About Maldives
The Maldives is a tropical paradise of 1,190 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious overwater villas. This island nation offers world-class diving, pristine white-sand beaches, and unparalleled marine biodiversity including manta rays, whale sharks, and bioluminescent plankton.
Quick Overview
Capital: Male
Largest City: Male
Population: 540,544
Languages: Dhivehi (official), English (widely spoken in tourism)
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)
Time Zone: UTC+5 (Maldives Time)
Explore Maldives by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Maldives
Discover the top 25 must-see destinations in Maldives, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Hanifaru Bay
UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Baa Atoll famous for attracting exceptionally high numbers of manta rays during the monsoon season. One of the world's best...
South Ari Atoll Whale Shark Point
World-renowned destination for swimming with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the ocean. Year-round sightings make this one of the most reliable places globally to...
Vaadhoo Island Bioluminescent Beach
Magical natural phenomenon known as the 'Sea of Stars' where bioluminescent phytoplankton create ethereal blue glowing waves at night. The microscopic organisms emit light when...
Maldives National Museum
Premier cultural institution housed in a former palace, showcasing Maldivian history from pre-Islamic Buddhist period through conversion to Islam and modern times. Collections include ancient...
Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Stunning 17th-century mosque and UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for intricate coral stone carvings and lacquer work. One of the oldest mosques in Maldives featuring...
Artificial Beach
Popular urban beach in Male city offering a rare public beach experience for locals and tourists. Features swimming areas, café facilities, and evening entertainment. Important...
Maafushi Island
Popular local island destination offering budget-friendly guesthouse accommodation and authentic Maldivian culture. Known for water sports, bikini beach for tourists, and diving excursions. Perfect alternative...
HP Reef (Rainbow Reef)
Spectacular drift dive site in North Male Atoll featuring vibrant soft corals in every color of the rainbow. Steep reef wall drops to 30 meters...
Recommended Itineraries for Maldives
Plan your perfect Maldives trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Maldives Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Maldives, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Maldives
- Days 1-2: Maldives city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Maldives
- Days 1-3: Maldives comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Maldives, departure
Where to Stay in Maldives
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Maldives offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($50-100)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($200-400)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($800-2000+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Velaa Private Island
Ultra-exclusive private island resort with 47 villas featuring personal butlers, private pools, and world-class dining. Consistently ranked as one of...
Velassaru Maldives
Stylish contemporary resort offering chic luxury at accessible prices, located just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male airport. 129 villas...
Arena Beach Hotel Maafushi
Popular budget guesthouse on Maafushi Island offering clean, comfortable rooms with air conditioning at backpacker-friendly prices. Rooftop terrace, organized excursions,...
Cheval Blanc Randheli
Sophisticated luxury resort with 46 villas blending contemporary design with Maldivian craftsmanship. Features underwater restaurant, dedicated villa hosts, and Guerlain...
Where to Eat in Maldives
Discover the culinary delights of Maldives, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Ithaa Undersea Restaurant
World's first all-glass undersea restaurant located 5 meters below sea level at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Offers contemporary European cuisine...
Symphony Restaurant
Elegant multi-cuisine restaurant at Taj Exotica offering Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, Western, and Maldivian specialties. Beautiful beachfront setting with indoor and...
Citron by Lemongrass
Popular casual restaurant with seaside views combining modern design with traditional elements. Mix of Asian and Western dishes in relaxed...
Male Local Market Food Stalls
Collection of local food vendors near Male's fish and produce markets serving traditional Maldivian short eats. Hedhikaa (savory snacks) like...
Shell Beans
Famous coffee company operating two locations in Male for over a decade. Quality espresso drinks, smoothies, and light meals in...
Subsix
Underwater champagne bar and restaurant at Niyama Private Islands, accessed by speedboat then descending stairs into the ocean. Gourmet seafood-focused...
Getting Around Maldives
Budget Breakdown for Maldives
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: USD.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30-60 (guesthouse on local island) | $100-200 (mid-range resort or upscale guesthouse) | $500-1500+ (5-star resort, overwater villa) |
| Food (per day) | $15-25 (local restaurants, street food) | $50-100 (resort restaurants, mix of local and international) | $150-400 (fine dining, resort all-inclusive) |
| Transportation | $5-10 (ferries, local buses) | $30-60 (speedboats, occasional seaplane) | $100-200 (seaplane transfers, private speedboat) |
| Activities | $0-15 (beaches, walking tours, free snorkeling) | $50-100 (diving, water sports, island hopping tours) | $100-300 (diving, spa treatments, excursions) |
| Daily Total | $50-100 | $200-400 | $800-2000+ |
Best Time to Visit Maldives
Best Season: November to April (dry season with calm seas and sunny weather)
Peak Season: November to April (dry season with calm seas and sunny weather)
Avoid: June to September (monsoon season with higher rainfall and rougher seas)
Essential Travel Tips for Maldives
- Research visa requirements before your trip
- Learn a few basic phrases in the local language
- Carry cash as cards may not be accepted everywhere
- Respect local customs and dress codes
- Purchase travel insurance before departure
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Exercise normal precautions. Some regional advisories note risk of civil unrest in Male city and recommend staying informed of local news. Resort islands are considered extremely safe.
Stay aware of surroundings at tourist locations, transportation hubs, and markets
Be cautious when swimming - strong tidal currents can drag swimmers from shore
Do not leave valuables unattended on beaches or in unlocked hotel rooms
Avoid bringing vaping devices - illegal as of November 2024 with confiscation and fines
Respect local customs - public practice of non-Islamic religions is banned
Monitor weather during April-May and October-November for tropical storms
Check with marine biologists before swimming during jellyfish season
Register with your country's embassy or consulate in Male upon arrival; the nearest embassies for many nations are in Colombo or New Delhi
Respect Islamic laws: alcohol is only permitted on resort islands and aboard liveaboards - possession on local islands is illegal and can result in arrest
Watch for strong currents when snorkeling or swimming; currents can shift rapidly around channels between atolls - always snorkel with a guide in unfamiliar waters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Maldives?
The best time to visit Maldives is November to April (dry season with calm seas and sunny weather). June to September (monsoon season with higher rainfall and rougher seas) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Maldives?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Maldives for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Maldives?
For a comprehensive Maldives experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Maldives expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $50-100 per day, mid-range $200-400, and luxury $800-2000+.