertical currents make this suitable for experienced divers only. The reef is particularly known for its large fish, including gray reef sharks, eagle rays, sailfish and large snappers.

Kuda Rah Thila (Broken Rock): Located in the southernmost corner of the Ari Atoll, close to the islands of Dhangethi and Dhigurah. Good for less experienced divers as the currents are fairly weak.

Banana Reef: Located on the eastern side of the North Malé Atoll, near the islands of Fullmoon Island, Farukolh, Fushi and Kurumba. Strong currents make for an exceptionally abundant marine life, with reef sharks, bannerfish and oriental sweetlips all present.

Note: Visitors should note that the Maldives adhere to a strict reef and marine conservation policy and that severe penalties may be imposed for disrespecting the environment (see also 'Prohibited Items' in the Duty Free section).

The large lagoons surrounding most of the islands are ideal for windsurfing, a sport extensively catered for in all resorts (with windsurfing schools available in most of them). Surfing has recently become popular and there are a number of resorts on the atoll edges that have good waves, notably those located in the north of the South Malé atolls. Many resorts offer regular boat trips to surf breaks. The best time for surfing is during the northeast monsoon (November to April). A list of the best surfing spots is available from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (see address section). Most resorts also have waterskiing facilities and catamarans for hire. Most of the larger resorts also offer facilities and courses for parasailing.

Fishing has been the lifeline of the Maldives' people and, with over 99% of the Maldives' total area consisting of water, the country has some of the world's best fishing grounds. Many resorts offer fishing trips on modern speedboats equipped for big game fishing. Night fishing for groupers, snappers, squirrelfish or barracuda is particularly popular. Fishing trips will usually end with a barbecue at the resort with the day's catch being cooked and eaten.

Note: As a conservation measure, sport fishing is confined to the tag and release method. The use of harpoon guns and hunting of marine mammals such as whales and dolphins and large fish such as the whale shark is strictly prohibited. The fishing and collection of the following is also prohibited: turtle, Napolean wrasse, berried and small lobster, conch, giant clam and black coral.

Some resorts have facilities for sports such as tennis, football, volleyball and badminton.

Sailing: In order to allow visitors to see more than one of the Maldives' many islands, several types of sailing cruises are available (including diving safaris or relaxing cruises through the atolls). Some boats offer luxury accommodation and all modern amenities, while others offer more basic facilities. Further details can be obtained from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.

Excursions: Different types of excursions are available. Island-hopping tours usually last for a full or half day and frequently combine a visit to a fishing village with a trip to an uninhabited island (where often a beach barbecue will be served). Traditional boats (dhoni) or speedboats can be hired privately. There are options for spending a day and night alone on an uninhabited island. Aerial excursions usually combine aerial sightseeing with diving. Photo flights are also possible. Further details can be obtained from the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.