Visiting the Maldives: All you need to know before you go

Are you visiting the Maldives? Here you will find all the information you need before your trip.

Have you ever wondered where is paradise on Earth? There are a few of them, however, I visited one tropical paradise called Maldives.

With its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and abundant marine life, the Maldives is a tropical paradise that is on the bucket list of many travelers. It is a place where you can relax, admire the beauty of the underwater world, and rejuvenate your body and mind.

However, before you plan your trip to this paradise, there are a few things you should know to make the most of your Maldives vacation. In this blog post, I will provide you with all the essential information you need to know before you go and plan an unforgettable trip.

From choosing the right time to visit and picking the perfect island, to respecting local customs and planning your activities, you will find it all in one place.

As the owner of this website, I’ve included some recommendations for your trips. When you use the links to make a purchase, I may get a small commission. You will not get charged extra. Full disclosure.

 

Visiting The Maldives: All You Need To Know Before You Go

The Maldives, located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean, are 2500 years old. The Maldives is a group of over 1,000 islands that are grouped into 26 atolls. Only about 200 of them are inhabited.

Now that you know where are the Maldives located, let’s have a look at how to get there and what you need to know before your Maldives trip.

When planning your trip, use my recommended travel resources
✈️Find the cheapest flights with WayAway flight aggregator
?Book tours with GetYourGuide or Viator
?Find accommodation with Booking or Expedia
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?‍⚕️Wherever you travel, bring insurance with you SafetyWings

1. How to go to the Maldives

The only way to travel to the Maldives is by plane. There are several direct flights from different countries like Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, and Mumbai.

However, if you are flying from the USA or Europe, you may need to have a layover in any of these cities. Mainly Dubai, which is a hub for international flights is very frequent.

All international flights land at Velana Male International Airport which is located on Hulhule Island near Male the capital city.

 

2. Get a transfer to your island resort

To go to the resort you have chosen you need to get a transfer which is either by seaplane or by a speed boat.

In case you are booking a full package holiday through an agency, the transfer should be included. If you are booking your flights and hotels by yourself, check with the hotel whether the transfer is included and if not if they can organize it.

This is very important as if your resort is far away, you can get there only by seaplane which is quite costly.

 

3. Check visa requirements

Visa to Maldives is granted to travelers of all nationalities upon arrival. Therefore tourists coming to Maldives do not need to organize visas before they go.

However, there are certain rules that you must follow. For example 1 month validity on your passport. Some airlines require 6 months. Confirmation of your hotel booking and return flight ticket. Check all the requirements on the Maldives Immigration website here.

 

4. Get travel insurance

Any time you travel, not only to the Maldives but anywhere in the world, insurance is one thing you should not forget about. Whether a small accident or illness will require you to see a doctor will cost you a lot in a different country.

Rather pay a few dollars to cover your stay than be sorry. One highly recommended insurance by nomads is SafetyWing.

 

5. Choose the best time to visit Maldives

The Maldives has a tropical climate with temperatures around 28-30 degrees Celsius all year round. However during the monsoon season from April to November, but mostly from June to August there is more rainfall expected.

Choosing the best time to go depends on your budget and the activities you would like to do.

The cheapest time to travel to Maldives is during the rainy season. The peak time, when most tourists are visiting and prices are higher is between November to March. December during Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the highest peak.

Choose the right time based on what you want to do in the Maldives.

Relaxing and sunbathing

If you want to relax, sunbathe, and snorkel, the best time is during the dry season from November to March. We visited the Maldives in February and we had lovely weather. Only one day there were clouds, and the water was crystal clear with great visibility for snorkeling.

Surfing

If you are a surfer, the best time for big waves is during the rainy season from April to October, but preferably until June. However, don’t be afraid that it will rain all the time. It may rain for some time during the day and not every day.

Diving

The best time for diving depends on what you are targeting to see. If you want to enjoy underwater life with clear visibility, the best time is from December to May.

However, if you are aiming to see the whale sharks, the best time is between May to November.

 

6. Determine your budget

Let’s be honest, holidaying in the Maldives is not cheap. Before you start planning your vacation, you should be aware of that and set up your budget.

You need to add the cost of the flight ticket, insurance, and transfers to and from the resort if it is not included in the accommodation, which you should choose carefully. All-inclusive options could be better than the half board as you will be on the island and all the drinks would have to be purchased from the resort itself.

Don’t forget about the activities you would like to do. For example, diving or other sports activities, spa treatments, and tours to Mahe capital city will cost you extra.

 

7. Choose the Maldives resort

Choosing a resort in the Maldives is not easy. There are about 160 resorts to choose from.

Firstly you need to choose according to your budget. If your budget is tight, it is better to use a resort closer to the airport or where transfer by speed boat is available as seaplane transfer is more expensive. Also, you need to choose a less luxurious resort.

Another criterion based on which to choose a resort is how long are you staying in the Maldives. If you have only 3 or 4 days, it is better to stay closer to the airport so you don’t spend a long time on the transfer.
Then you can choose beach bungalows or overwater villas, half board, full board, or all-inclusive.

The last thing is the extra activities that the resort is providing.

We were on budget and we stayed at Embudu Village Resort located on South Male Atoll. It is about 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and choose the all-inclusive option. You can read my review of this resort here.

 

8. Plan your activities

Plan what activities you would like to do in the Maldives. Whether you want to snorkel, go diving, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, take a tour of the capital city, or get some spa treatments.

Check with the resort what activities they are providing and what is the cost to avoid disappointment.

 

9. Pack appropriately

You are going to a tropical beach destination, therefore there are not many things you will need and you can leave the high heels at home.

-Bikini or swimming costume is the most important thing, so take more than one

-some beach wear like dresses, shorts, and T-shirts to wear in the restaurant for lunch

-dresses, skirts, blouses, trousers, for men shorts, polo t-shirts or shirts to wear in the restaurant for dinner. If it is a very luxurious hotel, they may require more formal clothing. Always check with the hotel first.

-flip flops and sandals (one pair of each is enough)

-if you are planning to go to the capital city or another tour out of your resort, make sure you have long trousers, a skirt or dress, and a top that covers your shoulders (more about this in the next point)

-hat to protect your head from the sun

-sunglasses

-sunscreen and after sun cream

-snorkeling gear if you are planning to snorkel

-depending on the island you may want to take shoes to the water

-camera, a book

-painkillers or other medication you need

 

10. Respect local customs

The Maldives is a Muslim country therefore women dress conservatively. If you are going to the capital city or any other tour out of your resort, respect the culture and dress accordingly.

Drinking alcohol and showing too many public displays of affection are not allowed. You can of course drink alcohol in your resort as resorts are licensed to serve alcohol to their guests.

Also always check when is the holy month of Ramadan and try to avoid coming during this time or check with the resort how it would affect your stay.

 

11. Check if you need a vaccination

There are no mandatory vaccinations while traveling to the Maldives. In case you are coming from a country where Yellow Fever is present, then you have to have a Yellow Fever vaccination.

12. Take the correct currency

The currency used in the Maldives is Maldivian Rufiyaa. However, US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Therefore except for your credit or debit card bring some US dollars with you.

 

13. Don’t bring prohibited items

As the Maldives is a Muslim country, alcohol, pork meat, and idols of worship are not allowed to be brought here. Don’t even buy alcohol in the duty-free shops as they will take it away from you. Check for more prohibited items here.

 

 

14. Don’t pick up seashells

As with any other tropical paradise, the Maldives has a delicate ecosystem, and removing shells can disrupt the balance of the environment. In addition, many species of hermit crabs and other marine animals rely on shells for their homes and protection.

So while it may be tempting to take home a souvenir from the beach, it’s important to respect the local environment and leave the shells where you find them. That applies to sand and corals as well.

 

15. Learn basic phrases

The official language in the Maldives is Dhivehi. However, almost everyone speaks English. Even though everyone can understand English, it is nice to learn some basic words or phrases when traveling to a different country. Here are a few for you in Dhivehi.

Hello – Assalaamu alaikum
Yes – Aan
No – Noon
Please – Adhes kohfa
Thank you – Shukuriyaa
You’re welcome – Maruhabaa
Excuse me – Ma-aaf kurey
I’m sorry – Ma-aafu kurey

 

Conclusion-Visiting the Maldives: All You Need to Know Before You Go

The Maldives is a truly breathtaking destination that offers a unique and unforgettable experience. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can make the most of your trip and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time on the islands.

Remember to choose the right time to visit, plan your activities, and respect local customs and traditions. With its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, the Maldives truly is a paradise on Earth.

So pack your bags, book your ticket, and get ready to discover all that this incredible destination has to offer!