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Landscape of people walking on the spit of a beach in the Maldives

Maldives Travel Guide

The Maldives, a tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, offers a dreamlike travel experience that transports you to a world of stunning beauty and tranquillity. With its pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, the Maldives is a haven for beach lovers and water enthusiasts. Dive into the vibrant underwater world and discover a mesmerizing array of marine life, from colourful coral gardens to majestic manta rays and graceful sea turtles. Unwind in luxurious resorts that offer private villas perched over the water, allowing you to wake up to breathtaking ocean views. Explore uninhabited islands, go snorkelling in hidden lagoons, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. The Maldives is a true tropical paradise that invites you to disconnect from the world and immerse yourself in pure bliss.

One of the highlights of travelling in the Maldives is the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury and indulgence. From world-class resorts to private island getaways, the Maldives offers a range of exclusive accommodations that cater to every traveller's desire for pampering and relaxation. Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, savour exquisite dining experiences with fresh seafood and international cuisine, and enjoy personalized services that cater to your every need. Whether you're lounging on a private beach, taking a sunset cruise, or stargazing from your overwater villa, the Maldives offers a truly unforgettable travel experience that combines natural beauty with the epitome of luxury. It's a destination where you can create cherished memories and immerse yourself in a world of serenity and opulence.

See trips to Maldives
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  • Male
    Single from £331

Key Facts

Time Zone

GMT+5

Money

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)

Dialing Code

+960

The capital city of the Maldives is Malé, which is located on an island of the same name. It spans under 10km squared and is thought to be one of the smallest and most densely populated capitals in the world.

  • Explore the narrow laneways of Male
  • Snorkel among the epic marine life
  • Watersports
  • Scubadiving
  • Admire the sunrises and sunsets
  • Explore the endless sandbanks
  • Eat delicious local food
  • Island hop around the atolls

Food in the Maldives features dishes with fresh fish, local meat and fresh fruit and vegetables.

Some specialities include Mas Huni which is a tuna salad with coconut, served with chapati bread. Bandukeylu harissa is a curry with steamed breadfruit and Raa which is a drink made from palm trees and often left to ferment so it is slightly alcoholic.

One of the main attractions of the Maldives is that the temperature is warm all year round, averaging 25-30 degrees. The driest months are December to April.

Visa

Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.

Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.

To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites,  to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.

For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company

Passport

Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip. 

Further Entry Requirements

Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.

Maldivian, also known as Dhivehi, is the official language of the Maldives. There are other dialects spoken such as Mulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku, Haddunmathee and Addu.

The Maldives use a UK 3-pin style plug, although there may be some variations on different islands.

The Maldives is an Islamic country and you should respect local laws and traditions at all times, which includes dressing conservatively when away from resorts.

Whilst alcohol can be bought in resorts, alcohol is not consumed by locals and it is forbidden to import alcohol and pork products.

Same-sex relations are illegal and public displays of affection are not well received.

Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere in the Maldives.

If you need urgent medical assistance during your time in the Maldives you can dial 102 for an ambulance. Always contact your travel insurance provider promptly when seeking medical treatment. Due to the island nature of the Maldives, medically equipped hospitals are only found in the main towns of Male and Hulhumale and therefore medical facilities are limited.

There have been cases of dengue and Zika virus in the Maldives. Please ensure you speak with your doctor or travel nurse regarding travel vaccinations before travel.

The Maldives is great for swimming and snorkelling, however, currents can be strong. Always exercise caution when swimming and never swim under the influence of alcohol.

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