Maldives
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
The Maldives is worth visiting if you want a secluded beach holiday where your room is often over the ocean. Aim for the dry season between November and April for the best weather. Most visitors stay for five to seven days to fully decompress.
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Most people stay for five to seven days.
You fly into Velana International Airport near Male and take a speedboat or seaplane to your resort.
Most nationalities receive a 30 day visa on arrival.
The transfer fees from the airport to your specific island are often not included in the initial booking price.
What to expect
Expect a quiet experience centered entirely on your specific resort island. You will spend most of your time swimming, snorkeling, or sitting on your deck. There is very little to do in terms of sightseeing or cultural activities outside of the resort perimeter.
Most resorts occupy their own private island. You will likely eat at the same two or three restaurants for the duration of your trip. If you prefer walking through towns or visiting historical sites, this destination will feel restrictive.
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Timing your visit
Plan your trip for the dry season which runs from November through April. During these months, you get the most sunshine and the lowest humidity. It is the peak season, so expect higher prices and more people at the resorts.
The wet season starts in May and lasts through October. You will see more rain and cloud cover, though prices drop significantly. If you travel during these months, be prepared for days where the water is too choppy for boat excursions.
Common mistakes
People often underestimate the isolation. Once you arrive at your island, you are stuck there unless you pay for expensive boat trips. Check the location of your resort carefully before booking.
Another mistake is ignoring the transfer costs. The advertised room rate is rarely the final price. You must add the cost of seaplane or speedboat transfers, which can add hundreds of dollars per person to your total bill.
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Speedboat and seaplane transfers to resorts can cost hundreds of dollars.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives, and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean, near the southeastern boundary of the Arabian Sea. The Maldives is located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, about 750 kilometres (470 miles; 400 nautical miles) from the Asian continent's mainland. The Maldives' chain of 26 atolls stretches across the equator from Ihavandhippolhu Atoll in the north to Addu Atoll in the south. The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. Its land area is only 298 square kilometres (115 sq mi), but this is spread over roughly 90,000 square kilometres (35,000 sq mi) of the sea, making it one of the world's most spatially dispersed sovereign states. With a population of 515,132 in the 2022 census, it is the second least populous country in Asia and the ninth-smallest country by area, but also one of the most densely populated countries. The Maldives has an average ground-level elevation of around 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) above sea level, and a highest natural point of only 2.4 metres (7 ft 10 in), making it the world's lowest-lying country. Some sources state the highest point, Mount V
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Questions people ask
Is it expensive to eat there?
Food prices are high because almost everything is imported. Expect to pay premium prices for all meals and drinks since you cannot leave the resort to find cheaper options.
Do I need a visa?
Most tourists get a free visa on arrival. You need a passport with at least six months of validity remaining and proof of a return flight.
Can I travel between islands?
Moving between islands is difficult and expensive. It is best to choose one resort and stay there for your entire trip.
Is alcohol allowed?
Alcohol is available at all tourist resorts. It is strictly prohibited in the capital city of Male and on local islands.
How do I get to my resort?
Your resort will arrange the transfer after you book your room. They will meet you at the airport arrivals hall to direct you to your boat or seaplane.