The Maldives is a country like no other in the world. And its sandbanks are key to the country’s uniqueness. As idyllic as they are ephemeral, they are the perfect place to enjoy a great day out, where the sea, the incredible powdery white sand and the abundant underwater flora and fauna are the key ingredients.
The best thing about them is that you can nearly always visit them in an exclusive fashion, often times alone, conveniently taken there by hotel staff or associated activity companies. Despite the fact a visit only lasts a few hours, many consider it to be the closest thing to what the fictional character Robinson Crusoe must have felt on his desert island.
What is a sandbank
A sandbank is a raised area of sand below the surface of the sea. In the case of the Maldives, it consists of a geographical feature formed by coral. But how did coral end up transforming into the magnificent banks that dot this part of the Indian Ocean?
The answer lies in parrotfish, a key species for both marine and terrestrial ecosystems in tropical areas. By eating the coral itself, the fish then excrete what their bodies cannot digest. This undigested material, which consists of a soft, white sand, is in turn dragged by the current and the wind until it forms the sandbanks.
It is worth remembering that these sandbanks are not static. In other words, the wind and the sea continuously move them, making them come and go depending on weather conditions. Moreover, even if they remain for a longer or shorter period, they are also conditioned by the flow of the tides. Due to this, they may vanish during high tide, only to reappear at low tide. Which is precisely why the sandbanks do not have any type of vegetation.
Why visit the sandbanks
First and foremost, because the sandbanks are one of the most unique biological and geological features on the planet. Visiting them, even for just a few minutes, is a truly unique nature experience. Just travelling around the atolls on a boat in search of the sandbanks is an experience that will thrill any fan of unspoilt places.
They are also a great spot to spend a sunny day out at the beach with everything you need. Resorts in the Maldives organise excursions to the sandbanks, offering guests packages including transport and food and drink, as well as beach umbrellas or a gazebo to protect you from the sun’s rays.
That way, you can spend a lovely day out, often alone or with very few companions, enjoying the beauty of the sandbanks and the crystal clear waters teeming with underwater life that is almost always visible with a basic snorkel and goggles.
Those looking for more privacy should bear in mind that many hotels and specialist companies also offer the option of being left completely alone at a sandbank until the agreed time of return.
Activities at the sandbanks
The main activity that you can enjoy at the sandbanks is, without question, relaxing in the sun or taking a dip in the sea. As previously mentioned, they are also a great place to dive or swim with a snorkel and goggles.
At the sandbanks you can enjoy a picnic or even a barbecue prepared by hotel staff or the activity companies that offer excursions. One of the most romantic options that you can experience in the Maldives is a dinner for two at sunset on a sandbank.
Options to get there
The only way to get to the sandbanks is on board a small motor boat or sail boat. This is because, if the boat runs aground on the sand, it can be moved without too much effort.
It is advisable to book an excursion to the sandbanks at your chosen accommodation in the Maldives. Both because hotels offer this service and you will therefore be accompanied by your own hotel staff and because they have agreements with local companies specialising in these types of excursions and outdoor activities.
Hotels in the Maldives
The hotel Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is located in the South Ari Atoll, on the island of Bodufinolhu. This exclusive five-star resort has 100 villas, 30 of which are built on stilts over the sea, as well as seven beach suites, which have their own plunge pools.
The resort also has three themed restaurants, serving local and Mediterranean food, three bars and a snack bar. One of these bars, Lagoon Pool Bar, is housed in the highly recommended Beach Club.
As an added attraction, the resort is very close to the South Marine Protected Area (SAMPA), home to a large colony of whale sharks which can be seen throughout the year.
