The Maldives: everything you need to know about the trip of a lifetime.
Most people believe the Maldives is only a honeymoon destination that has a super high-end price tag. However, the Maldives can also be very budget friendly, and full of adventure that appeals to even solo travelers or families.
When to visit?
The dry season starts in December and ends by March. This means the best conditions for less rain, clear visibility and calmer waters but also peak prices. If budget is not an issue, this is when it is best to travel.
If you’re looking for a more affordable escape then I’d recommend the shoulder seasons of April-May and November which can sometimes work out 50% cheaper, for little rain.
How to get there?
Male airport is the international airport and the capital city of the Maldives. You can fly in from almost anywhere directly here, and then transit to other islands via speedboat or sea plane depending how far the island is.
Currency:
I’d recommend taking USD $ as it is widely accepted, if you’re staying in a resort then you’ll be fine with either USD or card payments. If you’re planning to stay on a local island, I’d advise you to take some USD as well as Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Resort recommendations that are actually worth the money:
Soneva Jani ($$$$) – Award winning ultimate luxury, for those where budget isn’t a thought.
Lux South Ari Atoll ($$$) – incredible sandbanks, crystal clear shallow waters, luxury amenities and incredible dining options (seaplane transfer needed)
Sun Siyam World ($$$) – if you have children, this is the best resort by far, from a huge waterpark to world renowned football academies. (seaplane needed, complimentary >4 nights)
Machchafushi Island ($$) – a 5* escape without the hugely heavy price tag, great accommodation options, great food, amenities and near a manta island. (seaplane needed)
Local island recommendations:
Fuvamulah (Gnaviyani atoll – accessible by domestic flight from Male) – best for tiger shark, thresher sharks and manta diving
Dhighurah (south ari atoll – accessible by speedboat or domestic flight from Mali) – all year-round whale shark spottings, sea turtles and manta rays.
Fuldadhoo (Baa Atoll – accessible by speedboat from Male) – a UNESCO reserve with vibrant underwater life including reef sharks and manta rays
Guraidhoo (south male atoll – accessible by speedboat from Male) – abundant marine life at very affordable prices
Speedboat vs. Seaplane?
If you’re looking to keep costs down, finding an island that has a speedboat transfer (which means within a 30 min speedboat from Male) will significantly reduce costs, seaplanes can be a huge cost onto the trip as most are around $200-$300 per person. However, if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip you’re after, I’d recommend the seaplane, as it’s a very maldivian unique experience, flying above all of the islands.
Local islands vs. resorts?
If you’re on a high end budget, you could choose either, however, if you’re looking to keep costs down, definitely a local island can be very budget friendly. Resorts are typically secluded, meaning you’ll have to eat and drink on the island, and be forced to pay higher prices. Resorts however are allowed to serve alcohol, whereas in the local islands it is alcohol-free due to being a muslim country, and some beaches can be conservative with bikini-wear. If you are looking to spend a longer trip in the Maldives, I’d recommend doing both a local and resort stay. Some of the local islands can offer much better marine life over the resorts.
What is the best board basis at a resort?
If you’re staying in a resort, most people opt for all-inclusive especially if you’re drinking alcohol, as prices can be extremely expensive and you have no choice of leaving the island to dine elsewhere. However, I’ve found that if you do drink alcohol lightly, sometimes it works out much better to pay for full-board and buy drinks as you go as all-inclusive prices in some resorts can be highly expensive and not worth it. You can typically expect to pay $8-10 for a beer or $10+ for a glass of wine or cocktail.
Can I take my own alcohol to the Maldives?
It’s important to note that the Maldives is a Muslim country and completely prohibits anyone from bringing alcohol inside of the country. They will search any bags, and it will be taken away, so don’t take the risk!
What can I do during my stay?
If you’re a diver, a snorkel fanatic or looking to try new watersports, you’ll absolutely love the range of excursions the Maldives has to offer. One tip, if you are looking to dive, and you’re not yet PADI licensed, I’d do it ahead of your trip, as otherwise the rule in the resorts is that you have to spend 80% of your trip in the pool with a diver first. That’s a lot of time and money wasted during your trip!
