If you are here, it must be because you are organizing or dreaming about travelling to the Maldives. These Indian Ocean islands are the dream of many for their vacations and it is perfectly understandable since they are a paradise :)
I lived 3 years on an island in the Maldives and although when you work it's not the same as being on vacation, it was one of the best professional and personal experiences I've had and I really enjoyed it, plus I spent a lot of time underwater. So I want to share with you the most complete guide to travel to the Maldives, with everything you need to know to organize your trip saving time and money.
Travel to the Maldives: Preparing your trip to the Maldives
📍Where are the Maldives?
Let's start by the beginning... to know where are the Maldives islands. The Maldives islands are in the Indian Ocean southwest of India , and west of Sri Lanka. Also as a curious fact I tell you that the Maldives is the Asian country with the smallest land area. These islands are 1.5 meters (on average) above sea level.
There are 1200 islands in the Maldives of which only about 200 are inhabited and about 150 are private resort islands. All the islands are distributed in 26 atolls.
If you want to locate the Maldives islands on the map, at the end of the article I leave you a map of the Maldives islands.
Travel to the Maldives on your own or with an organized tour? Travel alone to the Maldives or with a companion?
This is a very personal matter and will depend on your preferences and style of travel to enjoy the destination. To any destination in the world you can go on your own (organizing the trip yourself) or with the services of an agency either for a private tour or for a group trip with other travelers.
Traveling on your own offers you almost total flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace and adapt the route during the trip. On the other hand, traveling with an agency saves you time, headaches with planning and provides you with extra services.
For your trip to Maldives I must say that logistics is quite easy whether your plan is to stay in the resort or local island all the time or if your idea is to move between islands and make a combination of resort, local islands etc.. The trip to the Maldives on your own is one of the easiest at destination level but always keep in mind and weigh the pros and cons about traveling with an agency and everything organized or doing a trip to the Maldives on your own... and the rest is your decision 😊.
🌡What is the best time to travel to the Maldives? - The Climate in the Maldives
The best time to travel to the Maldives is from October to April., with pleasant temperatures and a dry climate. At this time the seas are calm and in the best condition to discover the marine fauna and its beautiful reefs. The water temperature ranges between 28 and 30°C.
The worst time to travel to the Maldives is the monsoon season between May and September as there is the possibility of constant rain and/or strong tropical storms, which have their charm but may not be what you have planned for your trip to paradise :). So, if you can avoid these months, all the better but if you can only travel to the Maldives in August or another monsoon month, I also tell you not to miss the trip as climate change makes the weather very unstable and sometimes it does not rain so much during the monsoon and on the contrary it rains in the middle of December.
If you are planning to stay at a local island, please note that during the month of Ramadan many establishments such as restaurants and stores will be closed during the day.
Here are the links to the website of Weather Atlas to see the updated weather information for each month and see which is the best month to travel to Maldives:
- Travel to Maldives in January
- Travel to Maldives in February
- Travel to Maldives in March
- Travel to Maldives in April
- Travel to Maldives in May
- Travel to Maldives in June
- Travel to Maldives in July
- Travel to Maldives in August
- Travel to Maldives in September
- Travel to Maldives in October
- Travel to Maldives in November
- Travel to Maldives in December
Maldives is an ideal destination to combine with India, so if you decide to make a trip to India Maldives, do not miss my guide on the weather in India 🌡.
📅How many days do you need for your trip to the Maldives?
I would tell you that minimum 7 days so that you amortize the long trip and the investment of the flight. With this duration you would have time to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches, discover the life under the sea, relax and immerse yourself a little in the local life by getting to know their culture and lifestyle.
If you want to dive, snorkel and do water sports activities, the Maldives is your paradise so you could perfectly stay 10-12 days.
If you want to travel to the Maldives to rest in paradise and do some marine activity as an experience, then I recommend you to make a combined trip with Maldives. A good option is to do an India Maldives trip (8-10 days India + 3-6 days Maldives) or a Sri Lanka and Maldives route (8-10 days Sri Lanka + 3-6 days Maldives).
📸 What to see and do in Maldives
The Maldives is considered a paradisiacal enclave of pristine beaches and a destination for honeymooners and relaxation, but it is also an ideal destination for those who are looking for a there are many interesting things you can do if you are not one of those who enjoys lying in the sun all day with a Mojito.
I recommend you to make the most of the sea and everything to do in Maldives and to try the snorkel, diving in the Maldives and some water sports depending on your interest. You can also going fishing in the Dhooni (typical boat), make a excursion to a Sand bank,enjoy the rain of stars and discover the local life in its capital city, Malé, or in any local island.
You can't miss the opportunity to taste its local gastronomy and even learn how to make a recipe.
The Maldives is a paradisiacal destination with crystal clear beaches and the perfect place to lie in the sun and forget about the world but... the Maldives is much more than beach and sun!
Here is a list of the best things to do in Maldives so you can get the most out of your trip 🙂 :
The views from the plane
The first thing you have to do is request a window seat to view the atolls from the skyIt's BRUTAL! That's your official welcome.
🦈Diving in Maldives
The Maldives are a diving paradise and is an ideal place for beginners in this practice. In all the local resorts and islands you have diving services and programs to get certified in diving such as Open Water, Advanced or other specialization courses.
Its marine fauna is very diverse, and you will find hundreds of fish of all colors and shapesin addition to the sharks in the Maldives, the famous Manta Rays, the giant Napoleon wrasse and the Maldivian whale shark.
To see Mantas, I recommend Hanifaru Bay (Hanifaru Maldives) in Baa Atoll.
Its reefs are well preserved but there are some areas with dead coral due to the rise in water temperature that the sea suffered a few years ago. However, there have been quite a few recovery projects and the improvement is already noticeable. Do not miss the opportunity to diving in Maldives!
🤿Snorkeling in the Maldives
In the Maldives it is not essential to dive to enjoy the marine fauna and beauty under the sea. What's more, snorkeling in Maldives I assure you that you can see some of the most colorful and lively aquatic landscapes in the world. Its reefs, corals and fauna are spectacular. Also if you are lucky, you can be swimming with sharks in Maldives 😊 in their natural environment (always respect the natural environments and its fauna).
Keep in mind that the resorts near the capital and the airport of the Maldives, due to its greater influx of travelers have corals in poorer condition and less marine life. There are resorts a little further away that have pristine reefs in a much better condition.
For snorkeling you can bring your own equipment or rent it at your hotel. The truth is that many hotels offer the equipment at no extra cost.
I recommend that you take a underwater camera to capture the beauty you will discover underwater.
Snorkeling in Maldives is a must on your trip!
🏄♀️Surf in the Maldives - Surf trips to the Maldives
If you are one of those who travel in search of waves, Maldives is also for you. The islands are surrounded by coral reefs creating very calm lagoons around the islands but the surfing magic happens when you leave the reef and jump into the waves of the Indian Ocean. If you want to surf, you can stay on a local island, in a resort or on a boat, but the most important thing is that you report on the best atolls for surfing in Maldives and the best time in each atoll. And if what you want is not a little surf on your trip if not an exclusive surf trip to the Maldives, there are retreats for surfers in which surfing is the main protagonist of the trip.
I recommend Ayada Resort with an ideal location and AS Maalifushi,a resort in the south, close to more than 18 surf spots in the Maldives, spread over several atolls.
⭐Travel to the stars.
At night go out on the terrace or on the beach and enjoy the stars. Due to the low level of pollution, stargazing in the Maldives is amazing. If you have the opportunity to enjoy this experience lying on a sun lounger in the Dhoni (traditional Maldivian boat)... don't miss it.
🏝Excursion to Sand Bank
The sand bank are literally sandbanks in the middle of the ocean. They come in many sizes, with or without vegetation, and some disappear underwater at high tide. You can make an excursion to a sand bank and enjoy a wild island paradise just for you, enjoy the beach and have a picnic there. Remember to bring your mosquito repellent!
🐬Dolphin Sightings
There are areas where you can see them from the hotel and very close to the coast, I was that lucky during 3 years living there... If you are not that lucky, relax, almost all the resorts have boat trips to see dolphins. It is fantastic to see the pods of dolphins dancing in the water as if it were a synchronized dance.
🌊Water sports
All the resorts have a water sports department and the local islands have water sports businesses. There are a number of water sports activities such as SUP, jet skis, kitesurfing, windsurfing, catamarans, kayaks... I love the transparent kayaks as they allow you to see the marine life under your feet.
Local island life
If you go to a resort, your cultural interaction will not be very extensive so I always recommend the local island experience (such as Maafushi Maldives, although I will tell you that there are many less visited and better preserved local islands). Whether you stay there or go on a day trip, it is always worth it. It is a way to understand the culture, the way of life of its population and the daily life of its people.
🧘♂️Maldivas Relax
If you are looking for a complete disconnection and to make an Maldives Relaxthis is the perfect destination. Relax in overwater spas with ayurvedic treatments, enjoy massages overlooking the ocean and let yourself be carried away by the absolute calm of its white sand beaches. Here, time seems to stand still as the sound of the waves becomes your soundtrack and you can say "I'm in Maldives Relax mode" 😊.
Bioluminescence
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that you can enjoy in the Maldives. It is also known as "sea of stars" because the effect it produces is as if the stars are reflected in the waters of the beach. This beautiful natural wonder can be seen at night and better if there is little moonlight. One of the most famous islands to enjoy this spectacle is the island of Vaadhoo.
Underwater restaurant
Can you imagine eating under the sea? Well, in Maldives it is possible :)
There are several luxury resorts with underwater restaurants where you can taste succulent gastronomic delights while curious fish, manta rays and even sharks pass by your table in the Maldives. If this activity is on your bucket list, I recommend the hotel's underwater restaurants. Anantara Kihava and the H2O restaurant in You & Me Maldives.
Malé - the capital of the Maldives islands
The capital of the country is the great forgotten and misunderstood. I will be honest, it is not a beautiful city nor the most interesting in the world...but it is the sum of the culture, traditions and history of the country and I believe that it is the most important city in the world. for travelers who enjoy exploring new cultures has its charms.
If you dare to visit it, you can not miss its FISH MARKET (try to go in the afternoon when the fishermen arrive with their catch of the day and the highest bidder will take it). In the local market, just a few steps away, you can find dried fish in its natural state or seasoned with chili and a wide variety of tropical fruits.
I also recommend you to visit a local supermarket to discover some local ingredients and take some garnishes or typical chili blends with you.
Then you can wander around a little bit and approach the Friday Mosque to see the religious customs of the Muslim population.
To finish your tour of the capital of the Maldives, you can have a drink with a view of the sea, go up to the terrace of the hotel Jen.
If you want more details do not miss the article what to see in Malé.
🛂Do I need a visa for the Maldives? How to apply for my visa for the Maldives?
Yes, a visa is required, but it is provided upon arrival at the destination.You will arrive at the international airport of Malé (capital of the Maldives) so you don't need to do any formalities prior to your arrival. The tourist visa lasts 30 days and is FREE of charge. In addition, if necessary, you can extend your visa to 60 days. Upon arrival, along with your passport, confirmation of hotel reservation in Maldives or proof of funds to cover your stay (a minimum of 100$ plus 50$ per day) is required.
In the official immigration website for Maldives you can see the requirements and details for the visa to the Maldives according to your nationality.
What vaccinations are needed to travel to Maldives? - Vaccinations for travel to Maldives
For travelling to the Maldives no mandatory vaccinations but some recommended vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid.
It is always advisable to visit your international vaccination center. The most important thing to do is to contact your local health care provider for information on the recommended vaccinations depending on the time of year, your type of travel and the area of the country you are traveling to.
I do not have a detailed article on vaccinations to go to Maldives from Spain but if you want to learn more about vaccinations to travel to this area of the globe and know health tips do not miss my article Vaccinations for travel to India.
I also share the list of all the things you need to prepare a super Health travel kit , your best friend for your trip to the Maldives or any other destination.
Do I need insurance to travel to the Maldives?
YES! ALWAYS. How right the saying is..."nothing ever happens, until it does".
In the Maldives the public health system is quite deficient, there are very good hospitals but they are all private. A travel insurance always avoids unnecessary headaches if you get sick and also protects you in other areas such as lost luggage, theft, etc.
I always take out my HEYMONDO travel insurance because for me it is the best way to protect myself. the best international travel insurance with the best coverage and at the best price. For being a reader of my blog MiviajealaIndia you get 5 % discount for your travel insurance HEYMONDO.
If you plan to do scuba diving and water sports, check the coverage :), HEYMONDO has fantastic policies with coverage for sporting activities.
🛩 Tips for buying flights to the Maldives - (Maldives airport)
There are many airlines flying to the Maldives, my favorites are always Etihad Airways, Emirates and Qatar Airways. Don't miss my tips to find cheap flights, the article is for India but the tips and tricks are useful for any destination.
The main airport in the Maldives is Velana Airport,and its located in the island of Hulhumale that is next to Malé, the country's capital, and is connected by a mega bridge.
It may sound excessive but every day more than 430 flights arrive at this Maldives airport, so for such a small airport it has a lot of traffic :)
If your flight arrives late at night and you want to spend the night or rest before taking the next transport, you can stay on the island of Malé or in Hulhumale.
Stay at a resort in the Maldives? Stay on a local island in the Maldives?
All depends on the type of experience you are looking for and the activities you want to do. There is a variety of accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Resorts can go from 300-8000€ per night and hotels on local islands can be found for 80-200€. On local islands there are also guest houses available which is usually the cheapest option and in some cases you live with the local family.
Remember that on the local islands you won't find beer for refreshment, no bacon for breakfast (alcohol and pork are not allowed) and there are bikini-only beaches.
I recommend that you read the article on the best islands in the Maldives (local and resrot islands) that will help you on your search.
🏩Accommodation in Maldives - Find the best hotel in Maldives - Best Resorts Maldives
Read on for help with the great "where to stay in Maldives?".
For many years, traveling to the Maldives was something very exclusive and there were only resort accommodations on private islands but in recent years the variety of types of accommodation in the Maldives has increased a lot and the construction of hotels on local islands has allowed the Maldives to be a destination for all types of travelers. Let's talk about the types of accomodation in Maldives:
Resort: private island with hotel that has all the services and amenities for your stay.
Luxury Resort: the same as the resort but with an extra dose of details and luxury (the price is also extra).
All Inclusive Maldives Hotels: resort where you pay a fixed price and in addition to the stay, meals are included.
Hotel on local islands: hotel located on a local island that has all the services and amenities and you can also connect with locals and their way of life.
One thing to note: if you go to a resort, you will have the option to staying in a room on the island or in bungalows on the sea (Maldives overwater hotels). This second option is incredible since you have direct access to the sea from your room and you are literally surrounded by crystal clear waters, and if you already have a private pool...that's all I can say.
To find the best hotel in the Maldives don't miss my article how to choose the best hotels in Maldives with recommendations for hotels, luxury resorts, local islands and resort recommendations for all-inclusive travel to the Maldives, and cheap accommodation in Maldives.
💸Advice for cheap travel to Maldives
Travel cheap to Maldives It is easier than you think but it requires planning and that you are very clear about the type of trip you want to make.
For a long time the Maldives has been an exclusive luxury destination, but with the opening of hotels on local islands, the Maldives has become a more and more popular destination. destination suitable for all budgets. Read on to discover all my tips for cheap travel to Maldives.
💸When to travel to the Maldives - Choose the right season to save money
May to October is the low season in the Maldives due to the monsoon.
In these months it rains, yes, but it is not raining 24 hours a day. It usually rains in the afternoons and although there may be storms that last longer, the rains are usually short and the sun is shining a few minutes later.
So if you plan your trip to the Maldives at this time you can save a lot of money. since the prices for both flights and accommodation are lower, and still have a very good experience.
In my 3 years living there I have witnessed torrential rains during December...the most expensive month, so there is nothing written about the weather and even less now with the climate changes around the world. By the way, Maldives at Christmas and New Year in Maldives are a great plan.
Flexible Dates and Flexible Traveler for cheap travel to Maldives
If you have flexible dates, a wide range of opportunities opens up to you as you can find out the days with the lowest prices on flights and hotels. The hotel search engines and flights make it easy with a section for flexible arrows.
When I say "being a flexible traveler" I mean that you are a person able to make changes in your plans and sometimes compromise your comfort to take advantage of opportunities and save a few euros. If you are not flexible and have very clear priorities, don't worry, you can save with the rest of the tips to travel cheap to Maldives.
💸Planning - Book in advance to save on your Maldives trip.
No need to go crazy and book everything 1 year in advance but if you want to travel cheap to Maldives...don't leave it to the last minute. I recommend you to have everything booked about 4 months in advance. If you like to wait until the last minute to find last minute bargains, it's great but you will have to be very flexible even to change your destination :)
Find cheap flights to Maldives and book hotel with the best price.
💸 Resort or local island? Options for cheap travel to Maldives
The Maldives islands are made up of 1200 islands and these are organized in 26 atolls or groupings. But don't worry, to look for cheap hotels in Maldives you don't have to compare 1200 islands, since there are only 200 inhabited islands :)
The first thing to decide is the type of vacation you want, in full comfort and in a Maldives resort or an experience in local islands.
Resort prices start at around 250€. (and can reach up to 8000€). If you do not want additional costs you should make sure it is a resort close to Malé and can be reached by boat without the need for domestic flights or seaplanes.
If you are looking for cheap hotels in Maldiveson a local island you can find hotels from 60€.. You will be on a local island with a life of its own where you will be able to immerse yourself in its culture. To swim in a bikini or swimsuit in the Maldives you must do it exclusively in the Bikini Beach and on the local islands there is no alcohol or pork products in the hotels and restaurants. The beauty of the islands is the same but without luxuries.
Always look for island for your for both resort and local island accommodations.
If you want to combine both resort and local island experiences it is also a very good option. I recommend you to leave the resort nights for the end of the trip and don't miss my tips for find the perfect accommodation in Maldives.
Another option is to stay on a local island for your entire stay and experience the resort without staying with a DAY PASS, you can enjoy their services, transportation to the island, with food and drinks included for packages from 80€.
💸Cheap flights to Maldives - save on your trip to Maldives
I always recommend you to search for your cheap flights to Maldives on Skyscanner and Google Flights, use whenever you can the Flexible Dates section as you can find real bargains here.
If you can compromise on comfort and speed to save money, you can choose flights with 2 stopovers or long stopovers, here you have a chance to save money as they are usually cheaper. Also in some destinations such as Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Abu Dhabi (Etihad) and Qatar (Qatar Airways) if you choose flights with long stopovers, you can opt for a free tour of the city and/or a free one-night stay..
💸Travel insurance (this can save you a lot of money)
At first you will see it as an expense rather than an advice to travel cheaply to Maldives... but taking out travel insurance will save you a lot of money if something goes wrong.
I always use insurance HeymondoFor me they have the best policies for price and coverage. For being a reader of MiViajealaindia you have a discount of 5% from this link.
If you are going to do scuba diving and water sports, make sure you choose a policy that covers them.
💸Activities you want to do in Maldives and your budget.
You must be clear about what activities you want to do as the price per day will change a lot if your ideal plan is to sunbathe and snorkel in crystal clear waters or if you want to dive in the Maldives every day.
🧳Your luggage for traveling to the Maldives.
In the Maldives there is always tropical weather and you will spend most of your time on the beach or under the sea so you don't need to pack much luggage :)
Here is the list of essential things to carry in your luggage for the Maldives:
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops
- Sunglasses
- Cap
- Underwater camera
- Clothes to your liking, better if they are cotton (T-shirts, shorts, dresses, thin jacket depending on the season).
- Tropical Mosquito Repellent
- High sunscreen lotion respectful of marine life
- Universal electrical adapter
- First Aid Kit (here you can see everything I recommend to bring)
Upload your documents to the cloud and print them (before traveling to the Maldives).
Nothing happens until it happens... so I recommend you always scan your travel documents and upload them to the cloud (passport, travel insurance, airline or other transportation tickets, hotel and activity reservations, vaccination booklet, etc.). If you are one of the cautious ones, do not forget to bring a printed copy, as it will make your life easier if you run out of battery or you don't have internet.
Tips: To combat the "low battery" condition always carry a external solar charger and the internet connection also has a solution with the Holafly eSim Maldives and you also have 5% discount with my coupon: MIVIAJEALAINDIA. I leave you the direct link to eSIM Maldives.
Contacts and official websites of interest
- Contact details of the Spanish Consulate in Malé:
Manaam Building 2/1, Neeloafaru MaguGalolhu, 20-129 Malé
Tel.: +960 333 4486
secretary@simdi.com
Spaniards with serious consular incidents in the Maldives (accidents, attacks, dangerous situations, natural disasters...) can call the emergency telephone number of the Spanish Consulate in Malé (+960) 333 4486 or the Spanish Embassy in India (+91) 98 10 17 41 60.
Don't forget to check the Travel recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Basic information about the country
Language - What language is spoken in the Maldives?
Divehi is the official language, but English is widely spoken.. Most of the youth of the Maldives speak English, something not so widespread in the older population, especially on local islands without tourism.
In resorts, local islands with tourism and Malé, the capital of the country, English is fully present.
Time difference Maldives Spain ( UTC+5:00 )
In Maldives there are 4 hours more than in Spain (winter time) and 3 hours more than in Spain (summer time).
Sockets in Maldives
Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives have adapters but it never hurts to bring your own, I always like to be prepared and even more when it comes to "charge" all my electronic gadgets...which are not few. This one is my universal adapter for plugs in Maldives and other destinations.
The electrical power is the same as in Spain, 220-240KW so you won't need a transformer. And this is the plug adapter you need, type G (3 pins), the same as in the UK.
Currency, currency exchange and withdrawing money in the Maldives
The local currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). It is not easy to exchange currency in Spain so take cash with you to exchange when you arrive at your destination. You have the option of exchanging money on arrival at the airport or at local banks.
Also note that most of the establishments accept bank cards, even in tourist stores they accept Euros and USD.
Maldives Flag
The flag of the Maldives, with its red background, green border and white crescent, symbolizes the courage, peace and Islamic faith of the country. It is an emblem of identity and pride for its population.
Travel to the Maldives: Arriving in the Maldives
Maldives SIM card: calls and internet on the road
Upon arrival at Velana International Airport you can buy a local SIM card at the Dhiraagu or Oreedoo store.. If you are one of those who want to have everything already organized before leaving and want to be fully connected, then Holafly's SIM is your best ally with unlimited calls and internet from the moment you land. You have a 5% discount on your Holafly card for being a reader of MiViajealaIndia.
Remember also that in all resorts and/or hotels in the Maldives you will have Wifi.
🍲Food in the Maldives - What to eat in the Maldives
In the Maldives the protagonist at the table is fish 🐟, it was to be expected being a country surrounded by water and the second in the ranking is. the coconut 🥥. Its cuisine is quite influenced by its neighboring countries, India and Sri Lanka but it has a very particular character and is a rather simple cuisine.
You can't miss these dishes of typical Maldivian food:
- Garudhiya: a clear fish soup with chili
- More HuniThe Maldivian breakfast is typical and is composed of tuna and coconut and is accompanied by its delicious chapati (the star of the typical Maldivian food).
- Masroshi: an empanada with tuna and coconut
- Mas Rihafish curry typical of the Maldives
- Dried fish sambal
- Addu BondiAddu Atoll: a typical Addu Atoll sweet made with sugar and coconut and wrapped in a banana leaf.
- Fresh lobster of the area
- Tuna loin grilled or broiled
🥻Dress Code
In the resorts there is no problem or dress code as such but if your accommodation is on a local island or you are going to visit an island, sandbank, the capital... remember that you can only wear a bikini on the "Bikini Beaches", and as always, I recommend you to wear common sense and that you respect the culture of the place you are visiting..
Cultural guide - Tips for traveling to Maldives
The Republic of the Maldives has Islam as its official religion. and although it is very accustomed to tourists, it is a country that has kept tourism and its local culture quite separate. That said, you must be respectful of their traditions and norms. Here are some points to keep in mind:
- Alcohol 🍷 and pork products 🐷 are not allowed on the local islands and you will only find them in the resorts on private islands (they have a special license). Alcohol can also be found on the party boats but even if sometimes they come close to the local islands... it is not allowed, but it happens sometimes.
- On the local islands, there are so-called 👙 "Bikini Beach".In the rest of the island it is not allowed and you must follow a respectful dress code!
- Be a conscious traveler - respectful and take care of the destination you visit. It is not allowed to take exotic shells, there are some that if they are intercepted at the airport you will be fined. It is advisable to use sun protection that respects the marine fauna.
How to get to the Maldives
✈️ BY FLIGHT: How to get to the Maldives by plane
The fastest and most convenient way to reach the Maldives is by air. Malé International Airport (Velana International Airport - MLE) is the main entry point and receives direct flights from cities such as Dubai, Doha, Istanbul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and major European capitals such as London, Paris and Frankfurt.
For travelers from Spain and Latin America, the best option is usually a stopover in Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates) or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
Once in Malé, you can opt for seaplane or speedboat transfers to the more remote islands and resorts. The seaplanes offer breathtaking views over the atolls and are an experience in themselves.
If you are traveling to closer local islands, domestic flights and ferries are inexpensive alternatives. Get your camera ready, the landing amidst crystal clear waters is unforgettable!
🚢 BY BOAT: How to get to the Maldives by boat
If you are one of those who prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace and enjoy the ocean, reaching the Maldives by boat can be a fascinating option. Some luxury cruises cruise the Indian Ocean including stops in the Maldives, departing from destinations such as Sri Lanka, India or Dubai. This alternative allows you to combine the comfort of cruising with the possibility of exploring several atolls and remote beaches.
It is also possible to arrive by private yacht, enjoying a navigation among turquoise waters and making stops to dive in little frequented reefs.
In addition, from southern India, there are limited ferries connecting to the Maldives, although their frequencies are reduced.
No matter how you arrive, the sight of the atolls emerging from the ocean is a spectacle that marks the beginning of an unforgettable experience.
Transportation in the Maldives
Speed boat: a fast and affordable option. This service covers specific routes with established schedules but if you wish you can also book your Private speedboat.
Public ferry: these boats are a very cheap option to move from Malé to many of the local islands. It is a slow transport but if the distance is not very long, it is viable and you will take care of your pocket. You can see all their departures here.
Internal flights: There are small airports on some islands and flights connecting the capital with remote islands to which it would take too long to travel by boat.
Maldives seaplane: another option to reach islands far from the capital. Like domestic flights, they have established schedules. They are more expensive and usually cost twice as much as domestic flights.
Security in the Maldives
Diseases
In the Maldives (and much of Asia) there is a risk of contracting diseases through mosquito bites. and the most common are dengue and zika. In the resorts they fumigate and there are usually not many mosquitoes but in the rest of the islands don't let your guard down. I talk to you in detail about mosquitoes and health tips in this article.
As a traveler you must be very careful and always use a mosquito repellent, to avoid their bites. I always use Relec.
Is it safe to travel to the Maldives Alone as a woman?
The Maldives are a safe destination for women traveling alone. However, use common sense, pay attention to the signs and above all always inform yourself and respect local customs (cultural, religious etc). Remember that the Republic of the Maldives is a 100% Muslim destination.
Terrorism
The Maldives is a very safe destination, but I always recommend to be informed with the news from the Maldives. Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Maldives Islands on Map (Maldives Islands Map)
Everyone talks about the paradise of crystalline waters but not everyone knows how to find the Maldives on the map.
Don't worry, we'll fix that in a moment... I've brought you several maps 🙂
I recognize that the easiest way is to search Maldives Maps on Google but I love vintage maps so I'm going to share some that will make you better understand the layout of this country formed mostly by H2O.
Maldives on the Map
The Republic of the Maldives is made up of 1,200 islands spread over 91,000 square kilometers. These islands are organized in 26 atolls. In the following image you can locate the Maldives islands on the map.
Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 No Cover License (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Location of the Maldives islands on the World Map
In this image you can locate the Maldives islands on the world map. 1200 islands lost in the ocean that are a paradise in the world.
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Diving map in Maldives
If you want to dive, this diving map of Maldives can be useful to you by indicating the best areas and hotels in those areas.
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Map of local resorts and islands in Maldives
Here is a map of the Maldives for you to locate the major resort islands and many local islands.
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Map of the Maldives atolls
With this map of the atolls of Maldives you can understand how the island groups are organized.
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All maps in this article are from the web: https://www.mapas-del-mundo.net/copyright
Package tours with Maldives
If you are looking to get the most out of your trip, the routes or package tours with Maldives are the ideal choice. From discovering fascinating cultures to enjoying the most paradisiacal beaches, here I share some of the best combinations for an unforgettable and very complete trip.
Travel India and Maldives
For travelers who wish to combine the spirituality and enchanting chaos of India with the absolute peace of the Maldives, this route is a sure hit. From the Taj Mahal to the crystal-clear waters of the atolls, a honeymoon Maldives with this combination promises to be unforgettable. You can also have a wedding celebration in the Maldives, with the crystal blue sea in the background.
Route Sri Lanka and Maldives
Explore Sri Lanka and Maldives on your own is a perfect adventure for those seeking history, nature and dreamy beaches. Start with Buddhist temples, safaris and tea plantations in Sri Lanka before relaxing in an overwater villa in the Maldives. In addition, this combination is a favorite for those who plan a honeymoon Sri Lanka and Maldives full of contrasts and romanticism.
Vietnam and Maldives: Culture and beaches
A trip to Vietnam and Maldives offers the perfect blend of vibrant Vietnamese culture and island tranquility. Discover Ha Long Bay, exotic Hanoi and end your adventure on white sandy beaches. Whether it's a Vietnam Maldives Whether on your own or as part of an organized tour, this combination is ideal for those who love cultural diversity and breathtaking scenery.
Bali and Maldives: Spirit and relaxation
If what you are looking for is a spiritual experience combined with luxury and relaxation, a trip to Bali and Maldives is perfect. Meditation among rice paddies, Hindu temples and the surf of Bali blend seamlessly with the white sandy beaches and exclusive resorts of the Maldives.
Travel to Japan and Maldives: Tradition and luxury
For a unique experience, combine the modernity and traditions of Japan with the absolute luxury of the Maldives. A honeymoon Japan and Maldives allows you to discover the temples of Kyoto, the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and end with a perfect rest in paradise. In addition, the combination trip Japan Maldives is ideal for those seeking cultural contrasts and dreamy landscapes. This option is especially popular for those who are planning a honeymoon Japan and Maldives.
Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius: The Perfect Dilemma
For those who dream of paradisiacal beaches, the big question arises: Maldives or Seychelles or Mauritius. All three options are spectacular, but each has its own charm. While the Maldives stand out for their overwater villas and exclusivity, Seychelles offers wilder landscapes and Mauritius a unique blend of cultures.
Whether you are traveling on your own, on a honeymoon or on an exotic package, the Maldives have the ability to transform any itinerary into a magical experience.
After the trip - On your return home
Enjoy the memories and experiences under the Indian Ocean.
I hope that travelling to the Maldives will be a great experience for you and you enjoy the island life. And if you liked it... Come back, there are 1200 islands in Maldives!
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