Maldives: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Maldives Travel Guide

Introduction

The Maldives is a nation of around 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean in a chain of atolls south-west of India and Sri Lanka. It is best known for overwater villas, powder-white sand and lagoons in impossible shades of blue, but the country also has a growing number of locally run guesthouses on inhabited islands, opening it up to travellers on more modest budgets. Whichever style you choose, the underwater world is the star: reefs, manta rays, turtles and whale sharks.

Resort or Local Island?

Your first decision shapes the whole trip.

• Resort islands: One resort per island, with all facilities on site. Expect privacy, spas, dive centres and, usually, full-board or all-inclusive packages. Alcohol is served. Transfers are by speedboat or seaplane, which can add significantly to the cost.
• Local (inhabited) islands: Guesthouses on islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo, Dhigurah, Fulidhoo or Ukulhas let you experience Maldivian village life. Prices are lower, excursions are bookable locally and public ferries or shared speedboats connect them. Alcohol is not permitted, and visitors should dress modestly away from designated "bikini beaches".

Many travellers combine both: a few days on a local island for excursions, then a splurge night or two at a resort.

Best Time to Visit

The dry north-east monsoon (roughly December to April) brings the most sunshine, calm seas and excellent visibility, and is peak season with the highest prices, especially around Christmas and New Year. The south-west monsoon (roughly May to November) brings more rain, wind and humidity, though showers are often short and resorts offer lower rates. This period can be good for manta rays and whale sharks in certain atolls, and for surfing.

Things to Do

1. Snorkelling house reefs – Many resorts and some local islands have reefs a few strokes from the beach.
2. Diving – Channels and thilas (underwater pinnacles) attract sharks, rays and big shoals. Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is famous for manta aggregations in season, with strict rules on visits.
3. Whale shark trips – South Ari Atoll is known for year-round sightings.
4. Sandbank picnics and sunset cruises – Often with dolphins at dusk.
5. Malé – The compact capital has a fish market, the Old Friday Mosque built from coral stone and a lively waterfront. A day here offers a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life.
6. Surfing – North Malé Atoll has well-known breaks in the wetter months.
7. Bioluminescence – On some beaches, plankton glow blue at night.

Food

Maldivian cooking revolves around tuna, coconut, chilli and starch. Breakfast often means mas huni, shredded tuna with coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with roshi flatbread. Garudhiya, a clear fish broth, is a staple, and hedhikaa are savoury snacks served with tea in the afternoon. Resorts offer international buffets and speciality restaurants; local islands have simpler cafés where fresh fish and curries are the highlight.

Getting There and Getting Around

Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island next to Malé is the main gateway, served by airlines from the Gulf, Asia and Europe. A few other airports, such as Gan in the far south, handle limited international and domestic flights.

From the airport, how you continue depends on your island. Resorts arrange speedboat or seaplane transfers; seaplanes fly only in daylight, so late arrivals may need a night near Malé. Local islands are reached by public ferry, which is the cheapest but slowest option, or by shared speedboat. Domestic flights connect to more distant atolls. Malé itself is linked to the airport and Hulhumalé by a bridge.

Where to Stay

• North and South Malé Atolls: Shortest transfers, mix of resorts and guesthouses.
• Ari Atoll: Whale sharks, mantas and many resorts.
• Baa Atoll: Biosphere reserve and manta season.
• Hulhumalé: Convenient for overnight stops near the airport.

Budget Tips

• Choose a local-island guesthouse and book excursions on the island.
• Use public ferries where schedules fit; note many do not run on Fridays.
• Travel in the wet season for lower resort rates.
• Compare meal plans carefully: all-inclusive can be cheaper than paying per meal at remote resorts.
• Flights into Malé vary widely by routing; voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free so you can see all options together.

Practical Information

• Visa: The Maldives grants a free tourist visa on arrival to visitors of all nationalities who meet the entry conditions, such as a valid passport, confirmed accommodation and an onward ticket. Travellers must also complete the online traveller declaration before arrival. Check the official Maldives Immigration website for current requirements.
• Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR); US dollars are widely accepted at resorts.
• Etiquette: It is a Muslim country; respect local customs on inhabited islands.
• Environment: Never touch or stand on coral, and use reef-safe sunscreen.
• Plugs: Type G is most common, with some Type D.