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Maldives Travel Guide
The Maldives is 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean — impossibly clear lagoons, house reefs teeming with turtles and mantas, and everything from $60 local-island guesthouses to iconic overwater villas.
Best time to visit Maldives
November to April (dry season, calm seas, best visibility for snorkeling and diving). May–October is wetter but cheaper, with good surf and manta season in some atolls.
Top things to do in Maldives
- Overwater villa stay with lagoon access (even one or two nights)
- Snorkeling house reefs with turtles, rays, and reef sharks
- Diving or snorkeling with manta rays (Hanifaru Bay, May–Nov) and whale sharks (South Ari Atoll)
- Sandbank picnics and sunset dolphin cruises
- Local-island life on Maafushi, Dhigurah, or Thoddoo — budget-friendly Maldives
- Bioluminescent 'sea of stars' plankton on some beaches
How much does Maldives cost?
Estimated daily costs per person, excluding international flights:
| Style | Daily budget | What it gets you |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | €70–120 / day | Local-island guesthouses (Maafushi, Dhigurah), public ferries, excursion trips |
| Mid-range | €250–450 / day | 4★ resorts or premium guesthouses, speedboat transfers, half-board dining |
| Luxury | €700+ / day | 5★ overwater villas, seaplane transfers, all-inclusive dining, private cruises |
Maldives FAQ
Can you visit the Maldives on a budget?
Yes — stay on local islands like Maafushi or Dhigurah in guesthouses (€40–80/night), use public ferries, and book excursions locally. €70–120 per day is realistic.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April brings dry, sunny weather and calm seas. May to October is low season: cheaper, wetter, and prime time for manta rays at Hanifaru Bay.
How many nights do you need in the Maldives?
4–5 nights is a sweet spot for a resort stay. Combining 2 nights in an overwater villa with guesthouse nights on a local island balances cost and experience.
Do you need a visa for the Maldives?
No pre-arranged visa needed for most nationalities — a free 30-day visa is granted on arrival with a valid passport, onward ticket, and accommodation booking.
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