Renowned for its azure ocean, pristine sandy beaches and iconic villas suspended above the water, there’s no doubt that the Maldives is an idyllic destination. A holiday here represents the truest form of escapism and we want you to be able to sit back and relax while we take care of the details. Below we’ve compiled a list of things to know before travelling to the Maldives, to ensure you make the most of your time on this heavenly atoll.
Climate & Weather
The Maldives archipelago of 1,200 islands is blessed with a tropical climate and temperatures between 28°C and 30°C year-round. Rainfall does increase during the monsoon season from May to October, with peak season falling between November and April. However, peak surf season differs, with the best waves appearing in June, July and August. Our expert travel consultants can advise on the best times to travel when booking, and if you’re an avid wave-rider we’ll take this into account.
Transport
The best way to get around the Maldives is on foot, as the island resorts are eminently walkable and the capital city of Malé is just over two square miles. As a result, there is no car rental service, however taxis do operate on the larger islands. Cycling is also an excellent way to explore the islands and many resorts will have bikes available to borrow. For hopping between islands, a seaplane is a popular option and offers breath-taking bird’s eye views of the surrounding landscape, as well as being an efficient mode of transport. As a once-in-a-lifetime experience it’s worth considering working this into your itinerary; a number of our holidays include a seaplane as your airport transfer.
Safety
The Maldives is a very safe country and island resorts have low levels of crime, nevertheless take care of your personal belongings and avoid leaving them unattended on beaches. Pickpockets do operate in the busier cities, so be discrete with electronics like phones and cameras, as well as valuable jewellery and watches. Another safety concern is swimming in the sea, as the ocean can have strong tidal currents, therefore make sure to follow local advice before entering the water. In terms of personal health and safety, be sure to bring sun cream (ideally reef-safe for the preservation of the marine life) rather than rely on buying it on the islands, as this can be expensive.
Culture
The Maldives is predominantly a Muslim country, therefore alcohol isn’t allowed in most places and you can’t bring it into the country with you. This is one of the key things to know before travelling to the Maldives, so avoid any duty-free alcohol purchases before arriving into the country as you could be fined. Private resorts do serve alcohol though, so you can enjoy a cocktail or two from the comfort of your sun lounger. It’s also important to be aware of how you dress, and while bikinis and swimwear are appropriate for the private resorts, practice modesty when venturing to public places on local islands.
Must-sees
The Maldives is home to incredible marine wildlife, including more than 1,000 species of fish, making it a world-class diving and snorkelling destination. The bioluminescent beaches are one of the most incredible sights of the archipelago – this is when bioluminescent phytoplankton illuminate the water, creating the impression of a star-filled galaxy along the shoreline. We can recommend the best spots to see this natural phenomenon, such as Vaadhoo Island in the Raa Atoll.
Island Etiquette
There are strict government rules regarding collecting seashells, sand and coral, and taking any of these objects out of the country with you is illegal. If in search of a souvenir to remember your trip by, avoid disturbing the natural habitat and opt for a gift from one of the resort’s shops. Being caught purchasing black coral or turtle shells can also lead to a penalty, as these are classified as endangered species. The marine life forms an important part of the country’s eco-system, so ensure to dispose of all rubbish correctly to protect the islands’ exquisite beauty and do your bit towards conserving the ecology.
Tips
Tipping is not customary in the Maldives, as a 10% service is usually added to your bill. However, if you enjoy a certain experience or want to show your appreciation to the staff, it is a nice gesture to tip 10% or round up a restaurant bill by leaving some cash.
Additional Information
While your tropical escape is the perfect time to switch off from the outside world and truly relax, if you do need to stay connected for any reason it might be worth purchasing a local sim card at the airport (Wi-Fi service can be variable at the island resorts). Additionally, avoid drinking tap water in places outside of your resort and stick to bottled water instead.
