Image: Seaplane flying above Raa Atol in the Maldives. (photo via Jag_cz / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Maldives Today: November 29, 4:16 PM 79°F Overcast Clouds

Maldives Travel Guide

The Maldives is a dreamlike paradise. Here, pure white sands meet turquoise waters that glisten in the sun. Get ready to soak up the beauty of the sea and experience a kaleidoscope of marine life!

The Maldives is the ultimate tropical destination to escape the stresses of everyday life.

Public ferries are the most reasonably priced means of public transport, but the service can be quite unreliable. If you are island hopping using the ferry system, allow flexibility in your itinerary.

Private speed boats offer a reliable mode of transport, but be prepared to pay. Some of the more distant islands are only accessible via speed boat, so if you are planning to explore farther away from Malé or your itinerary depends on transport reliability, budget accordingly.

Air travel in the Maldives is expensive. The Maldivian national airline operates domestic flights between the islands. There is a high demand for air travel within the country and a limited number of flights. Some budget airlines have started operating in the Maldives recently. However, costs are still relatively high compared to other forms of transport within the country.

Taxis are widely available in the capital city, Malé. They are operated by private companies and are charged by the meter.

Top Things To Do

Top Things To Do In The Maldives

The Maldives is synonymous with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, but there are so many other things one can do when on vacation in this idyllic destination. We rated our top eight things to do when in the Maldives - take a look!

Important Things To Know

Currency

The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).

National Languages

The national language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. English is widely spoken and understood in tourist areas in the Maldives.

Climate And Weather

The climate in the Maldives is tropical, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

The monsoon season is from May to November, with heavy rains and strong winds, and the dry season is from December to April, with little rainfall and calm winds.

Dress Code

The Maldives is an Islamic country with a conservative dress code, especially in public areas. Visitors are expected to dress modestly, covering their arms and legs and avoiding clothing that is too revealing.

When visiting mosques, women are expected to wear headscarves. Do not drink alcohol outside your resort, as fines are possible.

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When To Visit Maldives

Snorkeling at Robinson Club Noonu, Maldives(Photo by Lauren Breedlove)

The Maldives is a year-round destination. The most popular, and also the most pricey months, are the dry months from November to April. Humidity is lower in the dry months, making it an ideal time for beach activities and water activities.

While May to October is the monsoon period and prone to heavy rain, we were pleasantly surprised that there were plenty of sunny days to enjoy the beach and the diving was spectacular.

Best Places To Stay In Maldives

Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort, resorts in the Maldives, resorts in Maldives, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts — Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort Water Pool Villa. (photo via Outrigger Hotels & Resorts) (Photo Credit: (photo via Outrigger Hotels & Resorts))

Male: The Maldivian capital is a must-visit for a fascinating look at the history and culture of the Maldives. Sites like the Hukuru Miskiy mosque and the Maldives National museum are well worth exploring. For a real taste of local life, visit the local markets. We were mesmerized by the vibrant fish market and the incredible variety of fresh seafood.
Lankanfinolhu Island - Manta Point: If you are a marine life enthusiast looking for an underwater adventure, this one's for you. We loved snorkeling off this reef, hoping to see the huge Manta rays that gather there. And we were not disappointed! Apart from the breathtaking sight of these enormous sea creatures, there is abundant other marine life to see.
Baa Atoll Reethi Beach Resort: If you are looking for a serene and luxurious spa experience in the Maldives - we give a thumbs up to this overwater villa. Reethi is considered one of the budget water villas in the Maldives, but take our word for it; it oozes luxury.