That’s a lot of competition for the best beach vacation ever! We’ve got the low-down on how to plan the ultimate trip to the Maldives. Our guide covers getting around the many atolls, tips on how to find the right place to stay, what to eat, and how to avoid roaming charges when you’re relaxing on the beach..
Here’s what’s in this Maldives travel guide:
- Getting There and Around
- Best Time to Visit
- Lodging Tips
- What to Eat
- Tips for Traveling in the Maldives
Getting There and Around
Flying in: Your Maldives trip will almost certainly start at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, a quick speedboat ride from the capital Malé.
Inter-island transfers: There are a ton of ways to island hop the Maldives depending on your style and budget. You can take the ferry between inhabited islands, a domestic flight to more far-flung atolls, seek out an epic view from a seaplane, or zip through lagoons full throttle on a speedboat. You can read more about these options in detail in our Maldives island hopping guide.
Local transport: Once you’ve reached your island destination, it’s time embrace the slower pace of life. Many of the islands are small enough to explore on foot or by bike. Some private islands may offer golf carts. In more urban places like Malé and Hulhumalé, you can rent a scooter to zoom around, hail a cab, or take the local bus – always a cheap and efficient way to get around the city.
Best Time to Visit
Finding the best time to visit the Maldives can take a bit of nuance. The dry season, stretching from November to April, is certainly the most popular time to visit. It’s the Maldives at its idyllic best, with minimal rainfall, low humidity, and sunshine out the wazoo. But paradise comes at a premium, with higher prices and many more crowds, making a private escape a bit harder to come by.
If you’re seeking a more intimate experience with the islands, think about travel during the shoulder seasons – April to May and September to October. These months are an unbeatable compromise, with reliably pleasant weather, comfortable temps and the occasional rain shower (which, to be honest, only enhances the dramatic beauty of the landscape). Your trip might feel a bit more tranquil, with fewer crowds, and more opportunities to connect both with nature and with locals.
For the adventurous souls and budget-conscious travelers, the wet season, from May to October, has its own allure. Rain showers are more frequent and humidity levels rise, which might not sound so pleasant. But, the islands transform into even more lush, even more colorful paradise. The underwater world comes alive, with blooms of plankton attracting manta rays and whale sharks to feeding grounds like Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay. This is also the time when sea turtles emerge to lay eggs on secluded beaches, a sight anyone would be lucky to witness. And with lower prices and fewer crowds, the wet season can often mean the most intimate time with the Maldives.
Accommodation Options
Where you stay in the Maldives is more than just a place to sleep! If you’ve got dreams of picturesque bungalows or dining with locals at their guesthouse, it’s best to do your research – because your accommodation can make or break your trip’s whole vibe.
- Luxury resorts: Imagine waking up in an overwater bungalow, the turquoise lagoon lapping beneath your deck. Step onto your private terrace and dive straight into crystal-clear water – this is the Maldives at its most indulgent. Beyond those iconic bungalows you know from the photos, luxury resorts have private villas in lush gardens and amenities like infinity pools, award-winning spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive beach clubs.
- Guesthouses: For those hoping for a more authentic and hey, we get it, budget-friendly experience, guesthouses on local islands offer a glimpse into Maldivian life. If you’re lucky, fragrant curries might waft from the kitchen at local-owned guesthouses, where you can get advice on markets, local delicacies, family-run cafes, and hidden beaches.
- Boutique hotels: If you’re looking for something a little more intimate and personalized than a resort, but a bit more luxurious than a guesthouse, boutique hotels have the perfect blend of style, comfort, and local charm.
- Eco-lodges: These accommodations embrace those looking to travel more sustainably, prioritizing environmental responsibility and community engagement. You can check out more on the subject in our guide to ecotourism in the Maldives.
- Liveaboards: For serious divers and water lovers, there’s a range of liveaboards on offer. Stay on a luxury yacht or traditional wooden dhoni and cruise your way through the atolls. You can also look for more affordable liveaboards through package diving tours.
What to Do
Going to the beach is the first and most obvious thing to do in the Maldives, but don’t forget about all the other incredible experiences to be had beyond “barefoot luxury”! Here are a few to keep in mind when planning your trip:
- Diving and snorkeling: This is seriously an underwater wonderland – coral reefs, shipwrecks, fish in every color of the rainbow. Learn to drift dive or night dive in Ari Atoll; head to Baa Atoll’s Hanifaru Bay, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve full of manta rays and whale sharks; and swim through the British Loyalty shipwreck at Adu Atoll, where fish and coral have made a new home. We dip into more detail on the atolls perfect for underwater exploration in our island hopping guide to the Maldives.
- Watersports: Consistent winds and shallow lagoons make the Maldives ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Then, there’s nothing like the thrill of jet skiing to hidden coves and secluded beaches. For a slower pace, you can kayak or paddleboard almost anywhere – though mangrove forests onto sandbanks and into lagoons. Then there’s wakeboarding, waterskiing, parasailing, flyboarding…the Maldives is endless fun.
- Spa treatments: Some of the spas at resorts in the Maldives offer services like nowhere else. To start: “overwater” treatments let the sound of lapping water lull you into peace and morning yoga can be done on sandbanks surrounded by the sea.
- Local experiences: Hit up fish and produce markets, visit traditional mosques, and strike up a conversation with local residents. Learn about the traditions, customs, and the tropical way of life in the Maldives – it’s obviously more than hitting the beach everyday. You can study a few words of Dhivehi, the local language, and seek out handicrafts like intricate lacquer work, handwoven mats, and responsibly-sourced coral jewelry – just be careful not to purchase items that exploit locals and marine life.
What to Eat in the Maldives
Fish and coconut lovers – it’s your time to shine.
- Mas Huni: The Maldivian breakfast isn’t complete without mas huni, shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, chopped onions, a touch of chili, and a squeeze of lime. It’s traditionally served with roshi, a thin flatbread similar to chapati. Find it at local cafes and guesthouses.
- Garudhiya: This traditional fish broth is a Maldivian staple, simmered with chunks of tuna, curry leaf, and a little chili for gentle warmth. Look for little restaurants where garudhiya is simmering in large pots.
- Kulhi boakibaa and masroshi: Smoked tuna, coconut, and spices make up both these snacks. Masroshi are savory stuffed pastries. Kulhi boakibaa are fish cakes, baked golden with fluffy rice and served especially on special occasions. Find both at local markets and street food stalls.
- Bajiya: Crispy, deep-fried pastries filled with fish, coconut, and spices, bajiya are a popular teatime treat.
- Coconuts: Discover the versatility of the coconut in Maldivian cuisine – from coconut milk curries to sweet coconut-based desserts to simple and refreshing coconut water.
Tips for Traveling in the Maldives
- Language: The official language in the Maldives is Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially on resort islands and in Malé. However, it never hurts to learn a few basic phrases in Dhivehi!
- Vaccines: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Maldives, but be sure to check travel advisories or consult with your doctor.
- Visa: Most nationalities can enter the Maldives visa-free for tourism purposes for 30 days, but it’s always best to check information on the Maldives immigration website.
- Electronics: Outlets in the Maldives are typically 230V, 50Hz with British-style three-pin plugs.
- Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink in Malé and on some resort islands, but you’ll need to verify with your accommodation. Bottled water is readily available throughout the Maldives, but it’s best to refill a reusable bottle with filtered water at your resort.
- Money: The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency. US dollar notes might be accepted in some locales, especially on resort islands. But’s it’s always a good idea to have some local currency on hand for smaller purchases and local markets. ATMs are available in Malé and on some of the larger islands.
- Low crime: The Maldives is generally a safe destination with a low crime rate, though it doesn’t hurt to remain cautious in crowded areas.
- Water safety: Pay attention to currents and tides when swimming, especially in areas with strong waves or undertows. Always follow safety guidelines and be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay connected: For convenient and affordable data access throughout your trip, download the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM. You can stay connected with friends and family, have access to travel information, and navigate the islands with ease – without worrying about data roaming.
For more information on how to have data and avoid roaming charges while traveling in the Maldives, check out our piece on the benefits, FAQs, and installation process for the Red Bull MOBILE eSIM.
