Maldives – An Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide to a Trip to the Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, luxury resorts, and incredible marine life. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a luxury retreat, or an unforgettable diving experience, the Maldives offers a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.
Location: Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka
Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season, best weather)
How to Get There: Fly to Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male
Best for: Honeymoons, luxury travel, snorkelling, diving & relaxation
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
- November to April (Dry Season): Best weather, clear skies, low humidity.
- May to October (Wet Season): Fewer crowds, lower prices, but tropical showers & rougher seas
- Peak Season: December to March (higher prices, best weather).
- Low Season: May to October (cheaper resorts, but more rain).
Where to Stay in the Maldives
The Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands, many of which are private resort islands. Your accommodation choice depends on budget, travel style, and activities.
Luxury Resorts (£700+ per night)
- Soneva Jani – Ultra-luxury overwater villas with slides!
- Gili Lankanfushi – Eco-friendly, rustic-luxury overwater bungalows.
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli – Stunning modern design, private pools.
Mid-Range Resorts (£300 to £700 per night)
- Amilla Maldives – Unique bubble pod accommodation.
- Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – Large island with great snorkelling.
- Anantara Dhigu – Family-friendly & beautiful villas.
Budget-Friendly Guesthouses & Hotels (£50 – 200 per night)
- Thulusdhoo Island – Local island with surfing & affordable stays.
- Maafushi Island – The most popular budget island for local culture & diving.
- Dhigurah Island – Perfect for whale shark snorkelling & quiet beaches.
Local islands (like Maafushi) are great for budget travellers, but alcohol is banned!
Private resorts have no alcohol restrictions & offer more seclusion.
How to Get Around the Maldives
Since the Maldives is made up of many small islands, you’ll need to travel by:
- Speedboat (20-60 mins) – Cheaper, used for local islands & some resorts.
- Seaplane (20-45 mins) – Expensive, but an amazing experience & the fastest way to remote resorts.
- Public ferry (cheapest option, but slow) – Great for budget travel between local islands.
Best Things to Do in the Maldives
- Adventure & Water Activities
- Snorkelling & Diving – Swim with manta rays, whale sharks & turtles.
- Overwater Villas – Stay in an iconic water bungalow.
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise – Spot wild dolphins at sunset.
- Scuba Diving – Famous dive spots like Banana Reef & Manta Point.
- Sandbank Picnics – Private lunch on a tiny sand island in the ocean.
- Surfing – The Maldives has great waves, especially in Thulusdhoo & Himmafushi.
Romantic & Relaxing Experiences
- Underwater Restaurant Dining – Like Ithaa at Conrad Maldives.
- Floating Breakfast in a Private Pool – A must for Instagram!
- Luxury Spa Treatments – Overwater spas with ocean views.
- Stargazing on a Private Beach – Some islands have zero light pollution.
Best Snorkelling & Diving Spots in the Maldives
The Maldives has some of the best marine life in the world. If you love snorkelling or diving, you must visit these spots:
- Ari Atoll – Best for whale sharks & manta rays.
- Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay) UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, manta ray heaven (May to November).
- Vaavu Atoll (Alimatha House Reef)- Best night dive with nurse sharks.
- Banana Reef – One of the Maldives most famous diving spots.
Travel Advice
- Budget Tips for the Maldives
- Stay on local islands (like Maafushi) instead of private resorts.
- Use public ferries instead of expensive seaplanes.
- Travel during the wet season (May – October) for cheaper prices.
- Book all-inclusive packages to avoid high food & drink costs.
Maldives Travel Essentials
- Visa: Free 30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities.
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), but USD is widely accepted.
- Language: Dhivehi (but English is spoken in resorts).
- Electricity: UK-style plug sockets (Type G, 220V).
- Dress Code: Resorts = anything goes! Local islands = modest dress (no bikinis on public beaches).
Maldives vs. Seychelles vs. Bora Bora – Which to Choose?
| Feature | Maldives | Seychelles | Bora Bora |
| Best For | Honeymoons, luxury, snorkelling | Hiking + beaches | Overwater bungalows, coral reefs |
| Budget | Expensive, but budget options exist | More affordable variety | Very expensive |
| Beaches | White sand & crystal waters | More variety (granite rocks, jungle) | Stunning but fewer beaches |
| Activities | Diving, snorkelling, spa, luxury | Hiking, island hopping, snorkelling | Lagoon tours, diving, spa |
Maldives = Pure relaxation & luxury
- Seychelles = Perfect mix of adventure & beaches
- Bora Bora = French Polynesian paradise, but very pricey
Final Thoughts: Is the Maldives Worth It?
YES if: You want pure luxury, world-class snorkelling, and picture-perfect beaches.
NO if: You prefer adventure, hiking, and culture (Seychelles or Bali might be better).