By chance, does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent or agency that is very knowledgeable and helpful in planning a trip to the Maldives?

Can't help re travel agents as we are in UK, but I would just say go now! Be aware that effectively you are going to a single hotel on an island that has nothing other than the hotel on it. There is nowhere really to visit. There a few islands where the 'locals' live, but there is nothing to see of interest. Those islands are not set up for tourists. So choose your island/hotel very carefully. No need for shoes unless on a very smart island, do NOT take any religious artefacts, even a crucifix that you might wear all the time. They are taken away and held at customs for your departure. Same with alcohol, don't even think of taking any into the country. Alcohol is served generally in the hotels by non Maldivians. Snorkelling is fantastic, plenty and colourful. However, I was able to snorkel slowly around my island in just over an hour. Very relaxing if you are happy doing nothing! A lot of people combine with a tour of Sri Lanka. If you do that the two places are great contrasts and fascinating. Go to Sri Lanka first and then relax on the Maldives. Sorry not to give more specific response to your question.

Thanks for reply. Have you heard of agency in UK called Purely Maldives? I have heard high praise of them and they do work with non-UK, except they cannot do non-UK flight arrangements. My wife would be happy with simply snorkeling all day so the place sounds good for us!

I'm sorry, I haven't heard of this agency, though did a quick internet search, of course. They are ATOL protected, which is a type of acceptance by the UK government and means the business is secure. If they suddenly went out of business, for example, after I had booked a holiday, it would be covered. Not sure how that would translate across to US citizens. They certainly seem to have lots of islands on their website. I would find it hard to choose..... We went around about 2000 I think and can't remember how we chose our island. From our experience you might want to seriously consider the All Inclusive option as there wont be many, if any, dining options. It truly is one island=one hotel: nothing else. Also, we arrived at our hotel via a sea plane, which could be off-putting to some. It was a completely new experience for us which turned out to be a fantastic mode of travel and the take offs and landings were probably some of the smoothest I have ever encountered )and we fly a lot). Fabulous views goes without saying. I am feeling a little envious. I would love to return but my husband is not a swimmer or snorkeler and was bored after a couple of days. I wasn't!!

Thanks for info - it is reassuring. I have been talking with them - they seem excellent - and we probably will book with them for a trip to the Maldives next year. It only it were not so dang far away!

It'll be worth waiting for!