Maldives Travel Guide
Are you searching for a Maldives travel guide to plan your vacation to Maldives? Have you been fantasising about the calm blue waves and silky smooth sand? Chilling on an island without a care in the world? We’re here to help you get to your dream destination in the easiest way possible by providing you with all the necessary details!
In the interest of getting your trip booked ASAP and to get you all the important info in the shortest time frame possible, we’ll make this post as comprehensive but as short as possible. Let’s get right into it.
Getting to and Travelling in Maldives
If you’re coming to Maldives as an international traveller / tourist, your plane will most certainly land at Velana International Airport. From here, you will get picked up by your respective resort from the arrival gate (unless you opted for a more budget accommodation option to experience true island life) and then get taken to their lounge if they have one. From here you’ll be taken to your resort either via speedboat or seaplane, depending on which one you picked while making your booking.
Keep in mind, speedboats are cheaper than seaplanes but take a bit longer to get to your destination. Some resorts are quite far from the airport (some of them being hundreds of kilometres away) so it might be better to just shell out a bit more cash and take to the air.
When it comes to travelling in Maldives itself, getting from one island to the other leaves you with a few options. Options 1 and 2 were mentioned earlier in the form of seaplanes and speedboats. The third option is the cheapest but the most time consuming, which is to travel by boat or dhoani, as it’s called in the local language of Dhivehi. Modern Maldivian dhoani were made using the traditional variations as inspiration.
If you’re more keen on travelling via air from island to island (or atoll to atoll rather), we recommend you check out our guide to Maldivian airports.
Health Concerns & Travel Forms
Currently in Maldives, COVID-19 cases have dropped but that doesn’t mean the cases are at zero. There are people who still get sick so it might be wise to wear a mask if you plan on going to super crowded places such as when you’re shopping at the capital and whatnot. Other than that, you’ll be fine to roam around without a mask if you wish.
If you’re planning on going to the local islands or even if you’re at a resort, there’s really no need to put on a mask. There aren’t that many people on the islands that warrants you needing to mask up and the resorts are always on top of everything health-wise so no worries on that front.
Maldives Immigration announced from 13th March 2022 onwards that there will be no PCR tests needed to enter Maldives but it pays to be careful on your end, even if you’re vaccinated. If you’d like to know more, click here for all the pertinent info.
Another thing you’d need to be aware of is the mandatory travel form you’d need to fill out before entering the country. This form will need to be submitted 96 hours before arrival and is available online. Simply click here and then click on ‘Traveller Declaration’, follow the required steps and you’re all set!
All About Your VISA Requirements
If you’re wondering what the VISA situation is like for tourists in Maldives, you have almost nothing to worry about.
All tourists get a one-month VISA on arrival, provided your passport does not expire within the month of your expected departure. So ensure you have at least a month’s worth of validity and you’ll be right as rain. If you’re planning on staying for more than one month, you have the option of extending your VISA at no additional costs. If you’d like to apply for a VISA extension, simply click here and contact the Maldivian Immigration services from the top right of the website and they’ll help you with your query.
Weather in the Maldives
It’s important to pick the right time of the year to travel to Maldives for a vacation and that’s mainly due to the weather.
Maldives has two seasons throughout the year, which are the Southwest Monsoon (the wet / rainy season) and the Northeast Monsoon (the dry / sunny season). The Southwest Monsoon begins during mid-May and ends in November. The Northeast Monsoon begins in January and ends in March, with April and December being transitional months between the seasons.
Tourists usually plan their holidays around the Northeast Monsoon, due to the sunny climate and warmth that a lot of Europeans and Americans crave during that time of the year. The sun shines each and every day, with the ocean winds cooling you off as you sunbathe. While this may be the prime time for a Maldives holiday, it tends to get quite expensive as November and December approaches, due to the holiday season. If the cost is of no issue to you and you want to enjoy the sun and avoid the rain, the Northeast Monsoon is for you.
The Southwest Monsoon is when tourist numbers tend to dip in Maldives, due to people not wanting the rain ruining their plans. The advantages to this time of the year is the fact that prices will also fall as this is the off-season for Maldives. The rain isn’t that terrible in Maldives either. Rainfall doesn’t occur as frequently as one would think in Maldives, even during this season. So if you want to save a bit of cash, go to a resort where there are less people than usual (bonus points for privacy) and don’t mind a bit of rain, the Southwest Monsoon might be for you.
If you’d like to read up on a more comprehensive Maldives weather breakdown, check out our other posts by clicking here or clicking here.
Picking Your Favoured Resort
When it comes time to pick which resort you want to spend your vacation at, you’ll find that you’re spoiled for choice. With over 140 resorts to choose from, it can be somewhat time consuming and overwhelming. So in an effort to speed things up for you, here are some categorised resorts that might suit your holiday needs.
Luxury Resorts for an Opulent Experience
Living lavish has never looked this good. Maldives may be known for its sandy beaches and glimmering waters but when you’re at the resort, you will bask in a truly ornate environment, fit to serve guests to its fullest potential. Here are some resorts that exude this atmosphere.
- Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi: Luxury Redefined
- Ayada Maldives: Where Luxury Meets Style
- Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa: Luxury is Personal
Butterflies in your Belly & Fire in Your Hearts
Maldives has been deemed as one of the most romantic holiday destinations in the world. The air is filled with love and desire, with resort activities that stokes these flames even further.
- Four Seasons Maldives Resort at Kuda Huraa: Island Romance
- Velaa Private Island Maldives: A Celebration of Love
- Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives: Unmatched Privacy and Romance
What to Do, What to Do
Have you ever been somewhere exciting but there seems to be nothing that catches your eye? That will not be the case at Maldives resorts as there’s always something lined up for you to do. Here are some resorts where the word boredom does not exist.
- Soneva Fushi Maldives: Signature Experiences
- Adaaran Select Meedhupparu Maldives: Never Stay in One Place
- Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Maldives: Thrill of the Islands
Resort Deals For a Fantastic Time
If you’re travelling to Maldives, it might be a good idea to take advantage of the offers on their websites. We’ve compiled some amazing resorts that ensure their offers are many in quantity and beaming with quality as well.
- Anantara Kihavah Maldives: An Enchanting Sanctuary
- The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives: Setting Standards Since 2019
- Canareef Resort Maldives: Serene Blue Waters That Soothe
- Royal Island Resort & Spa Maldives: The Spirit of Escapism
- The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort: An Extraordinary Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can alcohol be brought into the country?
A1: Bringing alcohol into the Maldives is prohibited. These drinks can only be served in resorts with exclusive licences, and the majority of resorts carry high-end international brands.
Q2: Are there vegetarian food options available in Maldives?
A2: Yes, most resorts will accommodate your tastes and make sure your dietary choices are respected.
Q3: What are the meal plans available in Maldives resorts?
A3: European Plan: Room only plan.
Continental Plan: Room with Breakfast.
Half Board: Room with Breakfast and Dinner.
Full Board: Room with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
All-Inclusive: Full board plus selected drinks and some additional perks.
Q4: What mobile service provider should I get when I’m in Maldives?
A4: For two to three dollars, you can get a data sim and then add an internet service. There are two well-known local telecom companies: Ooredoo and Dhiraagu. Between the international and domestic terminals, outside the arrival area, are their booths.
Q5: What is a Green Tax?
A5: In the Maldives, the green tax is a mandatory national tax. Regardless of age, all hotels charge USD 6.00 per person, each night. Keep in mind that the majority of hotels incorporate the green tax into the cost of their rooms; this is true even during special deals and promotions.
Q6: Can you tip in Maldives?
A6: The Maldives does not embrace tipping culture. At the airport, it is not permitted. Since most hotels and restaurants have already added a 10% service tax to your bill, they do not promote it. You are free to tip whenever you see fit.
Q7: Is English a common language in Maldives?
A7: Yes, English is the main language spoken within resorts, with people from Male’ also being fluent.
Q8: How do the Maldives’ medical facilities fare?
A8: For urgent medical help, the majority of resorts have a doctor on staff. There will be access to a nearby island with medical services in the event that the resort lacks one. Maldives has three main hospitals: the private ADK Hospital in Male’, the government Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital and the emergency Tree Top Hospital in Hulhumale.
Q9: Can I wear whatever I want in Maldives?
A9: Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, wearing modest clothing is considered courteous. Bring some decent attire that covers your shoulders and legs if you want to stay in Malé or one of the nearby inhabited islands. You can change into your typical vacation clothes once you get to your resort.
Q10: Could I use my credit card there and are there ATMs?
A10: There are ATMs at the international airport and throughout Malé. On several tourist islands, however, there are very few or none at all ATMs. At your resort, you may pay with your credit card for everything you buy, and everything will typically be charged to your room when you check out.
Q11: Are standard electrical plugs compatible within Maldives?
A11: Type C, D, G, J, K, and L plug sockets are among the several types used in the Maldives. Standard voltage and frequency in the Maldives are 230 V and 50 Hz, respectively. We advise looking into getting a multipurpose international adaptor to make life easier.
Q12: Do I need travel insurance?
A12: No matter how healthy you are or how you like to vacation, travel insurance covers you in case of illness or catastrophe. In addition, insurance protects you and your family against unplanned changes to your trip itinerary, natural disasters, and lost or stolen luggage.
We hope our Maldives travel guide serves you well when you’re making your vacation bookings! To make your booking process easier, visit our MadlyMaldives website where we’ll take care of all your travel needs.
