Southern AsiaThe Maldives is a chain of low coral islands in the Indian Ocean. It has white sand beaches, clear blue water, luxury resorts and locally run guesthouses.
Why go
Explore waters with more than 2,000 species of fish, plus turtles, rays and dolphins.
Stay on a resort island, in a local guesthouse or aboard a diving boat.
Visit Malé for museums, mosques, cafés and busy harbours.
Expect warm weather all year, with temperatures around 26.4–31.5°C. Rain increases during the southwest monsoon from April to October, particularly from June to November.
Getting there
By air
- Most visitors arrive at Velana International Airport, airport code MLE. It is on Hulhulé Island beside the capital, Malé.
- Flights serve destinations including China, India, Sri Lanka, Dubai and Southeast Asia. Charter flights also arrive from Europe.
- Gan Airport, airport code GAN, serves a few international flights in the southern Addu atoll.
By sea
- There are no regular passenger boats to the Maldives.
- Reefs make yacht navigation hazardous, and permits are expensive.
Customs
- You cannot bring alcohol into the country. Airport customs confiscates bottles and gives you a receipt to reclaim them before departure.
- Keep any customs receipt for confiscated alcohol with you.
- You need an Inter Atoll Travelling Permit to dock your own yacht.
Getting around
Domestic flights
No point in the Maldives is more than 90 minutes by plane from Malé. Maldivian, Manta Air and Villa Air operate scheduled flights between islands. Check your transfer timing with your resort or travel agent. You may have a long wait before your international flight home.
Seaplanes
Seaplanes serve distant resorts and generally avoid flying at night. A late arrival may mean an overnight stay in Malé, Hulhumalé or the airport hotel on Hulhulé. Flight schedules may only be confirmed the day before travel, and delays are frequent. Waits of five hours can happen. Evening flights can be cancelled as delays build up. You may be moved to a domestic flight followed by a boat.
Boats and ferries
Resort taxi boats carry visitors to islands in the North and South Malé atolls. Boats range from open-sided fishing boats to enclosed motor cruisers. Public ferries are a cheaper way to travel between local islands. The main operator, MTCC, publishes fares and schedules on its website. Some routes have only one ferry a day and no service on Fridays. Cargo boats can carry passengers to remote atolls. They leave when loaded and have no fixed schedule.
Buses
RTL runs bus routes around the capital, including connections to the airport.
What to see and do
White sand beaches
The beaches have clear blue water and tropical island scenery.
Baa atoll
This protected biosphere reserve has rich coral reefs and abundant marine life.
National Museum in Malé
See historic objects, weapons, religious pieces and woodwork engraved in Arabic and Thaana.
Old Friday Mosque
This 17th-century mosque is the oldest in the country. Polite, properly dressed visitors may be allowed inside.
Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre
Its white marble walls and gold dome are prominent sights in Malé.
Snorkelling
A mask and snorkel let you see much of the underwater wildlife without scuba diving.
Food and drink
Resort restaurants
Every resort has at least one restaurant, usually serving European or general Asian food. Breakfast is almost always included.
Half-board and full-board meals
Half-board includes a dinner buffet; full board includes lunch and dinner buffets. Drinks, sometimes even water, may cost extra.
Hotaa cafés
These small cafés in Malé serve local Maldivian food at low prices.
Fish curry
Fish curry is a local food option on inhabited islands.
Tourist restaurants in Malé
Malé has restaurants aimed at visitors, including Thai restaurants. These are often expensive.
Alcohol
Nearly all resorts, liveaboard boats and the Hulhulé Island Hotel are licensed to serve alcohol, usually at high prices. Alcohol is prohibited on local islands.
Money
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), written as Rf or MRF. One rufiyaa equals 100 laari.
- Resorts price services in US dollars and require payment in foreign currency or by credit card.
- Carry some rufiyaa for Malé and other inhabited islands. US dollars are also widely accepted.
- You can exchange money at the Bank of Maldives in the airport arrivals area.
- Keep your exchange receipt to change unused rufiyaa back before departure. The amount cannot exceed the amount on your receipt, and small foreign notes may be unavailable.
Tipping: Tipping is not compulsory, and a 10% service charge is widely added. Extra tips may still be expected, and the service charge may not reach staff.
Typical costs
- At a mid-range resort, US$1,000 per week for two people is a conservative budget for meals, drinks and excursions. Flights and accommodation cost extra.
- Guesthouses on inhabited islands typically cost €25–40 per room. Some guesthouses start at US$30 a night.
- Public ferries within the same atoll can cost a few US dollars.
- Cargo boat trips to remote atolls can cost €14–38, depending on the destination.
- Private resort transfers can cost US$500–800.
- Bottled water at resorts typically costs US$5 per bottle.
Language
- Dhivehi is the official and national language.
- English is widely spoken, especially by tourism workers and government officials.
- Some resort workers speak German and Italian, but this varies between resorts.
- House reef
- A coral reef you can reach from the beach or jetty.
Staying safe
- Police, ambulance, fire and rescue, coast guard911
- Police119
- Emergency medical services102
- Fire department118
- Tourist police, toll-free1478
- Tourist police(+960) 9790070
- Theft can happen on beaches and in hotel rooms. Keep valuables secure and use resort safe deposit boxes.
- Strong tidal currents can be dangerous. Always ask locally about conditions before entering the sea.
- Sexual harassment occurs. Women travelling alone should stay alert.
- Drug offences carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty.
Local customs
Do
- Cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts on local islands. This applies to men and women.
- Wear modest clothing when visiting mosques.
- Respect local Muslim customs and behave quietly and respectfully on inhabited islands.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants remain closed until dusk.
Don't
- Do not sunbathe naked or topless anywhere, including resort islands.
- Do not wear a bikini on a local island except in a designated area.
- Do not speak negatively about religion.
Staying healthy
- Ask locally whether tap water is safe to drink. It is not drinkable at every resort.
- Drink plenty of water and spend time in the shade to avoid overheating. Divers can overheat while wearing wetsuits on boats.
- Some islands have mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever. The Maldives is malaria-free.
- Travellers arriving from yellow fever affected regions need an international vaccination certificate.
Phone and internet
- Dhiraagu and Ooredoo sell prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs, which are digital SIM cards, with mobile internet.
- Both operators have shops beside the airport arrivals exit.
- Dhiraagu has wider coverage, while prices are similar between the two operators.
- Both offer third-, fourth- and fifth-generation mobile data networks, known as 3G, 4G and 5G.
Where to stay
- Private-island resorts offer full-service stays, including luxury options.
- Guesthouses on inhabited islands offer cheaper accommodation, with some starting at US$30 a night.
- A diving liveaboard combines accommodation with travel by boat.
- For a standard double room, the source's budget category is under US$100, mid-range is US$100–300, and splurge is over US$300.
Trips to Maldives
Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.
Outdoor adventures in Maldives
The Maldives is best explored on the water, with coral reefs, white sand beaches and abundant marine life. Scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing are the main activities, with boat trips and birdwatching offering more ways to explore.
Scuba diving around Malé and the outer atolls
Scuba divingMalé and the outer atollsnear Malé
January–April for calm seas and clear water; possible all yearBook through a resort dive centre or join a liveaboard, a boat where you sleep between dives. Liveaboards let you explore several dive areas.
- Cost: Around US$50 for a single boat dive with your own equipment, or US$75 without. Extra charges may apply.
- Currents can be powerful on reef edges facing the open sea.
- Rain, wind and waves are most common from June to November.
Baa Atoll reef snorkelling
SnorkellingBaa Atoll
Explore the coral reefs of Baa Atoll with a mask and snorkel. Specific departure points and booking arrangements are not given.
- Ask for local advice before entering the sea because tidal currents can be strong.
Hanifaru Bay manta ray watching
WildlifeBaa Atoll
Visit Hanifaru Bay to watch manta rays. Specific transport and booking arrangements are not given.
- Get local advice about sea conditions before entering the water.
Malé Atoll surf trips
SurfingMalé Atollnear Malé
Multi-day trips available March–October; biggest waves in June–AugustBook a tailored boat trip with a specialist surfing company. The boat moves between surf spots.
- The biggest waves occur in June, July and August.
- Seek local advice about currents before entering the sea.
Addu diving with Aquaventure
Scuba divingMaradhoo Island, Addu Atollnear Addu
January–April is the country's best diving period; diving is possible all yearBook daily diving excursions or courses with Aquaventure Maldives on Maradhoo Island.
- Cost: US$60 listed for Aquaventure; the listing was updated in August 2021.
- Ask about local currents before diving.
- Stay hydrated and use shade between dives.
Snorkelling and sandbank cruises from Malé
SnorkellingMalé and Hulhumalénear Malé
Day tourBook a snorkelling and sandbank cruise in advance with Cruise-maldives.com. Trips depart from Malé or Hulhumalé.
- Ask for local advice before swimming or snorkelling because currents can be strong.
- Drink water and take breaks in the shade.
Sunset dolphin cruises from Malé
WildlifeMalé and Hulhumalénear Malé
SunsetBook a sunset dolphin cruise in advance with Cruise-maldives.com, departing from Malé or Hulhumalé.
Hulhumalé beach
BeacheHulhumalénear Malé
Take a short bus or boat ride from Malé to Hulhumalé. The beach is at the opposite end of the island from the jetty.
- Ask locally about currents before entering the sea.
- Keep valuables secure while on the beach.
Villimalé beaches
BeacheVillimalénear Malé
Take a ferry from the Villimalé Ferry Terminal on the western side of Malé. Turn left after arriving to reach the beach near the old bungalows.
- Cost: Ferry: MVR3.25
- Beaches on the other side of the island have strong currents, with deaths reported each year.
- Get local advice before entering the water.
Villimalé scuba diving
Scuba divingVillimalénear Malé
January–April is the country's best diving period; diving is possible all yearTake the ferry from western Malé to Villimalé. Arrange diving with Diver's Lodge Maldives or Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Centre.
- Strong currents affect parts of the island. Ask the dive centre about local conditions.
Southeast Malé surfing
SurfingSoutheast Malé, near Sinamalé Bridgenear Malé
Hard March–October; biggest waves in June–AugustHead to the southeast corner of Malé near Sinamalé Bridge. Surfing here is described as suitable for experienced surfers.
- This is a spot for experienced surfers.
- Ask locally about currents and sea conditions.
Malé artificial beach
BeacheEast coast of Malénear Malé
Walk about 10 minutes from the airport ferry to the small artificial beach on Malé's east coast.
- Get local advice before entering the sea because currents can be strong.
Whale Submarine marine-life trip
More to doWaters off Malénear Malé
30–40 minutesBook with Whale Submarine in Malé. The listed operating days are every day except Monday and Friday.
Koattey birdwatching
WildlifeNorthern Hithadhoo Island, Addunear Addu
Visit Koattey nature reserve at the northern end of Hithadhoo Island. Watch birds from its observation platforms.
Mathikilhi Eco Garden walks
More to doAddunear Addu
Visit Mathikilhi Eco Garden and explore its quiet paths, water bodies and local plants.
Fishing cruises from Malé
More to doMalé and Hulhumalénear Malé
Book a fishing cruise in advance with Cruise-maldives.com. Departures are from Malé or Hulhumalé.
Private multi-day boat cruises
More to doMaldivesnear Malé
A few daysBook a private boat with Cruise-maldives.com to cruise among the islands. The operator offers departures from Malé or Hulhumalé.
Airports, metros and trains in Maldives
Airports with scheduled flights
- GANGan International AirportGanMain international airport
- HAQHanimaadhoo International AirportHaa Dhaalu AtollMain international airport
- MLEVelana International AirportMaléMain international airport
People and safety in Maldives
Religion
Most people are Muslim. Mostly one faith.
- Muslim100%
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are illegal
- The law allows up to 8 years in prison.
- Legal gender change is not recognised.
Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.
Women travellers
Ranked #78 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.
43% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 197 of 198 countries can visit Maldives easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required12
- Visa on arrival185
- Admission refused1
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Africa54 of 54 countries
- Europe46 of 46 countries
- Americas35 of 35 countries
- Oceania14 of 14 countries
- Asia48 of 49 countries
Questions
Which airport should I fly to?
Most visitors use Velana International Airport on Hulhulé Island beside Malé. Gan Airport in Addu atoll also receives a few international flights.
Is the Maldives warm all year?
Yes, temperatures are around 26.4–31.5°C throughout the year. Rain increases during the southwest monsoon from April to October, particularly from June to November.
Can I reach my resort if I arrive at night?
It depends on the transfer. Seaplanes generally avoid night flights, so a distant resort may require an overnight stay near the airport.
Can I visit on a smaller budget?
Guesthouses on inhabited islands are cheaper than resorts, with some starting at US$30 a night. Public ferries and local food can also reduce costs.
What money should I bring?
Resorts price services in US dollars and accept foreign currency or credit cards. Rufiyaa is useful on inhabited islands, and US dollars are widely accepted.
Will I be able to speak English?
English is widely spoken, especially by people working in tourism. Dhivehi is the official language.
Can I drink alcohol?
Licensed resorts, liveaboard boats and the Hulhulé Island Hotel serve alcohol. You cannot bring alcohol into the country or drink it on local islands.
What should I wear on local islands?
Cover your shoulders and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts. Bikinis are allowed only in designated areas on some local islands.
Do I need to scuba dive to see marine life?
No. Snorkelling lets you see much of the underwater wildlife, and some islands have reefs accessible from the beach or jetty.
Can I get mobile internet after landing?
Dhiraagu and Ooredoo sell prepaid SIM cards and digital eSIMs at shops beside the airport arrivals exit. Both provide mobile internet.
Reviewed by @snuck