Have you seen pictures of Maldivian island paradise? Private villas perch above stunning blue waters, white sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets that seem to reach for the skies.
Maldives tourism revolves around water activities – resorts offer a wealth of aquatic entertainment.
Most tourists travel between islands via ferry, although you may also charter a sea plane or private yacht. When visiting inhabited islands, public displays of affection are forbidden and it is best not to show any public displays of affection in public spaces.
1. Getting There
There are multiple ways to reach the Maldives, but arriving at Velana International Airport in Male is your best bet. From there, take an internal flight or domestic speedboat ride directly to your resort destination island.
Most visitors to the Maldives will stay on a resort island where all-inclusive accommodations await, but even those staying at local guest houses can find plenty to see and do – from music or dance performances, authentic cuisine, sailing traditional wooden boats called dhonis and sailing around on one.
Keep in mind that Maldives is a Muslim country and be mindful of local customs and laws when visiting. That includes no alcohol consumption, public displays of affection (like holding hands or kissing) and wearing conservative clothing. You’ll need to leave your dog at home as well as refraining from smoking on non-resort islands.
2. Accommodation
Maldives’ island resorts may be known for being extravagant, but that doesn’t make staying there impractical on a tight budget. With roundtrip airfares under $1000 during much of the year, now more people than ever before can visit as solo travellers or families and still experience their own private beach retreat with spa amenities.
Remote islands will inevitably increase costs – not only due to being more exclusive but also because they require import of food and spirits that you will require for consumption. All-inclusive resorts provide great value here as they cover everything from teppanyaki to fine dining dining experiences.
If possible, island hop between resorts if your budget allows. This will give you the best of both worlds: enjoying stunning archipelago sights while getting exposed to all sorts of new experiences! Many islands are inhabited; staying on one will provide an immersive view into local life as well as marine wildlife!
3. Things to Do
Maldives is perhaps best known for its idyllic beaches and tranquil turquoise waters, yet this atoll nation also has an abundance of culture to offer. Discover local arts like lacquerware, pottery and matt weaving or take part in an inspiring Boduberu performance (inspired by Indian pot dances) at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi – this traditional song and dance form represents Maldivian heritage through influences from China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa.
Snorkeling is one of the top activities to do in The Maldives, offering wrecks, pinnacles and reef walls for exploration. Plus you may come across manta rays, whale sharks and thousands of colourful fish at remote spots!
Make time to discover Male, capital of Maldives. Visit its bustling Fish Market and Old Friday Mosque before exploring Sultan Park with its traditional island villages for an insight into life in Maldives.
4. Food
Maldivian waters offer abundant seafood sources, with tuna being one of the most prized items. You’ll often find this fish served smoked or boiled with herbs and spices; vegetarians and vegans won’t have any trouble finding dishes to satisfy their hunger either!
Breadfruit and taro are local favorites, the latter of which is an edible starchy tuber that’s typically boiled or mashed for breakfast, lunch and even dinner – ideal when enjoyed alongside hot tea!
When visiting the Maldives, November to April is considered dry season when temperatures are more reliable. May to October can also be an ideal choice; during this time there may be excellent offers available that make visiting attractive.
5. Weather
Mention Maldives travel and there will inevitably be longing sighs around the room. After all, this string of low-lying islands in the Indian Ocean makes many bucket lists with its sugar-white beaches, thatched-roof overwater bungalows, and waters so vibrantly blue they deserve their own color classification system.
Due to its proximity to the equator, Maldives enjoys a tropical climate year round that remains hot. Rain showers may occur throughout April-May until October-November due to South West monsoon rains.
So when planning your visit, keep these factors in mind: the ideal time and season are November through April when rainfall levels are at their lowest and temperatures remain comfortably warm but not scorching hot. Keep in mind, however, that these months coincide with peak season; therefore resorts and hotels can become very busy during these times; many travelers opt to stay on all-inclusive islands instead in order to minimize crowds and costs.
6. Other Tips
Although Maldives is known for being luxurious, it’s actually relatively easy to visit on a budget. Roundtrip airfare prices often fall under $1,000 during certain times of the year and you could combine your Maldivian stopover with another visit elsewhere such as Sri Lanka or Malaysia.
Pack light yet breathable clothing, along with one or two smart outfits for special dinners and flip flops suitable for beach time. Also be sure to include sunblock and a hat.
The real Maldives goes far beyond its collection of overwater villas; if you limit yourself to staying only at resorts, you risk missing out on an authentic cultural experience. Luckily, most resorts provide tours or experiences designed to show visitors “real” Maldives.
Keep an eye out when arriving at Velana International Airport for resort representatives with signs with your hotel’s name on them – these will escort you either towards the domestic terminal for speedboat transfer, or, if traveling by seaplane, towards their new seaplane terminal.