Maldives travel guide

Maldives Tourism | Maldives Guide

You're Going to Love Maldives

With its white beaches, marine life, and tropical weather, it is no secret as to why so many visitors flock to the Maldives every year. If you enjoy water sports like diving, swimming, or snorkeling, you will love visiting this country, as the oceans, fish, and caves are unlike any other in the world.

If you are hoping to spend your trip just relaxing and getting away from stress, the Maldives are perfect for this as well. With its numerous calm beaches and all-inclusive resorts that are meant to specifically cater to your needs, you will feel as if you are in paradise while you are spending time in this country.

What to do in the Maldives

1. Catch a Wave

If you are an avid surfer, make sure to pay a visit to Malé Atoll, a region in the Maldives that is known for having soft sand beaches and great waves.

2. See Some Wildlife

For those that would like to spend their trip either snorkeling or scuba diving, visiting the island of Vilamendhoo is a must, as it is known for providing many manta ray sightings and having calm waters that are safe to swim in.

3. Visit a Museum

To learn more about the country's interesting and rich history, go to the National Museum, as it contains several exhibits that feature artifacts and photographs meant to educate visitors on the Maldives' culture.

4. Enjoy the Country's Architecture

The Mulee-aage Palace is an impressive and scenic monument for all travelers to visit, particularly those that enjoy learning about architecture.

5. Go to a Historical Monument

The Hukuru Miskiy is one of the most popular monuments in the Maldives, as it is a beautiful mosque that dates back to the 1600s and is decorated with a selection of ornate coral stones.

1. Catch a Wave

If you are an avid surfer, make sure to pay a visit to Malé Atoll, a region in the Maldives that is known for having soft sand beaches and great waves.

2. See Some Wildlife

For those that would like to spend their trip either snorkeling or scuba diving, visiting the island of Vilamendhoo is a must, as it is known for providing many manta ray sightings and having calm waters that are safe to swim in.

3. Visit a Museum

To learn more about the country's interesting and rich history, go to the National Museum, as it contains several exhibits that feature artifacts and photographs meant to educate visitors on the Maldives' culture.

4. Enjoy the Country's Architecture

The Mulee-aage Palace is an impressive and scenic monument for all travelers to visit, particularly those that enjoy learning about architecture.

5. Go to a Historical Monument

The Hukuru Miskiy is one of the most popular monuments in the Maldives, as it is a beautiful mosque that dates back to the 1600s and is decorated with a selection of ornate coral stones.

When to visit the Maldives

Maldives in August
Estimated hotel price
₹ 38921
1 night at 3-star hotel
Maldives in August
Estimated hotel price
₹ 38921
1 night at 3-star hotel

While the Maldives are known for having sunny and warm weather year round, the months of November to April are the best period to visit this country, as it is the dry season and will mean that it is less likely that you will get caught in a rainstorm.

How to Get to the Maldives

Entry Requirements

As long as you have a valid passport, a return ticket back home, and a valid place to stay during your visit, citizens of all countries can stay in the Maldives for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending it for 3 more months.

Plane

When visiting the Maldives, almost all guests fly into the country, with Malé International Airport being the most popular destination. Depending on where you will be flying from, you can choose to travel with several different companies, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Austrian Airlines, and Emirates.

Entry Requirements

As long as you have a valid passport, a return ticket back home, and a valid place to stay during your visit, citizens of all countries can stay in the Maldives for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending it for 3 more months.

Plane

When visiting the Maldives, almost all guests fly into the country, with Malé International Airport being the most popular destination. Depending on where you will be flying from, you can choose to travel with several different companies, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Austrian Airlines, and Emirates.

Popular airports in the Maldives

MLEMale

Popular airlines serving the Maldives

Lufthansa
Good (4,504 reviews)
KLM
Good (830 reviews)
SWISS
Good (913 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,306 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,261 reviews)
Air France
Good (967 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,534 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (481 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,104 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,864 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,479 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (216 reviews)
Finnair
Good (885 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (891 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,333 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (818 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (693 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,637 reviews)
Egypt Air
Good (188 reviews)
Malaysia Airlines
Good (173 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in the Maldives

The most popular place to stay when visiting the Maldives is in a resort, as they vary greatly in price and often provide guests with direct access to the beach. If you will be staying in Male, otherwise known as the country's capital city, you can also choose from a variety of traditional hotels.

Where to stay in popular areas of the Maldives

Most booked hotels in the Maldives

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
₹ 28,638+

How to Get Around the Maldives

Public Transportation

Buses are the most popular mode of transportation in the country. Through the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, visitors can take local buses in the cities of Male and Hulhumale, with a bus passing approximately every half hour.

Boats

When traveling in between islands, public ferries are a common mode of transportation, as they are quick, reliable, and affordable. For those that need to get to the airport or would like to take a day trip, it is possible to charter your own speedboat.

Plane

Every island in the Maldives can be reached by plane from Male within 90min. If you will be traveling between two different islands, you can book your flight with several different companies, including Island Aviation, Maldivian Air Taxi, and Trans Maldivian Airways.

Public Transportation

Buses are the most popular mode of transportation in the country. Through the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company, visitors can take local buses in the cities of Male and Hulhumale, with a bus passing approximately every half hour.

Boats

When traveling in between islands, public ferries are a common mode of transportation, as they are quick, reliable, and affordable. For those that need to get to the airport or would like to take a day trip, it is possible to charter your own speedboat.

Plane

Every island in the Maldives can be reached by plane from Male within 90min. If you will be traveling between two different islands, you can book your flight with several different companies, including Island Aviation, Maldivian Air Taxi, and Trans Maldivian Airways.

The Cost of Living in the Maldives

Although the country's official currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, almost all hotels and stores will accept the United States Dollar. Resorts and hotels are required by law to accept both debit and credit cards. Keep some cash for small transactions, though. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost about 60 MVR (3.90 USD) per person.