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13 things to know before going to the Maldives

Feb 8, 2024 • 5 min read

Be ready for your visit to the Maldives with this guide to planning and etiquette © Jannoon028 / Getty Images

Paradise personified. Heaven on earth. Screensaver goals. The Maldives has earned a lot of monikers since it opened to tourists in the 1970s.

Over the past 50 years, it’s become known as a honeymoon hot spot, a family-friendly getaway and one of the world’s most coveted vacation destinations.

And while it may seem like a lot of hype for one small, spread-out island nation in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives really does live up to it. From coconut-fringed islands and colorful reefs to warm smiles and even warmer curries, it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime getaway for travelers. Whether you’re heading off to a ritzy private island resort or a more affordable local island, there’s a handful of things to know before departure. Here are our top tips and best advice ahead of a trip to the Maldives.

1. Plan for at least 5 nights in the Maldives

For all travelers, it takes a plane ride or three to land in this far-flung slice of paradise. So, while a weekend to the Maldives may work for travelers based in Asia, five nights will suffice if you’re crunched for time and budget. And if neither is an issue, plan for at least a week to fully unwind and embrace island life.

2. You can get around via seaplane or speedboat

When choosing your island resort, pay attention to whether it’s reachable by seaplane or speedboat. Although seaplane transfers give picture-worthy views of the pearl-shaped atolls, they often cost much more. And be aware there’s a 25kg (55lbs) total luggage per person allowance on seaplanes. So, if you’re looking to save money, pick a resort closer to Male that you can transfer to via speedboat. You can also take a domestic flight to another atoll in the Maldives and a speedboat to the resort.

3. Island-hopping is doable (and encouraged)

Many travelers spend weeks poring over which private island resort is the best for them, but you don’t have to choose one. Beach bums can split their time between resorts. You’ll need to travel back to Male airport, where a representative from your next resort will meet you and transfer you there via seaplane or speedboat. If the resorts are close together, you can charter a speedboat from one resort to another.

4. Aim to land in Male in the morning

If you’re staying at a resort accessible by seaplane transfer, arriving in the morning is crucial. Once the sun sets, seaplanes stop flying, so you’d need to stay overnight in Male or Hulhumale to wait for the next seaplane. If your resort is accessible via a speedboat or water taxi, arriving at night is less of an issue, but the Maldives scenery is so stunning you’ll want to be able to see it.

5. Understand “island time”

These tiny private islands operate by their own rules, including their own time zones. Some resorts will ask guests to set their clocks to “island time,” an hour forward to give them an extra hour of sunlight for snorkeling or swimming .

6. Stock up well (there are no grocery stores for tourists)

There are no grocery stores or Walmarts on these tiny private islands. So, triple-check that you’ve got everything you need, including reef-safe sunscreen to help protect one of the Maldives’ most precious natural habitats. Every resort has a boutique store where you can pick up necessities you may have forgotten, but prices are often insanely expensive.

7. Familiarize yourself with the prohibited items list

The Maldives is a devout Muslim country with strict rules. So travelers entering cannot bring alcohol, pornographic materials, pork products or idols of worship  among other things . If anything prohibited is found, it will be taken away on arrival.

8. Local islands are a bargain but come with caveats

The local islands are a great and safe option for travelers on a budget and those not willing to shell out thousands for an island getaway. Small Maldivian-run guesthouses offer a much more intimate look at daily life, but there are a few things to know first. Alcohol is illegal on local islands, so don’t expect to enjoy a beer by the beach. Travelers must also dress conservatively on local islands by covering their shoulders and knees. Women don’t need to cover their heads, but wearing a bathing suit outside of designated “bikini beaches” is not allowed and could land you with a fine.

9. There’s no standard tipping etiquette

Tipping on top of your restaurant bill at the resort is not expected because a 10% tip is already included. However, if you want to leave something for your favorite server at the end of your stay that is more than OK. Guests can also write a review calling out their favorite team members; management often rewards staff for stellar service. Leaving a tip ranging from US$2 to US$10 per day for housekeeping is also customary. And if you have a butler, tipping 10% of the cost of your stay is a good rule.

10. You can pay in USD

The local currency is the Maldivian rufiya, but US dollars are also accepted. You can get some local currency from the ATM at the airport on arrival. If you want to exchange money for rufiya, you can do so in the airport at the Bank of Maldives Foreign Exchange. Keep your receipt with you so you can change anything extra back into your local currency when you leave.

11. Resort doctors can help with health concerns

The vast majority of travelers will go straight from the plane to a private island resort. Should you have any health issues during your stay, the on-island doctor will be able to assist you.

12. There is a “green tax” for tourists

Every tourist is charged a government tax to stay in a hotel, liveaboard or guesthouse. The tax is US$6 per day unless you’re staying in a guesthouse on a local island with 50 or fewer registered rooms, then the tax is US$3 per day. The charge will be included in your overall bill.

13. Sustainability initiatives are everywhere 

As the world’s lowest-lying country, the Maldives is under serious threat from climate change. Nearly every resort has sustainability initiatives, which might include coral regeneration, onsite gardens, turtle rehabilitation and/or unique mosquito trapping methods instead of chemical spraying. A few of the more sustainable resorts to choose from are Soneva , Six Senses , Four Seasons , Kudadoo and Gili Lankanfushi . Beware of greenwashing , where organizations claim sustainability credentials that aren't as impactful as they suggest.

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Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. was established as a travel agent and a tour operator in 1990 by Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed who is also the Chairman & Managing Director. The primary business activity of the company was inbound tourism.

Over the years, Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. had grown from being a relatively small business to one of the top ranked tourism companies in the Maldives with strong ties established with tour operators worldwide. In addition to being an in-bound tour operator, the company also invested in several other services within the boundaries of tourism and includes:

Safari Operation – Luxury cruiser Sunset Queen offers 7 luxuriously appointed cabins and support facilities for the wellbeing and comfort of the guests. Including a beautiful salon and sun deck with open Jacuzzi, Sunset Queen provides ample opportunity for space and relaxation whilst travelling the Maldivian waters.

Agency Service – The Company represents several International tour operators as the ground handling agent in the Maldives.

Meet & Greet Service – as a handling agent, we offer the first welcome to thousands of visitors who travel to our country to bask in our hospitality.

Airline Ground Handling – The Company offers its services to several charter flights that operate into the country year round. In 2009 the company secured GSA for Oman Air in Maldives.

Transport Service – The Company has a fleet of high speed transfer boats with passenger capacity ranging from 18 up to 80. This service is mainly provided to the tourism industry to transfer clients from the airport to the resorts and back.

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Your Trip to the Maldives: The Complete Guide

Made up of nearly 1,200 coral islands strung north to south in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is one of the most popular beach destinations on the planet. Known for world-class diving, miles of empty white-sand beaches, and resorts oozing with luxury, the Maldives isn’t always the most budget-friendly destination (though bargains can be found). But if you’re looking for mind-blowing sunsets, sugary sand, and the most turquoise water you’ve ever seen, break out your credit card and book a flight. Read on for our complete Maldives visitor’s guide, and learn the best places to stay, eat, dive, and explore in this spectacular tropical locale.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time To Visit: In true tropical island style, temperatures in the Maldives average 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) year-round, and there are only two main seasons; dry and wet. The dry season comes in fall and winter, from November through April, with temperatures ranging from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 89 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The low, monsoon season runs from May through October, with the wettest month usually falling in June. Temperatures in the rainy season range from 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) to 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius).

Getting Around: As an island nation spread across hundreds of miles of the ocean, it’s only natural that boats are the country’s transport mainstay, so prepare your sea legs (or Dramamine). For those staying near the capital or attempting a more budget holiday, ferries are offered between some of the more populated islands in the Malé Atoll capital area. Speedboat taxis can be hired for short-distance island hopping, and private resort speedboats whisk guests away to properties in the immediate vicinity. For resorts set in distant atolls, further transport will be via seaplane or a domestic flight to one of the more far-flung airports followed by speedboat transfer to the resort.

Travel Tip: Many visitors to the Maldives must travel by seaplane to reach their final destination, so it’s important to note that seaplanes only operate during daylight hours. If your flight arrives after dark, consider staying at a nearby hotel on either Hulhulé Island or in nearby Malé city.

Things to Do

This is a country surrounded by water, water, and more water, so it's only natural that water sports have emerged as the leading activity in the Maldives. Landlubbers can bask in the sun on deserted sandbanks, or perhaps spend the day in one of the dozens of spas dotted at upmarket resorts throughout the nation.

• Diving: Some of the world's best diving can be found in the Maldives' coral atolls. Spot whale sharks and manta rays from May through November in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, or dive deep with octopi and reef sharks to explore some of the area's famed shipwrecks.
• Water sports: Snorkeling, stand-up paddle, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, and every other water sport imaginable are available year-round. Most resorts include access to non-motorized water sports equipment, and the larger populated islands generally have water sports rental facilities.
• Spa experiences: The Maldives is home to some of the most indulgent hotel spas in the world. These havens of tranquility offer everything from Thai massages set in overwater villas, to underwater treatment rooms, to complete detox, rejuvenation, or restoration packages. Most resorts have a spa on the property, so it's only a matter of choosing which will best suit your budget and relaxation desires.
• Nothing: Perhaps the ultimate activity of all in the Maldives is doing absolutely nothing. This definition of "nothing" means laying on a sun lounger on one of the country's best beaches , staring into the sea-green distance while sipping ice-cold coconut water and reading a novel.

What to Eat and Drink

Maldivian cuisine borrows mainly from India and Sri Lanka, which both highlight hot, spicy flavors. But in the Maldives, what you’ll eat largely depends on where you stay. High-end resorts offer a variety of a la carte local and international fare in a host of luxurious settings, including in overwater and underwater restaurants .

Budget resorts are more likely to provide buffet meals with both Western and Asian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are also small local eateries and cafes on many of the inhabited islands, purveying specialties such as fish cakes, soups, and curries.

Alcohol is prohibited in the Maldives (except for tourists at licensed hotels and resorts), so don’t expect to wash down your curry with a beer in any of the local establishments. Many of the more upmarket resorts, however, have full bars, and even wine cellars with hundreds of vintages to choose from.

Where to Stay

If visitors stay in the city of Malé, it’s rarely for more than one night, as there’s not much going on in the capital other than commerce, a few restaurants, and a museum or two. Most visitors stay in one of the dozens of resorts, which are often set on private islands in one of the country’s myriad coral atolls.

Accommodations vary widely in the Maldives, from rustic local guesthouses to some of the world’s most expensive resorts. If you’re on a budget, there are a handful of guesthouses and small hotels in many of the inhabited islands, such as in the North Malé Atoll or Ari Atoll.

There are also a variety of all-inclusive resorts, which range widely in quality. Check out Adaaran Prestige Vadoo , which is only 20 minutes by speedboat from the airport and has overwater villas with private pools, or the chic design and five restaurants at LUX* South Ari Atoll .

The Maldives’ lineup of five-star resorts are the stuff holiday dreams are made of. Postcard-perfect beaches, overwater villas, serene spas, and private butlers are only a taste of what to expect should you choose to splurge. Some of the most popular (and expensive) options include chains such as the Four Seasons , St. Regis , and the Six Senses , plus properties like Soneva Jani , which features massive overwater villas with private pools and waterslides, or Huvafen Fushi Maldives which has the world’s first and only underwater spa.

Getting There

The gateway to the Maldives is Velana International Airport (MLE), formerly Malé International Airport, which is set on an island adjacent to the capital city of Malé. Upon arrival, the best transport mode depends on where you’re staying. A bridge connects the airport (on Hulhulé Island) to adjacent Malé city, or there are taxis, speedboat taxis, and regularly scheduled (though not always on time) ferries.

The Maldives’ seafaring past and Indian Ocean location means the remote country has been heavily influenced by its closest neighbors, India and Sri Lanka, as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Africa. Many visitors will only see the surroundings of their chosen resort, but the Maldives possesses cultural treasures on the local islands and in Malé that are also worth exploring.

• One of the oldest mosques in the Maldives is the Malé Hukuru Miskiy, or Old Friday Mosque, which was built from ornately carved coral in 1658. The mosque is set on Hulhulé Island, an easy taxi ride from the airport.
• The Maldives National Museum in Malé is a compact yet illuminating repository for the country’s prized artifacts. Displays range from ancient to modern times and contain everything from religious carvings to whale skeletons to lacquered wood boxes handmade by Maldivian craftspeople.
• Across Sultan Park from The Maldives National Museum is The National Art Gallery. Established in 1999, this relatively new museum houses collections of Maldivian art from both past and present.

Money-Saving Tips

• May through October is monsoon season in much of Southeast Asia, and the Maldives is no exception. Although summer can sometimes bring heavy rainfall and severe storms, most often there are only afternoon showers, and risking a visit during these monsoon months (particularly June, considered the wettest month) means deep discounts compared to visiting the country during the peak season.
• Since alcohol is heavily taxed and marked-up in the Maldives, a drinks bill at the end of your trip can pose a hefty surprise. To keep the holiday stress-free and the umbrella drinks coming, consider choosing an all-inclusive package if you plan to indulge in adult libations during your stay.

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TUI discount code that gets you £200 off holidays – including the Maldives, Thailand and Dubai

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LONG-HAUL holidays can take you to some bucket list-worthy destinations - and they're even better when discounts are involved.

TUI has launched a new sale with £200 long-haul holidays in 2024 and 2025.

To take advantage of the discount, use the code " LH200. " This code applies to package holidays costing £1,500 or more.

A trick to save an extra £20 is to create a " myTUI " account and use the code " LH220 ."

• Check out the best long-haul holiday deals with TUI here

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TUI hasn't specified when the sale will end, but the best deals are already starting to book up quickly.

Destinations include anything from tropical paradises like the Maldives , Dominican Republic and Mexico to Dubai and Thailand .

Meanwhile, many local airports are available for your departure. In fact, TUI operates long-haul flights from more airports than any other UK airline .

The discount can be used on any holiday, from self-catering and room-only to half-board and all-inclusive stays.

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Regardless of your destination, all TUI packages include return flights with luggage allowance, accommodation and shared resort transfers.

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The up-and-coming exotic island with new Virgin flights and Maldives-like waters

• Kara Godfrey , Deputy Travel Editor
• Published : 16:19 ET, Apr 12 2024
• Updated : 9:57 ET, Apr 13 2024
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JETLAG has woken me up at 5am but for once I’m not mad.

It’s almost impossible to be when I’m watching an incredible purple-hued sunrise on Tripadvisor’s “best beach in the world”.

I’ve seen my fair share of beautiful places, but little compares to Grace Bay’s powder soft sand yet to heat up for the day.

While I have the coastline to myself, with just a few cawing birds overhead, I fear this won’t be for long.

Turks and Caicos is set to be the next big thing for Brits, with Virgin Atlantic launching direct flights from the UK twice a week.

And the island takes the word paradise to a whole new level.

Even before you land, the views of the bright turquoise, Maldives -esque waters from the plane are so blue it’s like someone dialled up the saturation on my phone.

Often compared to the other nearby islands of Barbados or Jamaica, residents insist Turks and Caicos is unique.

Mangrove kayaking

“People associate us with the rest of the Caribbean , but we have our own individual cultures,” local David Bowen told me.

And that inviting way of life is best found at Da Conch Shack on Wednesday nights.

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Also named one of the best beach bars in the world, I was served sea snail dishes, ranging from fresh ceviche to deep fried fritters.

And before I knew it, I was joined by 14-man marching band, Funk Junkanoo, playing a cacophony of upbeat music.

We all danced into the early hours of the morning albeit with much less rhythm than the locals.

Miraculously, thanks to the large piles of rice, beans and jerk chicken we also demolished, my Rum Punch hangover was almost non-existent.

Instead, my mornings were spent relaxing with a coffee and platter of fresh fruit, overlooking the pristine coastline from my room at the Wymara Resort and Villas.

The reception sets the tone with jaw-dropping views out to the shimmering infinity pool and turquoise sea.

It’s safe to say I took advantage of the hotel staff’s offer to take my things to my room before I threw on a bikini and jumped straight in.

The cool water was needed to refresh my already heated up skin, thanks to those 30C island temperatures even in winter.

So after a toe-dip in the sea and a jump in the pool, you’d think that’s enough water for one day.

But the hotel is home to the Caribbean’s first ocean-water pool, which can be found near the private villas that look like they belong in Los Angeles-based Netflix series, Selling Sunset.

The 3,900 square foot-pool is 130ft long and 30ft wide and is accessible to villa guests, though resort guests can buy day passes.

Each villa has king-size bedrooms with sea-view balconies and private swimming pools, but the highlight is the curly slide straight into the ocean.

I couldn’t help having a go, or two, or three. In fact, my bikini was rarely given time to dry out.

If you want to ramp up the fun, you can explore the island by speedboat

A short drive from the hotel and still slightly damp, I am back on water for a kayaking tour of the mangroves.

Our passionate guide showed off the dense 100-year-old foliage, which we were told to avoid touching as they are so important to protect the island’s coastline.

When we reach the turtle nursery, we are encouraged to keep quiet.

I had to cover my mouth to avoid yelling in delight as one of the reptiles cheekily popped its mouth out of the water for a quick breath.

I thought I had been lucky to spot one only to hear stunned gasps from other kayakers just inches from a surfacing turtle.

The remarkably clear water meant we could even see them on the sea floor, taking a well-earned rest from the heat.

If you want to ramp up the fun, you can explore the island by speedboat.

Our captain and fellow Brit Jake was more than happy to let us blast our club classics on the speakers.

Freshly baked treats

Sadly, high winds prevented us from exploring some of the more hidden parts of Turks and Caicos , but we moored up near the mangroves and clambered aboard a ten-man inflatable instead.

Captain Jake even paddled over more prosecco for us to enjoy.

My nose was left a Caribbean sunset pink after one too many glasses, having to take myself back to the shaded beanbags on deck when the heat was too much.

With final hugs from Captain Jake, we were back on solid ground at the resort, giggling before a quick stop at the beach front Pink Bar followed by collapsing on my huge bed moments later.

I was in one of Wymara’s beach front suites, complete with balconies overlooking Grace Bay as well as a large roll-top bath and rainfall shower.

It was the little touches that made all the difference, from the Dyson hairdryers to the freshly baked treats by my bed every night.

And despite being sunburned, sleep deprived and a few pounds heavier, it’s hard to care when waking up in paradise.

GO: Turks and Caicos

GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at Wymara Resort and Villas from £3,012pp including flights with Virgin Atlantic and private transfers. See virgin.com .

OUT & ABOUT: Kayak Eco tour from £176pp, half-day Private Boat Charter from £340pp. See bigbluecollective.com.

MORE INFO: See luxuryexperiencesturksandcaicos.com .

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BOOK YOUR STAY

Best rate guaranteed.

If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of making a booking, we’ll not only happily match that rate, but also give you an additional 10% off your stay.

Terms & Conditions apply.

Sun Siyam Cares

Your safety and security has always been our highest priority. To ensure a worry-free stay at Sun Siyam Resorts, we’ve introduced our Sun Siyam Cares programme. Created using the latest World Health Organisation and national government guidelines, it is designed to offer a holiday experience with your wellbeing in mind, in an environment that’s safe for both our guests and team members.

Arrival & Departure

All visitors travelling to and from the Maldives are required to submit a self-declarative health declaration online via https://imuga.immigration.gov.mv

- It is recommended to download the contact tracing app “TraceEkee”. - Resort has a well-equipped clinic with a doctor and nurse. Samples are collected by our resort doctor and transferred to authorized testing facility. The resort does not apply any charge towards transport of the specimen to be tested. - Test results will be made available within 24 hours to 72 hours depending on the volume and will be delivered to the guests. - In the unlikely event that the guests might be required to go in person to an authorized testing facility, and in such case, return transfer cost will be charged to guests. - The resort reserves the right to impose additional fees should the authorities change the procedure.

- To facilitate a contactless check in, guests are asked to register online prior to travelling to our resorts. - Guests will receive a temperature check upon arrival and periodically throughout their stay. - During arrival and departure, our teams will observe social distancing etiquette at all times. - Reception areas have been fitted with floor markers to encourage safe distancing. - Our teams have been fully trained to identify any guests with respiratory symptoms. - A full range of masks, gloves and hand sanitisers are available upon request.

Restaurants & Bars

- All tables have been placed at least 1.5 metres apart. - Menus are available by scanning a QR code, with iPad and printed versions available upon request. - Buffet restaurants must be booked in advance. Team members will assist you with food service. - Sunbeds and beach loungers are well spaced to observe social distancing protocols.

Housekeeping

- All rooms are cleaned and then sealed, with a 24 hour vacancy period between each arrival to ensure the highest standards of hygiene are maintained. - Air conditioning systems will be cleaned and sanitised after each guest departure. - Hand sanitiser is provided for your convenience and comfort. - All surfaces, including high-touch points, will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. - We’ve removed some in-room amenities such as pens, notepads and guest directories, which are now available upon request. - For your safety and reassurance, daily housekeeping services are now only available upon request.

Public Areas

- All public areas are frequently cleaned and sanitised throughout the day by our dedicated sanitation team. - We use Ecolab cleaning products which comply with stringent WHO and government guidelines, but are also environmentally friendly. - Hand sanitiser dispensers have been placed at the entrance to all public outlets.

Team Members

- All team members have been trained to adhere to WHO and national government guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing. - A Sun Siyam Cares Manager has been appointed at all resorts to implement and monitor our guidelines. - All team members undergo regular ongoing safety training. - Our frontline team members wear personal protective equipment whilst on duty.

- Our watersports, diving and fitness facilities are available in compliance with social distancing protocols. - Group activity numbers will be limited to enable social distancing. - Certain activities are only available for private parties. Details are available upon request.

- All resorts are staffed by a HPA certified medical officer. - All Maldivian resorts benefit from the care of a resident doctor, with no extra charges for guest consultations.

- Treatments must be pre-booked via our messaging service or by contacting the spa from your in-room phone. - Guests are politely required to shower prior to any treatments.

- Due to restricted numbers, the pre-booking of our Kids Club is highly recommended. - All children are politely required to shower prior to arrival. - Children under three are not permitted to use the facilities. - In line with government guidelines, babysitting services are temporarily suspended.

We look forward to welcoming you soon.