Maldives: Travel Guide

Maldives is best for...

Families: The Maldives offers families an idyllic escape with child-friendly beaches, engaging water activities, and resorts equipped with family accommodations and exciting kids' clubs. The calm seas and vibrant marine life create a perfect setting for introducing children to snorkeling and marine education in an enjoyable and instructive manner.

Couples: An epitome of romantic settings, the Maldives provides couples with luxury, seclusion, and stunning beauty. Couples can enjoy private overwater bungalows, intimate beachside dinners, and mesmerizing sunsets, creating an enchanting atmosphere for love and relaxation.

Lovers of Sea Life: For marine life enthusiasts, the Maldives is a dream destination. Its rich underwater world, teeming with colorful coral reefs and diverse marine species, offers exceptional experiences for snorkelers and divers.

Getting around Maldives

By Speedboat and Seaplane: The most common modes of transport in the Maldives are speedboats and seaplanes. Speedboats are used for shorter distances, especially when transferring from the main airport to nearby resorts. Seaplanes offer a faster and more scenic route to farther islands, providing an aerial view of the stunning atolls.

By Domestic Flight: For some distant islands, domestic flights are available from Velana International Airport in Malé to several regional airports. These flights offer a convenient way to reach remote resorts.

By Dhoni: Traditional Dhoni boats are widely used for both inter-island travel and leisure activities like fishing trips or island hopping. It's a unique way to experience the local culture and explore the surrounding islands at a leisurely pace.

By Public Ferry: For budget-conscious travelers, public ferry services are available. These ferries offer a more affordable option for moving between islands, although they are less frequent and slower than speedboats and seaplanes.

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Fast facts for Maldives

Language: Dhivehi; English is commonly spoken in resorts and tourist areas.

Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Local Time: GMT +5

Electricity: Standard voltage is 230V, with Type D and G plug outlets being the norm.

Fly to:

Most international flights arrive at Velana International Airport in Malé. From there, most resorts are reached via boat or seaplane transfer, offering a scenic entry to your island destination.

Best Time to Visit:

Visit between November and April, the dry season, to enjoy sunny, warm days ideal for beach and water activities.

Visa/Health:

A 30-day tourist visa is granted upon arrival; no prior arrangements are needed. Check up-to-date health advice and vaccination requirements before your trip.

Your Guide to Maldives holidays

  • Food & Drinks
  • Snorkeling
  • We Love
  • At a Glance

Food & Drinks

Cuisine: A delightful mix of South Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic influences, with a focus on seafood.

Try: 'Mas Huni' (smoked fish with coconut and onion) and 'Fihunu Mas' (grilled fish with chili).

Drinks: Sample 'Raa' (traditional toddy); alcohol is available in resorts.

Snorkeling

The Maldives is world-renowned for its diving and snorkeling, with clear waters and abundant marine life. Water sports like jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding are also widely available for adventure enthusiasts. With its shallow and clear waters, the Maldives is perfect for snorkeling. Explore the thriving coral reefs right from the beach or join guided snorkeling tours to witness the breathtaking marine biodiversity.

We Love

The Maldives is a quintessential tropical paradise, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and thriving coral reefs. Unique experiences like staying in overwater bungalows and exploring the rich marine life make it an extraordinary destination.

At a Glance

Average Flying Time: Around 10-11 hours from London.

Climate: Tropical, with average temperatures around 30°C.

Transfer Times: Seaplane transfers typically take 15-60 minutes, while speedboat transfers depend on the distance.

Frequently Asked Questions