The archipelago in the Indian Ocean consists of 1,190 islands and 200 of them are inhabited.It is well known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches, and it is a popular vacation and honeymoon destination.You can either stay on a resort island for a relaxing and picturesque experience or visit some of the islands that are inhabited by native Maldivians.There is a lot to do and enjoy, from snorkeling to island hopping.
Step 1: The best time to visit is in November and April.
During the wet season, the chance for rain to interrupt your afternoon at the beach is much higher than during the dry season.These are the most popular months to travel here so expect to pay more for accommodations and be around more people.You can expect temperatures to be in the 80 F range during the year.
Step 2: You can go from May to October for less expensive lodgings.
It is a good idea to book your trip during the wet season if you are looking for a more wallet-friendly place to stay.If you prefer a less crowded vacation, the peak travel time to the Maldives is from November to April.If you like to surf, this is the time to go.Waves and swells will be bigger because of more rain and wind.There is usually between 5 to 10 inches (13 to 25 cm) of precipitation in the rainy season.The mornings and afternoons are usually clear.
Step 3: A valid passport is needed.
You should fill out a passport application several months before your trip if you don't already have one.You will be issued a 30-day visa when you book your flight.Depending on your travel plans, you can extend that to a 90-day visa.If your passport expires within 6 months of your travel dates, you need to get it renewed.
Step 4: You should research and book your flight several months in advance.
The cost to fly directly from the United States to Malé is between $1300 and $2000 per ticket, with some airlines pricing tickets as high as $6000).It is cheaper to fly to Europe or the Middle East and then to Malé from there.The Ibrahim Nasir International Airport is located in Malé.British Airways is the only European airline that offers a direct flight.Depending on your credit card programs, you may be able to use miles and points to decrease the cost of your flight.
Step 5: Prepare for a long flight.
It is a good idea to pack a bag with some kind of entertainment, like a book, magazine, or electronic device.You might want to pack a toothbrush, a change of clothes, and a refill for your anti-perspirant for the duration of your flight.Depending on layovers, your flight time can be anywhere from 18 to 23 hours.It will take about 10 hours to fly from the UK.
Step 6: You need to pack for your trip.
You will need to bring clothes for the beach and hang out at the resort if you are primarily on a resort island.If you are going to travel off of resort islands, you will need to wear clothes that are in line with the Islamic code of ethics.Pork products, alcohol, and religious texts are not allowed in the country because it is a Muslim country.The dress code on resorts is casual and relaxed.Don't forget to refill your prescriptions while you're away, and bring a chargers for your electronics.
Step 7: A relaxing, laid-back atmosphere can be found on a resort island.
There are over 100 resorts that you can choose from if you want to relax and enjoy your surroundings.Breakfast and dinner are included in many of the resorts' deals.You won't be able to find alcohol on non-resort islands because the country is fully Muslim.The beaches on non-resort islands don't allow bikinis and public displays of affection or homosexuality.
Step 8: You can book your lodging.
You should review the different resorts several months before your trip to find one that caters to you.There are resorts with golf courses, private villas, lagoons, extensive beaches, and lots of other luxury accommodations.It's a good idea to book your lodging as soon as possible because resorts fill up quickly during the dry season.There aren't very many budget hotels in the Maldives because it is a popular location.You can expect to pay about $200 per night for a room at most resorts, but depending on what you are looking for, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars a night.
Step 9: You can book a villa over the water.
If you are staying at a resort, you may be able to book an over-water villa for some extra privacy and amazing views.If you are interested in a romantic vacation, they are a bit more secluded than the rest of the resort.If you want to experience the beauty of a new location, you can stay in a villa for several nights and then move to another resort.
Step 10: If you are traveling on a budget, check out B&Bs.
Travelers can stay with individuals in the network for free.B&Bs and budget guesthouses can provide accommodations for $30 to $60 per night.You will get a room, shower, breakfast, and free internet at most guesthouses.There is a website that can be used to find guesthouses in the Maldives.You can use the internet to find an option that fits your budget.The average price of a house in the Maldives is $50 to $100 a night.A day pass to most of the resorts costs about $80.
Step 11: You can take a seaplane for a quick trip to your island.
You need to get to your resort or guesthouse on a separate island once you arrive in Malé.A seaplane can be taken for an additional charge.It will cost about $250 to $500 per person for a flight that will take 30 to 60 minutes.When making your reservations, check out the options for transportation to the island.If you want to go to the resort on a seaplane, you may have to wait several hours after your main flight lands.
Step 12: You can book a speedboat to get from one resort island to another.
speedboats are a quick way to get from one place to another.speedboat trips can cost as much as $200 per person for a 30 to 40 minute trip.There aren't many other options to get to the resort islands.If your resort offers a discount on speedboat rides to the island, you should check it out.The speedboat fee will be included in your room fee.
Step 13: A ferry is an inexpensive way to travel around non-resort islands.
If they don't have a resort, you'll pay several dollars per trip to get from one island to another.If you are staying at guesthouses in the Maldives, this is a great way to explore the islands.You may have to wait a long time for a ferry ride.
Step 14: Take a walk around the islands.
You can walk from one end to the other on most islands.You don't have to worry about renting a car or motorcycle when you're on an island.It is very safe to walk around any island.If you walk around the local islands, native Maldivians may offer you some chocolate.
Step 15: You can go fishing at sunset.
For about $50 per person, you can arrange a fishing trip at a resort or guesthouse.The 60-foot dhoni is a wooden boat used by the people of the islands.Sunset fishing is very popular, but you can also go fishing during the day.Ask your host or resort for more information.
Step 16: You can snorkel with marine wildlife.
If you want to snorkel, choose a resort that offers that excursion.A Liveaboard boat is like a large yacht and can take you to different areas.The way the islands are formed allows you to snorkel underneath them.You can see a lot of different types of fish.One of the largest fish in the ocean is a whale shark.
Step 17: You can explore the different beaches from island to island.
You can book an excursion for $50 per person.You will be able to explore the different beaches on a large boat.Each of the islands has its own special beaches, water features, and beauty.You can wear bathing suits and bikinis on many local islands that have designated beaches for tourists.If you are sunbathing topless, keep your suit on.For long-term hopping, book rooms at several different resorts over the course of your trip to spend time on multiple islands, rather than doing all your hopping in one day.
Step 18: A romantic picnic can be held on a private island.
Private island stays can be found at resorts that offer accommodations.If you're looking for a place to stay other than a resort, you can search for private islands for rent in theMaldives.A private stay on an island can cost upwards of $1600 per day.Private excursions on uninhabited islands are often rented to resort guests.
Step 19: You can dine underwater at Ithaa.
This option is only available for guests at the Hurawalhi Island Resort, and reservations are needed months in advance.You can join 14 other guests in a dining room surrounded by water and watch the vibrant marine life swim around you as you enjoy your meal.If you want to enjoy the water while the sun is still shining, make a reservation for lunch.