Maldives Travel Guide

Best time to visit

The best months to indulge in a trip to Maldives is from November to March. Just for your information, you will find below the breakup for every season. The Maldives has a sunny weather all year round, you can choose the best time as per your priority. Like any other tropical country, Maldives witnesses dry and wet season. The hot and humid weather is well complemented with soothing sea breezes and surprising drizzles.

November to March: This is the peak time with many travelers travelling to this end of the world. These months are favorable with less humidity, little rain and cool clear sky.

March to April: The temperature starts soaring from the mid of April. However, March to October is the finest time for surfers.

May to November: This is the season to find resorts at their cheapest. Storms and rains are very likely this time of the year.

How to reach Maldives?

By Air

If planning a trip to Maldives then taking a flight is the best option as many flights from other parts of the world are fully connected to Male Airport, which is the largest airport of Maldives.

There are only two international airports in Maldives one of which is the Male Airport which is located on the Male Island and the other one is the Gan Airport in the Addu City. Airlines including the Etihad Airways, Jet Airways, Air India, British Airways, Cathay Pacafic and Emerald connect multiple parts of the world with this beautiful country.

By Sea

Since Maldives is a group of small beautiful islands, reaching here by a cruise is also possible. You can easily find cruises towards Maldives from various countries which are all inclusive and offer stay, food and activities on the board too. However, most of these cruise journeys do not end in Maldives and only stop there for a while, thus providing you with a proper transportation option through the sea.

Visa for Maldives

Maldives is pretty liberal in this sense. The government issues a 30 day stamp to any landing visitor who holds a passport of their home nation. Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis and Nepalese citizens are allowed a 90- day stamp. If you wish to stick around for a longer period of time, you might as well extend the 30 day stamp or leave when the 30 days end and return after few days.

Please be well versed about the country rules and remember the name of your resort/ hotel and produce your return ticket out of Maldives, if inquired by the immigration authorities. Visas are not required for travelers who plan to stay here for less than or equal to 30 days. Just a valid passport shall do.

Best islands to visit

1. Biyadhoo Island

Lying in the South Male Atoll, the serene Biyadhoo Island is managed and owned by India’s reputed Taj Group. Spread across an area of around 10 acres, this photogenic island is known for its rich vegetation that includes home-grown coconut, cabbage, tomatoes, banana, and mango plantations. The shimmering waters of this exotic island allow adrenaline junkies to indulge in umpteen varieties of watersports, such as snorkelling, canoe-paddling, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving.

2. Alimatha Island

Set in the Vaavu Atoll, on the eastern periphery of Maldives, Alimatha Island is known popularly for its aquamarine lagoons, tranquil spa retreats, sun-kissed beaches, rejuvenating Ayurvedic massage, and azure waters. One of the star attractions of this island is the lavish Alimatha Aquatic Resort that offers the travelers luxury accommodation options in its exquisite overwater villas and beach bungalows. Some of the most exciting things to do on Alimatha Island are scuba diving, snorkeling, enjoying a couple's massage, and taking short boat trips.

3. Utheemu Island

Nestled in the northern part of the well-known Haa Alif Atoll, Utheemu Island is known popularly among the travelers for its rich historic significance. In the bygone times, this beautiful island served as the residence of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, the legendary personality who is believed to have expelled the Portuguese invaders from here back in the 16th century. In addition to sheltering picturesque blue waves and shimmering white sand beaches, Utheemu Island also has a plethora of heritage sites, the most popular among which is Utheemu Ganduvaru, a beautiful palace made up of timber.

4. Feydhoo Island

Feydhoo Island was formed when the locals of Gan Island were dropped to reside here during the British invasion when Gan had to be transformed into an important airbase. The leafy streets and the tight-housing blocks in this island make it the best place to explore the traditional Maldivian lifestyle. While you are here, you can utilize your time in strolling through the calm walkways and savouring the flavoursome seafood curries.

5. Thulusdhoo Island

Oozing out typical Caribbean vibes, Thulusdhoo Island is one of the least discovered Maldivian islands that is covered with gigantic coconut trunks vegetating from underneath the sandy floors. With live seafood barbeque set on them, the picturesque beaches of this island pledge to offer a real treat to your eyes. Tourists visiting the enchanting Thulusdhoo Island usually spend time engaging in exhilarating water activities, such as fishing, surfing, swimming, and paddle boating. You can also enjoy seafood barbeque nights and go on sandbank excursion trips while you are on this island.

6. Ukulhas Island

Considered to be the cleanest island of Maldives country, Ukulhas Island attracts couples for a memorable honeymoon experience. This enchanting island is known for its rich culture, which can be easily explored by interacting with the friendly locals of this place. Packed with popular top-class restaurants including Olhumathi Restaurant and Retro Royal, this island also makes for the best place to savour delicious authentic Maldivian cuisine and seafood.

Water Sports in Maldives

Snorkeling

The most important attraction of Maldives tourism is exploring the rich marine life of the archipelago by snorkeling in its azure waters. Letting you spot brain corals, staghorn, Whitetip Reef Sharks, anemonefish, Hawksbill Turtles, bannerfish, Eagle Rays, fusiliers, and whale sharks, sites like Maafushi Island and Alimatha Island make the Maldives one of the best snorkeling destinations of the world. Starting from just INR 600 per head, snorkeling makes for an inexpensive water sport anyone can experience in Maldives country.

Kite Surfing

The warm weather and the constant tropical winds in the Maldives between the months of June and October make the island nation one of the best places to engage in kite surfing in the world. This sport demands the kite surfers to balance themselves on a longboard while holding tightly onto a triangular sail. Available in Hulhumale and Male, the water sport of kite surfing starts from INR 2,100 per person in the Maldives.

Parasailing

Available on almost every island in Maldives, parasailing is one of the most favourite and safest water sports that can be tried by adventure enthusiasts of all age groups. Parasailing will let you glide in the deep blue sky over the vast ocean wearing a parachute while a motorboat keeps you towed down. As you enjoy gliding in the sky at high speeds, you can feel the cool sea breeze hitting your face and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean waters. Parasailing in Maldives starts from INR 14,000 for 2 and is best enjoyed at Reethi Beach, Cocoon Beach, and Finolhu Beach.

Fishing

The rich marine world of the Maldivian archipelago makes fishing one of the most enjoyed water sports in the country for people of all generations. Maldives offers two kinds of fishing experiences - night fishing and morning fishing. Also referred to as ‘Big Game Fishing’, morning fishing is the easy one that lets you catch big fishes, such as barracuda, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Believed to be a bit challenging, night fishing requires you to find fishes, such as squirrel fish, reef fish, jacks, emperors, and snappers, under the star-studded sky.

Water Skiing

Water skiing is one of the most enjoyable and easiest water sports available in the Maldives, which can be enjoyed even by the beginners. This sport can be performed in 2 ways - while in one method a cable ski installed on the waters is used, in the other method, the participant is pulled across the waters by a speedboat. Water skiing generally starts from INR 2,800 per head in the Maldives and can be done at various locations including Hulhumale and Ari Atoll.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving in Maldives offers the divers the chance to swim with innumerable exotic marine creatures underneath the Indian Ocean. While you dive here, you can spot over 700 fish species and 70 coral reef species. Starting from INR 3,900 per dive, scuba diving is best done at Banana Reef in the Maldives.

Romantic places in Maldives for honeymoon

Kuredu

Offering breathtaking ocean views, Kuredu Islands is a top-rated island destination in Maldives country among couples. Honeymooners visiting this island love to spend their time relishing delectable delicacies on the ocean edge while soaking in the mesmerizing sunset views. The most famous attraction of Kuredu is the enthralling aircraft ride over this stunning island, which is sure to leave the lovebirds totally amazed and awestruck. Couples visiting Kuredu Island also make it a point to experience fine dining at its lavish underwater restaurant for a unique celebration of their love.

Majeedhee Magu

Lying in Male, Majeedhee Magu is the best street shopping destination in Maldives country for couples as well as families. Here, you can find shops selling the latest fashion and locally handcrafts at cheap and bargainable rates. This place is also packed with a plethora of food stalls selling out flavoursome local snacks for you to relish while you enjoy your shopping spree. Majeedhee Magu remains open till 11 PM to offer the shoppaholics a unique and even exciting night shopping experience.

HP Reef

The protected marine site of HP Reef is home to muti-coloured corals, colourful fishes, amazing overhangs, and beautiful caves. The place offers extreme care for the marine animals and the divers and swimmers are only let into the ocean when it’s very secure. HP Reef is usually visited by couples who want to enjoy a good underwater photoshoot with the exuberant marine creatures.

National Museum

Making for an important heritage site in Maldives tourism, the National Museum offers the couples a learnable walk through the glorious history of the island nation. This quaint building is home to a huge collection of interesting colonnades and artifacts, whose components date back to the early days of the establishment of the islands of Maldives country. This museum is a segment of the majestic Maldivian Royal Palace of the 17th century and also shelters the breathtaking Sultan Park within its premises. Some of the top attractions of the National Museum include the 11th century artefact of Alifu Todd and a coral stone head of Gautama Buddha.

Banana Reef

Nestled in North Male Atoll, the famous Banana Reef is considered to be one of the top diving sites of the world. This place also makes for the very first Maldivian diving spot to get recognized as a licensed site for diving and professional training. Resembling the shape of a banana, this reef is home to mesmerizing cliffs, intriguing caves, breathtaking corals, and flamboyant marine life. Couples visiting Banana Reef love to engage in underwater activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing.

Artificial Beach

As its name suggests, Artificial Beach is a man-made beach perched in North Male Atoll. Making for one of the most favourite destinations in Maldives tourism for couples, this beach is considered to be the perfect site for enjoying a tranquil swim in the archipelago. The beach even organizes many carnivals and offers peaceful walks and several watersports. Many music groups head to the beach during the evening hours to perform and jam for the visitors who enjoy being a great live audience.

Must-have Romantic Experiences for Honeymoon Couples

Beachside dinner

Maldives is home to around 200 islands, all of which provide you a chance to enjoy a dinner date with your sweetheart while marvelling at the beautiful sunset. Many resorts and cafes also offer you the facility of decorating your dinner table and surrounding areas with candles and flower petals, thus adding much more beauty to the evening.

Session of Scuba Diving

One of the most sought after activities on Maldives is a session of scuba diving in which you can get a chance to experience the depth of sea and marvel at the beautiful and colourful marine life living in it. Enjoying this activity with your other half will add much required thrill on any honeymoon trip.

Enjoying food at Underwater Restaurant

A date, that too under the water has no comparison to all other thrilling activities. The Ithaa Underwater restaurant provides you with a chance to enjoy a peaceful meal with your lover while marvelling at the beautiful marine life floating on all your sides.

Night at Luxury Cruises

The best gift that you can give to your partner in Maldives is a romantic night on a cruise with all the facilities. Traversing the sea while marvelling at the starry night and sitting on the deck adds more charm to such kinds of experiences.

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