Maldives · AsiaMaldives
Overwater bungalows, electric-blue lagoons & untouched reefs
from $80/day Extremely safebeachluxury
Quick Facts
Capital
Malé
Islands
1,192 (185 inhabited, 140 resort islands)
Best airport
Velana International (MLE)
Elevation
Lowest country on Earth (avg 1.5m above sea)
Avg temp
28–30°C / 82–86°F year-round
Safety
Extremely safe
Vibes
beachluxurywellnessdivingromance
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months This month
Daily Budget
Backpacker
$80
per day
Mid-range
$300
per day
Luxury
$1200
per day
Top Experiences
🏝️$400–3,000/night
Overwater Bungalow Stay
Sleep directly above a turquoise lagoon with glass floors and a private ocean deck
✨Free (with resort)
Bioluminescent Night Swim
Wade into glowing blue plankton on Vaadhoo Island's 'Sea of Stars' beach after dark
🦈$60
Manta Ray Snorkel, Hanifaru Bay
UNESCO biosphere where hundreds of mantas and whale sharks feed in a single lagoon
Must-Try Food
Mas Huni
Shredded smoked tuna with coconut, onion, and chili - the Maldivian breakfast on roshi flatbread
Garudhiya
Clear fish broth made from fresh tuna with lime and chili - the national soul food
Hedhikaa
Deep-fried short-eat snacks: fish rolls, kulhi boakibaa, and keemia for afternoon tea
Getting Around
🛥️
Seaplane$300–500 return
The iconic way to reach remote atolls - stunning views, 30-min flights to outer islands
⛵
Speedboat transfer$80–200
Resort speedboats from Malé airport - 20 min to 3 hours depending on atoll
⛴️
Local ferry$2–10
Cheap public ferries between inhabited islands - takes longer but authentic experience
🚢
Dhoni boat$50–100
Traditional wooden Maldivian sailing boat for local island hops and sunset cruises
Cultural Tips
The Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation - alcohol is only permitted at resort islands, not local islands
Dress modestly on inhabited (local) islands - bikinis and shorts only on resort beaches
Public displays of affection are illegal outside resort islands
Friday prayers mean limited services from 11am–2pm on local islands
Pork is banned across the entire country
Tipping is generally not customary at local restaurants but resorts add service charges
Hidden Gems
Fuvahmulah - isolated single-island atoll with tiger sharks, thresher sharks, and massive whale sharks year-round
Thinadhoo (Gaafu Dhaalu) - southernmost atoll with lush freshwater lakes, giant fruit bats, and almost no resorts
Rasdhoo Atoll - small atoll famous for hammerhead sharks at dawn and pristine house reefs
Going beyond the trip?
Explore the Maldives country profile
Cost of living, visas, healthcare, taxes, expat life and everything you'd need to actually move and stay long-term.