Maldives
Some 1,190 coral islands strung across 26 atolls make the Maldives the world's lowest-lying country and one of its best for snorkelling and diving. Whale sharks cruise South Ari all year, and mantas gather at Hanifaru Bay in the monsoon. Private-island resorts set the price ceiling; guesthouses on local islands bring it right down.
Overview
The Maldives is less a destination than a choice of island. Fewer than 200 islands are home to Maldivian communities, and more than 150 others are given over entirely to resorts, each a self-contained world of villas, house reefs and restaurants. The nearest lie in North and South Malé atolls, a speedboat ride from the airport; Ari and Baa, known for whale sharks and mantas, are a seaplane or domestic-flight hop away; and the far south, around Fuvahmulah and Addu, draws serious divers. Most visitors stay on one island, perhaps two, for a week or more.
The pace is barefoot and tide-driven: snorkel the house reef, dive, eat, sleep. Costs range more widely than almost anywhere — an all-inclusive villa can top £1,000 a night, while a guesthouse room on Maafushi or Thoddoo costs a fraction of that, with boat trips to sandbanks and reefs. Resorts suit honeymooners and divers; local islands suit budget travellers comfortable with Islamic customs, no alcohol and designated bikini beaches. Many are surprised by how much of the appeal lies underwater, how compact Malé is and how quickly the weather turns in the south-west monsoon.
Map of Maldives
Top 5 highlights
- 1Wildlife
Hanifaru Bay
A small reef inlet in Baa Atoll's UNESCO biosphere reserve where, roughly between June and November, plankton blooms can draw scores of manta rays and the odd whale shark at once; snorkelling only, with rangers limiting numbers.
- 2Wildlife
South Ari Atoll whale sharks
The Maldives' best place to swim with whale sharks year-round, mostly juveniles patrolling the outer reef near Maamigili and Dhigurah; boats leave from resorts and guesthouses and follow a strict code of conduct.
- 3Adventure
Fuvahmulah
A single-island atoll in the Equatorial Channel, renowned for diving with tiger sharks year-round, plus thresher shark sightings; on land, freshwater lakes and taro fields make it unlike any other Maldivian island.
- 4History
Old Friday Mosque, Malé
Built in 1658 from intricately carved coral stone, Hukuru Miskiy is the finest example of traditional Maldivian craftsmanship, with lacquered woodwork inside; dress modestly and ask permission before entering.
- 5Beach
Maafushi
A local island in South Malé Atoll that pioneered guesthouse tourism: affordable rooms, a designated bikini beach and day trips to sandbanks, snorkelling reefs and resort day passes, all a short speedboat ride from the airport.
Biggest cities
Malé
One of the world's most densely packed capitals: walk the fish market, the coral-stone Old Friday Mosque and Sultan Park, then cross the bridge to Hulhumalé's beach and cafés.
Addu City
The southernmost atoll, its islands linked by causeways, with the former RAF base on Gan, the Eydhigali Kilhi wetlands and diving on the wartime wreck of the British Loyalty.
Kulhudhuffushi
The main town of the northern atolls, a regional hub with a hospital, harbour and domestic airport; few tourists come, so it shows everyday island life rather than resort polish.
Malé's figure includes Hulhumalé and Villimalé, which form part of the capital; every other settlement in the country is a small island town.
When to go to Maldives
Best time: Jan–Apr.
Average climate in Malé
Festivals & events
- Feb–MarKuda Eid (Eid al-Fitr)
The end of Ramadan brings family feasts, new clothes, traditional games and bodu beru drumming; during Ramadan itself, local-island cafés close by day and services slow down.
- JulIndependence Day
On 26 July Malé marks independence from British protection in 1965 with parades, school performances, fireworks and national flags draped across buildings.
How much does Maldives cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Mas huni
The classic breakfast: shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onion, lime and chilli, scooped up with warm roshi flatbread and sweet black tea.
Garudhiya
A clear, fragrant tuna broth, the everyday staple of island life, eaten with rice, lime, chilli and onion.
Hedhikaa
Teatime short eats such as bis keemiya (tuna and cabbage pastries), gulha (fried tuna dumplings) and masroshi, sold in Malé's cafés every afternoon.
Getting around
Everything starts at Velana International Airport on Hulhulé, linked to Malé by bridge. Resorts collect guests by speedboat (nearby atolls) or Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane, which flies in daylight only, while Maldivian and Manta Air domestic flights serve distant atolls. MTCC public ferries link Malé with inhabited islands cheaply but slowly, with few Friday sailings; shared speedboats are faster. Most islands are small enough to walk.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CDG230V — UK plugs fit
- Emergency numbers
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +960
- Time zone
- UTC+5 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Varies — bottled or filtered is safer
- Driving
- On the left
- Tipping
- Resorts add a 10% service charge plus taxes; extra tips for room hosts, dive guides and boat crews at the end of a stay are appreciated, usually in US dollars.
- Etiquette
- On local islands, cover shoulders and knees, swim modestly outside designated bikini beaches and avoid public displays of affection; alcohol is served only on resorts and liveaboards.
- Main airports
- Velana International Airport (MLE), Malé
Visas & entry for Maldives
Shown for a British passport.
Visa on arrival
You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist.
If you intend to work in Maldives, you must get a work visa before you travel.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesBat LyssavirusTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Maldives
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Tue 3 Nov 2026 | Victory Day |
| Wed 11 Nov 2026 | Republic Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 8 Feb 2027 | First Day of Ramadan (date may shift) |
| Tue 9 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr (date may shift) |
| Wed 10 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Thu 11 Mar 2027 | Eid al-Fitr Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Worker's Day |
| Sat 15 May 2027 | Day of Arafah (date may shift) |
| Sun 16 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha (date may shift) |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Tue 18 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Wed 19 May 2027 | Eid al-Adha Holiday (date may shift) |
| Sun 6 Jun 2027 | Islamic New Year (date may shift) |
| Mon 26 Jul 2027 | Independence Day |
| Tue 3 Aug 2027 | National Day (date may shift) |
| Sat 14 Aug 2027 | Prophet's Birthday (date may shift) |
| Thu 2 Sep 2027 | The Day Maldives Embraced Islam (date may shift) |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Dhivehi
| English | Dhivehi | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | އައްސަލާމު ޢަލައިކުމް | ah-sah-LAH-moo ah-LAY-kum |
| Thank you | ޝުކުރިއްޔާ | shoo-koo-REE-yah |
| Please | އާދޭސް ކޮށްފަ | AH-days KOFF-ah |
| Excuse me | މަޢާފް ކުރޭ | mah-AHF koo-RAY |
| How much is this? | މީގެ އަގު ކިހާވަރެއް؟ | MEE-geh AH-goo kee-HAH-vah-reh |
Know before you go
- Check transfer costs before booking: a seaplane or long speedboat ride can add hundreds of US dollars per person, turning a cheap room rate into an expensive stay.
- Bring US dollars in small notes for guesthouse islands and tips; resorts take cards, but ATMs are scarce outside Malé, Hulhumalé and Addu.
- Alcohol, pork products and pornography can't be imported; customs X-ray all bags on arrival and hold confiscated alcohol until you leave, so keep the receipt.
Maldives travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Maldives?
The best time to visit Maldives is generally Jan–Apr. Peak months are January, February, March and April. Average highs in Malé range from 30°C to 32°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Maldives cost per day?
Roughly £70 a day on a tight budget, £200 mid-range and £600+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Maldives?
Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR).
What plug type does Maldives use?
Type C, D and G sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Maldives?
Traffic drives on the left in Maldives — the same as in the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Maldives?
Varies — bottled or filtered is safer.
Do I need a visa for Maldives?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You will get a 30-day visa on arrival if you enter Maldives as a tourist. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Maldives before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/maldives/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Maldives?
TravelHealthPro recommends Tetanus for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Bat Lyssavirus and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
