Maldives Travel Guide

The Maldives is a tropical archipelago of coral atoll islands, where reefs and the azure blue water of the deep Laccadive Sea skirt white-sand beaches. Comprising of two strings of islands, the Maldives is a magnificent tropical getaway featuring secluded island resorts, fascinating local culture, great surf breaks, luxurious cruise trips and beautiful marine life.

With over 200 inhabited islands and more than 105 resort islands, it’s easy to find somewhere to suit your pace at the Maldives. Stay in a luxury private island resort or have a unique Maldivian experience in an overwater bungalow. Family-friendly holiday resorts, village inns and local homestays are also available. Explore hundreds of different coral islands across 10 different tourism-friendly atolls. 

The Maldives is a well-known scuba diving destination. With long stretches of stunning coral reefs and several hundred kilometres between the islands and any major landmass, the Maldives features extraordinarily clear waters and a beautiful underwater world. Join a guided diving tour and sail out to world-class dive spots to see surgeonfish, manta rays, sharks, beautiful multihued coral and a shipwreck or two.

Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at your resort or indulge in a local ritual spa experience. Take a day charter tour and spot dolphins or go on a fishing or snorkelling trip. Try delicious local fish curries at small “hotaa” cafés in Malé, the capital city, or enjoy modern European cuisine at your resort.

The Maldives is an Islamic nation and alcohol can only be enjoyed in the privacy of your resort or at the airport. Ensure you respect Islamic traditions of modest dress when visiting villages. Learn about the state religion at the Islamic Centre where you’ll also find the Grand Friday Mosque, a landmark building in Malé. Not far from the Islamic Centre is the National Museum where you can follow the fascinating history of the Maldives.

Reach the Maldives by plane to Malé and the southern atoll of Addu. Explore the islands by boat, seaplane taxis and private yacht. The Maldives’ pristine waters are pleasant for swimming year-round, but the monsoon season between June and August can bring rain and wind. Find the best Maldivian surf breaks between March and October.