A kandu, or channel, at the outer edge of an atoll, where marine life thrives and swells can form a perfect surf break.

Located between two channels, the tiny island of Thaburudhoo has two great surf breaks (picture Ian Lyon 1990)

The Maldives capital is tightly packed onto the island of Male.

At days end, a dhoni motors past one of the Maldives many islands.

Coral forms the Maldives atolls, with fringing reefs and islands enclosing large lagoons.

Tradionally sail powered fishing boats, dhonis are now made in various sizes with diesel engines. They're used as dive boats, for general transport and to access surf breaks.

A living ecosystem, the coral reef community includes fish, marine mammals, corals, plankton and microorganisms

Many of the Maldives islands now have tourist resorts, specialising in sand, sea and sunshine.

Maldivian men take naturally to boats, fishing and the sea.

This resort based dhoni is used for diving and tourist excursions

Dozens of dhonis bring their catch to the Male fish market.

The Maldivian flag and the Grand Friday Mosque in Jumhooree Maidan, Male's main square.