MALDIVES TRAVEL GUIDE
Strung out along the equator in the Indian Ocean are the 26 atolls that make up the tiny country of Maldives. Brilliant white sands, azure blue seas, tropical palms, sun and surf, the Maldives is an ideal destination to lie back, sip a drink and tan a delightful bronze.
The Maldives was for the most part unknown to tourists until the early 1970s. Just 189 of the islands are home to its 515,696 inhabitants. The other islands are used entirely for economic functions, of that tourism and agriculture are dominant.
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MALDIVES QUICK FACTS
- Capital: Malé
- Currency: Rufiyaa (MVR)
- Area: 300 km²
- Population: 515 696 (2018)
- Language: Dhivehi is the native language, English is widely spoken
- Religion:Sunni Muslim
- Electricity: 240 V, 50 Hz (European or British plugs)
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MALDIVES
MALDIVES PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 1 May, Labor Day
- 26 July, Independence Day
- 3 November, Victory Day
- 11 November, Republic Day
- 23 December, National Day
Also, Islamic New Year (Al Hijrah), Maulid an-Nabi, Day of Embracing Islam, Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, the Hajj, Eid al-Adha, and Martyr’s Day.
FESTIVALS IN MALDIVES
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALDIVES
The Maldives has two main seasons: the dry season and the monsoon season.
- The dry season, also known as the "tourist season," runs from November to April. This is the most popular time to visit the Maldives as the weather is sunny and dry, with little to no rain. The sea is also calm, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
- The monsoon season runs from May to October. This is the rainy season and is characterized by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The seas are rougher during this time, and it is not as favorable for water activities. However, it could be a great time for surfers.
The best time to visit the Maldives is from November to April, during the dry season. The weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The monsoon season, which runs from May to October, brings heavy rains and strong winds, making it less favorable for water activities.
MALDIVES WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Maldives is characterised by a warm and humid tropical monsoon climate with an annual mean temperature of 28°C. The islands experience little variation in temperatures throughout the year. The seasonal cycle is strongest in the north recording an average maximum temperature of around 29.3°C just prior to the onset of the southwest monsoons (April-May) and an average minimum temperature of around 27.4°C prior to the onset of the northeast monsoons (December-January). The southern equatorial regions experience precipitation throughout the year and do not experience a very significant dry spell related to the northeast monsoons.
MALDIVES TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
HOT MONTHS:
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MODERATE MONTHS:
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COLD MONTHS:
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WET MONTHS:
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DRY MONTHS:
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SPORT & ACTIVITIES
SNOW SPORT IN MALDIVES
HIKING & CYCLING IN MALDIVES
The dry season in The Maldives is from from November to April, but always be prepared for some rain!
BEACH OPTIONS IN MALDIVES
The Maldives is an idyllic beach destination and it's always hot enough for the beach. Just note that from May to October it's the wet monsoon season! You will enjoy much better beach weather from November to April.
SURFING IN MALDIVES
The Maldives surfing season begins in February and lasts through to November with the best waves usually from March to May and also from September to November.
KITESURF IN MALDIVES
With some incredible spots for kitsurfing, the most consistent winds for kite and windsurfing in The Maldives blow from May to October, during the wet, monsoon season. This is the low season, so at least accommodation will be cheaper!
For more details on kite surfing in Maldives expand this section!
HEALTH RISKS IN MALDIVES
Be aware of possible health risks in
Maldives
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
MALDIVES TRAVEL COSTS
he cost of traveling to the Maldives can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the type of accommodation, and the activities you plan to do.
- Airfare to the Maldives can be relatively expensive, with round-trip tickets from the United States typically costing around $1,000 or more.
- Accommodation in the Maldives can range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Prices for guesthouses can start as low as $50 per night, while prices for resorts can range from $300 to $1,000 or more per night.
- Food and activities in the Maldives can also add to the cost of your trip. Eating out at restaurants can be relatively expensive, and activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping can also add up.
Here is a sample breakdown of costs for a one-week trip to the Maldives:
- Airfare: $1,000 or more (depending on where you are flying from and the time of year)
- Accommodation: $50 to $150 per night for a budget guesthouse, $300 to $1,000 or more per night for a luxury resort
- Food: $20 to $40 per day for budget meals, $40 to $100 or more per day for more expensive meals
- Excursions and activities: $50 to $100 per person for a snorkeling or diving trip, $100 to $150 per person for an island-hopping trip,
- Transportation: $20 to $50 per person for a ferry ride, $50 to $100 per person for a seaplane ride.
In general, a budget-friendly trip to the Maldives could cost around $1,500 to $2,000 per person for a week, while a luxury trip could cost $4,000 to $6,000 or more per person for a week.
MALDIVES TRAVEL TIPS
Here are some travel tips for a trip to the Maldives:
- Plan ahead: The Maldives is a popular tourist destination and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during the peak tourist season. Plan your trip well in advance to ensure you get the best deals and your preferred accommodation.
- Pack for the weather: The Maldives has a tropical climate, so pack light, comfortable clothing and plenty of sunscreen. Bring a waterproof bag for your electronics and documents as well.
- Get a local SIM card: If you want to stay connected during your trip, purchase a local SIM card for your phone. This will save you from expensive roaming charges.
- Take advantage of the island-hopping opportunities: The Maldives is made up of many small islands, and island-hopping is a great way to explore the different parts of the country.
- Be mindful of the culture: The Maldives is an Islamic country, so be mindful of the local customs and dress modestly when not on the beach.
- Respect the marine life: The Maldives is home to a rich marine ecosystem, so it's important to be mindful of the environment and avoid activities that can harm the coral reefs or the marine life.
- Be prepared for the cost: The Maldives is a luxury destination, and costs can add up quickly. Be prepared for high prices for food, activities, and transportation.
- Make the most of your time: With the high cost of travel and accommodation, it's best to make the most of your time in the Maldives, so plan your activities and excursions in advance.
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF MALDIVES
The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, which are groups of islands. These atolls can be divided into three main regions: the North Atolls, the South Atolls, and the Central Atolls.
- North Atolls: The North Atolls are known for their crystal clear waters, rich marine life, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The highlight of this region is the Baa Atoll, which is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and home to the famous Hanifaru Bay, a protected marine area known for its large congregations of manta rays and whale sharks.
- South Atolls: The South Atolls are known for their beautiful beaches and excellent surf spots. The highlight of this region is the Malé Atoll, which is home to the capital city of Malé and many luxury resorts.
- Central Atolls: The Central Atolls are known for their rich marine life and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The highlight of this region is the Ari Atoll, which is home to many famous dive sites, such as the Maaya Thila and the Kudarah Thila, which are known for their large schools of fish and beautiful coral gardens.
Keep in mind that the Maldives is a tiny country and you can travel to any of the regions relatively easily, so you can decide based on your interests and activities you would like to do.
When visiting Maldives, some popular activities include:
- Relaxing on the white sandy beaches and swimming in the crystal clear waters.
- Snorkeling or diving to see the vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
- Taking a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and lagoons.
- Visiting a local fishing village to learn about Maldivian culture and traditions.
- Going on a sunset cruise to see the beautiful colors of the sky.
- Enjoying water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
- Visiting a spa for a traditional Maldivian massage.
- Exploring the capital city of Male and visiting the historical sites such as the 17th century Hukuru Miskiy mosque.
It's also worth noting that Maldives is a Muslim country, so visitors should be mindful of local customs and dress modestly when visiting public places.
WHAT TO EAT IN MALDIVES
When visiting Maldives, you should definitely try some of the local cuisine which is mostly composed of seafood. Some popular Maldivian dishes include:
- Garudhiya: A traditional Maldivian soup made with fish and coconut milk.
- Mas huni: A local breakfast dish consisting of grated coconut mixed with smoked fish and onions.
- Bambukeylu hiti: A traditional Maldivian bread made with coconut and rice flour.
- Roshi: A Maldivian flatbread made with wheat flour and coconut milk.
- Maldivian curries: The Maldives has a variety of different curries, with fish, chicken or vegetables, often served with rice.
- Tuna and other seafood: The Maldives is known for its fresh seafood and tuna is a staple in Maldivian cuisine.
- Hedhika: A sweet and savory snack made from fish and coconut.
- Dhonkeyo kajuru: a type of tuna and onion salad.
You can also find international cuisine in Maldives, but I recommend trying the local dishes to experience the true taste of Maldives.
LGBTQ IN MALDIVES
WHERE TO STAY IN MALDIVES
When visiting Maldives for the first time, there are several options for accommodations. Some popular choices include:
- Resorts: Maldives is home to many luxurious resorts, many of which are located on private islands. These resorts offer a wide range of amenities, including private beaches, swimming pools, spas, and water sports facilities. Some popular resort options include Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, and Anantara Veli Maldives Resort.
- Guesthouses: There are also guesthouses located on local islands which offer a more authentic Maldivian experience. These guesthouses typically offer simple accommodation, but also provide an opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their culture. Some popular guesthouse options include Maafushi Island Guesthouse and Hulhudheli Guesthouse.
- Liveaboards: For diving enthusiasts, a liveaboard experience is a great option to explore the Maldives. Liveaboards are boats that have been converted into floating hotels, and they offer diving and snorkeling trips to remote dive sites. Some popular liveaboard options include Dive Maldives and Maldives Aggressor.
It's worth noting that the Maldives is an island nation and the accommodations are spread out over the islands, so you may need to take a seaplane or boat to reach your destination.
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