Welcome to Paradise: Maldives
Picture yourself stepping off a seaplane onto a tiny coral island surrounded by water so impossibly turquoise it looks digitally enhanced. The Maldives isn't just a destination — it's a feeling, and once you've experienced it, nowhere else quite compares. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, a diving adventure, or simply the most indulgent holiday of your life, here's everything you need to know about the best things to do in the Maldives.
Overview
Spread across the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is an archipelago of 26 natural atolls made up of over 1,000 coral islands. The capital, Malé, sits on its own tiny island and serves as the main entry point for visitors. The country is world-famous for its overwater bungalows, pristine house reefs, and near-perfect year-round weather. The dry season runs from November to April, making those months the most popular — and most expensive — time to visit. With water visibility often exceeding 30 metres and marine biodiversity that rivals anywhere on the planet, the Maldives consistently ranks among the top travel destinations in the world.
Top 10 Activities
- Snorkelling the House Reef: Most resort islands sit directly above a thriving reef. Simply wade in from the beach and you'll encounter reef sharks, turtles, and countless tropical fish without a boat trip needed.
- Scuba Diving: The Maldives is one of the world's top dive destinations. Sites like Maaya Thila in Ari Atoll and Fish Head in North Ari Atoll offer encounters with grey reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and manta rays. A single dive typically costs between $80 and $120 USD.
- Manta Ray Watching: Hanifaru Bay in Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the few places on Earth where dozens of manta rays feed together in a single lagoon. The season runs roughly May through November.
- Whale Shark Swimming: South Ari Atoll is famous for resident whale sharks year-round. Many resorts in the area offer guided excursions, often for around $60 to $100 USD per person.
- Sunset Dolphin Cruise: Evening boat trips to watch spinner dolphins playing in the bow wave are a Maldives staple. Most resorts offer these for $30 to $60 USD and the scenery alone is worth every cent.
- Exploring Malé: Don't overlook the capital. Wander through the fish market near the harbour early in the morning, visit the Hukuru Miskiy mosque built from coral stone in the 17th century, and grab a short eat — a local snack — from a roadside café for under $2 USD.
- Island Hopping by Dhoni: Hire a traditional wooden dhoni boat to visit local inhabited islands like Maafushi or Dhigurah, where you'll get a more authentic slice of Maldivian life away from resort prices.
- Overwater Yoga and Spa: Most luxury resorts offer sunrise yoga on overwater platforms and spa treatments using locally sourced coconut and sea salt. A 60-minute treatment averages $120 to $180 USD.
- Sandbank Picnics: Resorts regularly arrange private picnic setups on uninhabited sandbanks — a strip of white sand rising just above the ocean with nothing else around. Pure magic.
- Night Snorkelling with Bioluminescence: On moonless nights along certain beaches, particularly on Vaadhoo Island, the shoreline glows electric blue thanks to bioluminescent phytoplankton. It's one of the most surreal natural experiences available anywhere.
Practical Tips
- The Maldives is a Muslim country. Pack modestly if visiting local islands — swimwear is reserved for resort beaches and designated bikini zones.
- Alcohol is only available at resort islands and on liveaboard boats. Stock up duty-free at the airport if needed.
- The US dollar is widely accepted alongside the Maldivian Rufiyaa. Most resorts work entirely in USD.
- A 10% service charge and 16% GST are usually added to resort bills — always check what's included in your rate upfront.
- Staying on a guesthouse island like Maafushi significantly reduces costs. Budget travellers can find clean accommodation for $50 to $80 USD per night and eat local meals for under $10 USD.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen — many resorts require it, and it's better for the coral regardless.
Getting There
Plan your trip to Maldives
All international flights arrive at Velana International Airport (MLE) on Hulhulé Island, a short ferry ride from Malé. Major carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offer excellent connections from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Once you land, your onward journey depends on your resort. Inner-atoll transfers are handled by speedboat (20 to 45 minutes, typically $30 to $80 USD each way) or seaplane, which serves more remote islands and costs between $300 and $600 USD return — but offers an unforgettable aerial view of the atolls.
Accommodation Options
- Budget: Guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi, Gulhi, or Ukulhas offer simple but comfortable rooms from $50 to $100 USD per night. You'll be close to great snorkelling and local culture without resort price tags.
- Mid-Range: Resorts such as Meeru Maldives Resort Island