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Maldives Travel Advice
Our travel essentials for this tropical paradise
Travel essentials

Maldives Travel Advice

Whether it's the best time of year to visit or how long a direct flight is, our Maldives travel advice will make sure you're prepared for your island escape in the sun. We've done the hard work for you, so you can enjoy your time in this Indian Ocean paradise.

We can't travel right now but there's nothing stopping you from planning your tropical escape to the Maldives. For more information or if there's anything else you'd like to know about the Maldives, then give us a call. If you're ready to book your holiday with us then enquire today.

Weather

Best Time to Visit the Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination, with temperatures hovering around 30°C throughout the year.

November to April is the best time to visit the Maldives. It has the perfect trio of minimal rainfall, low humidity and clear skies, while the waters are calm and clear, making it the optimum time for snorkelling and diving. For those interested in snorkelling with manta rays and whale sharks, then October to April is the best time to go to the Maldives, at the Ari Atoll in particular. They can be also be spotted in the plankton-rich waters at the Baa Atoll in Hanifaru Bay between May and October – for more information and advice, get in touch with one of our travel specialists.

May to October sees a little more tropical rainfall, but there’s still plenty of sunshine hours to enjoy. Storms can be a risk but they’re uncommon and water visibility can be slightly poorer due to the presence of plankton. With so much fine weather still to be had, cheaper hotel rates make this period of the year great value if you wish to visit then. We love May and the end of October at either end of the ‘wet’ season, as they offer remarkable value with endless days of sunshine and a smaller price to pay!

Essentials

Fast Facts

Capital
 

The capital of the Maldives is Malé, where the international airport is also based.

Flight time
 

The direct flight time from London to Malé is around 10 and a half hours.

Currency
 

The currency in the Maldives in the Maldivian rufiyaa, although US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted.

Time difference
 

The time difference in the Maldives is GMT+5 hours.

Visas
 

British passport holders do need a visa for the Maldives, but this is issued free of charge when you arrive in Malé. You'll also need six months validity on your passport from your departure date.

Food and drink
 

In the Maldives, seafood is adored by locals. A wide selection of fresh, barbecued and smoked fish dishes, as well as lobster, dominate menus in resorts – they're locally caught staples and extremely tasty. Despite a ban on alcohol in the Maldives, it is allowed in resorts.

Just married on the back of bikes at Six Senses Laamu
Getting Around the Maldives
When you arrive in the Maldives, your onward transfer will depend on where you're staying. In most instances, you'll take a speedboat ride or hop on a seaplane (the latter is a spectacular way to see the Maldives from above) to your island hideaway. But for further-flung resorts, you might need a domestic flight, followed by a speedboat – though trust us, the long journey will be completely worth it. Once you're at your island paradise, the fastest you'll be tempted to go is a leisurely pedal on a complimentary bicycle from your resort!
Local information

Learning the Language

Even though you'll easily get by with English in the Maldives, locals will always appreciate anything spoken to them in their language, Dhivehi. Here are a few words and phrases to impress them when you're there!

Hello
Assalaamu alaikum

Goodbye
Dhanee

Good morning
Ba'ajjeveri hendhuneh

Good evening
Ba'ajjeveri haveereh

Yes
Aan

No
Noon

Thank you
Shukuriyaa

Resorts

Our Recommended Stays

Staying safe

Safety Tips

Stay safe in the sun
 

Accessories like hats, sun cream and sunglasses are essential for a holiday in the Maldives. If possible, we'd recommend buying reef-safe sun cream, which is free from coral-damaging chemicals. It's worth remembering that even on an overcast day, the tropical sun is still strong.

Malaria
 

Even though malaria isn't a risk in the Maldives and the presence of mosquitoes isn't too bad, we'd still recommend packing some insect repellent, just to be sure.

Visiting local islands
 

This isn't safety advice as such, but please be mindful if you're thinking of visiting a local island during your holiday. The Maldives is an Islamic country, so please dress respectfully and conservatively if you're heading to local villages on a day trip.

Alcohol
 

Please note that it is illegal to take any alcohol into the Maldives. If you do, it will be confiscated as soon as you arrive into the country.

Travel insurance
 

As soon as you book your trip to the Maldives, we'd strongly advise you take out comprehensive travel insurance. We can offer special rates through our partner, Campbell Irvine, who can also provide specialist Covid-19 cover.

Boardwalk over turquoise waters to over water villas at Constance Halaveli
Why Turquoise Loves...
Maldives
"One of the most beautiful locations in the world, the Maldives offers luxurious accommodation with world–class food and service, amazing marine life and plenty of activities to suit every pace from yoga to surfing. There truly is an island to suit everyone – let us help you choose the right one for you!” Lisa Mason, Indian Ocean Product Manager
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