Maldives

The Maldives is a breathtaking archipelago of nearly 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean like a string of pearls. You will find some of the world's most pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and an underwater world teeming with vibrant marine life. Whether you are staying in an iconic overwater villa or exploring a charming local guesthouse, the country offers a sense of seclusion and serenity that is difficult to find elsewhere. It is a destination where the pace of life slows down, inviting you to connect with nature through world-class diving or simply by watching a spectacular sunset over the horizon.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1 city

3 guides

$141 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital

Malé

Languages

Dhivehi, English

Currency

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

1 $ ≈ 15 Rf

Plug Type

Type D and Type G (230V, 50Hz)

Driving Side

Left

Dial Code

+960

Entry Requirements

Check requirements →

Time Zone

MVT (UTC+5)

Emergency

119 (Police), 102 (Ambulance), 118 (Fire)

Why Visit Maldives

Unrivaled Underwater Biodiversity

The Maldives is a premier destination for divers and snorkelers, offering the chance to swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and hawksbill turtles. Its coral reefs are incredibly healthy and home to thousands of species of colorful tropical fish.

Ultimate Overwater Luxury

The Maldives provides a level of luxury and privacy that is world-renowned, featuring some of the world's most iconic overwater villas. Many resorts occupy their own private islands, ensuring an exclusive experience with direct access to the ocean from your room.

Authentic Island Culture

Beyond the resorts, visiting local inhabited islands allows you to experience the warm Maldivian hospitality and traditional way of life. You can watch craftsmen build wooden boats or participate in a local drumming performance called Bodu Beru.

World-Class Water Sports

The archipelago is a playground for water enthusiasts, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping surfing on world-class breaks to peaceful paddleboarding. The calm lagoons provide the perfect environment for kayaking and windsurfing in stunningly clear water.

Unmatched Romantic Settings

With its secluded sandbanks and private candlelit dinners under the stars, the Maldives is widely considered the world's top honeymoon destination. The natural beauty and quiet atmosphere create an ideal backdrop for celebrating special milestones.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Maldives

View all activities

Cities & Destinations

Cost Guide Where to Stay

Regions

North Malé Atoll

Home to the capital city and the main international airport, this is the most accessible region for travelers. It features a high concentration of luxury resorts and world-famous surf breaks like Cokes and Chickens.

Ari Atoll

Located west of Malé, this atoll is a premier destination for marine life enthusiasts. It is globally recognized as one of the best places to swim with whale sharks and manta rays throughout the year.

Baa Atoll

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is celebrated for its incredible biodiversity and environmental conservation efforts. You should visit Hanifaru Bay here, where hundreds of manta rays gather to feed during the plankton-rich monsoon months.

South Malé Atoll

Separated from its northern counterpart by a deep channel, this region offers exceptional diving opportunities in its many kandus (channels). It is home to several long-standing resorts and beautiful local islands like Maafushi.

Vaavu Atoll

Known for having the fewest inhabited islands, Vaavu offers a more rugged and adventurous experience. It is famous for night diving with nurse sharks at Alimatha Jetty and its pristine, untouched reef systems.

Best Time to Visit

The Maldives is best visited during the dry season to enjoy calm, clear waters and consistent sunshine. While it is a year-round destination, the weather significantly impacts visibility for diving and snorkeling.

Peak Season

Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Peak season offers the best weather with minimal rain, low humidity, and temperatures around 29–31°C (84–88°F). This is the busiest time for resorts, resulting in the highest prices for accommodation and flights.

Shoulder Season

Apr, Nov

Shoulder months provide a balance of fair weather and better value. April marks the transition to the wet season, while November sees the end of the monsoon, often offering excellent opportunities to spot manta rays.

Off-Peak

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

The wet season brings higher humidity and occasional heavy rain showers, though temperatures remain warm. This is the best time for surfers to find high waves and for budget-conscious travelers to find deep discounts.

Getting Around

Transportation in the Maldives is unique, relying almost entirely on water and air travel between its 1,192 islands. The central hub is Velana International Airport (MLE), from which all resort and local island transfers originate.

Ferry

The public MTCC ferry network is the most affordable way to travel, costing ~$3.53–$8.25 / Rf55–Rf127 per trip. These boats primarily connect Malé to nearby inhabited local islands but do not service private resorts.

country.guide.transport.speedboat

Scheduled speedboats are a faster alternative for local island transfers, costing ~$29–$53 / Rf455–Rf819. Private resort speedboats are typically included in luxury packages and operate 24/7.

country.guide.transport.seaplane

Used for remote resort transfers, seaplanes offer spectacular aerial views but only fly during daylight hours. A round-trip ticket usually costs ~$295–$530 / Rf4,553–Rf8,195.

Flight

Domestic wheeled aircraft operate between the capital and regional airports like Gan or Maafaru. These are used when resorts are too far for speedboats and seaplanes are fully booked or flying at night.

Food & Drink

Maldivian cuisine, known as Dhivehi Kaana, is deeply influenced by the ocean and neighboring India and Sri Lanka. The three main ingredients are fish (primarily tuna), coconut, and starches like rice or taro, creating flavors that are spicy, fresh, and aromatic.

Must Try

Mas Huni

The quintessential Maldivian breakfast made of finely chopped tuna, onions, coconut, and chili, served with Roshi flatbread.

Garudhiya

A fragrant, clear fish soup made from fresh tuna, often served with rice, lime, and spicy chili paste.

Bis Keemiya

A savory pastry similar to a samosa, filled with sautéed cabbage, hard-boiled eggs, and spiced onions.

Kulhi Boakibaa

A traditional spicy fish cake made from smoked tuna, scraped coconut, and ground rice, often served during special occasions.

Hedhikaa

A variety of 'short eats' or snacks, such as small fried dough balls filled with fish and spices, usually enjoyed with afternoon tea.

Dhonkeyo Kajuru

A popular sweet snack made from fried mashed bananas mixed with flour and sugar, offering a soft and delicious treat.

Sai

Maldivian tea, often served black (Kalu Sai) or with milk (Kirru Sai), which is a staple of daily social life.

Money & Costs

The Maldives is generally expensive due to its reliance on imports, with an average daily budget of ~$141 / Rf2,185. Resorts operate on a 'signing' system where bills are settled via card at the end of the stay.

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as a 10% service charge is usually added to bills, but ~$2.36–$5.89 / Rf36–Rf91 is appreciated for exceptional service from room attendants or boat crews.

Cards

Major credit cards are universally accepted in resorts and Malé, but cash (MVR or USD) is essential for smaller shops and cafes on local inhabited islands.

ATMs

ATMs are readily available in Malé and at the airport, charging a flat fee of ~$7.07 / Rf109 for foreign card withdrawals. Most local islands lack ATMs, so carrying cash is necessary.

Culture & Etiquette

The Maldives is a devoutly Muslim nation, and while resorts are more relaxed, visitors must respect local customs and religious laws when visiting inhabited islands. Understanding the balance between the 'resort world' and 'local world' is key to a smooth trip.

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Dress modestly when visiting local islands or Malé by covering your shoulders and knees.

Do not bring alcohol or pork products into the country, as they are prohibited and will be confiscated at the airport.

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Remove your shoes before entering a Maldivian home or a mosque.

Don't touch or step on coral reefs, as they are extremely fragile and essential to the ecosystem.

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Use your right hand for eating and for giving or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.

Don't sunbathe topless or nude anywhere in the Maldives, including on private resort islands.

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Ask for permission before taking photos of local people, especially women, as a sign of respect.

Don't collect shells, sand, or coral to take home as souvenirs, as it is illegal to export these items.

Safety & Health

The Maldives is very safe for tourists, especially on self-contained resort islands. However, travelers should exercise a high degree of caution in Malé due to the risk of civil unrest and the threat of terrorism.

Tap Water

not potable

Vaccinations

Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended for all; Yellow Fever is required if arriving from a risk-endemic country.

Common Scams

⚠ Liveaboard scams where fake websites take deposits for non-existent luxury cruises.
⚠ ATM skimmers in high-traffic areas like Malé and Addu City used to steal PIN data.
⚠ Unregistered guides in Malé overcharging for 'free' tours or directing tourists to overpriced shops.
⚠ Prices shown without mandatory charges: TGST is 17% (since 1 July 2025) plus a service charge of at least 10%, and Green Tax may apply (e.g., USD 12 per person/day at resorts from 1 Jan 2025).

Healthcare is excellent at resorts for minor issues, but serious conditions require expensive evacuation to Malé or neighboring countries like India. Travel insurance is strongly recommended (especially medical evacuation coverage).

Language

Dhivehi is the native language, but English is the primary medium in the tourism industry and is widely spoken by government officials and locals in the capital.

English Spoken: Widely spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning	Local	Pronunciation
Hello	Assalaamu Alaikum	Ah-sah-LAH-mu ah-LAY-kum
Thank you	Shukuriyyaa	Shu-ku-ri-YAH
How much?	Kihaa vareh?	Kee-HAH VAH-reh
Where is the toilet?	Faahanaa kobaitha?	Fah-HAH-nah KO-bah-tah
Yes	Aan	Ahn
No	Noon	Noon
Sorry	Ma-aaf kurey	Mah-AHF ku-ray
Help	Salaamai kurey	Sah-LAH-mai ku-ray

Visa & Entry

Tourist visa is granted on arrival for all nationalities, except entry is not granted on Israeli passports (effective 15 April 2025). Entry requires an MRZ passport with at least 1 month validity, confirmed return/onward ticket, confirmed accommodation or sufficient funds, and an online Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) submitted within 96 hours prior to arrival.

Max Stay

30 days on arrival (extendable up to 90 days total)

Passport Validity

MRZ passport with at least 1 month validity

Visa-free for

All nationalities (except Israeli passport holders)

Check requirements →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maldives safe for tourists?

The Maldives is generally very safe, particularly on the self-contained resort islands where crime is nearly non-existent. However, you should exercise a higher degree of caution if visiting the capital, Malé, due to potential civil unrest or security threats. Always stay aware of your surroundings in urban areas and follow local news during your stay.

How expensive is a trip to the Maldives?

While the Maldives is known for luxury, daily costs average around $141 / Rf2,185 per person for mid-range travel. On local islands, guesthouse stays and meals at local cafes can be quite affordable, with snacks costing ~$2.36–$5.89 / Rf36–Rf91. In contrast, high-end resorts can cost thousands of Euro per night, so your budget depends entirely on your choice of accommodation and activities.

What is the best time of year to visit the Maldives?

The peak season for visiting the archipelago is between December and March, when you can expect the most sunshine and the least rainfall. During these months, temperatures typically range from 28–31°C (82–88°F), providing perfect conditions for sunbathing and snorkeling. Travelers visiting outside this window may find better deals but should be prepared for more frequent tropical rain showers.

Do I need a visa for the Maldives?

Most travelers do not need to apply for a visa in advance, as a free 30-day visa is granted on arrival to visitors of all nationalities (except Israeli passport holders as of 15 April 2025). To receive this, you must have an MRZ passport with at least 1 month validity, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of a confirmed resort booking or sufficient funds. You must also submit the Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) online within 96 hours before arrival. It is a straightforward process that makes entering the country very convenient for international tourists.

Is English widely spoken in the Maldives?

English is very widely spoken across the Maldives, especially within the tourism industry and in the capital city of Malé. You will find that staff at resorts, guesthouses, and restaurants communicate fluently in English, making it easy to navigate your trip and book excursions. Most signage and menus are also provided in English, so language barriers are rarely an issue for international travelers.

What should I eat while visiting the Maldives?

You must try the traditional breakfast called Mas Huni, which consists of shredded tuna mixed with coconut, lime, and chili. Other staples include Garudhiya, a fragrant clear fish soup, and various savory snacks known as Hedhikaa, which are often filled with spiced fish or vegetables. Maldivian cuisine relies heavily on fresh seafood and coconut, offering a unique and flavorful taste of the Indian Ocean.

How do I get between islands in the Maldives?

Transportation between islands is managed primarily through seaplanes, speedboats, and local dhoni boats. Transfers from Velana International Airport to remote resorts often involve a scenic seaplane flight, which offers incredible views of the atolls from above. For shorter distances or travel between local islands, speedboats are the most common and efficient choice, while the slower dhonis are used for traditional inter-island transport.

Can I drink the tap water in the Maldives?

The tap water in the Maldives is not potable as it is mostly desalinated seawater that is not treated to drinking standards. You should always stick to bottled water or water provided by your resort or guesthouse, which is often treated and filtered for safety. Most resorts provide complimentary glass-bottled water in rooms daily to reduce plastic waste while keeping guests hydrated and safe from waterborne illnesses.

Can I drink alcohol on local islands?

Alcohol is strictly prohibited on local inhabited islands and in the capital city of Malé due to the country's Islamic laws. However, international resorts and safari boats are granted special licenses to serve alcoholic beverages to tourists. If you are staying at a private resort, you will have access to a full range of cocktails, wines, and spirits at the bars and restaurants throughout your stay.

What is the tipping culture in the Maldives?

Tipping is not mandatory in the Maldives because a 10% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills and accommodation costs. However, it is customary and highly appreciated to give a small tip for exceptional service. For example, leaving ~$2.36–$5.89 / Rf36–Rf91 for room attendants or boat crews is a kind gesture that is well-received by the local staff who work hard to ensure you have a pleasant stay.

Why you can trust this guide

Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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