Great photos mine are not so good, not that good with a camera.
I have been to the Maldives a few times, there is simply nothing comparible in my mind to the Atol's from landing in Male (pronouced Marl-Eh) and then catching your sea plane to the island, (Maldives air employ young Australian pilots, ours was piloted bare foot in shorts and tee shirt)
Anyone looking for an exotic holiday - Go - seriously go, its too amazing too miss!
The North Atol's have a greater showing of reef where as the South suffered a lot from the bleaching event back in the 90's but are recovering
My not so good shots
We plan to go back next year. Will look into Velassaru.
For us its an easy hop, we fly from Ottawa the UK first see my parents then fly direct on a Sunday night at Midnight by Monarch airways direct into Male (11 hours)