Maldives Travel Information

The Maldives is a tropical paradise, known for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. It is a perfect destination for those looking to relax and unwind, as well as for those looking for adventure and excitement. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Maldives:

1. Explore the coral reefs

The Maldives is home to some of the most diverse and vibrant coral reefs in the world. Take a snorkeling or diving trip to explore the coral reefs and spot a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

2. Take a boat trip

Take a boat trip to explore the Maldives' many uninhabited islands and atolls. These trips offer the chance to spot dolphins and whales, as well as to visit local island communities and experience the Maldivian culture.

3. Relax on the beach

The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters and soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches.

4. Visit a local island

Visit a local island to experience the Maldivian culture and way of life. These islands offer the chance to see traditional Maldivian houses, visit local markets and learn about the Maldivian culture and history.

5. Go island hopping

The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls and many islands, and island hopping is a great way to explore the country. This can be done through a local tour operator or by hiring a private boat.

6. Water Sports

The Maldives offers a wide variety of water sports, including swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. The Maldives is a perfect destination for water sports enthusiasts.

7. Take a spa treatment

The Maldives offers a wide range of spa treatments, including traditional Maldivian treatments such as Ayurveda and acupuncture.

8. Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity in the Maldives and can be done from the shore or by boat. The Maldives is known for its big game fishing, and it's possible to catch species such as tuna, marlin, and sailfish.

9. Visit a marine biology research center

The Maldives is home to several marine biology research centers, which offer the chance to learn about the marine life of the Maldives and to see marine creatures up close.

10. Take a sunset cruise

Take a sunset cruise to watch the sun set over the Maldives. This is a great way to see the Maldives' beautiful landscapes and to spot dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Climate in The Maldives

The Maldives has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The temperature ranges from around 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F) all year round. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in June and July. The rest of the year is considered the dry season.

Best Time to Visit The Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives depends on what you want to experience.

The Dry Season

The dry season, which runs from November to April, is the best time for beach activities and watersports, as the weather is sunny and dry, and the sea is calm. This is also the peak tourist season and the best time to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the country.

The Rainy Season

The rainy season, which runs from May to October, is a great time to visit if you want to experience the Maldives at a more affordable price, as the prices are lower and the crowds are fewer. The sea is also rougher during this time, making it a good time for surfers.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Luxury Resorts

The Maldives offers a wide range of luxurious accommodation options, such as five-star resorts, which are located on private islands and offer amenities such as spas, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants. These resorts are ideal for those looking for a more upscale and comfortable stay.

Mid-range Resorts

There are also many mid-range resorts available in the Maldives, which offer comfortable accommodation at more affordable prices. These resorts are located on private islands and offer amenities such as swimming pools and restaurants. They are ideal for those looking for a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.

Budget Accommodation

The Maldives also offers a few budget-friendly accommodation options, such as guesthouses and budget hotels on local islands. These accommodation options are basic but offer comfortable and clean rooms at affordable prices. They are ideal for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers.

Liveaboard

For those looking for a unique and adventurous way to experience the Maldives, liveaboard options are available. These are boats that are specially designed to accommodate guests, and offer the opportunity to explore the Maldives' many atolls and islands while sailing. Liveaboards are ideal for divers and snorkelers, as they offer easy access to the Maldives' beautiful coral reefs.

Homestays

Another alternative is to experience local hospitality and culture by staying with a local family in their home, known as a homestay. This can be a great way to learn about local culture and history.

Air travel

The Maldives has one main international airport, Velana International Airport (formerly known as Male International Airport), which receives flights from major cities around the world. From there, domestic flights are available to other destinations within the Maldives, as well as seaplane and boat transfers.

Seaplane

Seaplanes are a popular way to travel between the Maldives' many islands, as they offer scenic flights and allow for easy access to the more remote islands. These flights are operated by Maldivian Air Taxi, Trans Maldivian Airways and other local companies.

Speedboat

Speedboats are another popular way to travel between the Maldives' islands, particularly for those staying on local islands. These boats are fast and offer a convenient way to travel, but they can be quite bumpy and may not be suitable for everyone.

Public Ferry

Public ferries are also available in the Maldives, and they operate between Male and other islands. They are a cheap and convenient way to travel, but the schedule and route options may be limited.

Boat charter

Boat charter is also a popular option for those looking for more flexibility and independence during their trip. It's possible to hire a boat and a crew to explore the Maldives' many islands and atolls at your own pace.

It's worth noting that many of the destinations in the Maldives are on remote islands, and seaplane, speedboat or boat transfer may be necessary to reach them. Also, it's recommended to check the schedule and availability of the transportation options before embarking on your trip, as they may change due to weather conditions and high season.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.