Watch the Birth of Baby Islands in Maldives 2024-2025

Islands in the Maldives may rise from water, sink entirely, move sideways, or change their location completely

Best time: December–January | March–April

Maldives has lots of baby islands, that are born at low tides. These are small islands have the purest sand ever, as it's cleaned every time an island submerges under the water during high tide and rises up from the turquoise lagoon during low tide. Baby islands are also called sandbanks, and they actually have nothing but the purest sand. Insular metamorphoses aren't all just about high and low tides, dry and rainy seasons also introduce significant changes to the archipelago.

One of the tiniest islands is Villingili, located in the southern Maldives, It has a patch of sand that rises to 7.8 ft(2.4m) above the sea level, the lowest high point on the planet. Ari Atoll also has many tiny islands, such as Maafushivaru that is just 1646 ft(502 m) long. South Maalhosmadulu Atoll has experienced some reef evolution that gives scientists hope that the Maldives can survive the rising sea levels.

If you stay in the Maldives for a longer time, you might observe that some islands have moved sideways, or changed their location completely. During seasonal shifts, the soils on one band start eroding, whereas the banks on the opposite side of an island build up. That is the reason why some islands have no trees at all—their lifespan wouldn't be long. Such wonders of nature happen twice a year when the dry and rainy seasons replace one another, namely between December and January and also between March and April.

Practical info

Where can I witness the birth of baby islands in Maldives?

Sandbanks or baby islands, which rise during low tide and get pounded clean during high tide, can be found throughout the Maldives, including Ari Atoll and South Maalhosmadulu Atoll. These islands often move or shift location twice a year, typically between December and January and March and April.

When is the best time to observe the changes in the islands in Maldives?

Observing the seasonal changes that result in the rise of baby islands and shifting locations of Maldives' islands is best done between December and January and March and April. These changes are a result of dry and rainy seasons as well as high and low tides that occur twice a year in the region.

What is the special feature of the island Villingili in the southern Maldives?

In the southern Maldives is the island of Villingili, which boasts a unique feature: a small patch of sand that sits at a high point of just 7.8 ft (2.4 m) above sea level, making it the lowest high point on earth. The island is also known for its great diving and snorkeling opportunities with regular sightings of mantas and other large marine life.

How long are the tiny islands, like Maafushivaru, in Ari Atoll?

Among the tiniest islands in the Maldives is Maafushivaru, which measures just 1646 ft (502 m) long and is located in Ari Atoll. This Atoll has many other small islands with varying features, such as Villingili with the lowest high point and a number of baby islands.

How do the seasonal shifts affect the location of the islands in Maldives?

The Maldives archipelago is subject to seasonal changes that have an impact on its islands. High and low tides give rise to sandbanks while dry and rainy seasons affect activities on different sides of the islands, leading to the movement of some islands. These seasonal changes happen twice a year usually between December and January and between March and April.